First the UDD has to get its act together. The first two groups you identified: (1) ‘Election group’ under PTP and (2) ‘pro-Thaksin group’ are one and the same. Pheau Thai Party is, was and continues to be now and in the near future, a political party to serve Thaksin and only Thaksin, or haven’t you been reading your Thai news lately?
The no. 3 group, ‘the Democracy group’ has to completely distance itself from the Thaksin group(s), then mold its image as democracy-seeking peaceful movement with only two primary objectives: (1) to uproot the ‘amaat’ political influence and (2) to cancel article 112. Simplify and focus on these two objectives only . . . strongly articulate and circulate to the Thai people why so, but peacefully . . . and let the strength of truth generate widespread clamor from every sector . . . the masses of the poor, and the middle class for real democracy to take roots in the Land of Smiles, Thailand.
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Emilio Esteban, New Mandala. New Mandala said: Where to now for the UDD?: While we all cheer the release of seven UDD leaders we should keep in mind the 151 or… http://bit.ly/eC0r7Q […]
How can “even the retelling of certain factual accounts of the royals’ action” qualify as LM if the royals haven’t done anything wrong?
To suggest that such a retelling poses a danger to society is surely to suggest that the royals’ action was in some way incorrect. Therefore this law is itself an example of LM and the people responsible for it should be prosecuted.
News from elsewhere: Kafka’s ghost to run MICT.
btw, I pressume this stepping up of pressure on bloggers is why Bangkok Pundit always has his comments on ‘closed’ now?
Well, I suppose the competition for Government and “Government Linked Corporation” sponsored students are quite competitive nowadays. Just like all private colleges in Malaysia, Monash’s Malaysian campus (and to a certain degree, even the Australian campuses) are for-profit-businesses after all.
I wonder how many new “sponsored” students Monash Sunway/Melbourne will be getting in the coming semesters?
All I can say is that my esteem for Monash University has gone down and reduced my view of all degrees conferred by that University. As a proud Australian, I resent the thrashing by their recalcitrant ex Prime Minister and welcome the displaced non-Bumiputra Malaysians and indeed even Bumiputras who are now calling Australia home because they can no longer stomach the hypocrisy practiced by the Powers that be.
“…At the same time, the kingdom’s Gini coefficient – a measure of income inequality – shows that Thailand is less unequal than either Malaysia or Singapore. Unemployment figures are also at a startlingly low 1%…”
Karim Raslan probably did not read the UNDP report on Thailand but its not surprising.
“Bangsar Elite” is the term ordinary Malaysians call people like Karim Raslan, Marina Mahathir, etc. i.e. rich, Western educated Malay Malaysians, with prominent parents, who talk the talk (progressive, liberal, social justice etc) but never walks the talk.
How could they, having benefited from the affirmative action that made them what they are.
Karim Raslan and Marina Mahathir, nice to read their articles, but clearly not the people that are going to bring changes to oppressive regimes, in Malaysia or anywhere.
Ironically, Rosmah’s First Ladies Summit was themed “A Child Today A Leader Tomorrow”, which, however, made no contribution to the much needy rural children back home. Only Rosmah’s pet project Permata, an outfit to groom gifted children, was deemed needy of funds, hence the RM100 million allocation under the 2010 Budget, which she claimed was “a recognition of the importance of early childcare and education in Malaysia”.
After the “powers that be” refused to help the Penan women fight for justice, three Sarawakian women activists decided to turn to Rosmah for help. They handed her a petition seeking support in ensuring the Penan girls and women receive justice. Until today, this so-called “first lady” has not shown any interest or commitment in lending a helping hand to the girls and women of Penan.
Poster 8 has taken a commendable approach – fear should have no place in a 21st society. A majority of NM readers are either social or educated elite (members of industrial nations who chose to be in Thailand by choice are also considered “the world’s elite”), so live up to a true meaning of ‘elitism’ – you are a selected lot and should therefore not be intimidated by fear. Haunting spirits are mostly childhood imagination anyway.
Worst of all, fear breeds misunderstanding. Marie Curie used to pronounce that “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less” – couldn’t agree more. When every institution in Thailand understands and trusts one another a bit more, fear will be eliminated. When a stage of trust occurs, there may be a prospect for political collaborations between various interest groups >> Men afraid of god, god afraid of men, nation in chain.
