I think the Chinese carry a significant historical baggage with its immediate neighbours not just in the recent 1000 years but also within the past 50 or so years – especially with Vietnam, Korea and Japan.
China’s sudden rise in terms of economic and military prestige in the past 10 years would of course be viewed with envy and suspicion – given China’s not too distant past as an economic and political basket case.
Public would appreciate seeing more constructive work done ,feasible projects for job creation implemented.More pro-active ideas being brain -stormed to revive the lack-lustre economy.Improving Malaysia’s image overseas will help only if everyone puts in an effort to uplift the economy when the opportunity is given.Effort of one single leader will not really matter that much if no co-operation is given to him.It will not bear fruit if no support is rendered.
John Smith #8. Thaksin’s directive that PT have to resign their seats is indeed shrewd. It rewards quite a few of those who otherwise didn’t make the cut on the party list. It reinforces the need for ministers to toe his line, as they will be out of parliament completely if he sacks them from the cabinet, even if they have somehow avoided signing the resignation letter demanded by Thaksin. And, of course, it makes cabinet portfolios infinitely less desirable for red shirt MPs who are awaiting trial for treason and lese majeste.
Re the rest of the cabinet, it is disappointing but not a surprise that Thaksin’s overtures to credible technocrats were rejected. Missing from the line-up are Dr Olarn, Dr Vichit, Isara and others who, with the possible exception of Dr Olarn, are not beholden to Thaksin in any way. We are left only with the lightweight Kittirat and Thirachai who have both shown their willingness to roll over for Thaksin and his family. Thirachai missed out on being rewarded with the governorship of the Bank of Thailand for facilitating the Shin Corp sale and warding off insider trading accusations. Now his patience has finally been rewarded with the finance portfolio for a few months at least, until the cabinet is reshuffled to admit some of the 111 banned politicians. Unfortunately there is nothing in Thirachai’s background at the SEC or the Bank of Thailand that suggests any real capability in economic policy making or independence from politicians.
CT #26. We also have to take into account that the purpose of the King’s message in, I believe, December 2005 was not at all to make any changes to the lese majeste law which, as you have pointed out, he personally gave fangs through his royal assent to two sinister amendments. His purpose was in fact to appear to be open to criticism in order to criticise Thaksin who at the time was busy filing preposterous defamation suits against Sondhi Lim and others for billions of baht. The speech had the desired effect, since a very red faced Thaksin immediately withdrew the defamation suits and, according to Wikileaks, then amusingly pretended to the American ambassador the whole thing had been an in joke between him and his bosom buddy the King.
This is thinkig like a “western” power. The Chinese were not known for their “colonisation” of other countries. Planting a flag and claiming a land for “the Queen” Invading another country for “weapons of Mass destruction” Invading another country for “violaton of humans rights” etc etc.
Appreciate if you can explain the difference between a contract not being renewed and a contract being terminated.
With regards to the substance of the issue, I’m wondering what you think about the fact that the company received millions of ringgit from the Gov of Malaysia to improve its “image”? Do you think this is ethical, both of the Gov of Malaysia and also the firm to mislead viewers?
What do you think of the money that was spent. I’m talking about a recorded RM57.68 million paid out by the Prime Minister’s office to FBC Media in 2008-2009, RM42 million in 2010. Also the fact that Taib Mahmud – the Chief Minister of Sarawak – had also contracted FBC Media for a further RM15 million a year. Do you think its ethical to use tax payers money to rehabilitate the personal image of leaders?
Marco: no.34 & RN England: no.36
If there is to be a lese majeste law – I strongly believe there shouldn’t – a better way of using it, which would also clip the army’s wings, is to have only the
Office of the Crown Bureau (or whatever) to be able to file a complaint, rather than any Tom, Dick, or Harry.
Thanks Nattavud. I enjoyed the time I spent at the conference. I will write up a brief report shortly. I don’t know about an “International Journal of Thai Studies” but “Melbourne Mandala” has a nice ring to it. AW
Quoting a bias-prone website, Malaysian Insider is totally absurd. Read the original story at the link below. FBC was not terminated of its contract but the contract ends and not renewed. FBC was a debacle inherited from Abdullah and not Najib.
