Many thanks for your kind words. I am, of course, terribly sad that I probably won’t be able to visit Thailand for several years, if ever. I also understand why Reuters considered my story too risky to publish; they were quite correct to be concerned about the consequences for Thai staff. And I resigned from Reuters with great regret.
I’m glad I made this choice, though. Once I had read all the cables, and realized their importance, I just could never have been happy if I pretended I’d never seen them and never published my story. Like many journalists who have worked in dangerous and tragic situations, I have often been troubled afterwards by the question of whether I could have done more to help some of the people I encountered. If you think you had an opportunity to do the right thing, and you didn’t do it, that can haunt you afterwards. It’s a much greater personal cost.
Also any sacrifice I made has to be put in perspective, alongside the many Thais who are in prison or on trial for just saying what they believe to be true, and those who have to live in exile from their own country because they have said what they believe to be true. Plus all of the many people in the country who are suffering negative consequences because it is forbidden to publicly acknowledge things that everybody knows to be true. I’ve been really touched by the concern many people have shown for me, but I think the choice I made was the best outcome for myself, as well as the only decision I could have made that might do some good for Thailand. And also, if the day ever comes when I can visit again, that will be far more wonderful than the sadness of having to stay away for a while.
The irony is, of course, that what I write will not really be very secretive and extreme at all. Nothing in my story will stun any well-informed Thai person. You know the story already, I am sure. You just can’t publicly acknowledge it. And that needs to change.
UPDATE:
In gratitude for the support and interest of my case by the NM community, I’d like to update on my case.
Today, I and my lawyer went to the same police station to hand over my written testimony. The last time I went (as report above), they handed me a 3-page memo, detailing the charge. My written testimony, 8-page long, with some accompanying documents, is in reply to their memo. (An initial date for submitting my testimony was set for 26 May, but I asked for postponement till today because of my job commitment – the new semester is opening in a few days.) Today there were only two of us and the police officer who oversees my case. (When I received the summoning paper in early May, I at first was at a lost why this particular police station is handling my case, but later realized that it’s because the Army Headquarters are in the areas covered by this police precinct. In fact the Army HQ buildings are just on the opposite side of the main road in front of the police station.)
According to the law, the police overseeing the case would investigate and decide whether to recommend the case for prosecution. They may interview some more witnesses. If they decide it should be prosecuted, they would hand over the case to the Office of the Prosecutor General. Chief of the police station told us last time that in LM cases, the final decision whether to recommend prosecution rests with a special committee of 9 members set up by the Office of the Royal Thai Police and chaired by the National Police Chief himself. (He is the one who has to sign on the recommendation.)
I understand that this stage of police investigation could take up to several months.
Why go to Korat to witness the widespread vandalizing of DP ele3ction posters? (#1). Just cruise Bangkok main roads (try South Sathorn all the way to Thonburi side) and most DP election posters will have Abhisit’s face cut out.
I am guessing that many Red Shirts in Bangkok have just taken a strong fancy on the handsome Abhisit face they had to cut-off his photo as memento.
I just hope those vandals do not get caught by the EC because if it turns out that those vandals were hired by any of the the Red Shirt/Peau Thai Party leadership, Thaksin’s political party could be outlawed, again for election rules violations.
I agree with Kate – transparency & accountability is very important regarding Prime Ministers, politicians, institutional appointies, and Heads of State (and their family members).
Wondering whether the vandalism of Abhisit’s face in election posters as noted above is a recent occurrence?
To what extent did it happen in elections before the military coup and subsequent manipulations & interventions (including using the military to crush pro-democracy protesters)?
According to the officials who arrested him, Mr.Joe Gordon still holds Thai citizenship; see this report (sorry, in Thai – but partly translated below). As always with claim by the Thai authorities in such cases, one needs to take it with certain degree of skepticism. http://goo.gl/kZkhn
Pol.Col. Yan-phong Yang-yuen, DSI deputy director, referring to the arrest of Lerphong Wichai-khammat or “Joe Gordon”, age 55, said that the DSI has evidence, both the IP address and computer license [? – not sure what this means – SJ] communication equipments, indicating that the creator of the websites “Nor Pho Chor USA” is in Thailand.
Moreover, there is evidence from the messages posted at the Nor Pho Chor USA websites to prove that Mr.Lerphong used the pseudonym “Sin Sae Jiw” [the name listed as “translator” of the underground, pirate Thai version of Mr.Handley’s book – SJ]. Some of the messages he posted clearly constitute Less Majesty. The DSI spent more than 2 years investigating his case. Moreover, the DSI issued arrest warrant for Mr.Lerphong as a Thai citizen, because Mr.Lerphong applied for Thai ID card in 2009 to open an English-language teaching school and a business venture.
