@Aim Sinpeng
I don’t know if anyone else noticed, but all of the ‘loud mouth’ controversial UDD/PTP characters have been extremely quite lately. My impression is that Yingluck is enforcing her own ‘no public criticisms of opponents’ personality onto her subordinates (which personally I think is a good thing). Whether these characters speak the truth or not, their statements are typically controversial and inflaming for the ‘other side’. Chalerm is one such character – making several controversial statements when PTP came to power. And perhaps he’s under orders to stay out of the spotlight and work without attracting unnecessary attention. To be fair, out of sight doesn’t mean he is just warming his seat . . .
The policy I think is generally working in terms of ending division.
Good to see this news this morning:
Council of State rejects proposed amendments to Print Registration Act as unconstitutional
Wed, 02/11/2011 – 12:08 | by prachatai
In discussing societal change in Vietnam since the Doi Moi in 1986 it is really not worthwhile debating whether Vietnam is socialist or not because such a debate offers few insights as to how Vietnam has progressed since 1986. Beresford’s 2008 article is a good account of just how far down the road of modernity Vietnam has traveled in 25 years and is more helpful for understanding Vietnamese society today than Ji Ungpakorn’s polemics about the nature of the Vietnamese state and society.
In general Vietnam has made tremendous strides since 1986 – bearing in mind it had to fight numerous wars to achieve national independence and also deal with problems in neighboring Cambodia and China’s (and all those who opposed Vietnam after 1975) – and no amount of critical or misinformed analysis can take this away from Vietnam and its people. When one looks at many other post-colonial societies or cuntries such as Iraq and Afghanistan on a contemporary basis Vietnam is almost in a league of its own.
However, not everything is rosy in the Socialist republic of Vietnam and both Vietnamese who are living in Vietnam (and of course many in the dispora) and non-Vietnamese who have lived and worked or lived, worked and studied in Vietnam are able to offer critiques that are not always flattering.
For instance, Vietnam has an impressive track record of reducing poverty amongst its poor, both urban and rural, although there are still quite serious problems for some indigenous groups such as the Jarai or Ede in the Central Highlands or ethnic minorities such as the Hmong in the Northern Uplands. But other ethnic groups such as the Dao, Tay and Khmer (latter depicted in neighboring Cambodia by some “rabid” Cambodian nationalists as being severely oppressed and exploited actually have superior social and economic indicators to most rural Khmer people). With the exception of most indigenous groups and ethnic minorities (Hoa being an exception) quite robust statistical indicators such as the Vietnam Household Living Standards Surveys (VHLSS) that are available online can demonstrate such tendencies.
Nevertheless, there are some fears that as large numbers of people have moved out of poverty they are still quite poor and should Vietnam not be able to maintain its economic momentum (it needs GDP growth rates at least in excess of 6% per annum for the next few decades as indeed did Thailand for over 4 decades) there is the possibility that hitherto non-poor people might slide back into poverty. This is a real challenge for the Government and Party in Vietnam where there are many visible signs of the new rich (e.g. last year 20 Rolls Royces were sold in Hanoi) enjoying a greater share of the benefits than the less well-off. Yet to be realistic what else can be expected? Take a trip to neighboring China or across the border to Cambodia or the Lao PDR and such manifestations of new-found wealth are highly visible.
Vietnam is more “democratic” than its one-party state would suggest and often local authorities fight tooth and nail with central government agencies over a variety of issues from physical infrastructure development to measures to attract private sector investment. There are no permanent bad guys or gals in these encounters and conflicts vary from issue to issue and from agency to agency (e.g. Vietnam has quite progressive provisions for people who lose their land and other physical assets as a result of infrastructure projects but sometimes affected people do not always receive the full amount of agreed upon compensation or legitimate grievances are railroaded).
When one analyzes the nature of politics in any society, and of course Vietnam is no exception, it is necessary to provide plently of empirical examples rather than theoretical assertions. Being inside the “Whale”is often more useful than shouting from the “Rooftop”.
There are many other issues I hope the few points I have raised above serve to highlight that the debate is considerably more complex than whether or not Vietnam is or was socialist.
Quick update: Krisdika (Council of State) commented that the proposed Printing Act amendment violates constitutionally guaranteed rights, particularly freedom of expression. As a result, the government on Tuesday (1 November) ordered the Culture Ministry to review the draft.
I believe that there is no question that deforestation contributes to the frequency and severity of flooding. It is scientifically proven how much water the roots of a tree can retain, and just common sense tells me that water runoff, particularly on a slope, must occur at a greater intensity post versus pre-felling of trees. I can see the argument that water runoff becomes more significant with severity of storms, irrespective of the existence of forests, but that again seems to me to be common sense and not an argument against the impact that deforestation has on water retention.
Consider the reverse observation made by Welsh farmers, as described in a Guardian article in 2004 (http://bit.ly/qB94nT): “They had noticed that during rainstorms their newly planted woodland seemed capable of absorbing vast quantities of water while grazed land let rain pour down hillsides…..Water will always move down a hill, either over the surface or through the soil, but this way (they) could stop it all arriving at the same time. Major surges would merely become heavy flows.” Again, common sense?
Not even 200 years ago, Thailand used to be a densely wooded land, forcing the population to live along shorelines and waterways. Subsequent logging has taken care of much of these tropical forests. But deforestation is a fact of life, well-known to Thailand for many years. We need to point the finger to a combination of factors, such as: severity and frequency of storms (natural causes); deforestation; loss of natural rain catchment areas as a consequence of urban planning (or lack thereof); and atrocious and politicized water management, all of which have created a “perfect storm” in 2011.
