Certainly, no offence taken; just wanted to clarify where we are coming from. For years now, critical takes have been encouraged here — we hope you will add your comments where you see fit.
I agree, concur and apologise for not being more reasonable in my basic – see: vital – understanding of the problems of Thai discussion minus the cloak of anonymity.
I await part two and three.
I mean no offence with the ‘bite’ remark. I live in Bangkok. I am at Chulalongkorn University. This is my field, yet one grow sick of the veiling and obfuscation here. I keep stum, yes, but it wears one down.
Once again I apologise for any offence, I thank you for your site, your work, your response and look forward to parts two and three.
It is well known that johor bahru is a crime infested city. So rather than smoke screening the entire issue altogether, shouldn’t the johor sultan chastise the IGP for his “incompetence”? Or is it a veiled acknowledgement that Johor is run by crime gangs and syndicates?
Before accusing the series of walking too lightly or lacking bite I’d suggest you wait for episodes 2 and 3. There is, naturally, much discussion to come. Once all-is-said-and-done we will, as always, be all ears for your criticisms.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that those who feature in the series do so with no cloak of anonymity to protect them. As you’d appreciate, this sometimes changes the equation for those who make public comments on sensitive Thailand topics.
Pasuk and Baker have written some very good papers, but their “A History of Thailand” is a sad joke.
The book does little more than reinforce a turgid status quo, by means of a loose adaptation of a blinkered interpretation of the past and a gross manipulation of sheer historical fact.
I understand that the book is for Thai internal consumption – for example: its role as assigned text for Thai History at Chulalongkorn University – but this makes it worse.
I apologise for my diatribe, and I must mention that Dr Andrew Walker’s work is stellar, but I worry and fear that this whole trilogy of vid/podcasts will lack bite.
I think New Mandala is fantastic – absolutely fantastic – but I do think that you are walking on eggshells (as we all understand, as you must), but I think with this series you walk too lightly.
I apologise for any trespass or effrontery, but lightweight discussion is lightweight.
Walker’s final comments on the “greatly reduced symbolic capital” of the new king and its benefits that would allow a diversification of Thai society was a very good point. Subtle but the ramifications are massive.
Now we just wait for 113, 114, 115 to become a thing of the past.
“…Basically our taxes and whatever money raised by government goes towards paying at least RM4,786,440 (adding up the first three Schedules) for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Raja Permaisuri Agong and their household. I think the equivalent or thereabouts is paid to the Sultans in their state.
So let’s make a rough estimate here starting with rounding the figure down to a still generous RM4 million per Sultan/King. Since there are nine of them that amounts to a minimum of RM36 million spent on them a year. Wow…”
Extracted from, “What we pay our Royalty“, Fahri Azzat, The Malaysian Insider, 04 October 2011.
phktresident, you could try pausing the audio when your tired old ears give up listening. You can press play when you’re ready to start listening again. Technology! Though I do understand that listening to Chris Baker and Andrew Walker drone on is a pain.
The cheek!
Sabai sabai
p.s. Could always pay someone a few hundred baht to do the Thai subtitles, and throw in another few hundred for there to be English too – and then make the subtitle txt available. NM should take advantage of Thai minimum wages while they’re below 300 baht.
Dr Walker, I’m very new to your site. Now that I know it, I have found some good stuff — great to have text archives. I was serious in my request. I just don’t like tv and its talking heads. So I asked if there would be a text transcript. But it seems that my idea was seriously out of order. I apologize, I don’t like giving offense unless I decide to mean to do it. I’ll do without looking at the three sessions. I will anticipate the comments from others who do and I know that some of the germane things said will emerge from that; maybe even look at excerpts that seem especially important to have more clear than such exchanges generally provide.
I don’t know what to make of the tone of your response. But don’t be troubled by your and Nich’s choice of font in your writings; I’ll continue with my concern for the content.
@Moe Aung: By dividing the tribes China is in fact destabilizing its own border regions (and neighbouring countries as well). And this is a result of its myopic foreign policy.
