“I have no definitive answer to this question yet, but would very much appreciate any comments.”
IMO there is no definitive answer and you cannot pigeonhole the varying motivations for society. Whilst no one doubts the all pervasive daily reinforcement of the status quo I think there is a mixture of fear, respect, love and reassurance from long held traditions of filial piety.
The anthropological (and maybe) Freudian question to ask yourself as a researcher was asked famously a couple of years ago.
Do you love your Father?
Why?
Discuss….
Yes you are quite right. They may well be future contenders (not too sure about in-line though) and therefore have plenty more to lose than gain by going on an all out attack. Hence my reference to not wanting to burn too many bridges.
I didn’t want to come across as attacking them really – I perfectly understand their position. It is entirely rational.
My main point though is that this letter needs to be considered a little more carefully and cynically than some posters here have treated it. Don’t take everything said in it, particularly the issue of financial support, as an accurate account of what has really happened. While there is plenty there to interest Thai observers, there is plenty more (deliberately) left unsaid. As you point out, there is a lot at stake that really limits their capacity to be fully honest. As long as we keep that in mind we may realise that we are still almost as much in the dark as we ever were about the internal machinations of the Thai Royal Family.
Though I agree, I think you’re missing a huge point. Most of these exiles were born in either in Thai refugee camps or right before their families left Cambodia to go to the camps. They would not have had the capabilities, as a child, to apply, within your stated 5 years, for U.S. citizenship.
My grandmother was a refugee from Laos. Illiterate, she was not able to obtain a citizenship until 1998, a full 18 years after she arrived. Other family members? Definitely got citizenship as soon as they could.
The problem with the exiles also brings up items such as the deportation of supposed illegal immigrants in a post 9/11 world, the legacy of war upon refugees, and the justice system of the U.S. How do you logically send reformed ex-convicts “back” to a country that they know nothing of?
Having read this book, I can confirm it’s a very serious scholzrly book on a subject that Thailand needs to address, and fast. I wish the author, and Thailand all the best.
It is apparently ambiguous whether the censors objected to the “anti-Thaksin” allegory/tone, or the further additional implications in regard to the present Thai King andespecially the present Queen and Prince, or to both areas.
But it is not ambiguous that the censor committee have nothing to do with Thaksin in terms of their appointment or position and it seems a bit of a stretch to “blame” this absurd (and totally counter-productive in terms of worldwide publicity the film is now getting) act of pointless censorship on Thaksin and the Yingluck/Pheu Thai government.
Yet another article that give a true side of the author of “letters from Burma” and such.
Once considered anathema now made clear.
That pull wool over eyes to those who have chosen to be ignorant to History especially Myanmar History.
Surely consistent with her and her party denial of the West useless careless policy causing more harm to the Citizenry than intended.
The West need to revise the gooey eye, rhetorical, empty support of democracy, to concrete actions directly on behalf of the Citizenry through all available channel.
Instead of through only one, that has yet to prove true care and compassion for the Citizenry she so wish to represesnt.
Dr Niles Crane: “I see the Bangkok Post has a story on a Thai film production of “The Scottish Play” being banned. Since Shakespeare speaks to timeless universal truths on the workings of the state, politic intrigue and dysfunctional relationships (Hence his enduring relevance and popularity) I wonder what Shakespeare play would be permissible in these interesting times? “The Comedy of Errors” perhaps??”
Might have to ban all the classics of Greek and Roman literature as well, since these works also have eery similarities and “speak to timeless universal truths on the workings of the state.” 🙂
Perhaps even more important, classical works of Southeast Asian literature (and Pali literature from Sri Lanka such as the Mahavamsa and its commentaries, the basis for the mythical part of the Burmese chronicle) also deal with the universal truths of politics in a similar fashion but are neglected, so no one needs to censor them, I guess. It would perhaps be a great honor to Pali literature if someone created censor-worthy modern adaptations of classic Pali historical works such as the Mahavamsa relevant to current events. Maybe people would actually start reading them and recognize their relevance (perhaps as relevant as Greek and Roman classics are to western civ).
Also, the Macbeth censorship seems to be aimed at protecting the sensibilities of Thaksin supporters, so it will be interesting to see if left-leaning New Mandala intellectuals will remain loyal to billionaire saviour of the poor Thaksin or whether they will flip to critical mode if his regime once again starts to trample over human rights again as it once did. (Time to write a political allegory/parody of left-leaning Southeast Asian studies intellectual reality deniers using the reality denying Stalin-era marxists of Simone de Beauvoir’s “Le Mandarins”)
I see the Bangkok Post has a story on a Thai film production of “The Scottish Play” being banned.