If both your points 1 and 2 are down to the West and their sanctions, we really are done for. Rather like the Hand of Providence with no other causal agency such as our oh so patriotic caring and loving regime. Pray humour us lowly creatures with the benefit of your wisdom on “western style incivilities” 101 .
Did it ever occur to you that popular struggle is a natural reaction to injustice and unfairness? That it might even involve armed resistance? ASSK is a popular leader but not the popular struggle. Once she gets successfully co-opted by the newly democratic regime, the struggle will lose momentum but unlikely to cease so long as the underlying cause of injustice and unfairness remain unresolved over both political and economic freedoms for both mainstream and minority groups. And that’s regardless of the West’s endorsement of ‘incremental reforms’ and ‘positive changes’ with ASSK’s blessing and subsequent welcome for the regime to join the ‘new world order’.
Aung Gyi has been a Ne Win loyalist all his life, and the one who shouted “Reds under the bed” on ASSK after ingratiating himself into the NLD leadership having got away with playing the agent provocateur in the early days of 8888. He’s the one who had successfully flushed out the opposition by his open letter to his beloved leader.
I think you should check Forbe for richest royal and see who is the biggest capitalist of all. Furthermore, can you say that flood in any other country was cause by deforestation? did Queensland flood beacause of deforestation?? think about it.
You cant wash blood with blood and this legislation will just add sault to the injury. Instead of demolish the abusive law, they instead introduced another one. I never have too much hope but I never expected them to make things worst.
I haven’t been writing much for a while now. It seems the comments and even topics, have little relevance to what is really going on in Thailand.
These floods are so much worse for Thai people than most of the NM posters and commentators seem to understand, if their silence is any indication.
That’s why it is refreshing to read Khun Archara’s commentary.
This is not about Red Shirts, PAD, bring back Thaksin or even the LM hobby horse.
Khun Archara’s comments are made with obvious awareness.
This story is about Thai people.
If there is a “cause” in these floods, it is one to ensure the issue does not just go back under the carpet. The effects of these floods which started several weeks ago up country, on ordinary Thai people, are far more devastating than any effects of the topics which always seem to attract the spruikers on NM.
It’s a pity that so far (the post has been up for half a day) there are no “wise words” from the usual suspects, either in support or condemnation.
Perhaps something like this crisis is not as important as some of the riveting “intellectual” discussions which seem to be more appealing to the chatterers?
Perhaps I feel it, because we are in the middle of Don Muang and after securing our house, as much as we can (still flooded to 6 inches on the ground floor), we, as did many of our Thai neighbors, decided to stay, rather than go to grossly inadequate accommodation elsewhere, In any case we will still likely be “confined” to our upstairs area for the next few weeks. As for our neighbors, many of them have no income for now. Food on the table means a lot.
After the floods recede, whoever is in charge needs to make this the number one issue in the country – for the Thai people. Easier said than done as you can already see the greedy pollies and others, lining the ducks up against the wall, so as to enjoy the spoils of reconstruction.
Then as there will be lots more booty in rebuilding, than the now difficult programs of tablets for the kids and increases in the daily wage (one which will no doubt be the most exploited of all) it provides a face saving position for the current government.
In the meantime, my wife won some money in the Gov’t lottery today.
She’s happy – so am I.
Sometimes these simple things are so much more important .
I know you are still frantically”white washing”, but not so fast, the iniquity of deprivation “sanction” ,which negative consequences will take at least equal if not 2-3 x longer i.e. 1-2 generations to reverse.
You must be either numb or outright psychotic, considering:
1) The ongoing war, a result of brothers fighting brothers left over scraps.
2) The recent CDF ( Children defend fund) again confirming that 1 in every 5 children never live to see their fifth birthday in Myanmar.
“western style incivilities” 101 —
On 2nd thought you have just made my point well with being a consummate Man Friday, again.
I admit that I’m still in “wait and see” mode about the new government’s actual stance on freedom of expression.
Given the invective hurled at them during the election (and IMO still lurking just below the surface since) questioning their “loyalty”, it comes as no surprise to me that they have taken steps to secure a vulnerable flank. Whether the “war room” is for real or is just a “put out more flags” token gesture to silence critics remains to be seen.
Picking up on Sunai’s point 4) – it’s notable that the titles mentioned have been rather selective (aka inconsistent) in what they choose to criticise.
As a resident of Pa-an, the capital of Karen State, I could assure you that there has been (almost) no prisoners taken by Burmese Military during my life time in Burma except some prisoners arrested as cadres of insurgent around our township. I used to live adjacent to the regional military headquarter, between 1978-89, in my town and all I heard was horror stories of insurgent prisoners.
For the part of insurgents? They do a bit better although not as good as you might want to hear. Some prisoners simply perished at the hands of hatred filled low ranking insurgents, some returned safely to their home and some disappeared into Thailand’s illegal work-forces as they fear that their ungraceful return would only bring misery life at the hand of their superiors.
I’ve watched the video that filmed and post on youtube from KIA featuring their prized prisoners but not really impressed by the way they have presented. The video clip could be edited into a well orchestrated media circus but they simply blew it by showing gruesome images and a lot of unnecessary talking. This act will supply some people, who are ready to hate insurgents, to justify KIA as a ruthless arm organisation and the tone of the person who spoken to prisoners in the video clip was not very helpful too.
For Ron Brewer’s question, ‘But protection from whom?, my understanding is that the informed Burmese communities are the guarantors of those prisoners. Should we think that the KIA will simply tarnish their reputation by terminating these prisoners who were well publicized among Burmese communities around the world? However, I’m not betting the outcome from this issue as anything could happen with a slight change of situation.
