A similar survey done by UNDP about Thai women particpation in local government authorities found that Thailand had one of the worst representations in the world (which starkly differs from their prominent role in the PAD and UDD protests).
Indeed! Thailand has had a role for women in business and parliament for a long time. For instance, at one time Thaksin’s maid was one of the wealthiest women in the country.
Yes, the book is sold in Thailand, Kinokuniya, Asia Books, Chula Bookstore, etc.
Yes, i have been interviewed by the DSI many months ago already, and still am a witness.
Vichai N:
Injured of the early morning dispersal have been presented to the media, a photo of one of them during a press conference is in my book. During this time the Red Shirts have not been as well organized as they are now, had no sufficient membership lists. It was too dark for videos – you can see that in the few videos that exist.
Jim Taylor:
Sorry, but your interviews on the Pattaya incident are wrong. At the time of the storming there were no Blue Shirts anymore in the vicinity. I was there, and so were countless other journalists.
Access to weapons? In Thailand easy – there is a striving black market of war weapons that have been traveling throughout Southeast Asia from one hotspot to the other since the Vietnam War days.
You will get substantiation in Book 3. I will only elaborate on the very complex issue of the militants when i can do that in proper context. Book 2 does not cover yet this context.
I notice quite frequently the prevalence of women entrepaneurs everywhere as well. Whereas men seem, in general, to be doing labor work. In small town Thailand, where I am currently teaching, men are the motorcycle and truck drivers, they are the day laborers, and factory workers, and a smaller proportion of teachers. In terms of commerce though, every single shop, restaurant, stall, or even building is run by women (except for automotive repair shops of course). This superficial appraisal doesn’t take ownership into account of course, but I hardly think that that is relevant here. The point is, my experience more than supports the findings of this article. Women seem to be doing almost all of the day to day managing here.
It would seem to me that this fits the model of gender roles in Thailand. Whereas the male, or father figure, is often in a higher position of monetary control women are the ones who actually manage the work itself. Many of my older students have told me that their wives manage the money at home, as do they take the lead in the raising of children (these are factory workers).
Quite right and I could well end up looking rather stupid if it doesn’t. And of course an election could still hand power to a pro-Thaksin coalition. It seems unlikely that the Puea Thai will be able to gain an overall majority. It’s hard to see a way back for Newin into Thaksin good graces, but not impossible. If either of the above do happen though we will be living in those ‘interesting times’.
True, declaring Buddhism as the state religion was the focus of censure by the so-called secularists, but U Nu was keeping his promise given to the electorates before the general election in 1960 that he won by a landslide. So the blame should go to the people who elected him instead! And it’s the norm of many old styled and traditional governments to support a religion like UK. The Kachin were finding an excuse to start a rebellion and the state religion played well into their hands. Thailand also has many ethnic groups such as Karen, Mon and Chinese except that those ethnic diversities are not allowed to play freely.
The assets of U Nu are:
(1) He kept the Union of Burma despite insurgency after 1948
(2) He gave democracy, however imperfect, to play in Burma
(3) He put Burma on the world map by actively participating, often in leading role, in nonalignment movement
(4) He fostered friendship with Burma’s neighbours like China, India and Thailand
(5) He initiated the China-Burma Boundary agreement
(6) He promoted talented Burmese on the world’s scene that included U Thant, the secretary-general of the UN
(7) He initiated Burma’s development programmes that included Pyidawtha Scheme thee failure of which was not not just due to him alone
(8) The sixth synod of Buddhism was successfully held at Kaba-aye, Yangon
(9) He left a legacy of most government activities in Burma.
Am I his follower or a crony? Certainly not!
1. The CPB ‘belongs’ to the country.
2. The King has absolute control over the CPB.
Not only that, the article 6-7 also give all the right to the asset to the king, although the CPB might be belong to the country but the right to initiate any transaction belongs to the king so not only the king have control over CPB but also over the asset. To this point its mean very little of who the CPB really belongs to but rather who the asset belongs to.
Tossaporn Sirak- 43
“I still think most “regulars” on New Mandala and its administrators are trying to paint the picture that the King is corrupt or gained his wealth through sinister means”
I did response to your comment about sinister thinggy in my comment 39, Albert Park was right about your counter-assertion, “your believe” doesn’t mean much, anyone can believe in something but not everyone can support his “believe”.
Anyhow, like I said earlier, the argument is not “is the king corrupted” but rather “did he really own the 30 billion”? did you see any of us said that the king cheat the money out of the people? well that argument might be for some other time. If we established to fact that the king really own the 30 billion, then we should be able to discuss on “how” he get those asset from.