This is the first time that we’ve had half-decent campaign posters. I think we can give the trend setter award to Yingluck.
Part of the reason the posters look better this time is that they have actually been *less* retouched than usual. Normally they Photoshop the candidates faces until they look like ghouls.
Also precisely my point! Let me explain Thai mentality more simplistically (and yes this is actually from arguments I had with Thais with Masters from US and UK):
1) Thailand arrest blond white young pretty American girl for LM
2) US protest through official channel
3) Thailand stands firm: we are fair, we even arrest farangs for daring to commit LM
4) US media went rabid over it following the pre-mentioned racist tilt
5) Thailand media boasts of how brave and righteous we are not to cave in to rabid US media and pressure
6) Racist tilt allow news to stay in US media for extended time, pushing US diplomats to work harder at least superficially over this non-crucial/non-existent issue
7) Thailand media and Thai public (we know which part) will now feel justified and proud that we are now “equal” in stature to the US because the US cannot “force” Thailand to not punish the girl for LM
8) Meanwhile behind the scenes and all the hoo-haa, the US diplomats will work quietly to tell the girl to behave in jail and keep as low a profile as possible, all the time cursing both the Thai and US media for keeping it on high profile, while drafting an official “plea” for Royal Pardon
9) As soon as the media frenzy dies down, the pardon will be reviewed seriously. Since there is no longer any face loss issue or reputation gain issue to be dealt with, the American gal will be given royal pardon as soon as is expedient – which usually will be in December.
10) Once pardoned, an official apology and expression of gratitude will be expected in front of cameras to be broadcast.
11) End of saga, hopefully, till the next time someone need to flex muscles to show themselves “equal” of farangs and another non-connected victim will be chosen.
I really don’t know what I should say. I am grateful that you wish to do something good for Thailand. But I am surprised, as well as saddened to know that you genuine attempt in doing this costs you so much. Whilst I have not read the article myself, I could guess that it is going to be something very secretive and extreme. And you’ll end up not being able to go to Thailand again, just like Mr Paul Handley and Mr Eric Campbell, because you revealed the truth that the elites don’t want anyone to know.
Nonetheless, what else can I say (since you have already made your decisions and resigned) but to say all the best of luck for your future.
Fact one: “Joe” has dual citizenship Thai and US confirmed
Fact two: Thailand law legally do not allow dual citizenship, but most of the upper middle class and all the elites have dual citizenship. Anybody who has dual citizenship in Thailand is also unlikely to denounce the Thai citizenship since we all know that this law is unlikely to be strictly enforced because we all know who also secretly has dual citizenship.
You’re right, maybe I was just arguing with an unknown street vendor, I just happen to see people using that term all over the internet recently and it kind of bugs me a little as I know it is a false statement that may come out of a marketing plan or something of that kind. Well Thaksin is no saint either when it comes to getting rid of medias who do not side with him(or his puppets). I still remember seeing news about Chalerm commanding governors to shut down astv in all provinces just not so long a go. I have no record of those things you listed but if it is true that they have censored more media than any other Thai govt, maybe it’s because there are highest rate ever of medias sponsored to do shady missions in this government than the others ? idk
I don’t know, but Thailand allows people to hold dual citizenships. Most Thais who live overseas for a long time usually hold dual citizenships. They can choose to give up their Thai nationality if they wish. However, I think very few would do that, as unlike South Korea, Malaysia, or China, Thais do not have to ‘give up’ their Thai nationalities if they become other countries’ citizens. Most of the Thais in the country where I live (including myself) hold dual citizenships. I have yet to see any Thais here that I know who ‘gave up’ their Thai nationality and surrendered Thai passports to the Thai embassy.
Anyway, sorry for digressing. However, I would like to venture out a guess, that Mr Gordon still has not given up his Thai citizenship.
I was just up in Khorat last weekend and every one of the Democrat Party posters on the highway were vandalized (usually Abhisit’s face being cut out). Love or hate the guy at least leave the poor posters alone.
@Ricky, the US Constitution is all but shredded, it is really just a tourist attraction these days…a piece of memorabilia. You may once have been the home of free etc but those days are long past.
The fascist USA is probably studying the Computer Crimes Act plotting how they will introduce it themselves as a handy way to rid themselves of malcontents. Probably call it an adjunct to the never ending and very profitable war on terror.
I very much doubt Joe Gordon can expect help from there however perhaps he may get a Royal Amnesty later after doing a long and unpleasant stint in a Thai jail…poor bugger.