Certainly agree with the decision not to go… it is just not worth the risk of arrest.
As for the more important dilemma about credibility: perhaps if the conference is not discussing these sensitive matters, then NM can discuss these matters at the same time to coincide with the conference. It’d make for a neat contrast…
True desperate times during past useless careless tx by west make Tay Za generosity seem exceptional.
His generosity dose not however deserve beyond any perfunctory accolades 2┬║ to the UNBELIEVABLY profit from his cronyism at the expense of the citizenry
That being said , Tay Za has his own cross of an unfortunate child of his with disability to bear.
The simple fact:
Tay Za is is a quintessential TRUSTED insider of SPDC. (period)
Having the absolute trust as well as the ear of his ever Xenophobic, paranoid, backward yet extremely able, crafty and tenacious father in law, should count for something.
The West, Australia included complain incessantly on not being able to bend SPDC’s ear has never ever approach him as a channel to convey opportunity of changes on behalf of the citizenry the past 3 decades is astounding.
New Mandala might be on to something with the offer.
In 2010, Piboon Watanasiritham, Minister in Surayudh’s junta government, praised in public about “Abhisidharatha” (р╕нр╕ар╕┤р╕кр╕┤р╕Чр╕Шр╕┤р╕Шр╕▒р╕Хр╕Цр╕░) – something related to the Buddha.
Now, Karim is delivering similar theme for the same task.
Whilst doubtless a perfectly decent specimen of humanity, Karim Raslan fits into a definite category:
He’s one of these urbane, witty, cosmopolitan natives who ends up on CNN and BBC, and In Flight Magazines (haha) because, well, go back to the start of this sentence.
Unfortunately urbane, witty, etc.. have no bearing on any sense of being in touch with the underlying realpolitik in said happy native kingdom.
Hamid Karzai would be another case in point. Looks mighty photogenic in the carpet thing he wears, apparently can dash off a mean ghazal on demand, is star attraction at the Asia Society… and doesn’t have an effing clue how to exert his will outside his own presidential palace because actually he’s just ‘good with whitey’ and has less than zero native power base in the rather less than wonderful Ghazal Garden of Persian Delight which is Afghanistan.
Tn Karim Raslan… although no doubt he’s more exalted than a mere Tuan in the good old Malay Aristocracy can waffle on about the Tunku coming to dinner when he was a youngster..
Sadly, the days of the Tunku are long gone. The barbarian strivers rule the UMNO roost now. But you’ll no doubt find Karim Raslan at embassy dinners – he’s a charmer. He’ll sit down and tell a good joke. Won’t be getting up to ablute and say prayers all the time like a marionette.
Enough of a digression – just couldn’t resist a bit of gratuitous tone-poeming :).
Back to Abhisit. Apart from having schlepped around in the Old Country at about the same time, I can’t imagine why Karim Raslan’s thoughts on Abhisit count for diddly squat. Do we care?
Yesterday evening – at 21.47 (Thai time) – 23.02.54 I was able to access Political prisoners in Thailand for the first time in a very long time – approximately nine nine months or so – but now the site is blocked again in Thailand through True.
From an inspection of my pages visited history these pages were all available last night but not now unfortunately:
Andrew, definitely apply for a visa. If you are rejected you can duly note it here at NM and it will embarrass the government for not being “civilized.” You win. If you are granted a visa it is not likely that the government would make a martyr out of you. They wouldn’t grant you that much respect. So apply and if accepted, go! The absolute worst thing that could happen to you would be your spending time in jail, but not long, and look at what currency you’ll gain.
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Where to now for the UDD?
Where to now UDD? – good question Jim Taylor
First the UDD has to get its act together. The first two groups you identified: (1) ‘Election group’ under PTP and (2) ‘pro-Thaksin group’ are one and the same. Pheau Thai Party is, was and continues to be now and in the near future, a political party to serve Thaksin and only Thaksin, or haven’t you been reading your Thai news lately?
The no. 3 group, ‘the Democracy group’ has to completely distance itself from the Thaksin group(s), then mold its image as democracy-seeking peaceful movement with only two primary objectives: (1) to uproot the ‘amaat’ political influence and (2) to cancel article 112. Simplify and focus on these two objectives only . . . strongly articulate and circulate to the Thai people why so, but peacefully . . . and let the strength of truth generate widespread clamor from every sector . . . the masses of the poor, and the middle class for real democracy to take roots in the Land of Smiles, Thailand.