Since Shakespeare speaks to timeless universal truths on the workings of the state, politic intrigue and dysfunctional relationships (Hence his enduring relevance and popularity) I wonder what Shakespeare play would be permissible in these interesting times?
“The Comedy of Errors” perhaps??
Once these people got Permanent Residence, they were eligible to apply for U.S. Citizenship within 5 years, provided they did not much more than refrain from committing crimes (and remember to file an naturalization application). At this, they failed.
These people were extended a privilege of legally immigrating to the U.S., having full rights to work here, and a clear path to obtaining U.S. Citizenship within a reasonable timeframe. In return, they committed crimes, thus forfeiting their privilege. They were shown compassion once from the U.S., and I’m all for it, but they’re *not entitled* to a U.S. citizenship, and did not deserve one.
U.S. has a full right to deport foreign residents who commit crimes.
Frankly, many immigrants (legal or otherwise) got far less than they did, and deserved more.
Treble – surely these lads are in line for the throne and few in that position would wish to destroy the institution which might bring them enormous wealth and prestige?
In C#39, Somsak Jeamteerasakul raised potential doubt regarding the letter’s authenticity due to the apparently contradictory accounts of CP’s financial support (or lack of) in the letter and in WikiLeaks cable 05BANGKOK868.
However, careful reading of the letter suggests there may be no contradiction at all.
In 1996, while studying in England, … Since we were not receiving any kind of support from the Royal Household, financial or otherwise, we moved to the United States with our mother.
Note the dating of this lack of financial support some considerable time in the past as well the clear use of “were”. I believe there is no indication at all that financial support did not materialise at some point in time after the move to the US and that this support is, in fact, ongoing. There is no suggestion to the contrary and nor is there any mention of enduring financial difficulties in the rest of the letter. If I am wrong then I believe quite different language would have been chosen to elicit more sympathy. As it is, it probably is a small grab for sympathy with the hope that it would be misinterpreted (as it clearly has) to be a more significant statement on the severity of their abandonment, though I may just be being cynical on this last point.
It is almost impossible to believe someone with deep pockets hasn’t been chipping in given the educational and medical expenses that must have been incurred over the years. It would make much more sense that it was their father (ruthless but not heartless) than anyone else. At the very least, if it was anyone else, then they probably have more to lose than gain politically if their generosity had not been approved by the CP.
This interpretation is backed up by WikiLeaks cable 05BANGKOK868 and would help explain, this letter not withstanding, why their public statements on the issue have been non-existent. It beggars belief that they could actually believe it is better to suffer in silence than risk harm to the institution . Really? Why? After all they’ve gone through, they still have to suffer for the glory of His Majesty? I don’t buy it. Even Thai-level propaganda can’t correct for their first-hand experiences of what really goes on behind palace walls. More likely to be a case of not wanting to bite the hand that feeds, or not wanting to burn too many bridges (both understandable, but please spare us the lies about loyalty).
While the letter is certainly enlightening, and not without a fair amount of courage, there’s clearly more to this whole sordid situation than the authors let us in on. I wait with anticipation for the next more frank and honest account. Man, if those guys really wanted to, they could bring the whole show down with what they know. Then again, that’s my wish, and probably not theirs, so good luck to you boys and your mum with whatever path you take.
I too am perplexed at the unbelievable statement that you don’t want the proven and tested safe Australian business. You say you don’t want our pollution, you tell us to stay in our own country.
I.ll tell you why Lynas wanted to invest in Malaysia, not because we wanted to dump our rubbish in Malaysia, but because your successive governments have made it attractive to invest in Malaysia. You provide the right environment, the right qualified people, in other words the right place to invest. Like IBM like Acer, like HP all world renowned companies like Petrobras the Brazilian oil Company all producing waste in their manufacturing process but all safe like LYNAS invest and provide employment because you are a smart country. You have the most advanced technical park equal to any in the world in KL.
I wish that the Lynas plant could have been set up in Australia and provided employment for our engineers and operators, our plant builders etc. but we lack a smart government, we unfortunately have a government that lets investment opportunities go offshore.
Wake up Malaysia, get beyond the politics and enjoy the investment opportunity that you are being offered.