I have noticed that the majority of my (relatively few) posts lately do not make it to the forum. I’m not complaining or anything, I just won’t be bothering any more.
I doubt I will be missed – c’est la vie, but I have to say in parting that brother Spooner’s comments about and opinion of New Mandala, seem to strike something of a chord.
Which ought to be a worry for NM, but which doubtless won’t be.
seh fah -no.16
‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’
While I, a farang, can read Thai, I’ve seen plenty of prathom 6 students who cannot; and the fact that first Thai reading books have spaces between words would seem to indicate that it is, in fact, not unbroken!
It appears my advice in comment 35 , as yet not moderated positively, that web censorship has changed with the example given of http://redthaisocialist.com/ may be the result of a temporary glitch in the system of control.
Also Friday was the 12th not the 13th.
It appears the government is truly powerless until it presents its platform to parliament in 2 weeks. The bureaucrats must be happy.
While cute, and perhaps easy to overlook, the medals on a kid unfortunately juxtaposed with the confusion and lack of interest or research into actually how to get a govt officially recognized. Hence we saw confusion as to day, place, and procedure on how to get going. A little foreboding, but hope it means nothing.
As to the cabinet. Had to be this way and is basically underwhelming and unsustainable.
Except for the upcoming appointment of dr T as advisor at large, that actually might last for a while. So now he can travel the world and meet world leaders (who needs for min or ambassadors) to get his mojo back and make sure all deals – investment, political, or just straight procurement go thru him. Totally non transparent, except what we might get from his news conferences, or his lawyer – perhaps he also should get some special new title and position. Perhaps H.E. Personal private secretary, maybe with a few more people on a special council outside of govt to further advise the new ad hoc rep of Thailand – H.E. at large and senior to all politicians and portfolios.
I guess back to winning an election demands an opportunity to serve. Please inspire us make me eat my words.
Guess thai taxpayers will start picking up the cost of his travels and upkeep soon since he will be working in all Thais interests and they owe it to support him with tribute.
1 day for new passport. 1 day for favorable tax ruling. Clever ruse that all mps were asked to pre sign resignation under rationale that they must vote Yingluck…..now can be used for any situation, I.e. Cabinet post resign or forced to resign.
The Cambodia gas deal back on – 30% camb concessions and 30% thai, with stalemate solved by 35% neutral party, I.e. Thaksin Hun Sen joint enterprises with a corporate name like “winner extra lucky” registered in Nigeria.
Forget comparisons, who is worse red vs yellow, or “justice and with past double standards.”. Pls start monitoring those now in power and their accountability to serve the interests of the people and not family first – mushrooms second ( u know – keep them in the dark and feed them shit)
Sure give them a chance – they won the election.
Now they must win legitimacy on a daily basis. That is what participatory democracy is. Might be nice if we also saw reasonable rule of law in Thailand in the near future. Relying on the goodwill of leaders seems to be increasingly foolish as the world has regressed to massive materialism with power defined by only money and not ideas or principles of humanity.
why Vorawat Uea-apinyakul as education minister? when they have the power to appoint great educator such as Dr.Kasam warawaj, Dr.Wijit Srisa-an or Dr. PitoonSinlarat to work on educational policy in Thailand.
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China’s achilles’ heels
I think the Chinese carry a significant historical baggage with its immediate neighbours not just in the recent 1000 years but also within the past 50 or so years – especially with Vietnam, Korea and Japan.
China’s sudden rise in terms of economic and military prestige in the past 10 years would of course be viewed with envy and suspicion – given China’s not too distant past as an economic and political basket case.
Najib still an asset?
Public would appreciate seeing more constructive work done ,feasible projects for job creation implemented.More pro-active ideas being brain -stormed to revive the lack-lustre economy.Improving Malaysia’s image overseas will help only if everyone puts in an effort to uplift the economy when the opportunity is given.Effort of one single leader will not really matter that much if no co-operation is given to him.It will not bear fruit if no support is rendered.