I could never see the point of making Buddhism state religion in Burma except politicians seeking votes and emulating past royal sponsors of religion for their self aggrandisement. U Nu’s misguided and needless act indeed sparked the Kachin rebellion that has proved enduring.
He cut his political teeth in the students union and later as a Dobama Thakin instrumental in the propagation of Marxist literature. He became PM by default however as a result of Aung San’s untimely demise, capitalised on religion to the extent that many common folk came to think of him as a would be Buddha, but failed miserably to deliver on his unrealistic Pyidawtha welfare state promise.
His Buddhist interpretation of Marxism and subsequent disowning of the ideology could also be seen in Ne Win’s expedient founding of the Burma Socialist Programme Party and his current protège’s defection and distancing from it. U Nu’s mishandling of parliamentary democracy and ethnic nationalities effectively ushered in military rule in Burma.
Likewise U Nu’s attempt at armed revolution in the 70s merely proved that he had neither the stamina nor the mettle for such an undertaking despite his lasting appetite for power. He would try again for a comeback in his dotage as the opportunity arose in 1988 on the back of the popular uprising but failed to pull it off as he was now past his sell by date in taking on a ruthless military junta. The trait lives on in his offspring, again no match to such formidable adversaries as the generals, effectively ‘losing their deposit’ in the latest contest where they also ran.
Tossaporn Sirak: The speculation and innuendo you so dislike is what happens when there is a lack of transparency (backed up by a draconian law).
Why bother with so much secrecy unless there is something to hide? (especially when the lack of transparency clearly damages the institution’s reputation)
Tossaporn: Why are there no one commented on my observation @37
“I still think most “regulars” on New Mandala and its administrators are trying to paint the picture that the King is corrupt or gained his wealth through sinister means” Why?
Well, you see, here’s s problem. That is your interpretation. You believe it, but it is not based on anything stated above (at least, I don’t see it on a quick re-read). So you try to “bait” a response. In the main, you get responses that rely on what is known from the limited information in one of the acts and in an academic article on the topic, but that is not what you want. That doesn’t leave much room for discussion unless we dive into an “I believe” series of assertions and counter-assertions that lead back to “I am entitled to my beliefs” bottom line. No one gets anywhere.
So the basic point is that you need to come up with some data/evidence that supports your position. Other wise it is a Pythonesque “argument” that is just contradiction. As Eric Idle said, “Argument is an intellectual process. Contradiction is just the automatic gainsaying of any statement the other person makes.”
Jim T #1, ” realistically who has access to M79s?” – in the light of recent revelations in Prachuap, as well as the various mysterious break-ins to weapons stores over many years, & allegations of a thriving black market in military weapons, controlled by an allegedly well-organised network of military personnel, it seems that the answer to your question may be wider than you intended.
I’d be interesting in reading a Kachin take on U Nu’s rehabilitation.
As for state religions, Thailand has never had the ethnic diveristy that Burma has. Even the Shan were not in favor of U Nu’s state religion policy. As for Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which brand of Islam are you talking about? With all the current protests in the Middle East the Saudis are quite nervous about Shiite protests in oil fields where Shiites (not the state sanctioned version of Islam) predominate. Pakistan certainly has its share of Sunni/Shiite confrontations, and a Christian government official was just assasinated for his stance on religious issues.
Besides, the military regime pursue a de facto policy of Buddhism as the state religion, and that hasn’t exactly gone over well with the minorities. One of the most bitter attack on the Burmese military I ever heard was from a Mon monk precisely on the issue of Buddhism in Burma.
The account above by Nostitz is disturbing reading . . . but leaves me skeptical because as Nostitz himself confessed with respect to the April 13th Songkran riots “I have no proof though. An anonymous witness in the Amsterdam report claimed that there were 6 or so dead. I can’t go that far, as I have no proof. ”
On this one April 13th incident Nostitz described, again “without proof”, as “. . .I remember only three or four other photographers there, all from Thai papers. Different than what the government and the military stated – shots were fired directly into the Red Shirt protesters, there definitely were injured protesters, and possibly even a few (6 or so) killed . . .” Surely the Red Shirts would have the names of the injured and the dead (or don’t the Red shirts leaders keep a tally of members who went, participated then disappeared?). No video clips, anyone? No friends or relatives missing and unaccounted for? If there is such a list, and surely there were witnesses, why couldn’t Red leader and MP Jatuporn present his evidence in parliament and ask for a parliamentary inquiry accordingly?
[…] people were just unlucky to ran into the bullets? Is he suggesting the Japanese cameraman and the Italian journalist were victims of their own fault because they ran into the crossfire? Are the nurses and medical […]
One more question for the “regulars” and the administrators of New Mandala.