Anonymous Thai – it is indeed intriguing how and why the assets of these Democrats increased so handsomely during their tenure in power. I would be glad to hear of any explanation for how one person can increase their assets by 422 million baht in a matter of years, even if she is a scion of one of the wealthiest families in the land and no doubt has extensive shareholdings in the bank.
However, I think there are valid grounds for making comparisons between members of successive govts and seeing how they match up asset-wise in the business of politics in Thailand on a time pro rata and absolute basis. I shall be interested to see how the Pheua Thai cabinet fare over their term in office, in particular those most closely linked to the Shinawatra clan and Red Shirt leaders so strident in their criticism of the evil monied elite. No doubt there are political economists undertaking this exercise and we shall eventually be able to make an informed judgement between each regime.
By the way, I Heart Steak, surely it is perfectly possible for Abhisit to have inherited much of his wealth from family members other than his parents (e.g. grandparents) and that parents in Thailand often transfer assets to their children, such as land and share holdings, well before their death. Just look to Thaksin’s privileged offspring for graphic evidence of wealth transfer at a tender age!
And is Abhisit totally without experience in the private sector? Has he never been a director of any company whatsoever and has he never provided consultancy advice to the private sector during his lifetime?
In August 2009, after a massive demonstration against the Internal Security Act in Kuala Lumpur, Siaan Ansori and I had argued that it would be in Premier Najib Razak’s best interest to abolish the ISA.
Najib Razak’s announcement on September 16 to abolish draconian laws and three Emergencies are welcomed but may have come a little too late to save himself. Furthermore, UMNO and Barisan Nasional are on their last legs as I discuss here.
To repeat, I would really like to see a text ranscript. My tired old ears gave up trying to listen after about three minutes. I’m a devoted fan of the works of Ms Pasuk and Mr Baker amongst others and would like to digest what you all have to say at my own pace. Thanks.
There is an ongoing debate on the theory of trickle-down economics. For instance, in America real GDP per capita has doubled in the past 30 years , while the median household income has remained stagnant. This suggest that the trickle down is not happening. There are several reasons for this. But a major reason is that American workers are now competing directly with workers in countries such as China and India. And this is pushing wages downwards.
It’s not that trickle-down economics does not work, it just doesn’t work when the supply of labor is unconstrained.
In Thailand the population has increased from about 8 million to 65 million in the past 100 years. On top of this you have migrant workers from neighboring pouring in. That’s a large increase of labor.
On the topic of raising the minimum wage to 300 Baht, I’d like to quote Joseph Stiglitz: “The law of supply and demand is usually stronger than the rule of law”. That means, limiting the supply of migrant workers is likely to be more effective in raising labor wages than attempting to enforce it by law.
As the birthrate in Thailand was falling during the 70’s and 80’s, the number of people entering the job market is now decreasing every year. That should be good news for Thai workers on low wages.
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Nation, Religion, King – Episode 1
Thanks Dundun,
Certainly, no offence taken; just wanted to clarify where we are coming from. For years now, critical takes have been encouraged here — we hope you will add your comments where you see fit.
Best wishes to all,
Nich
р╕Др╕▒р╕Щр╕лр╕╣ : Nong Ja ahead of Democrats!
I just recently found this show on YouTube. If I am correct, this interview of Nong Ja was conducted not so long after she was interviewed by Woody.
The show is very good when compared to Woody’s one, check it out!
Nation, Religion, King – Episode 1
I agree, concur and apologise for not being more reasonable in my basic – see: vital – understanding of the problems of Thai discussion minus the cloak of anonymity.
I await part two and three.
I mean no offence with the ‘bite’ remark. I live in Bangkok. I am at Chulalongkorn University. This is my field, yet one grow sick of the veiling and obfuscation here. I keep stum, yes, but it wears one down.
Once again I apologise for any offence, I thank you for your site, your work, your response and look forward to parts two and three.
Thank you, Nich.
Salut.
Sultan of Johor
It is well known that johor bahru is a crime infested city. So rather than smoke screening the entire issue altogether, shouldn’t the johor sultan chastise the IGP for his “incompetence”? Or is it a veiled acknowledgement that Johor is run by crime gangs and syndicates?
