The dissolving of political parties (every party except the Democrats) and banning of their executives through “judicial activism” was one of the most daft and destructive trends in Thailand’s post-coup politics.
There were some good, experienced politicians (well as good and experienced as anyone in the Democrats that is) in TRT, and emasculating the opposition by removing generations of experience from the lower house has done little to benefit anyone.
Chaturon was one of the only cabinet members who would regularly face down Thaksin (notably over Tak Bai and the War on Drugs), survive and continue to play a key role in the party. Borwornsak Uwano has complemented him for this.
Let’s hope that any of those that return focus on initiating positive and pragmatic economic and social policies that are both sustainable and equitable.
Nick Nostitz’s postings and books are invaluable if one is trying to follow what is going on in Thailand’s political scene nowadays. As to being accused of being a red shirt, that reminds me of an old labor union song from the 1960s, “You ain’t done nuthin’ till you’ve been called a ‘Red’!”
Reading Dr. Rohana Ariffin’s comments & Mr. Lopez’s response, I would like to say that its neither an ethnic nor gender issue especially in the case of PRM’s misconstrued intentions through Malaysiakini.
It basically boils down to a political issue. Unfortunately, it will be much easier to lay blame solely on UMNO cybertroopers for such inappropriate comments towards Dr. Rohana but in her own words, Msiakini readers perceived that PRM wanted to create a 3-corner fight in certain seats. Therefore, in a simplistic analysis, these detractors can either be ABU (Anything But Umno) purist, Pakatan Rakyat (PR) cybertroopers that deject such notions of PRM or just mindless Malaysians. I doubt 100 comments are the work of the latter.
In fact, a 3-corner fight will only favour the ruling Barisan National (BN). In a recent case, Mr. Uthayakumar (of Hindraf fame) declared his intentions to also run, thus creating another possible 3 corner fight. Reactions from pro-PR blogs were immediate calling him “trojan”, “turn coat”,”UMNO stooge”, “frog” etc. What made it worst was Indian ABUist & PR supporters used inappropriate racist remarks on this activist.
Therefore, although Dr. Rohana & PRM are within the coalition of PR, the powers that be decide which seats are given to whom and at which juncture. Any detraction from this policy will incur the said wrath of insiders and supporters seeing that PRM is considered to be a “minor” partner/player within PR.
Therefore, yes to a certain extent, race & gender are part of this dehumanizing process of politics in Malaysia. For Mr. Uthaya, being male only saw remarks on his race. As for Dr. Rohana, being perceived as the “weaker” gender, bullying took place both in the areas of race & gender.
Fortunately, Ms. Ambiga has not declared that she wishes to run as an independent. Not only will her ethnicity & race not be spared but even every dirt about her past & family will be dug up by both sides of the political spectrum. This is the state of our politics post 2008.
There have been several attempts to bring the thread back to topic. Here’s another, but as a question: In the Bkk Post (http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/295827/google-leads-verdict-criticism), there is criticism mentioned by AI and HRW of the verdict on Chiranuch. Has anyone seen any criticism of the verdict against Surachai? He’s received a total of 25 years. Any links to news that have comments by HRW and AI would be welcomed.
I have always wondered why no TRT executive has gone to jail for the electoral fraud conviction of Thaksin’s TRT that triggered the 111 TRT executives ban?
But on Wednesday May 29th, ” . . . Gen Thammarak Issarangkura na Ayuthaya, a former deputy leader of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party, was on Wednesday sentenced by the Criminal Court to three years and four months in jail for electoral fraud. . .”
” . . . the Thai electorate don’t seem to give a single thought to Yingluck’s English.” – Spooner
But of course the Thais do Spooner! The Thais endlessly comment (gossip) about Yingluck daily: her stunning clothes/jewelry, her fantastic fashion sense, her mood today versus the other day, her crying and giggling moments, her good sense and nonsense . . . everything! The Thais already take it for granted that the Yingluck English is Thailand’s best diplomatic weapon for disarming (disarmament!) Thai foreign friends and adversaries.
Even George Bush Jr. is no equal to Yinluck. For hilarity and rip-roaring comic entertainment, Yingluck’s English accent and delivery is a class all her own.