Why are there no one commented on my observation @37
“I still think most “regulars” on New Mandala and its administrators are trying to paint the picture that the King is corrupt or gained his wealth through sinister means”
I don’t believe it! You guys can’t read simple plain English in the Act. It said what it said.
It’s just your own mindset. You already have it in your head that the King is corrupt. That’s why I don’t feel the need to explain the facts or my beliefs. Because most of you here want to abolish the Monarchy. I’m sure you will be happy talking to yourself.
Beliefs / Superstition? Well I think nobody here on this website knows the truth. So by rebutting or attacking other beliefs or superstition is okay then. I agree with you Albert Park.
One other thing, some of you keep referring me as a “student”. Yes, I am a student, but I never said that I am 20 years old. I might be doing my bachelor’s or post graduate or doctorate and beyond. And I’ve been working in many sectors in Thailand before you guys have even been enlightened. So don’t call me son or give me advice about how to be a good student.
Nich, do my comments above pass your censor? Or do you and other “regulars” here think that I’m just bully?
I won’t be a bully if many of your commentators is as intellectual as Ralph Kramden, Nick Nostitz, Jim Taylor, Frank G. Anderson, Chris Beale, Les Abbey, Vichai N., Somsak Jeamteerasakul, John Francis Lee and others like them. These people engage in intellectual discussions, not attacking other “beliefs”. I may not agree with some of there views, but I respect them.
[…] 2: Thailand’s Political Awakening at the FCCT in Bangkok yesterday. Nostitz, who found himself closer to the violence of the state’s crackdown against protesters last year than any other fo…, has found that the depiction of the April 10th violence in our report to the ICC is largely […]
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Thai women taking charge in business
A similar survey done by UNDP about Thai women particpation in local government authorities found that Thailand had one of the worst representations in the world (which starkly differs from their prominent role in the PAD and UDD protests).
Malaysian Indians: A sad story
A short documentary of the 27-02-2011 demonstrations against UMNO’s racist policies and Interlok.
Thai women taking charge in business
Indeed! Thailand has had a role for women in business and parliament for a long time. For instance, at one time Thaksin’s maid was one of the wealthiest women in the country.
Nick Nostitz on Thailand’s political awakening
“Toto”:
Yes, the book is sold in Thailand, Kinokuniya, Asia Books, Chula Bookstore, etc.
Yes, i have been interviewed by the DSI many months ago already, and still am a witness.
Vichai N:
Injured of the early morning dispersal have been presented to the media, a photo of one of them during a press conference is in my book. During this time the Red Shirts have not been as well organized as they are now, had no sufficient membership lists. It was too dark for videos – you can see that in the few videos that exist.
Jim Taylor:
Sorry, but your interviews on the Pattaya incident are wrong. At the time of the storming there were no Blue Shirts anymore in the vicinity. I was there, and so were countless other journalists.
Access to weapons? In Thailand easy – there is a striving black market of war weapons that have been traveling throughout Southeast Asia from one hotspot to the other since the Vietnam War days.
You will get substantiation in Book 3. I will only elaborate on the very complex issue of the militants when i can do that in proper context. Book 2 does not cover yet this context.
Thai women taking charge in business
I notice quite frequently the prevalence of women entrepaneurs everywhere as well. Whereas men seem, in general, to be doing labor work. In small town Thailand, where I am currently teaching, men are the motorcycle and truck drivers, they are the day laborers, and factory workers, and a smaller proportion of teachers. In terms of commerce though, every single shop, restaurant, stall, or even building is run by women (except for automotive repair shops of course). This superficial appraisal doesn’t take ownership into account of course, but I hardly think that that is relevant here. The point is, my experience more than supports the findings of this article. Women seem to be doing almost all of the day to day managing here.
It would seem to me that this fits the model of gender roles in Thailand. Whereas the male, or father figure, is often in a higher position of monetary control women are the ones who actually manage the work itself. Many of my older students have told me that their wives manage the money at home, as do they take the lead in the raising of children (these are factory workers).
Abhisit readying for the people’s judgement?
chris beale – 4
But the election still has not happened, has it ?
Quite right and I could well end up looking rather stupid if it doesn’t. And of course an election could still hand power to a pro-Thaksin coalition. It seems unlikely that the Puea Thai will be able to gain an overall majority. It’s hard to see a way back for Newin into Thaksin good graces, but not impossible. If either of the above do happen though we will be living in those ‘interesting times’.
The rehabilitation of U Nu?