Nation, Religion, King – Episode 1
Thanks Dundun,
Before accusing the series of walking too lightly or lacking bite I’d suggest you wait for episodes 2 and 3. There is, naturally, much discussion to come. Once all-is-said-and-done we will, as always, be all ears for your criticisms.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that those who feature in the series do so with no cloak of anonymity to protect them. As you’d appreciate, this sometimes changes the equation for those who make public comments on sensitive Thailand topics.
Best wishes to all,
Nich
Nation, Religion, King – Episode 1
I apologise for a run on a wild tangent, but…
Pasuk and Baker have written some very good papers, but their “A History of Thailand” is a sad joke.
The book does little more than reinforce a turgid status quo, by means of a loose adaptation of a blinkered interpretation of the past and a gross manipulation of sheer historical fact.
I understand that the book is for Thai internal consumption – for example: its role as assigned text for Thai History at Chulalongkorn University – but this makes it worse.
I apologise for my diatribe, and I must mention that Dr Andrew Walker’s work is stellar, but I worry and fear that this whole trilogy of vid/podcasts will lack bite.
I think New Mandala is fantastic – absolutely fantastic – but I do think that you are walking on eggshells (as we all understand, as you must), but I think with this series you walk too lightly.
I apologise for any trespass or effrontery, but lightweight discussion is lightweight.
Walker’s final comments on the “greatly reduced symbolic capital” of the new king and its benefits that would allow a diversification of Thai society was a very good point. Subtle but the ramifications are massive.
Now we just wait for 113, 114, 115 to become a thing of the past.
Don’t lose your bite.
Review of Palace, Political Party and Power
“…Basically our taxes and whatever money raised by government goes towards paying at least RM4,786,440 (adding up the first three Schedules) for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Raja Permaisuri Agong and their household. I think the equivalent or thereabouts is paid to the Sultans in their state.
So let’s make a rough estimate here starting with rounding the figure down to a still generous RM4 million per Sultan/King. Since there are nine of them that amounts to a minimum of RM36 million spent on them a year. Wow…”
Extracted from, “What we pay our Royalty“, Fahri Azzat, The Malaysian Insider, 04 October 2011.
Nation, Religion, King – Episode 1
phktresident, you could try pausing the audio when your tired old ears give up listening. You can press play when you’re ready to start listening again. Technology! Though I do understand that listening to Chris Baker and Andrew Walker drone on is a pain.
The cheek!
Sabai sabai
p.s. Could always pay someone a few hundred baht to do the Thai subtitles, and throw in another few hundred for there to be English too – and then make the subtitle txt available. NM should take advantage of Thai minimum wages while they’re below 300 baht.
р╕Др╕▒р╕Щр╕лр╕╣ : Nong Ja ahead of Democrats!
The Sydney Morning Herald is now onto the Nong Ja phenomenon: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/steamy-performance-lands-latest-thai-pop-sensation-in-hot-water-20111003-1l5bo.html
Nation, Religion, King – Episode 1
Hi there,
Interesting discussion as usual, hats off to NM to organise this series.
However, I think the topic is rather concentrated on the state and prospect of economy rather than on the question of “nation” р╕Кр╕▓р╕Хр╕┤.
BTW there is a relevant interesting article in Matichon where Prof. Niti discusses the elitists’ vs ordinary people’s views of state. (http://www.matichon.co.th/news_detail.php?newsid=1317638018&grpid=&catid=02&subcatid=0207)
Nation, Religion, King – Episode 1
Dr Walker, I’m very new to your site. Now that I know it, I have found some good stuff — great to have text archives. I was serious in my request. I just don’t like tv and its talking heads. So I asked if there would be a text transcript. But it seems that my idea was seriously out of order. I apologize, I don’t like giving offense unless I decide to mean to do it. I’ll do without looking at the three sessions. I will anticipate the comments from others who do and I know that some of the germane things said will emerge from that; maybe even look at excerpts that seem especially important to have more clear than such exchanges generally provide.