I have no interest in interviewing you. The fact that you conveniently decide to duck answering relevant, simple and direct questions that address the issue of bias in your writing is telling.
I have made no smears. I have clearly stated that your work and general commentary has made a clear shift in support of the Phue Thai party from your previous key focus on the red shirts.
For me, the fact that you yesterday asked if the PTP should be praised for Chiranuch’s “lenient” sentencing — and the fact that you did not condem the sentence which found her guilty and sets a precedence for future cases under the CCA, a move which even Google has severely criticised — speaks volumes.
While you have yet to explain the motivations and aims of your self-professed but unspecified “agenda”, your writing and commentary in this thread and elsewhere show that you are now more concerned with jumping to the defence of PTP before the red shirts and LM prisoners.
“preference is not for the constant back-and-forth between post authors and commentators.”
Of course… The preference would actually be that, as author of the piece, you answered the questions put to you concisely and honestly since you chose to publish the piece in the first place. This is something that you have consistently failed to do at some length and the expense of a great many words most of which have involved both red herrings and your usual legions of straw men…… Bop phen yang……
Dr. Rohana Ariffin’s comments raises a key question – whether its the ethnicity or the gender or both as argued by Dahlia.
I think gender and ethnicity matters in Malaysian politics but what matters the most remains the threat one poses to UMNO.
UMNO has opted on the strategy of dehumanising its opponents especially non-Muslims, knowing that any other strategy such as debating public policy will not put it in good stead.
Its baseless attacks against civil society and the Pakatan Rakyat leaders are always premised on morality issues with sexual impropriety and Malay rights taking precedence – that Ambiga will promote promiscuity, will promote LGBT, that Ambiga will ensure that the Malay institutions are destroyed, that Ambiga in questioning the Electoral Commission (and other Malaysian institutions) is tantamount to questioning Malay supremacy, etc.
Within this context of UMNO’s strategy, Ambiga, is now a clear and present danger to UMNO, because of the support that she has been receiving (she is the public face of Bersih although its a broad based peoples movement), and therefore deserve the worst condemnation. No other leader has had to endure such humiliation.
In attacking Ambiga as a woman, UMNO hopes to dehumanise her (and Bersih). This strategy is also repeated against Bersih (the idea and its supporters ).
But there is a silver lining. It is becoming evidently clear to the so called polite and pious Muslims – what UMNO is actually made off.
Actually it’s been pointed out to me by one of NM’s moderators that NM’s “preference is not for the constant back-and-forth between post authors and commentators.”
Rather than be accused of ducking yours and Greg’s questions – obviously my responses to them must be of great concern to you both, hence your repetitive, lengthy and detailed pursuance of me here – I thought I’d offer you an opportunity to discuss these matters with me at another point.
“In your last few comments you have asked me several quite disparate and complex questions that require, in my view, quite lengthy and detailed responses.”
Its OK Andrew…. Answering complex or even disparate questions is the whole point of the exercise and is, I imagine, one of the main reasons New Mandala exists…. Not quite sure why you would request to be ‘interviewed’ as if you were Desmond Tutu or something….. Seems a little bit odd. Are you having a Lady Diana moment? Should we call Martin Bashir?
I lived in Kampot a while back. Used to hike and bike and even camp sometimes up the stunning valley that is now flooded. We used to sneak by the workers’ camps beside the trail to access the woods until the tightened up security and they trashed the valley, logged the timber (not primary forest in the main), burnt the remainder…1000-metre ridge of hills not visible from 10km away because of the smoke particles in the air and resultant hot season haze.
Strangely, perhaps, most locals seemed new much for it: progress, development, modernisation, electricity supply, clearing out the ‘dangerous’ forest with its wild animals waiting to eat you and forest ghosts (!), and making it ‘safe’ to visit for picnic’ing with the masses. But then again, i only knew of one local who had been up that valley.
dear new mandala – interesting interview with tararith kho. i am the arts editor for a seattle-based newspaper that covers news, features and the arts for the northwest’s asian american community. we are featuring a book review supplement in august and i am asking various writers the following question.
have you ever read a book that changed the way you look at things?
if so, what was the book and how did it affect you?
i would appreciate it if writers could respond by the end of june and send me their comments at [email protected].
i wonder if there is any way you could forward this question to mr. kho or can suggest a way i can contact him.
thanks for your consideration.
best,
alan lau, arts editor for seattle’s international examiner
Nothing like daring to suggest any plausible infra structure preservation/improvement that will revitalize Yangon again, after the advent of Naypyidaw.
