I don’t think the King killed Amphon … but I certainly do wonder why he has not lifted a finger to put an end to The Inquisition carried on in his name, lo these many years now. I think that’s an absolutely legitimate question to ask.
I think that the judge(s) who sentenced Amphon to prison … for being unable to prove his innocence … and of course the cruel and callous jailers are directly responsible for Amphon’s death.
Of course this particular inquisition was begun by Abhisit Vejjajiva and Somkiat Krongwattanasuk working in tandem. Using Amphon as a pawn in the Royal Thai Army’s program of terror.
And the Puea Thai party bears responsibility as well, not only for Amphon’s death but for all those it has abandoned to the Royal Thai Army/Royalist Thai ‘elite’ Inquisitors, in its effort to reintegrate itself with the ruling Thai ‘elite’.
The news of Map Ta Phut, the men whose equipment collapsed , now Amphon … to the Royalist Thai ‘elite’ the lives of Thais really are cheap, and are completely expendable in the pursuit of money and power. To all the 1% world wide, of course, but the Thai ‘elite’ seems so smug, gleeful even, to see the utter destruction of their ‘underlings’ unfold. Elsewhere the 1% has some fear, and hence grudging respect for its victims, but not in Thailand.
The ‘elite’ are ’embarrassed’, as The Nation says, to be seen to be as cruel as they are … but it’s all about their image, about themselves, really. They really just do not care about the Thai people. About any people other than themselves, apparently. And when they feel they are among themselves they seem not at all embarrassed or apologetic about it.
@Anouvong wrote:
“I feel such an immense sense of shame. I’m not even Thai. I wonder if the Thai extreme royalists do too?”
Unfortunately no. If you go to manager.co.th website which is the hangout for Thai brainwashed royalists, they all said it is karma bites for person who do not respect the ‘father of the Thais’, he deserves to die for not loving the king, those who do not love King are traitors and they believe he will rot in hell.
And I agree and disagree. I disagree that Ar Kong deserves to die. I disagree that the King is the father of the Thais. I disagree that anyone who does not love the King will rot in hell.
But I agree about karma. What goes around will come around. The King has, arguably indirectly, killed Ar Kong. karma will bit him and his family. I also believe in heaven and hell. And if hell really exists, then I believe it is the King who will go there, not Ar Kong. The King’s sin of assenting to this vile law will earn him a place in hell for years to come, if hell really exists.
My sympathies go to Ah Kong’s family. He was a victim of an archaic “justice” system that cracks down mercilessly on people of no consequence like him but lets sons of well connected politicians get away with murder.
Let it also be said that Ah Kong was equally a victim the anti-monarchy wing of the red shirt movement that he got mixed up with without understanding what it was or how ruthlessly and cynically it would exploit him, given a chance. They rubbed their hands with glee when they discovered him as a perfect poster boy for their anti-monarchy campaign. His red shirt lawyer advised him that he could get him off, if he pleaded not guilty, and proceeded to mount a feeble defence that he knew would result in conviction and a stiff sentence, whereas as a guilty plea would have resulted in a much lighter sentence and, in all probability, a royal pardon soon after conviction in view of his age and infirmity. Ah Kong was further advised by his red shirt legal team that he should appeal his conviction which also made him ineligible for a royal pardon. It seems that he just starting to reconsider this towards the end of his life on the pragmatic advice of the Corrections Department and against the self serving advice of the red shirt lawyers who knew his appeal would have been hopeless.
Given the confusion surrounding the actual sending of the SMS messages, and the failure of the defence team to provide convincing evidence that the messages could have been sent remotely, it would not be at all surprising if the messages were deliberately sent by a fellow red shirt activist to set him up.
Having only been to Thailand once, for six weeks two years ago, I was at the time struck by its incredible beauty and the friendliness of its people…
However, having since learned something of the darker, more sinister political undercurrents that pervade this lovely country, I too am struck by the sheer breadth of the comparisons between Thailand and North Korea, or by the fictitious super-state of Oceania in Orwell’s 1984, or even by the dystopian London-of-the-future in the much more recent graphic novel adaptation, V For Vendetta…
If only there was some way of the ‘freer’ (in theory at least) Western world, intervening….
I’m truly sorry for Ah Kong and his family…and I’m sorry and shame for Thai injustice. I hope one day people in all around the world are treated equally especial in Thailand my beloved country. Thank you for k’pavin and his campaign at least it show that there are some people in this country really concern and value of the humanity.
Shame on all those on both sides of the political divide who through their actions or ‘non-actions’ have contributed to this man’s demise. If ever there was a case for invoking the lese-majeste laws it is now, and against all of those people who, for their own political ambitions, have brought Thailand into disrepute.
When the monarchist spies look at this thread, about the death of a poor old man in misery, they should look at the amount of support CT’s post (6) is receiving…… and SHIVER. Their days of power are numbered.
