Once the envy of other SEA countries has now been reduces to residences of the affluent, especially around the Inya Lake.
Incredibly the existence of a yacht club, signify how far behind the well being of common citizenry has fallen paralleling the demise of RU campus, partly due to the West policy.
Near 3 decades allowed the cronies as well as the rank and files to enjoy a life of a Raj while the rest suffer.
Ko Thant Myint-U is correct to propose revitalization of Rangoon University and its affiliates 2┬║ to:
1) Re centralized the post grad education system that is sorely needed to produce the next generation thinkers and leaders.
As opposed to present dispersed fragmented campuses, a brain child of SPDC to discourage activism.
2) Preventing further decimation/encroachment of RU campuses from foreign, cronies and military land grab of this best remaining real estate within Yangon.
Will the West with all the protagonists, expat and wannabes see this wisdom of killing at least 2 birds with one stone instead of bemoaning the continuing degradation of a citizenry well being?
A degradation that is still ongoing from the mere inertia of last 3 decades of useless careless policy.
What a PESSIMIST bunch of hopeless people here on New Mandala?
What is happening right now in the newly-capitalist Burma only this year alone is a million times better than Aung San/U Nu/Ne Win’s long dormant Socialist era since 1946.
You guys either put up with this or just shut up …..
Be interesting to see how Dems supporters present on this thread will be able to weasel their way out of this one.
The facts are that the PAD are once again calling for the destruction of democracy and have shown a willingness to use violence to achieve that end. The Democrat Party, led by “Graceful” Mark, are their loyal allies and backers, realising they have no chance of ever winning an election again. The PAD have, of course, been described as neo-fascist by the Asian Human Rights Commission and several prominent scholars. I think that is an apt description.
Apparently, for some, this entire situation points to some unfathomable Thai-style complexity and if you condemn the Dems/PAD for attempting to destroy democracy and putting forth a neo-fascist political agenda you are somehow “not telling it like it is” or are exhibiting some kind of “false consciousness” or lacking the kind of “understanding” present only in the selected few. What arrogant nonsense.
The PAD are fascists.
The Dems are supporting them.
There’s not much to equivocate or pontificate about there and not much that’s too difficult to understand.
Let’s not forget as well that LM charges, including Jiew’s, skyrocketed under the Dems.
And let’s remind ourselves that unlike Jiew, the likes of Da Torpedo remain buried alive in a Thai prison, completely ignored by Amnesty, the foreign media and the moral bankrupts who seek, on this thread, to defend, once again, the Dems/PAD.
This is what Amnesty International ‘s Zawacki said about Da Torpedo in 2009 – http://bit.ly/ihgMrC
“But she [Da Torpedo] also–and this is very much the view of the MFA [Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs], including of my most trusted and respected contact there–was rather reckless in her language and either advocated violence against the king or came very close to doing so.”
As clear an admission of collusion with a Dem Party govt official as you could imagine. To do so when considering the level of support you should give a political prisoner who has been subject to the most brutal conditions is despicable.
This is what the people of Thailand are up against. Human rights organisations colluding with human rights abusers. So-called “journalists” making excuses for massacres and physical violence in Parliament while failing utterly to provide accurate descriptions of what is actually going on. They do this whilst hiding behind carefully constructed conceits such as “it’s too complex” (isn’t everywhere?) or “we have to be impartial” (no, you have to tell the truth).
All political conflicts are complex by their very definition whether they are in established democracies or burgeoning ones. But guiding principles are not. Mealymouthed excuses no longer cut it I’m afraid. You’re either opposed to the explicit fascism of the PAD/Dems or you’re not.
Nick you will be sorely missed as an excellent reporter on the scene here. In 2008, a friend (Thai) saw that I was distressed about what was going on and said”here, read this, this is what is really going on”. He had me read a story, I think it was yours about the siege of Police HQ on Bangkok Pundit, I began looking every day, and found lots of good links, one was here to New Mandala a few days later. I, for one really appreciate the way you go out to get the true story, and sometimes at the risk of life like a “war correspondent”. Your writing style is a true picture in words, I can “see” what you are writing about in the same way I can see what people of the caliber of Robert Heinlein write. This is getting too long, and I dislike long posts, so keep up with what you do best, wherever you are.