Should the International Conference on Thai Studies be held in Thailand?
If you happened to be arrested, you could certainly count on the Australian envoys’ support! Like Harry Nicolaides.
Where to now for the UDD?
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Emilio Esteban, New Mandala. New Mandala said: Where to now for the UDD?: While we all cheer the release of seven UDD leaders we should keep in mind the 151 or… http://bit.ly/eC0r7Q […]
Najib to receive honorary degree from Monash
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Carisma Kapoor, SABM Melbourne. SABM Melbourne said: PM in Melbourne http://fb.me/SnurtRsY […]
Is blogging about Thai politics illegal?
How can “even the retelling of certain factual accounts of the royals’ action” qualify as LM if the royals haven’t done anything wrong?
To suggest that such a retelling poses a danger to society is surely to suggest that the royals’ action was in some way incorrect. Therefore this law is itself an example of LM and the people responsible for it should be prosecuted.
News from elsewhere: Kafka’s ghost to run MICT.
btw, I pressume this stepping up of pressure on bloggers is why Bangkok Pundit always has his comments on ‘closed’ now?
Najib to receive honorary degree from Monash
Well, I suppose the competition for Government and “Government Linked Corporation” sponsored students are quite competitive nowadays. Just like all private colleges in Malaysia, Monash’s Malaysian campus (and to a certain degree, even the Australian campuses) are for-profit-businesses after all.
I wonder how many new “sponsored” students Monash Sunway/Melbourne will be getting in the coming semesters?
Najib to receive honorary degree from Monash
All I can say is that my esteem for Monash University has gone down and reduced my view of all degrees conferred by that University. As a proud Australian, I resent the thrashing by their recalcitrant ex Prime Minister and welcome the displaced non-Bumiputra Malaysians and indeed even Bumiputras who are now calling Australia home because they can no longer stomach the hypocrisy practiced by the Powers that be.
Where to now for the UDD?
So will the UDD campaign for the release of Surachai?
High praise for New Mandala
@Peter Marshall # 11
If e.g. Firefox is your choice for getting web content on your screen, search for their “https – everywhere” Add-on and install it.
It is easy to do so, no special computing skills required.
That should work – at least for the PPT-website.
Khmer voodoo at the frontlines
Thongchai and Baker on Phra Viharn here: http://blogs.straitstimes.com/2011/2/23/stones-flags-and-guns
Abhisit at history’s juncture
“…At the same time, the kingdom’s Gini coefficient – a measure of income inequality – shows that Thailand is less unequal than either Malaysia or Singapore. Unemployment figures are also at a startlingly low 1%…”
Karim Raslan probably did not read the UNDP report on Thailand but its not surprising.
“Bangsar Elite” is the term ordinary Malaysians call people like Karim Raslan, Marina Mahathir, etc. i.e. rich, Western educated Malay Malaysians, with prominent parents, who talk the talk (progressive, liberal, social justice etc) but never walks the talk.
How could they, having benefited from the affirmative action that made them what they are.
Karim Raslan and Marina Mahathir, nice to read their articles, but clearly not the people that are going to bring changes to oppressive regimes, in Malaysia or anywhere.
Malaysia’s First Lady
Lady First, People Last:
After the “powers that be” refused to help the Penan women fight for justice, three Sarawakian women activists decided to turn to Rosmah for help. They handed her a petition seeking support in ensuring the Penan girls and women receive justice. Until today, this so-called “first lady” has not shown any interest or commitment in lending a helping hand to the girls and women of Penan.
Should the International Conference on Thai Studies be held in Thailand?
Poster 8 has taken a commendable approach – fear should have no place in a 21st society. A majority of NM readers are either social or educated elite (members of industrial nations who chose to be in Thailand by choice are also considered “the world’s elite”), so live up to a true meaning of ‘elitism’ – you are a selected lot and should therefore not be intimidated by fear. Haunting spirits are mostly childhood imagination anyway.
Worst of all, fear breeds misunderstanding. Marie Curie used to pronounce that “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less” – couldn’t agree more. When every institution in Thailand understands and trusts one another a bit more, fear will be eliminated. When a stage of trust occurs, there may be a prospect for political collaborations between various interest groups >> Men afraid of god, god afraid of men, nation in chain.
Should the International Conference on Thai Studies be held in Thailand?