Actually, I care more about the civilians who are suffering from this senseless civil war. Unfortunately, this needs to transform the whole region into an empathetic civil society which is almost impossible to do.
With people in their 100’s of 1000’s around the World calling for an end to the power of the (capitalist super rich) 1% in favour of the 99% one would have thought this topic would have attracted numerous comments. Especially detractors of Royal institutions might have seen the relevance of socialism to their cause. How out of touch with reality are the readers of New Mandela?
Well there are forests and forests. So which ones are we talking about? And then there are, or were, grasslands.
Different vegetation communities differ in their ability to hold the soil which acts as a major water reservoir, far more important than dams and also to slow the passage of water.
So for example the Themeda grasslands at Cooper Street on the Merri Creek in Melbourne hold rain water for many hours while golf courses fail to do this.
A winding stream with a riparian forest similarly slows down and spreads the flow across the landscape far more gently than a channelised stream.
The Democrat Government with Chart Thai Pattana in command of the Irrigation Dept spent millions of baht, in a program that still continues, channelising streams and destroying riparian forests thereby speeding the flow of waters towards central Thailand.
1) Abhisit government used emergency powers to ban publications associated with the Red Shirts, such as “Voice of Taksin” and “Red Power”. Such actions were arbitrary and seriously undermining freedom of expression. Crackdown of websites and community radio stations was prolific.
2) The proposed Printing Act amendment will provide power to the National Police Chief to take action (to prohibit publication, distribution, import, or import for distribution of printing material) without court order or review by any other agencies. That, combined with broad and vague interpretation of LM, security threat, and “anti-public order and morals”, will make it more convenient for the government to enforce censorship and prosecute critics.
3) The Printing Act amendment will need to go through the Parliament. The schedule for that is still unclear. It will be an important test of Yingluck’s government pledges to restore democracy and human rights. But to date, its stance on freedom of expression has been disappointing (ie announced that it will not amend Article 112; set up a “war room” at the National Police HQ to monitor and coordinate crackdown on LM websites; and arrested people using Article 112 and the Computer Crime Act).
4) The Nation, Naew Na, Thai Post, Phujadkarn, and senior members of Thai press associations, who oppose the Printing Act amendment, should be as vocal about the infringement of freedom of expression and media freedom under Article 112, the Computer Crime Act, and the Emergency Decree.
5) Key issues of concern in the Printing Act amendment are Articles 10, 18/1, and 27:
what you sai makes no sense.
you support freedom of speech or you don’t. You can’t say restricting freedom of speech is okay for newspapers that agendo you don’t like.
I don’t like the Thanong/Yoon combo as well, but let them write whatever they want.
If that is true what PTP is trying there then it’s a mess. But i need to hear about this from other sources than the Nation before i think it’s credible.
Also wonder how PTP ancient ideas of censorship work in modern times of the internet. Last time they tried that was a decade ago and rules of the games have changed completely. They might just fall on their nose with this.
Again, this is just an opinion piece by SY, the accuracy of Nation Opinion pieces have gone down significantly in the last few weeks. just remember TK’s piece about how reds do nothing to help with the flood. basically made up out of thin air.
If they are based on facts, then why do they have to be put in the opinion section? you could easily call it “fiction” at the moment.
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Managing people harder than managing water
@Aim Sinpeng
I don’t know if anyone else noticed, but all of the ‘loud mouth’ controversial UDD/PTP characters have been extremely quite lately. My impression is that Yingluck is enforcing her own ‘no public criticisms of opponents’ personality onto her subordinates (which personally I think is a good thing). Whether these characters speak the truth or not, their statements are typically controversial and inflaming for the ‘other side’. Chalerm is one such character – making several controversial statements when PTP came to power. And perhaps he’s under orders to stay out of the spotlight and work without attracting unnecessary attention. To be fair, out of sight doesn’t mean he is just warming his seat . . .
The policy I think is generally working in terms of ending division.
What’s going on with the Thai Printing Act?
Good to see this news this morning:
Council of State rejects proposed amendments to Print Registration Act as unconstitutional
Wed, 02/11/2011 – 12:08 | by prachatai
Starting points: Vietnam in 1986
In discussing societal change in Vietnam since the Doi Moi in 1986 it is really not worthwhile debating whether Vietnam is socialist or not because such a debate offers few insights as to how Vietnam has progressed since 1986. Beresford’s 2008 article is a good account of just how far down the road of modernity Vietnam has traveled in 25 years and is more helpful for understanding Vietnamese society today than Ji Ungpakorn’s polemics about the nature of the Vietnamese state and society.
In general Vietnam has made tremendous strides since 1986 – bearing in mind it had to fight numerous wars to achieve national independence and also deal with problems in neighboring Cambodia and China’s (and all those who opposed Vietnam after 1975) – and no amount of critical or misinformed analysis can take this away from Vietnam and its people. When one looks at many other post-colonial societies or cuntries such as Iraq and Afghanistan on a contemporary basis Vietnam is almost in a league of its own.
However, not everything is rosy in the Socialist republic of Vietnam and both Vietnamese who are living in Vietnam (and of course many in the dispora) and non-Vietnamese who have lived and worked or lived, worked and studied in Vietnam are able to offer critiques that are not always flattering.