Ron Torrence
#Maratjp 19
“I don’t know how Nick sustains himself financially, but if he is broke I suggest that we here at NM start a donation link to help him out as it is very useful to have someone working full time on the ground here covering all of this.”
It is not just about financial issue. From his interview, he said he would like to have his son grow up in better environment than the place they are living now. I understand him – I will not have my son grow up in Thailand either.
Yes, of course i have been at government house all day. Not much happened, fortunately.
We have already made in 2008 the decision to move to Germany, but were the waylaid by the Government House occupation, and all that what came after.
There are several reasons for making that decision. One reason was that it was increasingly difficult to make a living from my job. I have stayed on, because i have followed the political situation quite intensely since December 2005, and wanted to continue seeing how this develops. There was of course the hope that i might be able to push my career again – which happened more than i could imagine: a series of books (which i want to finish, of course), etc. But still – by far not enough money.
Another reason is also that having a son, i would like to give him the best possible education. That is almost impossible here in Thailand. I also have hardly any close family left anymore now since my father died 6 months ago, and i do not want to lose touch with my roots.
I have to look now into the future of my family. I have survived on the bare minimum for years now, working with shoddy equipment, i do not see a way to make enough money in order to afford the lifestyle for my family and me i would like us to have. I am not broke, thanks to a small inheritance, but if i do not move to Germany and start over i will be broke in latest three years. And the last thing i want is getting old here in Thailand, and being broke and poor.
Especially the past two years i have worked on the edge of a burnout. All this was/is great and exiting, but i am quite tired. As intense these past couple of years have been – the pressures have been tremendous as well. Being a foreigner, in the middle of these enormously complex Thai politics and working all this alone and by myself is incredibly stressful.
I started writing my stories here on New Mandala in summer 2008, after Michael Nelson pushed me for many months to do so, because i was disappointed with how the media reported on events i have photographed on the streets, and thought that this here is at least an outlet where i can present an alternative viewpoint, on an obscure website. I had no idea then though where this will lead to, and how much this will put me into the center of things in the years to come…
It has been, and still is, a great and unbelievable experience i would not want to have missed.
But – I dream of a quite life, opening a small restaurant with my wife, going with the family to the mountains when i am free, go snow skying again in winter – that sort of stuff.
Unofficial translation of interview of Thai Publica with Chula 31 May 2012:
Following the meeting of the Chula University Council on 31 May, Prof Suchada Kirananda (Chairman of the University Council) did not answer reporters’ questions, but assigned Dr Pirom Kamol-ratanakul(University President) to answer.
When a reporter asked [Prof Pirom] about reports in the foreign media of delays in the University’s deliberations, Prof Pirom said,
“The foreign media may not understand the complexity of the investigation. One reason why the investigation is delayed is because the investigating committee faced problems in inviting those concerned to give information. Because in this issue there are many people involved, both within and outside the university. We are not a court, so we have limited authority to invite those involved to testify or ask for evidence from third parties. Because they can choose to come late or not at all. But, the the investigation of individuals within Chula is already done.”
In terms of possible outcomes from the University Council, Dr Pirom pointed out: “Because of the many issues involved, there are several possible paths in decision-making. But evaluating the information in our hands now, we expect the result to be announced within the next month, and will issue a statement covering everything at that time.”
” . . . and independently investigate such issues as who the Black Shirts really were . . .” Spooner now boldly loudly muses.
But naaaaaah, says Yingluck/Thaksin and the whole PTP, who btw each individually deserve to be throttled. Because ‘Thaksin . . . oops Unity . . . first before justice’. But as expected, the fervently anti-Thaksin camp, will have none of it. (I repeat that Abhisit, Gen. Prayut, PAD leaders Sonthi/Chamlong, and, many within the Red Shirts were/are embracing the call to open themselves to public inquiry relating to the May2010 tragedy. Except Thaksin/Yingluck and PTP, and Spooner/Pundit say yeah, ok?
Did Spooner and BangkokPundit (who is strangely absorbed these days in the tedious bookkeeper-like tasks of polls and more polls . . . about Yingluck usually) just recently say, or suggest, that the anti-Thaksin elements had diminished, softened, or ‘intellectually enlightened’? Yet the thai parliamentarians are now at each others throats . . .