Let’s get one thing straight here, many of us despite Abhisit and the pro-establishment regime but not all of us like Thaksin. Just because we don’t like one guy doesn’t mean we are agree with his opponent so whether you think we are pro-Thaksin or not is up to you I’m not going to argue with you on that but many of us here have been critical with Thaksin as much as with Abhisit.
Now back to the number that you quote from OECD, the number for Thailand is certainly unadjusted since our inflation this year already at 4.12% (about 2.5-3% last year) so when you adjusted to inflation that 7% is going to be much lower, unless we see other regional countries data we wouldn’t possibly know how Thailand economy performed (some analyst house actually estimate -2% 2010 real GDP growth rate). Furthermore, if the rice price guarantee is really effective why on earth do we have farmer protest just couple of months back? aint you not aware of the news???
You said
Imagine if we didn’t have to go through those mayhems 2 years in a roll, how far would Thai economy progress today.
You see, this is another prime example of people who only thinks Thailand’s problem only start recently (I think we had a joke about this in another post) why 2 years? why dont you count 2007 when the PAD close down the airports and occupied the government house too? aint that also hurt Thailand economically as well as our tourist sector? If you want to get real about this we have to even look back into 1932 actually. You have been indirectly inferred that we consumed one sided information, but you yourself has been the victim of the same accusation.
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Abhisit on the streets
I don’t know where Chris took those posters from but if you live in Bangkok, these are posters you will see.
http://www.oknation.net/blog/home/blog_data/262/29262/images/MAYFRI13OK1.JPG
http://news.mthai.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Paihaseang-004.jpg
Thai monarchy and Wikileaks
Dear CT
Many thanks for your kind words. I am, of course, terribly sad that I probably won’t be able to visit Thailand for several years, if ever. I also understand why Reuters considered my story too risky to publish; they were quite correct to be concerned about the consequences for Thai staff. And I resigned from Reuters with great regret.
I’m glad I made this choice, though. Once I had read all the cables, and realized their importance, I just could never have been happy if I pretended I’d never seen them and never published my story. Like many journalists who have worked in dangerous and tragic situations, I have often been troubled afterwards by the question of whether I could have done more to help some of the people I encountered. If you think you had an opportunity to do the right thing, and you didn’t do it, that can haunt you afterwards. It’s a much greater personal cost.
Also any sacrifice I made has to be put in perspective, alongside the many Thais who are in prison or on trial for just saying what they believe to be true, and those who have to live in exile from their own country because they have said what they believe to be true. Plus all of the many people in the country who are suffering negative consequences because it is forbidden to publicly acknowledge things that everybody knows to be true. I’ve been really touched by the concern many people have shown for me, but I think the choice I made was the best outcome for myself, as well as the only decision I could have made that might do some good for Thailand. And also, if the day ever comes when I can visit again, that will be far more wonderful than the sadness of having to stay away for a while.
The irony is, of course, that what I write will not really be very secretive and extreme at all. Nothing in my story will stun any well-informed Thai person. You know the story already, I am sure. You just can’t publicly acknowledge it. And that needs to change.
Best wishes
Support for Somsak at Nang Lerng
UPDATE:
In gratitude for the support and interest of my case by the NM community, I’d like to update on my case.
Today, I and my lawyer went to the same police station to hand over my written testimony. The last time I went (as report above), they handed me a 3-page memo, detailing the charge. My written testimony, 8-page long, with some accompanying documents, is in reply to their memo. (An initial date for submitting my testimony was set for 26 May, but I asked for postponement till today because of my job commitment – the new semester is opening in a few days.) Today there were only two of us and the police officer who oversees my case. (When I received the summoning paper in early May, I at first was at a lost why this particular police station is handling my case, but later realized that it’s because the Army Headquarters are in the areas covered by this police precinct. In fact the Army HQ buildings are just on the opposite side of the main road in front of the police station.)
According to the law, the police overseeing the case would investigate and decide whether to recommend the case for prosecution. They may interview some more witnesses. If they decide it should be prosecuted, they would hand over the case to the Office of the Prosecutor General. Chief of the police station told us last time that in LM cases, the final decision whether to recommend prosecution rests with a special committee of 9 members set up by the Office of the Royal Thai Police and chaired by the National Police Chief himself. (He is the one who has to sign on the recommendation.)
I understand that this stage of police investigation could take up to several months.
Abhisit on the streets
A sixth former still wearing the school blazer and tie, which, as commented on by CB, associates the wearer with the old bureaucracy.
Looks like the Ds want to lose.