For instance, Vietnam has an impressive track record of reducing poverty amongst its poor, both urban and rural, although there are still quite serious problems for some indigenous groups such as the Jarai or Ede in the Central Highlands or ethnic minorities such as the Hmong in the Northern Uplands. But other ethnic groups such as the Dao, Tay and Khmer (latter depicted in neighboring Cambodia by some “rabid” Cambodian nationalists as being severely oppressed and exploited actually have superior social and economic indicators to most rural Khmer people). With the exception of most indigenous groups and ethnic minorities (Hoa being an exception) quite robust statistical indicators such as the Vietnam Household Living Standards Surveys (VHLSS) that are available online can demonstrate such tendencies.
Nevertheless, there are some fears that as large numbers of people have moved out of poverty they are still quite poor and should Vietnam not be able to maintain its economic momentum (it needs GDP growth rates at least in excess of 6% per annum for the next few decades as indeed did Thailand for over 4 decades) there is the possibility that hitherto non-poor people might slide back into poverty. This is a real challenge for the Government and Party in Vietnam where there are many visible signs of the new rich (e.g. last year 20 Rolls Royces were sold in Hanoi) enjoying a greater share of the benefits than the less well-off. Yet to be realistic what else can be expected? Take a trip to neighboring China or across the border to Cambodia or the Lao PDR and such manifestations of new-found wealth are highly visible.
Vietnam is more “democratic” than its one-party state would suggest and often local authorities fight tooth and nail with central government agencies over a variety of issues from physical infrastructure development to measures to attract private sector investment. There are no permanent bad guys or gals in these encounters and conflicts vary from issue to issue and from agency to agency (e.g. Vietnam has quite progressive provisions for people who lose their land and other physical assets as a result of infrastructure projects but sometimes affected people do not always receive the full amount of agreed upon compensation or legitimate grievances are railroaded).
When one analyzes the nature of politics in any society, and of course Vietnam is no exception, it is necessary to provide plently of empirical examples rather than theoretical assertions. Being inside the “Whale”is often more useful than shouting from the “Rooftop”.
There are many other issues I hope the few points I have raised above serve to highlight that the debate is considerably more complex than whether or not Vietnam is or was socialist.
What’s going on with the Thai Printing Act?
Quick update: Krisdika (Council of State) commented that the proposed Printing Act amendment violates constitutionally guaranteed rights, particularly freedom of expression. As a result, the government on Tuesday (1 November) ordered the Culture Ministry to review the draft.
Has forest clearing contributed to Thailand’s floods?
I believe that there is no question that deforestation contributes to the frequency and severity of flooding. It is scientifically proven how much water the roots of a tree can retain, and just common sense tells me that water runoff, particularly on a slope, must occur at a greater intensity post versus pre-felling of trees. I can see the argument that water runoff becomes more significant with severity of storms, irrespective of the existence of forests, but that again seems to me to be common sense and not an argument against the impact that deforestation has on water retention.
Consider the reverse observation made by Welsh farmers, as described in a Guardian article in 2004 (http://bit.ly/qB94nT): “They had noticed that during rainstorms their newly planted woodland seemed capable of absorbing vast quantities of water while grazed land let rain pour down hillsides…..Water will always move down a hill, either over the surface or through the soil, but this way (they) could stop it all arriving at the same time. Major surges would merely become heavy flows.” Again, common sense?
Not even 200 years ago, Thailand used to be a densely wooded land, forcing the population to live along shorelines and waterways. Subsequent logging has taken care of much of these tropical forests. But deforestation is a fact of life, well-known to Thailand for many years. We need to point the finger to a combination of factors, such as: severity and frequency of storms (natural causes); deforestation; loss of natural rain catchment areas as a consequence of urban planning (or lack thereof); and atrocious and politicized water management, all of which have created a “perfect storm” in 2011.
Aung Gyi’s letters to Ne Win
plan B,
If both your points 1 and 2 are down to the West and their sanctions, we really are done for. Rather like the Hand of Providence with no other causal agency such as our oh so patriotic caring and loving regime. Pray humour us lowly creatures with the benefit of your wisdom on “western style incivilities” 101 .
Did it ever occur to you that popular struggle is a natural reaction to injustice and unfairness? That it might even involve armed resistance? ASSK is a popular leader but not the popular struggle. Once she gets successfully co-opted by the newly democratic regime, the struggle will lose momentum but unlikely to cease so long as the underlying cause of injustice and unfairness remain unresolved over both political and economic freedoms for both mainstream and minority groups. And that’s regardless of the West’s endorsement of ‘incremental reforms’ and ‘positive changes’ with ASSK’s blessing and subsequent welcome for the regime to join the ‘new world order’.
Aung Gyi has been a Ne Win loyalist all his life, and the one who shouted “Reds under the bed” on ASSK after ingratiating himself into the NLD leadership having got away with playing the agent provocateur in the early days of 8888. He’s the one who had successfully flushed out the opposition by his open letter to his beloved leader.
Floods, hacks and the Nitirat effect
I’m really curious if the boy hack Abhisit Facebook, what will happened to him.
How much of this years’ rain was royal?
MakeSanse – 6
I think you should check Forbe for richest royal and see who is the biggest capitalist of all. Furthermore, can you say that flood in any other country was cause by deforestation? did Queensland flood beacause of deforestation?? think about it.
What’s going on with the Thai Printing Act?
You cant wash blood with blood and this legislation will just add sault to the injury. Instead of demolish the abusive law, they instead introduced another one. I never have too much hope but I never expected them to make things worst.
Floods and political ideology
Constant Petit : 7
I think what bunny meant was taking a rest, not rest as in situated.
The toll of flooding on lives and politics
I haven’t been writing much for a while now. It seems the comments and even topics, have little relevance to what is really going on in Thailand.
These floods are so much worse for Thai people than most of the NM posters and commentators seem to understand, if their silence is any indication.