After the May2010 Thaksin-sponsored (as confessed by the late Gen. Khattiya) Black Shirts rampage of M79 grenade launcher, assault rifles and arson attacks, my anger/dislike for Thaksin . . . both steeled and ossified. What gave Spooner/BangkokPundit that ridiculous idea about many anti-Thaksins now getting more accommodative to Thaksin?
“… and i would have to say that my name is Nikolaus (!), not Nikolus…”
Thats your story you imperialistic expat stooge of the amart, oppressing your impoverished maid in your filthy clean swimming pool whilst cruising the highways on your un-proletarian Kawasaki GTO 125cc ‘little-people-crushing-NGO-loving’ destroyer of true democracy and social justice…
Not much more appropriate for the NM gang to be going at it than the MP’s, but maybe even less physically dangerous. As I said in another discussion, hope that Nick Nostitz is thereabouts making his impressions.
I count on Nick, his camera and his notebook being on Rajadamnoen and at Government House again this week and on New Mandala to bring us the results. His work on current events is unique in the English language.
I don’t know how Nick sustains himself financially, but if he is broke I suggest that we here at NM start a donation link to help him out as it is very useful to have someone working full time on the ground here covering all of this.
Actually Nick, I’d like to have a beer with you to probe more of your opinions. A discussion difficult to have online in the open.
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Thant Myint-U on Yangon
Rangoon University
Once the envy of other SEA countries has now been reduces to residences of the affluent, especially around the Inya Lake.
Incredibly the existence of a yacht club, signify how far behind the well being of common citizenry has fallen paralleling the demise of RU campus, partly due to the West policy.
Near 3 decades allowed the cronies as well as the rank and files to enjoy a life of a Raj while the rest suffer.
Ko Thant Myint-U is correct to propose revitalization of Rangoon University and its affiliates 2┬║ to:
1) Re centralized the post grad education system that is sorely needed to produce the next generation thinkers and leaders.
As opposed to present dispersed fragmented campuses, a brain child of SPDC to discourage activism.
2) Preventing further decimation/encroachment of RU campuses from foreign, cronies and military land grab of this best remaining real estate within Yangon.
Will the West with all the protagonists, expat and wannabes see this wisdom of killing at least 2 birds with one stone instead of bemoaning the continuing degradation of a citizenry well being?
A degradation that is still ongoing from the mere inertia of last 3 decades of useless careless policy.
Thant Myint-U on Yangon
What a PESSIMIST bunch of hopeless people here on New Mandala?
What is happening right now in the newly-capitalist Burma only this year alone is a million times better than Aung San/U Nu/Ne Win’s long dormant Socialist era since 1946.
You guys either put up with this or just shut up …..
The end, the beginning
Be interesting to see how Dems supporters present on this thread will be able to weasel their way out of this one.
The facts are that the PAD are once again calling for the destruction of democracy and have shown a willingness to use violence to achieve that end. The Democrat Party, led by “Graceful” Mark, are their loyal allies and backers, realising they have no chance of ever winning an election again. The PAD have, of course, been described as neo-fascist by the Asian Human Rights Commission and several prominent scholars. I think that is an apt description.
Apparently, for some, this entire situation points to some unfathomable Thai-style complexity and if you condemn the Dems/PAD for attempting to destroy democracy and putting forth a neo-fascist political agenda you are somehow “not telling it like it is” or are exhibiting some kind of “false consciousness” or lacking the kind of “understanding” present only in the selected few. What arrogant nonsense.
The PAD are fascists.
The Dems are supporting them.
There’s not much to equivocate or pontificate about there and not much that’s too difficult to understand.
Let’s not forget as well that LM charges, including Jiew’s, skyrocketed under the Dems.
And let’s remind ourselves that unlike Jiew, the likes of Da Torpedo remain buried alive in a Thai prison, completely ignored by Amnesty, the foreign media and the moral bankrupts who seek, on this thread, to defend, once again, the Dems/PAD.
This is what Amnesty International ‘s Zawacki said about Da Torpedo in 2009 – http://bit.ly/ihgMrC
“But she [Da Torpedo] also–and this is very much the view of the MFA [Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs], including of my most trusted and respected contact there–was rather reckless in her language and either advocated violence against the king or came very close to doing so.”
As clear an admission of collusion with a Dem Party govt official as you could imagine. To do so when considering the level of support you should give a political prisoner who has been subject to the most brutal conditions is despicable.
