Propaganda 101 is the critical analysis of the government’s strategy to brainwash the people into citizen zombies with the single purpose of mindlessly obeying without questions.
“The best vaccine is the fastest vaccine” (วัคซีนที่ดีที่สุดคือวัคซีนที่เร็วที่สุด) and “The good vaccine is the one that we have” (วัคซีนที่ดีคือวัคซีนที่มี) is an example of such propaganda. The purpose is to inoculate as many people as possible, as fast as possible, with the only vaccine readily available, Sinovac.
The strategy is communication through beloved celebrities. If they repeat it over and over, the people will believe it. If the celebs are vaccinated with this fastest vaccine, the people will follow. Love is powerful and infectious.
The success of propaganda also depends on how close it is to the truth.
If you’re stranded in the desert, dying of hunger, and there’s a cracker in front of you. It might be barely delicious and hardly nutritious, but it’s the fastest and only food you can get your hand on. So, eat it. Hence, if you are desperate for a COVID-19 vaccine, then Sinovac is your cracker.
But the truth is, the best vaccine is the one proven by medical science to be the best vaccine, and Thailand doesn’t yet have that vaccine.
The purpose of this article is not to prevent anyone from receiving Sinovac but to understand the political context and society’s mood.
First, there are those wanting Sinovac now. Go for it. It’s your life, your right, and your choice. It doesn’t make you a citizen zombie if you understand the choice that you make, and not do it because super-celeb Chompoo said so.
Second, many would rather wait. What are they waiting for? “The best vaccine proved by medical science.” Whether it’s Pfizer, Moderna, or something else, listen to medical science.
Third, the people are angry because Thailand is stranded on the COVID-19 desert with only a cracker because the government fails to provide other foods. Meanwhile, other governments are serving their people a full-set gourmet meal. So they don’t want to hear half-baked truth.
Fourth, the people are angry because while the supply of Sinovac is still limited and registration is still tricky, rich and famous celebs are getting vaccinated for propaganda purposes instead of those who desperately need it.
Fifth, the people are angry because not too long ago, General Prayut Chan-o-cha received AstraZeneca because Sinovac was deemed too risky for the elderly. But now, the government encourages the elderly to accept Sinovac, saying it’s no longer hazardous.
Simply put: the crisis of confidence is the result of the government’s past and present failures.
Simply stated: a citizen zombie accepts whatever; a conscientious citizen always demands something better.
2021-05-20