Never mind that Rangoon University, the product of Judson, an American Baptist, and its derivatives such as RIT, except for the Medical Colleges now, nothing but decaying empty shells of yesteryear, occupied by the military surround by relentless wild shrubberies.
Revitalizing RU and other structures. will not only stop the drift of power towards central Myanmar but might also reestablish the fragmented/almost useless post grad educational system.
Unlike Naypyidaw, or even Mandalay, Yangon is still and will be the central to the whole Myanmar with all its remaining established assets.
Anyone with 1/2 a brain will realize the potential positive ramifications of revitalization to the citizenry of Yangon and beyond that Ko Thant Myint-U advocacy entail.
Hla Oo’s Blog from Australia also has this provocative post called “Blackouts, Coal-fired Generators and Water Melons” about electricity shortages in Burma.
At the time, I was under the impression that it was a tributary to the Mekong, and I seem to remember reports that vaguely referred to the national park being inundated. I should have been a bit more critical, looked at a map of rivers in Cambodia and looked a bit further than some alarmist sites protesting China’s rise in the region..
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The end, the beginning
Interesting times indeed.
The dissolving of political parties (every party except the Democrats) and banning of their executives through “judicial activism” was one of the most daft and destructive trends in Thailand’s post-coup politics.
There were some good, experienced politicians (well as good and experienced as anyone in the Democrats that is) in TRT, and emasculating the opposition by removing generations of experience from the lower house has done little to benefit anyone.
Chaturon was one of the only cabinet members who would regularly face down Thaksin (notably over Tak Bai and the War on Drugs), survive and continue to play a key role in the party. Borwornsak Uwano has complemented him for this.
Let’s hope that any of those that return focus on initiating positive and pragmatic economic and social policies that are both sustainable and equitable.
Nick Nostitz interviewed by Matichon
Nick Nostitz’s postings and books are invaluable if one is trying to follow what is going on in Thailand’s political scene nowadays. As to being accused of being a red shirt, that reminds me of an old labor union song from the 1960s, “You ain’t done nuthin’ till you’ve been called a ‘Red’!”
Nick Nostitz interviewed by Matichon
Congratulations Nic. Would love to see a translation.
Human rights and lese majeste
Bor phen yang, not Bop
Ambiga and the fate of women leaders in Malaysia
Reading Dr. Rohana Ariffin’s comments & Mr. Lopez’s response, I would like to say that its neither an ethnic nor gender issue especially in the case of PRM’s misconstrued intentions through Malaysiakini.
It basically boils down to a political issue. Unfortunately, it will be much easier to lay blame solely on UMNO cybertroopers for such inappropriate comments towards Dr. Rohana but in her own words, Msiakini readers perceived that PRM wanted to create a 3-corner fight in certain seats. Therefore, in a simplistic analysis, these detractors can either be ABU (Anything But Umno) purist, Pakatan Rakyat (PR) cybertroopers that deject such notions of PRM or just mindless Malaysians. I doubt 100 comments are the work of the latter.
In fact, a 3-corner fight will only favour the ruling Barisan National (BN). In a recent case, Mr. Uthayakumar (of Hindraf fame) declared his intentions to also run, thus creating another possible 3 corner fight. Reactions from pro-PR blogs were immediate calling him “trojan”, “turn coat”,”UMNO stooge”, “frog” etc. What made it worst was Indian ABUist & PR supporters used inappropriate racist remarks on this activist.
Therefore, although Dr. Rohana & PRM are within the coalition of PR, the powers that be decide which seats are given to whom and at which juncture. Any detraction from this policy will incur the said wrath of insiders and supporters seeing that PRM is considered to be a “minor” partner/player within PR.
Therefore, yes to a certain extent, race & gender are part of this dehumanizing process of politics in Malaysia. For Mr. Uthaya, being male only saw remarks on his race. As for Dr. Rohana, being perceived as the “weaker” gender, bullying took place both in the areas of race & gender.