True, declaring Buddhism as the state religion was the focus of censure by the so-called secularists, but U Nu was keeping his promise given to the electorates before the general election in 1960 that he won by a landslide. So the blame should go to the people who elected him instead! And it’s the norm of many old styled and traditional governments to support a religion like UK. The Kachin were finding an excuse to start a rebellion and the state religion played well into their hands. Thailand also has many ethnic groups such as Karen, Mon and Chinese except that those ethnic diversities are not allowed to play freely.
The assets of U Nu are:
(1) He kept the Union of Burma despite insurgency after 1948
(2) He gave democracy, however imperfect, to play in Burma
(3) He put Burma on the world map by actively participating, often in leading role, in nonalignment movement
(4) He fostered friendship with Burma’s neighbours like China, India and Thailand
(5) He initiated the China-Burma Boundary agreement
(6) He promoted talented Burmese on the world’s scene that included U Thant, the secretary-general of the UN
(7) He initiated Burma’s development programmes that included Pyidawtha Scheme thee failure of which was not not just due to him alone
(8) The sixth synod of Buddhism was successfully held at Kaba-aye, Yangon
(9) He left a legacy of most government activities in Burma.
Am I his follower or a crony? Certainly not!
Thailand’s royal billions
Paul -41
The facts are
1. The CPB ‘belongs’ to the country.
2. The King has absolute control over the CPB.
Not only that, the article 6-7 also give all the right to the asset to the king, although the CPB might be belong to the country but the right to initiate any transaction belongs to the king so not only the king have control over CPB but also over the asset. To this point its mean very little of who the CPB really belongs to but rather who the asset belongs to.
Tossaporn Sirak- 43
“I still think most “regulars” on New Mandala and its administrators are trying to paint the picture that the King is corrupt or gained his wealth through sinister means”
I did response to your comment about sinister thinggy in my comment 39, Albert Park was right about your counter-assertion, “your believe” doesn’t mean much, anyone can believe in something but not everyone can support his “believe”.
Anyhow, like I said earlier, the argument is not “is the king corrupted” but rather “did he really own the 30 billion”? did you see any of us said that the king cheat the money out of the people? well that argument might be for some other time. If we established to fact that the king really own the 30 billion, then we should be able to discuss on “how” he get those asset from.
The rehabilitation of U Nu?
I could never see the point of making Buddhism state religion in Burma except politicians seeking votes and emulating past royal sponsors of religion for their self aggrandisement. U Nu’s misguided and needless act indeed sparked the Kachin rebellion that has proved enduring.
He cut his political teeth in the students union and later as a Dobama Thakin instrumental in the propagation of Marxist literature. He became PM by default however as a result of Aung San’s untimely demise, capitalised on religion to the extent that many common folk came to think of him as a would be Buddha, but failed miserably to deliver on his unrealistic Pyidawtha welfare state promise.
His Buddhist interpretation of Marxism and subsequent disowning of the ideology could also be seen in Ne Win’s expedient founding of the Burma Socialist Programme Party and his current protège’s defection and distancing from it. U Nu’s mishandling of parliamentary democracy and ethnic nationalities effectively ushered in military rule in Burma.
Likewise U Nu’s attempt at armed revolution in the 70s merely proved that he had neither the stamina nor the mettle for such an undertaking despite his lasting appetite for power. He would try again for a comeback in his dotage as the opportunity arose in 1988 on the back of the popular uprising but failed to pull it off as he was now past his sell by date in taking on a ruthless military junta. The trait lives on in his offspring, again no match to such formidable adversaries as the generals, effectively ‘losing their deposit’ in the latest contest where they also ran.
Thailand’s royal billions
Tossaporn Sirak: The speculation and innuendo you so dislike is what happens when there is a lack of transparency (backed up by a draconian law).
Why bother with so much secrecy unless there is something to hide? (especially when the lack of transparency clearly damages the institution’s reputation)
Thailand’s royal billions
Tossaporn: Why are there no one commented on my observation @37
“I still think most “regulars” on New Mandala and its administrators are trying to paint the picture that the King is corrupt or gained his wealth through sinister means” Why?
Well, you see, here’s s problem. That is your interpretation. You believe it, but it is not based on anything stated above (at least, I don’t see it on a quick re-read). So you try to “bait” a response. In the main, you get responses that rely on what is known from the limited information in one of the acts and in an academic article on the topic, but that is not what you want. That doesn’t leave much room for discussion unless we dive into an “I believe” series of assertions and counter-assertions that lead back to “I am entitled to my beliefs” bottom line. No one gets anywhere.