I don’t know what to make of the tone of your response. But don’t be troubled by your and Nich’s choice of font in your writings; I’ll continue with my concern for the content.
China’s myopic Myanmar policy
@Moe Aung: By dividing the tribes China is in fact destabilizing its own border regions (and neighbouring countries as well). And this is a result of its myopic foreign policy.
Southeast Asia’s Facebook revolution
Anonymous Thai – it is indeed intriguing how and why the assets of these Democrats increased so handsomely during their tenure in power. I would be glad to hear of any explanation for how one person can increase their assets by 422 million baht in a matter of years, even if she is a scion of one of the wealthiest families in the land and no doubt has extensive shareholdings in the bank.
However, I think there are valid grounds for making comparisons between members of successive govts and seeing how they match up asset-wise in the business of politics in Thailand on a time pro rata and absolute basis. I shall be interested to see how the Pheua Thai cabinet fare over their term in office, in particular those most closely linked to the Shinawatra clan and Red Shirt leaders so strident in their criticism of the evil monied elite. No doubt there are political economists undertaking this exercise and we shall eventually be able to make an informed judgement between each regime.
By the way, I Heart Steak, surely it is perfectly possible for Abhisit to have inherited much of his wealth from family members other than his parents (e.g. grandparents) and that parents in Thailand often transfer assets to their children, such as land and share holdings, well before their death. Just look to Thaksin’s privileged offspring for graphic evidence of wealth transfer at a tender age!
And is Abhisit totally without experience in the private sector? Has he never been a director of any company whatsoever and has he never provided consultancy advice to the private sector during his lifetime?
Happy Malaysia Day
In August 2009, after a massive demonstration against the Internal Security Act in Kuala Lumpur, Siaan Ansori and I had argued that it would be in Premier Najib Razak’s best interest to abolish the ISA.
Najib Razak’s announcement on September 16 to abolish draconian laws and three Emergencies are welcomed but may have come a little too late to save himself. Furthermore, UMNO and Barisan Nasional are on their last legs as I discuss here.
Nation, Religion, King – Episode 1
Podcast is now available. Thanks for the timely availability.
Nation, Religion, King – Episode 1
Dear Phktresident, who would you like to prepare this transcript? Me? Nich? What font would you prefer? Are you serious? AW
Nation, Religion, King – Episode 1
To repeat, I would really like to see a text ranscript. My tired old ears gave up trying to listen after about three minutes. I’m a devoted fan of the works of Ms Pasuk and Mr Baker amongst others and would like to digest what you all have to say at my own pace. Thanks.
Nation, Religion, King – Episode 1
There is an ongoing debate on the theory of trickle-down economics. For instance, in America real GDP per capita has doubled in the past 30 years , while the median household income has remained stagnant. This suggest that the trickle down is not happening. There are several reasons for this. But a major reason is that American workers are now competing directly with workers in countries such as China and India. And this is pushing wages downwards.
It’s not that trickle-down economics does not work, it just doesn’t work when the supply of labor is unconstrained.
In Thailand the population has increased from about 8 million to 65 million in the past 100 years. On top of this you have migrant workers from neighboring pouring in. That’s a large increase of labor.
On the topic of raising the minimum wage to 300 Baht, I’d like to quote Joseph Stiglitz: “The law of supply and demand is usually stronger than the rule of law”. That means, limiting the supply of migrant workers is likely to be more effective in raising labor wages than attempting to enforce it by law.
As the birthrate in Thailand was falling during the 70’s and 80’s, the number of people entering the job market is now decreasing every year. That should be good news for Thai workers on low wages.
Nation, Religion, King – Episode 1
Thanks,
“Religion” is up next. Most of the focus there is on the conflict in southern Thailand. The next two episodes are well worth the wait.
Best wishes to all,
Nich
Nation, Religion, King – Episode 1
In contrast to previous posts and VDOs, this one seems to be very optimistic. Well, that’s alright and I’m looking forward to seeing the other two.
BTW, can’t you have “King” on the 6th of October?
Don’t you think it is more appropriate?