It was the Godfather of the current outfit Ne Win who said seizing power and holding on to it was like pulling the tiger’s tail, you just didn’t dare let go, although he did go through the motions of letting go as the mismanagement crisis deepened, but only to renew his grip.
Here’s another instance where you just couldn’t repeat the same old trick in the 21st C., so needs must. They changed tack after two more decades and a half century of military dictatorship, as their crisis deepened, despite Russia, Japan, both Koreas as well as all the neighbours having been on side and doing a roaring trade with them.
It’s definitely an improvement over not just N Korea but their own mentor China. It’s about having your cake and eating it. It’s the Burmese Way to Glasnost & Perestroika. ‘Pluralism’ must be delivered.
There is everything to play for in and out of parliament. A reforming govt is at its most vulnerable as Alexis de Tocqueville once famously said. As for the opposition the Burmese expression goes, “a bold stroke seizes the throne, temerity misses the opportunity”.
AL #75 р╕нр╕вр╕╣р╣Ир╕нр╕▓р╣Ар╕бр╕гр╕┤р╕Бр╕▓р╕Щр╕▓р╕Щр╣Бр╕ер╣Йр╕з р╕вр╕▒р╕Зр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕гр╕╣р╣Йр╕Ир╕▒р╕Бр╕Др╕│р╕зр╣Ир╕▓”р╣Ар╕кр╕гр╕╡р╕ар╕▓р╕Ю”р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕н
Depayin happened during ASSK’s Upper Burma tour that brought people out in great numbers in support and adulation. Even if the current electoral success indicates the extent of the new found permissiveness in return for lifting the sanctions, it seems too good to be true.
For one thing they have yet to announce the official results, and the general election of November 2010 too recent to forget what happened to the final results. Not that they didn’t try to scupper the chances of most of the NLD candidates this time either, through campaigning and voting ‘irregularities’ to ballot counting which may yet turn out completely unrecognisable from the exit polls.
Ohn’s point about the ongoing brutal civil wars and half-hearted peace parleys exposes a major fly in the ointment in this happy turn of events. Were it not for this particular sticking point, Thein Sein might even expect the Nobel peace prize like F W de Klerk!
Let’s hope for all our sake the euphoria will not prove short-lived. Unfortunately Nich’s scenario #4 and Charles F.’s #5 are all too likely given the track record of more or less the same old outfit.
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Don’t stand out in Thailand
“I have no definitive answer to this question yet, but would very much appreciate any comments.”
IMO there is no definitive answer and you cannot pigeonhole the varying motivations for society. Whilst no one doubts the all pervasive daily reinforcement of the status quo I think there is a mixture of fear, respect, love and reassurance from long held traditions of filial piety.
The anthropological (and maybe) Freudian question to ask yourself as a researcher was asked famously a couple of years ago.
Do you love your Father?
Why?
Discuss….
More ideas about Burma for today
May be as her first act at Hluthaw she will demand the construction of a proper road from Pathein to Myaugmya.
Thus easing the sufferings of CBO’s and all others travelers not to have to endure the hellish 45 minutes ride to cover a distance of ~22 miles.
After all Myangmya is still the quintessential take off point to the victims of Nargis in the delta region.
Crown Prince’s family update?
Ricky (#78)
Yes you are quite right. They may well be future contenders (not too sure about in-line though) and therefore have plenty more to lose than gain by going on an all out attack. Hence my reference to not wanting to burn too many bridges.
I didn’t want to come across as attacking them really – I perfectly understand their position. It is entirely rational.
My main point though is that this letter needs to be considered a little more carefully and cynically than some posters here have treated it. Don’t take everything said in it, particularly the issue of financial support, as an accurate account of what has really happened. While there is plenty there to interest Thai observers, there is plenty more (deliberately) left unsaid. As you point out, there is a lot at stake that really limits their capacity to be fully honest. As long as we keep that in mind we may realise that we are still almost as much in the dark as we ever were about the internal machinations of the Thai Royal Family.
Cambodian American exiles won’t meet Obama
A Noo NY Mouse – 1
Though I agree, I think you’re missing a huge point. Most of these exiles were born in either in Thai refugee camps or right before their families left Cambodia to go to the camps. They would not have had the capabilities, as a child, to apply, within your stated 5 years, for U.S. citizenship.
My grandmother was a refugee from Laos. Illiterate, she was not able to obtain a citizenship until 1998, a full 18 years after she arrived. Other family members? Definitely got citizenship as soon as they could.