That’s why it is refreshing to read Khun Archara’s commentary.
This is not about Red Shirts, PAD, bring back Thaksin or even the LM hobby horse.
Khun Archara’s comments are made with obvious awareness.
This story is about Thai people.
If there is a “cause” in these floods, it is one to ensure the issue does not just go back under the carpet. The effects of these floods which started several weeks ago up country, on ordinary Thai people, are far more devastating than any effects of the topics which always seem to attract the spruikers on NM.
It’s a pity that so far (the post has been up for half a day) there are no “wise words” from the usual suspects, either in support or condemnation.
Perhaps something like this crisis is not as important as some of the riveting “intellectual” discussions which seem to be more appealing to the chatterers?
Perhaps I feel it, because we are in the middle of Don Muang and after securing our house, as much as we can (still flooded to 6 inches on the ground floor), we, as did many of our Thai neighbors, decided to stay, rather than go to grossly inadequate accommodation elsewhere, In any case we will still likely be “confined” to our upstairs area for the next few weeks. As for our neighbors, many of them have no income for now. Food on the table means a lot.
After the floods recede, whoever is in charge needs to make this the number one issue in the country – for the Thai people. Easier said than done as you can already see the greedy pollies and others, lining the ducks up against the wall, so as to enjoy the spoils of reconstruction.
Then as there will be lots more booty in rebuilding, than the now difficult programs of tablets for the kids and increases in the daily wage (one which will no doubt be the most exploited of all) it provides a face saving position for the current government.
In the meantime, my wife won some money in the Gov’t lottery today.
She’s happy – so am I.
Sometimes these simple things are so much more important .
Aung Gyi’s letters to Ne Win
“Cheer up. Things seem to be going your way ”
Ko Moe Aung
I know you are still frantically”white washing”, but not so fast, the iniquity of deprivation “sanction” ,which negative consequences will take at least equal if not 2-3 x longer i.e. 1-2 generations to reverse.
You must be either numb or outright psychotic, considering:
1) The ongoing war, a result of brothers fighting brothers left over scraps.
2) The recent CDF ( Children defend fund) again confirming that 1 in every 5 children never live to see their fifth birthday in Myanmar.
“western style incivilities” 101 —
On 2nd thought you have just made my point well with being a consummate Man Friday, again.
Floods and political ideology
Dear Bunny: Where in the world does politics rest?
What’s going on with the Thai Printing Act?
Thanks Sunai, Much clearer now.
What’s going on with the Thai Printing Act?
I admit that I’m still in “wait and see” mode about the new government’s actual stance on freedom of expression.
Given the invective hurled at them during the election (and IMO still lurking just below the surface since) questioning their “loyalty”, it comes as no surprise to me that they have taken steps to secure a vulnerable flank. Whether the “war room” is for real or is just a “put out more flags” token gesture to silence critics remains to be seen.
Picking up on Sunai’s point 4) – it’s notable that the titles mentioned have been rather selective (aka inconsistent) in what they choose to criticise.
Prisoners in Burma’s Kachin war
As a resident of Pa-an, the capital of Karen State, I could assure you that there has been (almost) no prisoners taken by Burmese Military during my life time in Burma except some prisoners arrested as cadres of insurgent around our township. I used to live adjacent to the regional military headquarter, between 1978-89, in my town and all I heard was horror stories of insurgent prisoners.
For the part of insurgents? They do a bit better although not as good as you might want to hear. Some prisoners simply perished at the hands of hatred filled low ranking insurgents, some returned safely to their home and some disappeared into Thailand’s illegal work-forces as they fear that their ungraceful return would only bring misery life at the hand of their superiors.
I’ve watched the video that filmed and post on youtube from KIA featuring their prized prisoners but not really impressed by the way they have presented. The video clip could be edited into a well orchestrated media circus but they simply blew it by showing gruesome images and a lot of unnecessary talking. This act will supply some people, who are ready to hate insurgents, to justify KIA as a ruthless arm organisation and the tone of the person who spoken to prisoners in the video clip was not very helpful too.
For Ron Brewer’s question, ‘But protection from whom?, my understanding is that the informed Burmese communities are the guarantors of those prisoners. Should we think that the KIA will simply tarnish their reputation by terminating these prisoners who were well publicized among Burmese communities around the world? However, I’m not betting the outcome from this issue as anything could happen with a slight change of situation.
Actually, I care more about the civilians who are suffering from this senseless civil war. Unfortunately, this needs to transform the whole region into an empathetic civil society which is almost impossible to do.
Starting points: Vietnam in 1986
With people in their 100’s of 1000’s around the World calling for an end to the power of the (capitalist super rich) 1% in favour of the 99% one would have thought this topic would have attracted numerous comments. Especially detractors of Royal institutions might have seen the relevance of socialism to their cause. How out of touch with reality are the readers of New Mandela?
Has forest clearing contributed to Thailand’s floods?
Well there are forests and forests. So which ones are we talking about? And then there are, or were, grasslands.
Different vegetation communities differ in their ability to hold the soil which acts as a major water reservoir, far more important than dams and also to slow the passage of water.
So for example the Themeda grasslands at Cooper Street on the Merri Creek in Melbourne hold rain water for many hours while golf courses fail to do this.
A winding stream with a riparian forest similarly slows down and spreads the flow across the landscape far more gently than a channelised stream.
The Democrat Government with Chart Thai Pattana in command of the Irrigation Dept spent millions of baht, in a program that still continues, channelising streams and destroying riparian forests thereby speeding the flow of waters towards central Thailand.
What’s going on with the Thai Printing Act?