Yingluck’s cabinet
John Smith #8. Thaksin’s directive that PT have to resign their seats is indeed shrewd. It rewards quite a few of those who otherwise didn’t make the cut on the party list. It reinforces the need for ministers to toe his line, as they will be out of parliament completely if he sacks them from the cabinet, even if they have somehow avoided signing the resignation letter demanded by Thaksin. And, of course, it makes cabinet portfolios infinitely less desirable for red shirt MPs who are awaiting trial for treason and lese majeste.
Re the rest of the cabinet, it is disappointing but not a surprise that Thaksin’s overtures to credible technocrats were rejected. Missing from the line-up are Dr Olarn, Dr Vichit, Isara and others who, with the possible exception of Dr Olarn, are not beholden to Thaksin in any way. We are left only with the lightweight Kittirat and Thirachai who have both shown their willingness to roll over for Thaksin and his family. Thirachai missed out on being rewarded with the governorship of the Bank of Thailand for facilitating the Shin Corp sale and warding off insider trading accusations. Now his patience has finally been rewarded with the finance portfolio for a few months at least, until the cabinet is reshuffled to admit some of the 111 banned politicians. Unfortunately there is nothing in Thirachai’s background at the SEC or the Bank of Thailand that suggests any real capability in economic policy making or independence from politicians.
Ji Ungpakorn on lese majeste
CT #26. We also have to take into account that the purpose of the King’s message in, I believe, December 2005 was not at all to make any changes to the lese majeste law which, as you have pointed out, he personally gave fangs through his royal assent to two sinister amendments. His purpose was in fact to appear to be open to criticism in order to criticise Thaksin who at the time was busy filing preposterous defamation suits against Sondhi Lim and others for billions of baht. The speech had the desired effect, since a very red faced Thaksin immediately withdrew the defamation suits and, according to Wikileaks, then amusingly pretended to the American ambassador the whole thing had been an in joke between him and his bosom buddy the King.
China’s achilles’ heels
This is thinkig like a “western” power. The Chinese were not known for their “colonisation” of other countries. Planting a flag and claiming a land for “the Queen” Invading another country for “weapons of Mass destruction” Invading another country for “violaton of humans rights” etc etc.
Please… get a grip.
BERSIH 2.0 analysis
Ong Kian Ming, one of Malaysia’s upcoming political scientist, has an analysis on BERSIH 2.0 at East Asia Forum.
Najib still an asset?
Daniel #6
Appreciate if you can explain the difference between a contract not being renewed and a contract being terminated.
With regards to the substance of the issue, I’m wondering what you think about the fact that the company received millions of ringgit from the Gov of Malaysia to improve its “image”? Do you think this is ethical, both of the Gov of Malaysia and also the firm to mislead viewers?
What do you think of the money that was spent. I’m talking about a recorded RM57.68 million paid out by the Prime Minister’s office to FBC Media in 2008-2009, RM42 million in 2010. Also the fact that Taib Mahmud – the Chief Minister of Sarawak – had also contracted FBC Media for a further RM15 million a year. Do you think its ethical to use tax payers money to rehabilitate the personal image of leaders?
Crown Prince’s family update?
Wow, Tony (57), do I presume that you and Mr. Walker don’t see eye to eye?
Ji Ungpakorn on lese majeste
Marco: no.34 & RN England: no.36
If there is to be a lese majeste law – I strongly believe there shouldn’t – a better way of using it, which would also clip the army’s wings, is to have only the
Office of the Crown Bureau (or whatever) to be able to file a complaint, rather than any Tom, Dick, or Harry.
Thai Studies conference in Melbourne, redux
Thanks Nattavud. I enjoyed the time I spent at the conference. I will write up a brief report shortly. I don’t know about an “International Journal of Thai Studies” but “Melbourne Mandala” has a nice ring to it. AW
Thai Studies conference in Melbourne, redux
The Thai Government Rep. thanks Andrew; yet at the same time Andrew is not welcome in Thailand. How ironic.