Roll on the PT victory, the redcards, the next coup …
Amazing Thailand indeed!
Abhisit on the streets
Why go to Korat to witness the widespread vandalizing of DP ele3ction posters? (#1). Just cruise Bangkok main roads (try South Sathorn all the way to Thonburi side) and most DP election posters will have Abhisit’s face cut out.
I am guessing that many Red Shirts in Bangkok have just taken a strong fancy on the handsome Abhisit face they had to cut-off his photo as memento.
I just hope those vandals do not get caught by the EC because if it turns out that those vandals were hired by any of the the Red Shirt/Peau Thai Party leadership, Thaksin’s political party could be outlawed, again for election rules violations.
Scorecard on Abhisit and Yingluck
I agree with Kate – transparency & accountability is very important regarding Prime Ministers, politicians, institutional appointies, and Heads of State (and their family members).
Abhisit on the streets
The author is a Westerner, and is “reading” the image as a Westerner. I doubt that a Thai would read it this way.
Abhisit on the streets
Wondering whether the vandalism of Abhisit’s face in election posters as noted above is a recent occurrence?
To what extent did it happen in elections before the military coup and subsequent manipulations & interventions (including using the military to crush pro-democracy protesters)?
FACT’s plea for Joe Gordon
According to the officials who arrested him, Mr.Joe Gordon still holds Thai citizenship; see this report (sorry, in Thai – but partly translated below). As always with claim by the Thai authorities in such cases, one needs to take it with certain degree of skepticism.
http://goo.gl/kZkhn
Pol.Col. Yan-phong Yang-yuen, DSI deputy director, referring to the arrest of Lerphong Wichai-khammat or “Joe Gordon”, age 55, said that the DSI has evidence, both the IP address and computer license [? – not sure what this means – SJ] communication equipments, indicating that the creator of the websites “Nor Pho Chor USA” is in Thailand.
Moreover, there is evidence from the messages posted at the Nor Pho Chor USA websites to prove that Mr.Lerphong used the pseudonym “Sin Sae Jiw” [the name listed as “translator” of the underground, pirate Thai version of Mr.Handley’s book – SJ]. Some of the messages he posted clearly constitute Less Majesty. The DSI spent more than 2 years investigating his case. Moreover, the DSI issued arrest warrant for Mr.Lerphong as a Thai citizen, because Mr.Lerphong applied for Thai ID card in 2009 to open an English-language teaching school and a business venture.
Abhisit on the streets
This is the first time that we’ve had half-decent campaign posters. I think we can give the trend setter award to Yingluck.
Part of the reason the posters look better this time is that they have actually been *less* retouched than usual. Normally they Photoshop the candidates faces until they look like ghouls.
FACT’s plea for Joe Gordon
@ 12 @ 13
This Prachathai article http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/2560
says he has dual citizenship.
Joe Gordon says the police kept using his ‘old thai name’ so he was probably arrested under that…
FACT’s plea for Joe Gordon
@ 8, 9, and 10
Also precisely my point! Let me explain Thai mentality more simplistically (and yes this is actually from arguments I had with Thais with Masters from US and UK):
1) Thailand arrest blond white young pretty American girl for LM
2) US protest through official channel
3) Thailand stands firm: we are fair, we even arrest farangs for daring to commit LM
4) US media went rabid over it following the pre-mentioned racist tilt
5) Thailand media boasts of how brave and righteous we are not to cave in to rabid US media and pressure
6) Racist tilt allow news to stay in US media for extended time, pushing US diplomats to work harder at least superficially over this non-crucial/non-existent issue
7) Thailand media and Thai public (we know which part) will now feel justified and proud that we are now “equal” in stature to the US because the US cannot “force” Thailand to not punish the girl for LM
8) Meanwhile behind the scenes and all the hoo-haa, the US diplomats will work quietly to tell the girl to behave in jail and keep as low a profile as possible, all the time cursing both the Thai and US media for keeping it on high profile, while drafting an official “plea” for Royal Pardon
9) As soon as the media frenzy dies down, the pardon will be reviewed seriously. Since there is no longer any face loss issue or reputation gain issue to be dealt with, the American gal will be given royal pardon as soon as is expedient – which usually will be in December.
10) Once pardoned, an official apology and expression of gratitude will be expected in front of cameras to be broadcast.
11) End of saga, hopefully, till the next time someone need to flex muscles to show themselves “equal” of farangs and another non-connected victim will be chosen.
Abhisit on the streets
Seems the Dems learned more than just one trick from North Korea….. Hope they used a licenced version of Photoshop.