The immediate questions that come to my mind are…
Who will preside over his funeral? Where do wreaths come from? Will Abhisit or his representative do something? How will the government, the invisible hand, the invisible man, etc. react to this?
The reason of his death is also unclear though. It is hard to comment further before the postmortem report is available to the public.
#14 Nich
“But we will, of course, keep an eye on this. The other “Dan” who has emerged may want to choose a different moniker. Best wishes to all, Nich]”
Do please keep an eye on it Nich. It is something that has been happening fairly systematically on New Mandala (‘pro democracy’ John Smith etc etc).
The incarceration and death of Ar Kong is a tragedy for those personally affected and a disaster for Thailand as a nation. It is inhumane, unjust and cruel.
Freedom 24
The sad fact is that the people who support the barbaric law believe they have the moral right, authority and duty to apply it judicially (or extra-judicially). The argument is over the identification of morality and the morality (or otherwise) of justice.
And of course all people in all societies can be conditioned to go along with immoral laws, ( often more easily than moral ones) if educated appropriately and with appeal to their ego, vanity and elevated sense of self-superiority. To attack the gods of any inculcated belief system is to invite isolation, opprobrium and probably annihilation since evolution favors survival of the group rather than the individual.
The striving towards the ideal of human rights and individual freedom continues against the face of human and natural law.
Dan White – Dan is indeed a very common name and the internet is a big place. I have zero idea who you are and somewhat less than zero interest in stalking you; it turns out you’re perhaps not quite as significant as you think you are.
There were about 400-500 people gathered at the criminal court last night and another of the same amount at Klong Prem prison, quite impressive number.
And quicker than a Bangkok minute after the news of Amphon’s death, it was very publicly announced that the Ministry of Justice approved a pardon for Joe Gordon, and that it has been forwarded to the Bureau of the Royal Household.
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Ar Kong dead
I don’t think the King killed Amphon … but I certainly do wonder why he has not lifted a finger to put an end to The Inquisition carried on in his name, lo these many years now. I think that’s an absolutely legitimate question to ask.
I think that the judge(s) who sentenced Amphon to prison … for being unable to prove his innocence … and of course the cruel and callous jailers are directly responsible for Amphon’s death.
Of course this particular inquisition was begun by Abhisit Vejjajiva and Somkiat Krongwattanasuk working in tandem. Using Amphon as a pawn in the Royal Thai Army’s program of terror.
And the Puea Thai party bears responsibility as well, not only for Amphon’s death but for all those it has abandoned to the Royal Thai Army/Royalist Thai ‘elite’ Inquisitors, in its effort to reintegrate itself with the ruling Thai ‘elite’.
The news of Map Ta Phut, the men whose equipment collapsed , now Amphon … to the Royalist Thai ‘elite’ the lives of Thais really are cheap, and are completely expendable in the pursuit of money and power. To all the 1% world wide, of course, but the Thai ‘elite’ seems so smug, gleeful even, to see the utter destruction of their ‘underlings’ unfold. Elsewhere the 1% has some fear, and hence grudging respect for its victims, but not in Thailand.
The ‘elite’ are ’embarrassed’, as The Nation says, to be seen to be as cruel as they are … but it’s all about their image, about themselves, really. They really just do not care about the Thai people. About any people other than themselves, apparently. And when they feel they are among themselves they seem not at all embarrassed or apologetic about it.
Ar Kong dead
@Anouvong wrote:
“I feel such an immense sense of shame. I’m not even Thai. I wonder if the Thai extreme royalists do too?”
Unfortunately no. If you go to manager.co.th website which is the hangout for Thai brainwashed royalists, they all said it is karma bites for person who do not respect the ‘father of the Thais’, he deserves to die for not loving the king, those who do not love King are traitors and they believe he will rot in hell.
And I agree and disagree. I disagree that Ar Kong deserves to die. I disagree that the King is the father of the Thais. I disagree that anyone who does not love the King will rot in hell.
But I agree about karma. What goes around will come around. The King has, arguably indirectly, killed Ar Kong. karma will bit him and his family. I also believe in heaven and hell. And if hell really exists, then I believe it is the King who will go there, not Ar Kong. The King’s sin of assenting to this vile law will earn him a place in hell for years to come, if hell really exists.
Ar Kong dead
Please take this short Ah Kong survey. Thanks
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/N97FXXS
Ar Kong dead
My sympathies go to Ah Kong’s family. He was a victim of an archaic “justice” system that cracks down mercilessly on people of no consequence like him but lets sons of well connected politicians get away with murder.