The problem with the exiles also brings up items such as the deportation of supposed illegal immigrants in a post 9/11 world, the legacy of war upon refugees, and the justice system of the U.S. How do you logically send reformed ex-convicts “back” to a country that they know nothing of?
David Streckfuss on lese majeste
Having read this book, I can confirm it’s a very serious scholzrly book on a subject that Thailand needs to address, and fast. I wish the author, and Thailand all the best.
Reviewing King Bhumibol’s life
JonFernQuest:
It is apparently ambiguous whether the censors objected to the “anti-Thaksin” allegory/tone, or the further additional implications in regard to the present Thai King andespecially the present Queen and Prince, or to both areas.
But it is not ambiguous that the censor committee have nothing to do with Thaksin in terms of their appointment or position and it seems a bit of a stretch to “blame” this absurd (and totally counter-productive in terms of worldwide publicity the film is now getting) act of pointless censorship on Thaksin and the Yingluck/Pheu Thai government.
More ideas about Burma for today
Yet another article that give a true side of the author of “letters from Burma” and such.
Once considered anathema now made clear.
That pull wool over eyes to those who have chosen to be ignorant to History especially Myanmar History.
Surely consistent with her and her party denial of the West useless careless policy causing more harm to the Citizenry than intended.
The West need to revise the gooey eye, rhetorical, empty support of democracy, to concrete actions directly on behalf of the Citizenry through all available channel.
Instead of through only one, that has yet to prove true care and compassion for the Citizenry she so wish to represesnt.
Reviewing King Bhumibol’s life
Dr Niles Crane: “I see the Bangkok Post has a story on a Thai film production of “The Scottish Play” being banned. Since Shakespeare speaks to timeless universal truths on the workings of the state, politic intrigue and dysfunctional relationships (Hence his enduring relevance and popularity) I wonder what Shakespeare play would be permissible in these interesting times? “The Comedy of Errors” perhaps??”
Might have to ban all the classics of Greek and Roman literature as well, since these works also have eery similarities and “speak to timeless universal truths on the workings of the state.” 🙂
Perhaps even more important, classical works of Southeast Asian literature (and Pali literature from Sri Lanka such as the Mahavamsa and its commentaries, the basis for the mythical part of the Burmese chronicle) also deal with the universal truths of politics in a similar fashion but are neglected, so no one needs to censor them, I guess. It would perhaps be a great honor to Pali literature if someone created censor-worthy modern adaptations of classic Pali historical works such as the Mahavamsa relevant to current events. Maybe people would actually start reading them and recognize their relevance (perhaps as relevant as Greek and Roman classics are to western civ).
Also, the Macbeth censorship seems to be aimed at protecting the sensibilities of Thaksin supporters, so it will be interesting to see if left-leaning New Mandala intellectuals will remain loyal to billionaire saviour of the poor Thaksin or whether they will flip to critical mode if his regime once again starts to trample over human rights again as it once did. (Time to write a political allegory/parody of left-leaning Southeast Asian studies intellectual reality deniers using the reality denying Stalin-era marxists of Simone de Beauvoir’s “Le Mandarins”)
Reviewing King Bhumibol’s life
I see the Bangkok Post has a story on a Thai film production of “The Scottish Play” being banned.
Since Shakespeare speaks to timeless universal truths on the workings of the state, politic intrigue and dysfunctional relationships (Hence his enduring relevance and popularity) I wonder what Shakespeare play would be permissible in these interesting times?
“The Comedy of Errors” perhaps??
Cambodian American exiles won’t meet Obama
The video is biased.
Once these people got Permanent Residence, they were eligible to apply for U.S. Citizenship within 5 years, provided they did not much more than refrain from committing crimes (and remember to file an naturalization application). At this, they failed.
These people were extended a privilege of legally immigrating to the U.S., having full rights to work here, and a clear path to obtaining U.S. Citizenship within a reasonable timeframe. In return, they committed crimes, thus forfeiting their privilege. They were shown compassion once from the U.S., and I’m all for it, but they’re *not entitled* to a U.S. citizenship, and did not deserve one.
U.S. has a full right to deport foreign residents who commit crimes.
Frankly, many immigrants (legal or otherwise) got far less than they did, and deserved more.
I’m a naturalized American, and proud of it.
Crown Prince’s family update?