Fortunately, Ms. Ambiga has not declared that she wishes to run as an independent. Not only will her ethnicity & race not be spared but even every dirt about her past & family will be dug up by both sides of the political spectrum. This is the state of our politics post 2008.
Human rights and lese majeste
There have been several attempts to bring the thread back to topic. Here’s another, but as a question: In the Bkk Post (http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/295827/google-leads-verdict-criticism), there is criticism mentioned by AI and HRW of the verdict on Chiranuch. Has anyone seen any criticism of the verdict against Surachai? He’s received a total of 25 years. Any links to news that have comments by HRW and AI would be welcomed.
The end, the beginning
I have always wondered why no TRT executive has gone to jail for the electoral fraud conviction of Thaksin’s TRT that triggered the 111 TRT executives ban?
But on Wednesday May 29th, ” . . . Gen Thammarak Issarangkura na Ayuthaya, a former deputy leader of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party, was on Wednesday sentenced by the Criminal Court to three years and four months in jail for electoral fraud. . .”
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/295761/thammarak-jailed-for-election-fraud
So my next question is: What about Thaksin – shouldn’t he be jailed too for this electoral crime?
Video on PM Yingluck’s Australia visit
” . . . the Thai electorate don’t seem to give a single thought to Yingluck’s English.” – Spooner
But of course the Thais do Spooner! The Thais endlessly comment (gossip) about Yingluck daily: her stunning clothes/jewelry, her fantastic fashion sense, her mood today versus the other day, her crying and giggling moments, her good sense and nonsense . . . everything! The Thais already take it for granted that the Yingluck English is Thailand’s best diplomatic weapon for disarming (disarmament!) Thai foreign friends and adversaries.
Even George Bush Jr. is no equal to Yinluck. For hilarity and rip-roaring comic entertainment, Yingluck’s English accent and delivery is a class all her own.
Human rights and lese majeste
Amen
Human rights and lese majeste
Thanks Andrew
I have no interest in interviewing you. The fact that you conveniently decide to duck answering relevant, simple and direct questions that address the issue of bias in your writing is telling.
I have made no smears. I have clearly stated that your work and general commentary has made a clear shift in support of the Phue Thai party from your previous key focus on the red shirts.
For me, the fact that you yesterday asked if the PTP should be praised for Chiranuch’s “lenient” sentencing — and the fact that you did not condem the sentence which found her guilty and sets a precedence for future cases under the CCA, a move which even Google has severely criticised — speaks volumes.
While you have yet to explain the motivations and aims of your self-professed but unspecified “agenda”, your writing and commentary in this thread and elsewhere show that you are now more concerned with jumping to the defence of PTP before the red shirts and LM prisoners.
How curious.
Human rights and lese majeste
#93 Andrew Spooner
“preference is not for the constant back-and-forth between post authors and commentators.”
Of course… The preference would actually be that, as author of the piece, you answered the questions put to you concisely and honestly since you chose to publish the piece in the first place. This is something that you have consistently failed to do at some length and the expense of a great many words most of which have involved both red herrings and your usual legions of straw men…… Bop phen yang……
Ambiga and the fate of women leaders in Malaysia
Dr. Rohana Ariffin’s comments raises a key question – whether its the ethnicity or the gender or both as argued by Dahlia.
I think gender and ethnicity matters in Malaysian politics but what matters the most remains the threat one poses to UMNO.
UMNO has opted on the strategy of dehumanising its opponents especially non-Muslims, knowing that any other strategy such as debating public policy will not put it in good stead.
Its baseless attacks against civil society and the Pakatan Rakyat leaders are always premised on morality issues with sexual impropriety and Malay rights taking precedence – that Ambiga will promote promiscuity, will promote LGBT, that Ambiga will ensure that the Malay institutions are destroyed, that Ambiga in questioning the Electoral Commission (and other Malaysian institutions) is tantamount to questioning Malay supremacy, etc.
Within this context of UMNO’s strategy, Ambiga, is now a clear and present danger to UMNO, because of the support that she has been receiving (she is the public face of Bersih although its a broad based peoples movement), and therefore deserve the worst condemnation. No other leader has had to endure such humiliation.