[Note from AW: Nattavud is not a Thai Government Rep. AW]
Najib still an asset?
Quoting a bias-prone website, Malaysian Insider is totally absurd. Read the original story at the link below. FBC was not terminated of its contract but the contract ends and not renewed. FBC was a debacle inherited from Abdullah and not Najib.
http://www.rockybru.com.my/2011/08/once-there-were-two-fs.html
Yingluck’s cabinet
I have noticed that the majority of my (relatively few) posts lately do not make it to the forum. I’m not complaining or anything, I just won’t be bothering any more.
I doubt I will be missed – c’est la vie, but I have to say in parting that brother Spooner’s comments about and opinion of New Mandala, seem to strike something of a chord.
Which ought to be a worry for NM, but which doubtless won’t be.
Simon
Najib still an asset?
One quick solution for Malaysia is to ratify the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. It would then technically meet the international best practises.
Find the gap
seh fah -no.16
‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’
While I, a farang, can read Thai, I’ve seen plenty of prathom 6 students who cannot; and the fact that first Thai reading books have spaces between words would seem to indicate that it is, in fact, not unbroken!
Najib still an asset?
The deal would actually increase Australia’s net refugee intake from Malaysia by 200 per year for the next 4 years. Details are available in this press release:
http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/cb/2011/cb168739.htm
Ji Ungpakorn on lese majeste
It appears my advice in comment 35 , as yet not moderated positively, that web censorship has changed with the example given of http://redthaisocialist.com/ may be the result of a temporary glitch in the system of control.
Also Friday was the 12th not the 13th.
It appears the government is truly powerless until it presents its platform to parliament in 2 weeks. The bureaucrats must be happy.
Yingluck’s cabinet
While cute, and perhaps easy to overlook, the medals on a kid unfortunately juxtaposed with the confusion and lack of interest or research into actually how to get a govt officially recognized. Hence we saw confusion as to day, place, and procedure on how to get going. A little foreboding, but hope it means nothing.
As to the cabinet. Had to be this way and is basically underwhelming and unsustainable.
Except for the upcoming appointment of dr T as advisor at large, that actually might last for a while. So now he can travel the world and meet world leaders (who needs for min or ambassadors) to get his mojo back and make sure all deals – investment, political, or just straight procurement go thru him. Totally non transparent, except what we might get from his news conferences, or his lawyer – perhaps he also should get some special new title and position. Perhaps H.E. Personal private secretary, maybe with a few more people on a special council outside of govt to further advise the new ad hoc rep of Thailand – H.E. at large and senior to all politicians and portfolios.
I guess back to winning an election demands an opportunity to serve. Please inspire us make me eat my words.
Guess thai taxpayers will start picking up the cost of his travels and upkeep soon since he will be working in all Thais interests and they owe it to support him with tribute.
Family business, Thai style
1 day for new passport. 1 day for favorable tax ruling. Clever ruse that all mps were asked to pre sign resignation under rationale that they must vote Yingluck…..now can be used for any situation, I.e. Cabinet post resign or forced to resign.
The Cambodia gas deal back on – 30% camb concessions and 30% thai, with stalemate solved by 35% neutral party, I.e. Thaksin Hun Sen joint enterprises with a corporate name like “winner extra lucky” registered in Nigeria.
Forget comparisons, who is worse red vs yellow, or “justice and with past double standards.”. Pls start monitoring those now in power and their accountability to serve the interests of the people and not family first – mushrooms second ( u know – keep them in the dark and feed them shit)
Sure give them a chance – they won the election.
Now they must win legitimacy on a daily basis. That is what participatory democracy is. Might be nice if we also saw reasonable rule of law in Thailand in the near future. Relying on the goodwill of leaders seems to be increasingly foolish as the world has regressed to massive materialism with power defined by only money and not ideas or principles of humanity.
Yingluck’s cabinet
why Vorawat Uea-apinyakul as education minister? when they have the power to appoint great educator such as Dr.Kasam warawaj, Dr.Wijit Srisa-an or Dr. PitoonSinlarat to work on educational policy in Thailand.