1) Abhisit government used emergency powers to ban publications associated with the Red Shirts, such as “Voice of Taksin” and “Red Power”. Such actions were arbitrary and seriously undermining freedom of expression. Crackdown of websites and community radio stations was prolific.
2) The proposed Printing Act amendment will provide power to the National Police Chief to take action (to prohibit publication, distribution, import, or import for distribution of printing material) without court order or review by any other agencies. That, combined with broad and vague interpretation of LM, security threat, and “anti-public order and morals”, will make it more convenient for the government to enforce censorship and prosecute critics.
3) The Printing Act amendment will need to go through the Parliament. The schedule for that is still unclear. It will be an important test of Yingluck’s government pledges to restore democracy and human rights. But to date, its stance on freedom of expression has been disappointing (ie announced that it will not amend Article 112; set up a “war room” at the National Police HQ to monitor and coordinate crackdown on LM websites; and arrested people using Article 112 and the Computer Crime Act).
4) The Nation, Naew Na, Thai Post, Phujadkarn, and senior members of Thai press associations, who oppose the Printing Act amendment, should be as vocal about the infringement of freedom of expression and media freedom under Article 112, the Computer Crime Act, and the Emergency Decree.
5) Key issues of concern in the Printing Act amendment are Articles 10, 18/1, and 27:
“р╕бр╕▓р╕Хр╕гр╕▓ р╣Ср╣Р р╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕Ьр╕╣р╣Йр╕Ър╕▒р╕Нр╕Кр╕▓р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Хр╕│р╕гр╕зр╕Ир╣Бр╕лр╣Ир╕Зр╕Кр╕▓р╕Хр╕┤р╕бр╕╡р╕нр╕│р╕Щр╕▓р╕Ир╕нр╕нр╕Бр╕Др╕│р╕кр╕▒р╣Ир╕Зр╕лр╣Йр╕▓р╕бр╕Юр╕┤р╕бр╕Юр╣М р╣Ар╕Ьр╕вр╣Бр╕Юр╕гр╣И р╕кр╕▒р╣Ир╕Зр╣Ар╕Вр╣Йр╕▓р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Щр╕│р╣Ар╕Вр╣Йр╕▓р╣Ар╕Юр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╣Ар╕Ьр╕вр╣Бр╕Юр╕гр╣Ир╣Гр╕Щр╕гр╕▓р╕Кр╕нр╕▓р╕Ур╕▓р╕Ир╕▒р╕Бр╕г р╕Лр╕╢р╣Ир╕Зр╕кр╕┤р╣Ир╕Зр╕Юр╕┤р╕бр╕Юр╣Мр╣Гр╕Фр╣Ж р╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕лр╕бр╕┤р╣Ир╕Щр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕бр╕▓р╕Ч р╕Фр╕╣р╕лр╕бр╕┤р╣Ир╕Щ р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╣Бр╕кр╕Фр╕Зр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕нр╕▓р╕Жр╕▓р╕Хр╕бр╕▓р╕Фр╕гр╣Йр╕▓р╕вр╕Юр╕гр╕░р╕бр╕лр╕▓р╕Бр╕йр╕▒р╕Хр╕гр╕┤р╕вр╣М р╕Юр╕гр╕░р╕гр╕▓р╕Кр╕┤р╕Щр╕╡ р╕гр╕▒р╕Кр╕Чр╕▓р╕вр╕▓р╕Ч р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Ьр╕╣р╣Йр╕кр╕│р╣Ар╕гр╣Зр╕Ир╕гр╕▓р╕Кр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Бр╕Чр╕Щр╕Юр╕гр╕░р╕нр╕Зр╕Др╣М р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Бр╕гр╕░р╕Чр╕Ър╕Хр╣Ир╕нр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕бр╕▒р╣Ир╕Щр╕Др╕Зр╣Бр╕лр╣Ир╕Зр╕гр╕▓р╕Кр╕нр╕▓р╕Ур╕▓р╕Ир╕▒р╕Бр╕г р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕кр╕Зр╕Ър╣Ар╕гр╕╡р╕вр╕Ър╕гр╣Йр╕нр╕в р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕ир╕╡р╕ер╕Шр╕гр╕гр╕бр╕нр╕▒р╕Щр╕Фр╕╡р╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Кр╕▓р╕Кр╕Щ р╣Вр╕Фр╕вр╕Ир╕░р╕Бр╕│р╕лр╕Щр╕Фр╣Ар╕зр╕ер╕▓р╕лр╣Йр╕▓р╕бр╣Др╕зр╣Йр╣Гр╕Щр╕Др╕│р╕кр╕▒р╣Ир╕Зр╕Фр╕▒р╕Зр╕Бр╕ер╣Ир╕▓р╕зр╕Фр╣Йр╕зр╕вр╕Бр╣Зр╣Др╕Фр╣Й