Certainly agree with the decision not to go… it is just not worth the risk of arrest.
As for the more important dilemma about credibility: perhaps if the conference is not discussing these sensitive matters, then NM can discuss these matters at the same time to coincide with the conference. It’d make for a neat contrast…
Should the International Conference on Thai Studies be held in Thailand?
Perhaps NM can still participate @ the conference in real-time via some other novel medium? For example, Twitter responses to key points raised?
Tay Za put on ice in northern Burma
Nich
True desperate times during past useless careless tx by west make Tay Za generosity seem exceptional.
His generosity dose not however deserve beyond any perfunctory accolades 2┬║ to the UNBELIEVABLY profit from his cronyism at the expense of the citizenry
That being said , Tay Za has his own cross of an unfortunate child of his with disability to bear.
The simple fact:
Tay Za is is a quintessential TRUSTED insider of SPDC. (period)
Having the absolute trust as well as the ear of his ever Xenophobic, paranoid, backward yet extremely able, crafty and tenacious father in law, should count for something.
The West, Australia included complain incessantly on not being able to bend SPDC’s ear has never ever approach him as a channel to convey opportunity of changes on behalf of the citizenry the past 3 decades is astounding.
New Mandala might be on to something with the offer.
Let’s hope it is not too little too late!
Abhisit at history’s juncture
In 2010, Piboon Watanasiritham, Minister in Surayudh’s junta government, praised in public about “Abhisidharatha” (р╕нр╕ар╕┤р╕кр╕┤р╕Чр╕Шр╕┤р╕Шр╕▒р╕Хр╕Цр╕░) – something related to the Buddha.
Now, Karim is delivering similar theme for the same task.
Abhisit at history’s juncture
Whilst doubtless a perfectly decent specimen of humanity, Karim Raslan fits into a definite category:
He’s one of these urbane, witty, cosmopolitan natives who ends up on CNN and BBC, and In Flight Magazines (haha) because, well, go back to the start of this sentence.
Unfortunately urbane, witty, etc.. have no bearing on any sense of being in touch with the underlying realpolitik in said happy native kingdom.
Hamid Karzai would be another case in point. Looks mighty photogenic in the carpet thing he wears, apparently can dash off a mean ghazal on demand, is star attraction at the Asia Society… and doesn’t have an effing clue how to exert his will outside his own presidential palace because actually he’s just ‘good with whitey’ and has less than zero native power base in the rather less than wonderful Ghazal Garden of Persian Delight which is Afghanistan.
Tn Karim Raslan… although no doubt he’s more exalted than a mere Tuan in the good old Malay Aristocracy can waffle on about the Tunku coming to dinner when he was a youngster..
Sadly, the days of the Tunku are long gone. The barbarian strivers rule the UMNO roost now. But you’ll no doubt find Karim Raslan at embassy dinners – he’s a charmer. He’ll sit down and tell a good joke. Won’t be getting up to ablute and say prayers all the time like a marionette.
Enough of a digression – just couldn’t resist a bit of gratuitous tone-poeming :).
Back to Abhisit. Apart from having schlepped around in the Old Country at about the same time, I can’t imagine why Karim Raslan’s thoughts on Abhisit count for diddly squat. Do we care?
High praise for New Mandala
Yesterday evening – at 21.47 (Thai time) – 23.02.54 I was able to access Political prisoners in Thailand for the first time in a very long time – approximately nine nine months or so – but now the site is blocked again in Thailand through True.
From an inspection of my pages visited history these pages were all available last night but not now unfortunately:
http://thaipoliticalprisoners.wordpress.com/2011/02/22/challenges-for-the-state-apparatus/
http://thaipoliticalprisoners.wordpress.com/
http://thaipoliticalprisoners.wordpress.com/about-ppt/
http://thaipoliticalprisoners.wordpress.com/2011/02/22/the-missing-headline-lese-majeste/
Strange.
Should the International Conference on Thai Studies be held in Thailand?
Andrew, definitely apply for a visa. If you are rejected you can duly note it here at NM and it will embarrass the government for not being “civilized.” You win. If you are granted a visa it is not likely that the government would make a martyr out of you. They wouldn’t grant you that much respect. So apply and if accepted, go! The absolute worst thing that could happen to you would be your spending time in jail, but not long, and look at what currency you’ll gain.
See you there.