This is what the people of Thailand are up against. Human rights organisations colluding with human rights abusers. So-called “journalists” making excuses for massacres and physical violence in Parliament while failing utterly to provide accurate descriptions of what is actually going on. They do this whilst hiding behind carefully constructed conceits such as “it’s too complex” (isn’t everywhere?) or “we have to be impartial” (no, you have to tell the truth).
All political conflicts are complex by their very definition whether they are in established democracies or burgeoning ones. But guiding principles are not. Mealymouthed excuses no longer cut it I’m afraid. You’re either opposed to the explicit fascism of the PAD/Dems or you’re not.
Nick Nostitz interviewed by Matichon
Nick you will be sorely missed as an excellent reporter on the scene here. In 2008, a friend (Thai) saw that I was distressed about what was going on and said”here, read this, this is what is really going on”. He had me read a story, I think it was yours about the siege of Police HQ on Bangkok Pundit, I began looking every day, and found lots of good links, one was here to New Mandala a few days later. I, for one really appreciate the way you go out to get the true story, and sometimes at the risk of life like a “war correspondent”. Your writing style is a true picture in words, I can “see” what you are writing about in the same way I can see what people of the caliber of Robert Heinlein write. This is getting too long, and I dislike long posts, so keep up with what you do best, wherever you are.
Ron Torrence
Nick Nostitz interviewed by Matichon
#Nick Nostitz 23
Ooops! Sorry, Nick! I didn’t see your comment.
Nick Nostitz interviewed by Matichon
#Maratjp 19
“I don’t know how Nick sustains himself financially, but if he is broke I suggest that we here at NM start a donation link to help him out as it is very useful to have someone working full time on the ground here covering all of this.”
It is not just about financial issue. From his interview, he said he would like to have his son grow up in better environment than the place they are living now. I understand him – I will not have my son grow up in Thailand either.
Nick Nostitz interviewed by Matichon
Nick ,
Take care and good luck in your new life.
You will be painfully missed here in the land of shameful journalism .
I admire and respect you .
Malaysia after regime change – Ong Kian Ming
Malaysia
Man jailed a year, fined RM50,000 for insulting Perak sultan
Malaysianinsider news – Maximum sentence imposed for “Les Majeste” in Malaysia
This is a little off topic, but relevant to the above “progressive” claim. I think Malaysia is definitely going backwards.
The end, the beginning
Chaturon integrity? What fantasy world are we living in over there Greg? The last thing any Thai politician has is integrity
The end, the beginning
Do it soon Ralph!
Nick Nostitz interviewed by Matichon
Thanks all 🙂
Yes, of course i have been at government house all day. Not much happened, fortunately.
We have already made in 2008 the decision to move to Germany, but were the waylaid by the Government House occupation, and all that what came after.
There are several reasons for making that decision. One reason was that it was increasingly difficult to make a living from my job. I have stayed on, because i have followed the political situation quite intensely since December 2005, and wanted to continue seeing how this develops. There was of course the hope that i might be able to push my career again – which happened more than i could imagine: a series of books (which i want to finish, of course), etc. But still – by far not enough money.
Another reason is also that having a son, i would like to give him the best possible education. That is almost impossible here in Thailand. I also have hardly any close family left anymore now since my father died 6 months ago, and i do not want to lose touch with my roots.
I have to look now into the future of my family. I have survived on the bare minimum for years now, working with shoddy equipment, i do not see a way to make enough money in order to afford the lifestyle for my family and me i would like us to have. I am not broke, thanks to a small inheritance, but if i do not move to Germany and start over i will be broke in latest three years. And the last thing i want is getting old here in Thailand, and being broke and poor.
Especially the past two years i have worked on the edge of a burnout. All this was/is great and exiting, but i am quite tired. As intense these past couple of years have been – the pressures have been tremendous as well. Being a foreigner, in the middle of these enormously complex Thai politics and working all this alone and by myself is incredibly stressful.
I started writing my stories here on New Mandala in summer 2008, after Michael Nelson pushed me for many months to do so, because i was disappointed with how the media reported on events i have photographed on the streets, and thought that this here is at least an outlet where i can present an alternative viewpoint, on an obscure website. I had no idea then though where this will lead to, and how much this will put me into the center of things in the years to come…
It has been, and still is, a great and unbelievable experience i would not want to have missed.