In attacking Ambiga as a woman, UMNO hopes to dehumanise her (and Bersih). This strategy is also repeated against Bersih (the idea and its supporters ).
But there is a silver lining. It is becoming evidently clear to the so called polite and pious Muslims – what UMNO is actually made off.
Human rights and lese majeste
Dan White
In response to your comment #92
Actually it’s been pointed out to me by one of NM’s moderators that NM’s “preference is not for the constant back-and-forth between post authors and commentators.”
Rather than be accused of ducking yours and Greg’s questions – obviously my responses to them must be of great concern to you both, hence your repetitive, lengthy and detailed pursuance of me here – I thought I’d offer you an opportunity to discuss these matters with me at another point.
And this WILL be my last comment here.
😛
Human rights and lese majeste
#90 Andrew Spooner [to Greg Lowe]
“In your last few comments you have asked me several quite disparate and complex questions that require, in my view, quite lengthy and detailed responses.”
Its OK Andrew…. Answering complex or even disparate questions is the whole point of the exercise and is, I imagine, one of the main reasons New Mandala exists…. Not quite sure why you would request to be ‘interviewed’ as if you were Desmond Tutu or something….. Seems a little bit odd. Are you having a Lady Diana moment? Should we call Martin Bashir?
A Mekong odyssey
No problem Martino,
I lived in Kampot a while back. Used to hike and bike and even camp sometimes up the stunning valley that is now flooded. We used to sneak by the workers’ camps beside the trail to access the woods until the tightened up security and they trashed the valley, logged the timber (not primary forest in the main), burnt the remainder…1000-metre ridge of hills not visible from 10km away because of the smoke particles in the air and resultant hot season haze.
Strangely, perhaps, most locals seemed new much for it: progress, development, modernisation, electricity supply, clearing out the ‘dangerous’ forest with its wild animals waiting to eat you and forest ghosts (!), and making it ‘safe’ to visit for picnic’ing with the masses. But then again, i only knew of one local who had been up that valley.
…different outlooks eh!
Interview with Cambodian writer Tararith Kho
dear new mandala – interesting interview with tararith kho. i am the arts editor for a seattle-based newspaper that covers news, features and the arts for the northwest’s asian american community. we are featuring a book review supplement in august and i am asking various writers the following question.
have you ever read a book that changed the way you look at things?
if so, what was the book and how did it affect you?
i would appreciate it if writers could respond by the end of june and send me their comments at [email protected].
i wonder if there is any way you could forward this question to mr. kho or can suggest a way i can contact him.
thanks for your consideration.
best,
alan lau, arts editor for seattle’s international examiner
Thant Myint-U on Yangon
Poor Ko Thant Myint-U, stigmatized again.
Nothing like daring to suggest any plausible infra structure preservation/improvement that will revitalize Yangon again, after the advent of Naypyidaw.
Never mind that Rangoon University, the product of Judson, an American Baptist, and its derivatives such as RIT, except for the Medical Colleges now, nothing but decaying empty shells of yesteryear, occupied by the military surround by relentless wild shrubberies.
Revitalizing RU and other structures. will not only stop the drift of power towards central Myanmar but might also reestablish the fragmented/almost useless post grad educational system.
Unlike Naypyidaw, or even Mandalay, Yangon is still and will be the central to the whole Myanmar with all its remaining established assets.
Anyone with 1/2 a brain will realize the potential positive ramifications of revitalization to the citizenry of Yangon and beyond that Ko Thant Myint-U advocacy entail.
Thant Myint-U on Yangon
Hla Oo’s Blog from Australia also has this provocative post called “Blackouts, Coal-fired Generators and Water Melons” about electricity shortages in Burma.
http://hlaoo1980.blogspot.com/2012/04/blackouts-coal-fired-generators-and.html
Thant Myint-U on Yangon
Australia’s ABC TV has this interesting interview with Thant Myint Oo and others in their program titled “Burma fears loss of Colonial Heritage”.
http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2012/s3497521.htm
A Mekong odyssey
Thanks Rod,
At the time, I was under the impression that it was a tributary to the Mekong, and I seem to remember reports that vaguely referred to the national park being inundated. I should have been a bit more critical, looked at a map of rivers in Cambodia and looked a bit further than some alarmist sites protesting China’s rise in the region..