Treble – surely these lads are in line for the throne and few in that position would wish to destroy the institution which might bring them enormous wealth and prestige?
Crown Prince’s family update?
In C#39, Somsak Jeamteerasakul raised potential doubt regarding the letter’s authenticity due to the apparently contradictory accounts of CP’s financial support (or lack of) in the letter and in WikiLeaks cable 05BANGKOK868.
However, careful reading of the letter suggests there may be no contradiction at all.
In 1996, while studying in England, … Since we were not receiving any kind of support from the Royal Household, financial or otherwise, we moved to the United States with our mother.
Note the dating of this lack of financial support some considerable time in the past as well the clear use of “were”. I believe there is no indication at all that financial support did not materialise at some point in time after the move to the US and that this support is, in fact, ongoing. There is no suggestion to the contrary and nor is there any mention of enduring financial difficulties in the rest of the letter. If I am wrong then I believe quite different language would have been chosen to elicit more sympathy. As it is, it probably is a small grab for sympathy with the hope that it would be misinterpreted (as it clearly has) to be a more significant statement on the severity of their abandonment, though I may just be being cynical on this last point.
It is almost impossible to believe someone with deep pockets hasn’t been chipping in given the educational and medical expenses that must have been incurred over the years. It would make much more sense that it was their father (ruthless but not heartless) than anyone else. At the very least, if it was anyone else, then they probably have more to lose than gain politically if their generosity had not been approved by the CP.
This interpretation is backed up by WikiLeaks cable 05BANGKOK868 and would help explain, this letter not withstanding, why their public statements on the issue have been non-existent. It beggars belief that they could actually believe it is better to suffer in silence than risk harm to the institution . Really? Why? After all they’ve gone through, they still have to suffer for the glory of His Majesty? I don’t buy it. Even Thai-level propaganda can’t correct for their first-hand experiences of what really goes on behind palace walls. More likely to be a case of not wanting to bite the hand that feeds, or not wanting to burn too many bridges (both understandable, but please spare us the lies about loyalty).
While the letter is certainly enlightening, and not without a fair amount of courage, there’s clearly more to this whole sordid situation than the authors let us in on. I wait with anticipation for the next more frank and honest account. Man, if those guys really wanted to, they could bring the whole show down with what they know. Then again, that’s my wish, and probably not theirs, so good luck to you boys and your mum with whatever path you take.
Reviewing King Bhumibol’s life
How come the authorities block only part IV
“р╕Вр╕нр╕нр╕ар╕▒р╕вр╣Гр╕Щр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕кр╕░р╕Фр╕зр╕Б
р╕Бр╕гр╕░р╕Чр╕гр╕зр╕Зр╣Ар╕Чр╕Др╣Вр╕Щр╣Вр╕ер╕вр╕╡р╕кр╕▓р╕гр╕кр╕Щр╣Ар╕Чр╕ир╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕кр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕кр╕▓р╕г р╣Др╕Фр╣Йр╕бр╕╡р╕Др╕│р╕кр╕▒р╣Ир╕Зр╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕гр╕░р╕Зр╕▒р╕Ър╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Ар╕Ьр╕вр╣Бр╕Юр╕гр╣Ир╣Ар╕зр╣Зр╕Ър╣Др╕Лр╕Фр╣Мр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Чр╣Ир╕▓р╕Щр╕Хр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Ар╕Вр╣Йр╕▓р╕Кр╕б
р╣Ар╕Щр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕Зр╕Ир╕▓р╕Бр╕бр╕╡р╕гр╕╣р╕Ыр╕ар╕▓р╕Ю р╕Вр╣Йр╕нр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕б р╣Бр╕ер╕░ р╣Ар╕Щр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╕лр╕▓р╕Ър╕▓р╕Зр╕кр╣Ир╕зр╕Щр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Ар╕лр╕бр╕▓р╕░р╕кр╕б р╕кр╕нр╕Ър╕Цр╕▓р╕бр╕гр╕▓р╕вр╕ер╕░р╣Ар╕нр╕╡р╕вр╕Фр╣Ар╕Юр╕┤р╣Ир╕бр╣Ар╕Хр╕┤р╕бр╣Др╕Фр╣Йр╕Чр╕╡р╣И
р╕Бр╕гр╕░р╕Чр╕гр╕зр╕Зр╣Ар╕Чр╕Др╣Вр╕Щр╣Вр╕ер╕вр╕╡р╕кр╕▓р╕гр╕кр╕Щр╣Ар╕Чр╕ир╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕кр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕кр╕▓р╕г р╣Вр╕Чр╕г 0 2141 6950”…
while parts 1-3 and 5 are still accessible?