But – I dream of a quite life, opening a small restaurant with my wife, going with the family to the mountains when i am free, go snow skying again in winter – that sort of stuff.
I hope we can manage to leave in a year or so. 🙂
University rankings from Chula’s perspective
Unofficial translation of interview of Thai Publica with Chula 31 May 2012:
Following the meeting of the Chula University Council on 31 May, Prof Suchada Kirananda (Chairman of the University Council) did not answer reporters’ questions, but assigned Dr Pirom Kamol-ratanakul(University President) to answer.
When a reporter asked [Prof Pirom] about reports in the foreign media of delays in the University’s deliberations, Prof Pirom said,
“The foreign media may not understand the complexity of the investigation. One reason why the investigation is delayed is because the investigating committee faced problems in inviting those concerned to give information. Because in this issue there are many people involved, both within and outside the university. We are not a court, so we have limited authority to invite those involved to testify or ask for evidence from third parties. Because they can choose to come late or not at all. But, the the investigation of individuals within Chula is already done.”
In terms of possible outcomes from the University Council, Dr Pirom pointed out: “Because of the many issues involved, there are several possible paths in decision-making. But evaluating the information in our hands now, we expect the result to be announced within the next month, and will issue a statement covering everything at that time.”
Original article at http://thaipublica.org/2012/06/plagiarised-phd-thesis/
The end, the beginning
” . . . and independently investigate such issues as who the Black Shirts really were . . .” Spooner now boldly loudly muses.
But naaaaaah, says Yingluck/Thaksin and the whole PTP, who btw each individually deserve to be throttled. Because ‘Thaksin . . . oops Unity . . . first before justice’. But as expected, the fervently anti-Thaksin camp, will have none of it. (I repeat that Abhisit, Gen. Prayut, PAD leaders Sonthi/Chamlong, and, many within the Red Shirts were/are embracing the call to open themselves to public inquiry relating to the May2010 tragedy. Except Thaksin/Yingluck and PTP, and Spooner/Pundit say yeah, ok?
Did Spooner and BangkokPundit (who is strangely absorbed these days in the tedious bookkeeper-like tasks of polls and more polls . . . about Yingluck usually) just recently say, or suggest, that the anti-Thaksin elements had diminished, softened, or ‘intellectually enlightened’? Yet the thai parliamentarians are now at each others throats . . .
After the May2010 Thaksin-sponsored (as confessed by the late Gen. Khattiya) Black Shirts rampage of M79 grenade launcher, assault rifles and arson attacks, my anger/dislike for Thaksin . . . both steeled and ossified. What gave Spooner/BangkokPundit that ridiculous idea about many anti-Thaksins now getting more accommodative to Thaksin?
Nick Nostitz interviewed by Matichon
Nick #13
Dachte es mir schon, dass da auf dem Weg vom Interview ins Blatt ein Buchstabe verschuett gegangen war… 🙂
Nick Nostitz interviewed by Matichon
#13 Nick Nostititz
“… and i would have to say that my name is Nikolaus (!), not Nikolus…”
Thats your story you imperialistic expat stooge of the amart, oppressing your impoverished maid in your filthy clean swimming pool whilst cruising the highways on your un-proletarian Kawasaki GTO 125cc ‘little-people-crushing-NGO-loving’ destroyer of true democracy and social justice…
The end, the beginning
Not much more appropriate for the NM gang to be going at it than the MP’s, but maybe even less physically dangerous. As I said in another discussion, hope that Nick Nostitz is thereabouts making his impressions.
Nick Nostitz interviewed by Matichon
I count on Nick, his camera and his notebook being on Rajadamnoen and at Government House again this week and on New Mandala to bring us the results. His work on current events is unique in the English language.
Nick Nostitz interviewed by Matichon
I don’t know how Nick sustains himself financially, but if he is broke I suggest that we here at NM start a donation link to help him out as it is very useful to have someone working full time on the ground here covering all of this.
Actually Nick, I’d like to have a beer with you to probe more of your opinions. A discussion difficult to have online in the open.
The end, the beginning
Ralph can do it himself (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pjacobs13/4015500199/)
The end, the beginning
One hopes to see the day when Vichai. N appears to throttle Kramden, or vice-versa.