р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕нр╕нр╕Бр╕Др╕│р╕кр╕▒р╣Ир╕Зр╕Хр╕▓р╕бр╕зр╕гр╕гр╕Др╕лр╕Щр╕╢р╣Ир╕З р╕лр╣Йр╕▓р╕бр╕бр╕┤р╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕Щр╕│р╕Вр╣Йр╕нр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕бр╕╡р╕ер╕▒р╕Бр╕йр╕Ур╕░р╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕лр╕бр╕┤р╣Ир╕Щр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕бр╕▓р╕Чр╕Фр╕╣р╕лр╕бр╕┤р╣Ир╕Щ р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╣Бр╕кр╕Фр╕Зр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕нр╕▓р╕Жр╕▓р╕Хр╕бр╕▓р╕Фр╕гр╣Йр╕▓р╕вр╕Юр╕гр╕░р╕бр╕лр╕▓р╕Бр╕йр╕▒р╕Хр╕гр╕┤р╕вр╣М р╕Юр╕гр╕░р╕гр╕▓р╕Кр╕┤р╕Щр╕╡ р╕гр╕▒р╕Кр╕Чр╕▓р╕вр╕▓р╕Ч р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Ьр╕╣р╣Йр╕кр╕│р╣Ар╕гр╣Зр╕Ир╕гр╕▓р╕Кр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Бр╕Чр╕Щр╕Юр╕гр╕░р╕нр╕Зр╕Др╣М р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Вр╣Йр╕нр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Бр╕гр╕░р╕Чр╕Ър╕Хр╣Ир╕нр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕бр╕▒р╣Ир╕Щр╕Др╕Зр╣Бр╕лр╣Ир╕Зр╕гр╕▓р╕Кр╕нр╕▓р╕Ур╕▓р╕Ир╕▒р╕Бр╕г р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕кр╕Зр╕Ър╣Ар╕гр╕╡р╕вр╕Ър╕гр╣Йр╕нр╕в р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕ир╕╡р╕ер╕Шр╕гр╕гр╕бр╕нр╕▒р╕Щр╕Фр╕╡р╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Кр╕▓р╕Кр╕Щр╕бр╕▓р╣Бр╕кр╕Фр╕Зр╣Др╕зр╣Йр╕Фр╣Йр╕зр╕в
р╕кр╕┤р╣Ир╕Зр╕Юр╕┤р╕бр╕Юр╣Мр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Эр╣Ир╕▓р╕Эр╕╖р╕Щр╕зр╕гр╕гр╕Др╕лр╕Щр╕╢р╣Ир╕З р╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕Ьр╕╣р╣Йр╕Ър╕▒р╕Нр╕Кр╕▓р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Хр╕│р╕гр╕зр╕Ир╣Бр╕лр╣Ир╕Зр╕Кр╕▓р╕Хр╕┤р╕бр╕╡р╕нр╕│р╕Щр╕▓р╕Ир╕гр╕┤р╕Ъ р╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕Чр╕│р╕ер╕▓р╕в”
“р╕бр╕▓р╕Хр╕гр╕▓ р╣Ср╣Ш/р╣С р╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕Ьр╕╣р╣Йр╕Ър╕▒р╕Нр╕Кр╕▓р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Хр╕│р╕гр╕зр╕Ир╣Бр╕лр╣Ир╕Зр╕Кр╕▓р╕Хр╕┤р╕бр╕╡р╕нр╕│р╕Щр╕▓р╕Ир╕нр╕нр╕Бр╕Др╕│р╕кр╕▒р╣Ир╕Зр╕лр╣Йр╕▓р╕бр╕Юр╕┤р╕бр╕Юр╣М р╣Ар╕Ьр╕вр╣Бр╕Юр╕гр╣И р╕кр╕▒р╣Ир╕Зр╣Ар╕Вр╣Йр╕▓ р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Щр╕│р╣Ар╕Вр╣Йр╕▓р╣Ар╕Юр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╣Ар╕Ьр╕вр╣Бр╕Юр╕гр╣Ир╣Гр╕Щр╕гр╕▓р╕Кр╕нр╕▓р╕Ур╕▓р╕Ир╕▒р╕Бр╕г р╕Лр╕╢р╣Ир╕Зр╕лр╕Щр╕▒р╕Зр╕кр╕╖р╕нр╕Юр╕┤р╕бр╕Юр╣Мр╣Гр╕Фр╣Ж р╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕лр╕бр╕┤р╣Ир╕Щр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕бр╕▓р╕Ч р╕Фр╕╣р╕лр╕бр╕┤р╣Ир╕Щ р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╣Бр╕кр╕Фр╕Зр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕нр╕▓р╕Жр╕▓р╕Хр╕бр╕▓р╕Фр╕гр╣Йр╕▓р╕вр╕Юр╕гр╕░р╕бр╕лр╕▓р╕Бр╕йр╕▒р╕Хр╕гр╕┤р╕вр╣М р╕Юр╕гр╕░р╕гр╕▓р╕Кр╕┤р╕Щр╕╡ р╕гр╕▒р╕Кр╕Чр╕▓р╕вр╕▓р╕Ч р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Ьр╕╣р╣Йр╕кр╕│р╣Ар╕гр╣Зр╕Ир╕гр╕▓р╕Кр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Бр╕Чр╕Щр╕Юр╕гр╕░р╕нр╕Зр╕Др╣М р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Бр╕гр╕░р╕Чр╕Ър╕Хр╣Ир╕нр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕бр╕▒р╣Ир╕Щр╕Др╕Зр╣Бр╕лр╣Ир╕Зр╕гр╕▓р╕Кр╕нр╕▓р╕Ур╕▓р╕Ир╕▒р╕Бр╕г р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕кр╕Зр╕Ър╣Ар╕гр╕╡р╕вр╕Ър╕гр╣Йр╕нр╕в р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕ир╕╡р╕ер╕Шр╕гр╕гр╕бр╕нр╕▒р╕Щр╕Фр╕╡р╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Кр╕▓р╕Кр╕Щ р╣Вр╕Фр╕вр╕Ир╕░р╕Бр╕│р╕лр╕Щр╕Фр╣Ар╕зр╕ер╕▓р╕лр╣Йр╕▓р╕бр╣Др╕зр╣Йр╣Гр╕Щр╕Др╕│р╕кр╕▒р╣Ир╕Зр╕Фр╕▒р╕Зр╕Бр╕ер╣Ир╕▓р╕зр╕Фр╣Йр╕зр╕вр╕Бр╣Зр╣Др╕Фр╣Й