Lynas – with love from Perth!
I too am perplexed at the unbelievable statement that you don’t want the proven and tested safe Australian business. You say you don’t want our pollution, you tell us to stay in our own country.
I.ll tell you why Lynas wanted to invest in Malaysia, not because we wanted to dump our rubbish in Malaysia, but because your successive governments have made it attractive to invest in Malaysia. You provide the right environment, the right qualified people, in other words the right place to invest. Like IBM like Acer, like HP all world renowned companies like Petrobras the Brazilian oil Company all producing waste in their manufacturing process but all safe like LYNAS invest and provide employment because you are a smart country. You have the most advanced technical park equal to any in the world in KL.
I wish that the Lynas plant could have been set up in Australia and provided employment for our engineers and operators, our plant builders etc. but we lack a smart government, we unfortunately have a government that lets investment opportunities go offshore.
Wake up Malaysia, get beyond the politics and enjoy the investment opportunity that you are being offered.
Like or Dislike: 0 0
Burma and North Korea: Two hungry tigers
It was the Godfather of the current outfit Ne Win who said seizing power and holding on to it was like pulling the tiger’s tail, you just didn’t dare let go, although he did go through the motions of letting go as the mismanagement crisis deepened, but only to renew his grip.
Here’s another instance where you just couldn’t repeat the same old trick in the 21st C., so needs must. They changed tack after two more decades and a half century of military dictatorship, as their crisis deepened, despite Russia, Japan, both Koreas as well as all the neighbours having been on side and doing a roaring trade with them.
It’s definitely an improvement over not just N Korea but their own mentor China. It’s about having your cake and eating it. It’s the Burmese Way to Glasnost & Perestroika. ‘Pluralism’ must be delivered.
There is everything to play for in and out of parliament. A reforming govt is at its most vulnerable as Alexis de Tocqueville once famously said. As for the opposition the Burmese expression goes, “a bold stroke seizes the throne, temerity misses the opportunity”.
Reviewing King Bhumibol’s life
After much embarrassment, Part V of Andrew MacGregor Marshall’s book review cum magnum opus is out. here’s a link: http://www.zenjournalist.com/2012/03/the-tragedy-of-king-bhumibol-v/
Andrew, now that this temporary diversion appears to be nearing its end, do you think you can oblige with Part IV of #Thaistory?
After Aung San Suu Kyi’s election
plan B,
Still shooting the messenger?
Must deserve a medal the way you deliberately manage wide off the real culprits, your smart manipulators. KISSingly and consistently transparent.
Crown Prince’s family update?
AL #75 р╕нр╕вр╕╣р╣Ир╕нр╕▓р╣Ар╕бр╕гр╕┤р╕Бр╕▓р╕Щр╕▓р╕Щр╣Бр╕ер╣Йр╕з р╕вр╕▒р╕Зр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕гр╕╣р╣Йр╕Ир╕▒р╕Бр╕Др╕│р╕зр╣Ир╕▓”р╣Ар╕кр╕гр╕╡р╕ар╕▓р╕Ю”р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕н
After Aung San Suu Kyi’s election
Depayin happened during ASSK’s Upper Burma tour that brought people out in great numbers in support and adulation. Even if the current electoral success indicates the extent of the new found permissiveness in return for lifting the sanctions, it seems too good to be true.
For one thing they have yet to announce the official results, and the general election of November 2010 too recent to forget what happened to the final results. Not that they didn’t try to scupper the chances of most of the NLD candidates this time either, through campaigning and voting ‘irregularities’ to ballot counting which may yet turn out completely unrecognisable from the exit polls.
Ohn’s point about the ongoing brutal civil wars and half-hearted peace parleys exposes a major fly in the ointment in this happy turn of events. Were it not for this particular sticking point, Thein Sein might even expect the Nobel peace prize like F W de Klerk!
Let’s hope for all our sake the euphoria will not prove short-lived. Unfortunately Nich’s scenario #4 and Charles F.’s #5 are all too likely given the track record of more or less the same old outfit.
Interview with Doctors Without Borders – Myanmar
plan B,
Yes, power to the people…. like manna from heaven, Western heavens, eh? How very simplistic.