Let it also be said that Ah Kong was equally a victim the anti-monarchy wing of the red shirt movement that he got mixed up with without understanding what it was or how ruthlessly and cynically it would exploit him, given a chance. They rubbed their hands with glee when they discovered him as a perfect poster boy for their anti-monarchy campaign. His red shirt lawyer advised him that he could get him off, if he pleaded not guilty, and proceeded to mount a feeble defence that he knew would result in conviction and a stiff sentence, whereas as a guilty plea would have resulted in a much lighter sentence and, in all probability, a royal pardon soon after conviction in view of his age and infirmity. Ah Kong was further advised by his red shirt legal team that he should appeal his conviction which also made him ineligible for a royal pardon. It seems that he just starting to reconsider this towards the end of his life on the pragmatic advice of the Corrections Department and against the self serving advice of the red shirt lawyers who knew his appeal would have been hopeless.
Given the confusion surrounding the actual sending of the SMS messages, and the failure of the defence team to provide convincing evidence that the messages could have been sent remotely, it would not be at all surprising if the messages were deliberately sent by a fellow red shirt activist to set him up.
Don’t stand out in Thailand
Having only been to Thailand once, for six weeks two years ago, I was at the time struck by its incredible beauty and the friendliness of its people…
However, having since learned something of the darker, more sinister political undercurrents that pervade this lovely country, I too am struck by the sheer breadth of the comparisons between Thailand and North Korea, or by the fictitious super-state of Oceania in Orwell’s 1984, or even by the dystopian London-of-the-future in the much more recent graphic novel adaptation, V For Vendetta…
If only there was some way of the ‘freer’ (in theory at least) Western world, intervening….
Thailand’s Fearlessness: Free Akong
I’m truly sorry for Ah Kong and his family…and I’m sorry and shame for Thai injustice. I hope one day people in all around the world are treated equally especial in Thailand my beloved country. Thank you for k’pavin and his campaign at least it show that there are some people in this country really concern and value of the humanity.
Ar Kong dead
Shame on all those on both sides of the political divide who through their actions or ‘non-actions’ have contributed to this man’s demise. If ever there was a case for invoking the lese-majeste laws it is now, and against all of those people who, for their own political ambitions, have brought Thailand into disrepute.
Ar Kong dead
How much is Ah Kong’s death being reported in the Thai language press?
Family law in Laos
I would like to see the famil law in laos
Ar Kong dead
When the monarchist spies look at this thread, about the death of a poor old man in misery, they should look at the amount of support CT’s post (6) is receiving…… and SHIVER. Their days of power are numbered.
Ar Kong dead
I’m sorry for Ah Kong and his family.
The immediate questions that come to my mind are…
Who will preside over his funeral? Where do wreaths come from? Will Abhisit or his representative do something? How will the government, the invisible hand, the invisible man, etc. react to this?
The reason of his death is also unclear though. It is hard to comment further before the postmortem report is available to the public.
Ar Kong dead
I feel such an immense sense of shame. I’m not even Thai. I wonder if the Thai extreme royalists do too?
Ar Kong dead
The demonstration of the power of the rulers appears to require a poor, sick and old man’s life.
Ar Kong dead
#14 Nich
“But we will, of course, keep an eye on this. The other “Dan” who has emerged may want to choose a different moniker. Best wishes to all, Nich]”
Do please keep an eye on it Nich. It is something that has been happening fairly systematically on New Mandala (‘pro democracy’ John Smith etc etc).
The incarceration and death of Ar Kong is a tragedy for those personally affected and a disaster for Thailand as a nation. It is inhumane, unjust and cruel.
Ar Kong dead
Well she has an impeccable bloodline – she must be right.
Ar Kong dead
Freedom 24
The sad fact is that the people who support the barbaric law believe they have the moral right, authority and duty to apply it judicially (or extra-judicially). The argument is over the identification of morality and the morality (or otherwise) of justice.
And of course all people in all societies can be conditioned to go along with immoral laws, ( often more easily than moral ones) if educated appropriately and with appeal to their ego, vanity and elevated sense of self-superiority. To attack the gods of any inculcated belief system is to invite isolation, opprobrium and probably annihilation since evolution favors survival of the group rather than the individual.
The striving towards the ideal of human rights and individual freedom continues against the face of human and natural law.
Ar Kong dead
HRH Princess Chulabhorn told us the King is attentive & follows news.
Ar Kong dead
Dan White – Dan is indeed a very common name and the internet is a big place. I have zero idea who you are and somewhat less than zero interest in stalking you; it turns out you’re perhaps not quite as significant as you think you are.
Ar Kong dead
There were about 400-500 people gathered at the criminal court last night and another of the same amount at Klong Prem prison, quite impressive number.
Ar Kong dead
And quicker than a Bangkok minute after the news of Amphon’s death, it was very publicly announced that the Ministry of Justice approved a pardon for Joe Gordon, and that it has been forwarded to the Bureau of the Royal Household.
American jailed in Thailand for insulting monarchy to be released?