Thai monarchy and Wikileaks
Mr Marshall,
I really don’t know what I should say. I am grateful that you wish to do something good for Thailand. But I am surprised, as well as saddened to know that you genuine attempt in doing this costs you so much. Whilst I have not read the article myself, I could guess that it is going to be something very secretive and extreme. And you’ll end up not being able to go to Thailand again, just like Mr Paul Handley and Mr Eric Campbell, because you revealed the truth that the elites don’t want anyone to know.
Nonetheless, what else can I say (since you have already made your decisions and resigned) but to say all the best of luck for your future.
FACT’s plea for Joe Gordon
@ р╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕гр╕░р╕Ър╕╕р╕Кр╕╖р╣Ир╕н
Fact one: “Joe” has dual citizenship Thai and US confirmed
Fact two: Thailand law legally do not allow dual citizenship, but most of the upper middle class and all the elites have dual citizenship. Anybody who has dual citizenship in Thailand is also unlikely to denounce the Thai citizenship since we all know that this law is unlikely to be strictly enforced because we all know who also secretly has dual citizenship.
Yingluck on the streets
@Ralph 63
You’re right, maybe I was just arguing with an unknown street vendor, I just happen to see people using that term all over the internet recently and it kind of bugs me a little as I know it is a false statement that may come out of a marketing plan or something of that kind. Well Thaksin is no saint either when it comes to getting rid of medias who do not side with him(or his puppets). I still remember seeing news about Chalerm commanding governors to shut down astv in all provinces just not so long a go. I have no record of those things you listed but if it is true that they have censored more media than any other Thai govt, maybe it’s because there are highest rate ever of medias sponsored to do shady missions in this government than the others ? idk
FACT’s plea for Joe Gordon
Khun р╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕гр╕░р╕Ър╕╕р╕Кр╕╖р╣Ир╕н,
I don’t know, but Thailand allows people to hold dual citizenships. Most Thais who live overseas for a long time usually hold dual citizenships. They can choose to give up their Thai nationality if they wish. However, I think very few would do that, as unlike South Korea, Malaysia, or China, Thais do not have to ‘give up’ their Thai nationalities if they become other countries’ citizens. Most of the Thais in the country where I live (including myself) hold dual citizenships. I have yet to see any Thais here that I know who ‘gave up’ their Thai nationality and surrendered Thai passports to the Thai embassy.
Anyway, sorry for digressing. However, I would like to venture out a guess, that Mr Gordon still has not given up his Thai citizenship.
Abhisit on the streets
I was just up in Khorat last weekend and every one of the Democrat Party posters on the highway were vandalized (usually Abhisit’s face being cut out). Love or hate the guy at least leave the poor posters alone.
FACT’s plea for Joe Gordon
@Ricky, the US Constitution is all but shredded, it is really just a tourist attraction these days…a piece of memorabilia. You may once have been the home of free etc but those days are long past.
The fascist USA is probably studying the Computer Crimes Act plotting how they will introduce it themselves as a handy way to rid themselves of malcontents. Probably call it an adjunct to the never ending and very profitable war on terror.
I very much doubt Joe Gordon can expect help from there however perhaps he may get a Royal Amnesty later after doing a long and unpleasant stint in a Thai jail…poor bugger.
Yingluck on the streets
Kate – 61, 62
Let’s get one thing straight here, many of us despite Abhisit and the pro-establishment regime but not all of us like Thaksin. Just because we don’t like one guy doesn’t mean we are agree with his opponent so whether you think we are pro-Thaksin or not is up to you I’m not going to argue with you on that but many of us here have been critical with Thaksin as much as with Abhisit.
Now back to the number that you quote from OECD, the number for Thailand is certainly unadjusted since our inflation this year already at 4.12% (about 2.5-3% last year) so when you adjusted to inflation that 7% is going to be much lower, unless we see other regional countries data we wouldn’t possibly know how Thailand economy performed (some analyst house actually estimate -2% 2010 real GDP growth rate). Furthermore, if the rice price guarantee is really effective why on earth do we have farmer protest just couple of months back? aint you not aware of the news???
You said
Imagine if we didn’t have to go through those mayhems 2 years in a roll, how far would Thai economy progress today.
You see, this is another prime example of people who only thinks Thailand’s problem only start recently (I think we had a joke about this in another post) why 2 years? why dont you count 2007 when the PAD close down the airports and occupied the government house too? aint that also hurt Thailand economically as well as our tourist sector? If you want to get real about this we have to even look back into 1932 actually. You have been indirectly inferred that we consumed one sided information, but you yourself has been the victim of the same accusation.