So the basic point is that you need to come up with some data/evidence that supports your position. Other wise it is a Pythonesque “argument” that is just contradiction. As Eric Idle said, “Argument is an intellectual process. Contradiction is just the automatic gainsaying of any statement the other person makes.”
Nick Nostitz on Thailand’s political awakening
Jim T #1, ” realistically who has access to M79s?” – in the light of recent revelations in Prachuap, as well as the various mysterious break-ins to weapons stores over many years, & allegations of a thriving black market in military weapons, controlled by an allegedly well-organised network of military personnel, it seems that the answer to your question may be wider than you intended.
Abhisit readying for the people’s judgement?
Les Abbey #4 : good points.
But the election still has not happened, has it ?
To say nothing of the result being respected.
The rehabilitation of U Nu?
I’d be interesting in reading a Kachin take on U Nu’s rehabilitation.
As for state religions, Thailand has never had the ethnic diveristy that Burma has. Even the Shan were not in favor of U Nu’s state religion policy. As for Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which brand of Islam are you talking about? With all the current protests in the Middle East the Saudis are quite nervous about Shiite protests in oil fields where Shiites (not the state sanctioned version of Islam) predominate. Pakistan certainly has its share of Sunni/Shiite confrontations, and a Christian government official was just assasinated for his stance on religious issues.
Besides, the military regime pursue a de facto policy of Buddhism as the state religion, and that hasn’t exactly gone over well with the minorities. One of the most bitter attack on the Burmese military I ever heard was from a Mon monk precisely on the issue of Buddhism in Burma.
Nick Nostitz on Thailand’s political awakening
The account above by Nostitz is disturbing reading . . . but leaves me skeptical because as Nostitz himself confessed with respect to the April 13th Songkran riots “I have no proof though. An anonymous witness in the Amsterdam report claimed that there were 6 or so dead. I can’t go that far, as I have no proof. ”
On this one April 13th incident Nostitz described, again “without proof”, as “. . .I remember only three or four other photographers there, all from Thai papers. Different than what the government and the military stated – shots were fired directly into the Red Shirt protesters, there definitely were injured protesters, and possibly even a few (6 or so) killed . . .” Surely the Red Shirts would have the names of the injured and the dead (or don’t the Red shirts leaders keep a tally of members who went, participated then disappeared?). No video clips, anyone? No friends or relatives missing and unaccounted for? If there is such a list, and surely there were witnesses, why couldn’t Red leader and MP Jatuporn present his evidence in parliament and ask for a parliamentary inquiry accordingly?
I am skeptical . . . very skeptical.
Who killed Italian photographer Fabio Polenghi?
[…] people were just unlucky to ran into the bullets? Is he suggesting the Japanese cameraman and the Italian journalist were victims of their own fault because they ran into the crossfire? Are the nurses and medical […]
Nick Nostitz on Thailand’s political awakening
Having seen an early copy I can say that again the photographic plates are superb.
Thailand’s royal billions
One more question for the “regulars” and the administrators of New Mandala.
Why are there no one commented on my observation @37
“I still think most “regulars” on New Mandala and its administrators are trying to paint the picture that the King is corrupt or gained his wealth through sinister means”
Why?
Thailand’s royal billions
I don’t believe it! You guys can’t read simple plain English in the Act. It said what it said.
It’s just your own mindset. You already have it in your head that the King is corrupt. That’s why I don’t feel the need to explain the facts or my beliefs. Because most of you here want to abolish the Monarchy. I’m sure you will be happy talking to yourself.
Beliefs / Superstition? Well I think nobody here on this website knows the truth. So by rebutting or attacking other beliefs or superstition is okay then. I agree with you Albert Park.
One other thing, some of you keep referring me as a “student”. Yes, I am a student, but I never said that I am 20 years old. I might be doing my bachelor’s or post graduate or doctorate and beyond. And I’ve been working in many sectors in Thailand before you guys have even been enlightened. So don’t call me son or give me advice about how to be a good student.
Nich, do my comments above pass your censor? Or do you and other “regulars” here think that I’m just bully?
I won’t be a bully if many of your commentators is as intellectual as Ralph Kramden, Nick Nostitz, Jim Taylor, Frank G. Anderson, Chris Beale, Les Abbey, Vichai N., Somsak Jeamteerasakul, John Francis Lee and others like them. These people engage in intellectual discussions, not attacking other “beliefs”. I may not agree with some of there views, but I respect them.
Nick Nostitz in the killing zone
[…] 2: Thailand’s Political Awakening at the FCCT in Bangkok yesterday. Nostitz, who found himself closer to the violence of the state’s crackdown against protesters last year than any other fo…, has found that the depiction of the April 10th violence in our report to the ICC is largely […]