р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕нр╕нр╕Бр╕Др╕│р╕кр╕▒р╣Ир╕Зр╕Хр╕▓р╕бр╕зр╕гр╕гр╕Др╕лр╕Щр╕╢р╣Ир╕З р╕лр╣Йр╕▓р╕бр╕бр╕┤р╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕Щр╕│р╕Вр╣Йр╕нр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕бр╕╡р╕ер╕▒р╕Бр╕йр╕Ур╕░р╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕лр╕бр╕┤р╣Ир╕Щр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕бр╕▓р╕Чр╕Фр╕╣р╕лр╕бр╕┤р╣Ир╕Щ р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╣Бр╕кр╕Фр╕Зр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕нр╕▓р╕Жр╕▓р╕Хр╕бр╕▓р╕Фр╕гр╣Йр╕▓р╕вр╕Юр╕гр╕░р╕бр╕лр╕▓р╕Бр╕йр╕▒р╕Хр╕гр╕┤р╕вр╣М р╕Юр╕гр╕░р╕гр╕▓р╕Кр╕┤р╕Щр╕╡ р╕гр╕▒р╕Кр╕Чр╕▓р╕вр╕▓р╕Ч р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Ьр╕╣р╣Йр╕кр╕│р╣Ар╕гр╣Зр╕Ир╕гр╕▓р╕Кр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Бр╕Чр╕Щр╕Юр╕гр╕░р╕нр╕Зр╕Др╣М р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Вр╣Йр╕нр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Бр╕гр╕░р╕Чр╕Ър╕Хр╣Ир╕нр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕бр╕▒р╣Ир╕Щр╕Др╕Зр╣Бр╕лр╣Ир╕Зр╕гр╕▓р╕Кр╕нр╕▓р╕Ур╕▓р╕Ир╕▒р╕Бр╕г р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕кр╕Зр╕Ър╣Ар╕гр╕╡р╕вр╕Ър╕гр╣Йр╕нр╕в р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕ир╕╡р╕ер╕Шр╕гр╕гр╕бр╕нр╕▒р╕Щр╕Фр╕╡р╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Кр╕▓р╕Кр╕Щр╕бр╕▓р╣Бр╕кр╕Фр╕Зр╣Др╕зр╣Йр╕Фр╣Йр╕зр╕в
р╕лр╕Щр╕▒р╕Зр╕кр╕╖р╕нр╕Юр╕┤р╕бр╕Юр╣Мр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Эр╣Ир╕▓р╕Эр╕╖р╕Щр╕зр╕гр╕гр╕Др╕лр╕Щр╕╢р╣Ир╕З р╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕Ьр╕╣р╣Йр╕Ър╕▒р╕Нр╕Кр╕▓р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Хр╕│р╕гр╕зр╕Ир╣Бр╕лр╣Ир╕Зр╕Кр╕▓р╕Хр╕┤р╕бр╕╡р╕нр╕│р╕Щр╕▓р╕Ир╕гр╕┤р╕Ъ р╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕Чр╕│р╕ер╕▓р╕в”
“р╕бр╕▓р╕Хр╕гр╕▓ р╣Тр╣Ч р╕Ьр╕╣р╣Йр╣Гр╕Фр╕Эр╣Ир╕▓р╕Эр╕╖р╕Щр╕Др╕│р╕кр╕▒р╣Ир╕Зр╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕Ьр╕╣р╣Йр╕Ър╕▒р╕Нр╕Кр╕▓р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Хр╕│р╕гр╕зр╕Ир╣Бр╕лр╣Ир╕Зр╕Кр╕▓р╕Хр╕┤р╕Хр╕▓р╕бр╕бр╕▓р╕Хр╕гр╕▓ р╣Ср╣Р р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕бр╕▓р╕Хр╕гр╕▓ р╣Ср╣Ш/р╣С р╕бр╕╡р╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕Ьр╕┤р╕Фр╕Хр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╕гр╕░р╕зр╕▓р╕Зр╣Вр╕Чр╕йр╕Ир╕│р╕Др╕╕р╕Бр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Ар╕Бр╕┤р╕Щр╕кр╕▓р╕бр╕Ыр╕╡ р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Ыр╕гр╕▒р╕Ър╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Ар╕Бр╕┤р╕Щр╕лр╕Щр╕╢р╣Ир╕Зр╣Бр╕кр╕Щр╕Ър╕▓р╕Ч р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Чр╕▒р╣Йр╕Зр╕Ир╕│р╕Чр╕▒р╣Йр╕Зр╕Ыр╕гр╕▒р╕Ъ”
What’s going on with the Thai Printing Act?
@Suzie Wong
what you sai makes no sense.
you support freedom of speech or you don’t. You can’t say restricting freedom of speech is okay for newspapers that agendo you don’t like.
I don’t like the Thanong/Yoon combo as well, but let them write whatever they want.
If that is true what PTP is trying there then it’s a mess. But i need to hear about this from other sources than the Nation before i think it’s credible.
Also wonder how PTP ancient ideas of censorship work in modern times of the internet. Last time they tried that was a decade ago and rules of the games have changed completely. They might just fall on their nose with this.
Again, this is just an opinion piece by SY, the accuracy of Nation Opinion pieces have gone down significantly in the last few weeks. just remember TK’s piece about how reds do nothing to help with the flood. basically made up out of thin air.
If they are based on facts, then why do they have to be put in the opinion section? you could easily call it “fiction” at the moment.