The very first line of the formal invitation says it is pleased to invite “activists with an interest in Thailand”. I think you should attend and wave that in their face if they object.
Zairil, the first Malay political secretary to a DAP secretary-general, is the son of the late former Umno strongman Mohd Khir Johari who served as education minister under three prime ministers including the late Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Pakatan fully realises that it must infiltrate and break Umno’s grip on the majority Malay electorate to realise its Putrajaya ambition.
That’s a shame Andrew. I can understand why you have decided this, but it does let things get brushed under the carpet. Maybe a visa application would make it known publicly without putting yourself in danger.
billyd.
An important part of Thai Buddhism teaches its adherents the act of ‘mindfulness’ that of being actively ‘attentive or alert’ to what happens to not only themselves but that around them. Yet the Thai education system contradicts much of this ideology and many cases teaches the opposite.
You are quite right when you write Thais prefer to direct their mental energies to matters of ‘money, family and status’ yet ironically these are far from been in an ‘enlightened’ state of mind.
In the west we are taught from a young age to question our elders be it parents, teachers, bosses or governments, its part of the social evolution of how progressive democracies work. We have a voice if we wish to use it.
Thailand’s democracy is far from progressive and double standards have been created by those with the most wealth and influence over decades.
My Thai family is not wealthy but know only too well their status as forced upon them by a small percentage of the population who assume some sort of higher superiority due to this wealth or bloodline. They know these families in many cases are above the law with much of their illegal activities protected by security forces and connections in government institutions.
Many of these wealthy families have their children educated in western democracies, many study business but yet when they return to Thailand do very little with what they have learn t as its the ‘face’ value of the international degree that seems to only matter.
The PM himself was educated at a prestigious UK university yet what affect has he had on the archaic and corrupt system that exists in Thailand. What did he actually learn at Oxford?
I have read all of Pira Sudham’s books they have ‘enlightened’ me to what really exists at the grass roots in Thailand. He doesn’t need to be publicly outspoken as his books tells it as it truly is. Many people have been murdered in Thailand for speaking publicly about the truth in the kingdom.
You only have to go and visit upcountry in Thailand and talk with the people, if you speak Thai and although many have not been university educated they still understand the mechanisms of a social system that keeps them where they are, at the bottom with no real voice.
When Thais voted in 2007, there were no Bhumjai Thai, Ruam Jai Thai, et al. Any independent candidate was never allowed. A candidate must run under a party, people voted for party policies.
People voted for People Power Party (PPP). When PPP was dissolved, it did not mean that MPs who were elected under PPP banner were let free from the people’s will. Nobody voted for Bhumjai Thai in this parliament, as it did not exist during the 2007 election.
There was no ligitimacy of this government since the day it was formed. Abhisit has never, and can never defend anywhere that people has not voted for Bhumjai Thai to ligitimize him as PM.
First, I want to praise New Mandala for its unceasing devotion to exploring the nuances of political and academic discussion of very sensitive matters in the Kingdom, as the Thai public sphere is continually reshaped by emerging technology and critical voices.
For example, your thread on “The Devil’s Discus” (http://www.newmandala.org/2008/05/29/the-devils-discus-in-thai/), remains one of the most interesting and most fearless posts I have ever encountered on the Internet referencing Thailand’s monarchy. It is right to be concerned about the reach of Thailand’s corresponding legal reach into the digital realm, for obvious reasons.
In the narrow sphere of online representation which I critique at length (blogs and websites about Thailand’s sex industry), I have raised similar concerns about the transnational promotion of something that is nominally illegal in Thailand, namely prostitution. The problem that bloggers and commercial websites promoting Thai prostitution (which attract significant foreign readership) likely will encounter are similar to websites that promote anti-monarchical views in general. First, they are promoting via transnational digital means illegal activity in the Kingdom. Secondly, they are presenting Thai culture in its most unflattering aspects in moral terms, against which the Thai government has historically attempted to regulate in the form of its guardianship of public media. Depictions of prostitution, moral degradation (substance use), pornography and the like are generally prohibited in the Thai public sphere.
I do not share WLH’s premature optimism regarding Thailand’s emergence from what he or she calls “political adolescence.” Using the language of aging (read as “political progress”) coupled with the language of “mourning”, the previous comment underestimates the breadth and scope of Thai royal history (and its inherent modern power) through the rose-tinted lens of Western populist fable.
That Brown, Gillard or Abhisit were within legal bounds to do as they did is not in dispute…
Sorry Steve but you will see all I was arguing was that what Abhisit did in becoming prime minister was legal under a parliamentary system no matter what others may think about. That it was anything other than this is just a silly argument made by those that seem unable to understand the difference between a parliamentary system and what they have in presidential systems of government. For pointing out this Soonuk Dum was attacked, but then again nobody wanted to answer his questions either.
Let’s look at a few comments:
An Ajarn – 2
…this “charming” PM of ours did not attain his position through democratic means…
Stuart – 6
Thailand is still waiting for an election to legitimise the current government’s coup d’etat of a DIFFERENT political party.
Tarrin – 7
We have no alternative because your lovely junta made the law so that everyone that is not from the Democrat Party all got banned.
From Beyond – 15
…But attempting to dress them up as holding some “democratic legitimacy” is just complete bollocks.
And of course yourself – 17
Not mentioned yet (and notably absent from Soonuk Dum’s own confusion) is that Brown succeeded Blair as leader of the same party that had won a convincing majority – pointedly different from Abhisit’s situation.
Where of course which party the prime minister comes from has nothing to do with his legitimacy.
The lack of legality of the majority of elected MPs voting for Abhisit is, as i said in the earlier comment, a silly argument that does those opposed to Abhisit no favours.
By the way Steve if I were you I wouldn’t go too deeply into whether Newin was bought by the Democrats or not, as like any good tart it’s unlikely to be his first trick. We could look at the formation of the TRT if you want;-)
Now a few quick questions that I suspect won’t be answered by many, but who thinks the winners of the next election will be a legal government? Does it perhaps depends on who wins? Let’s say it’s a coalition of basically the same parties as are in it today. Would that be an acceptable government? What if it’s a Phue Thai majority? Would that be OK? Or how about this one. What if Newin is our next prime minister what should our reaction be?
Shall I say that blocking NM is suicidal ? So far they dare not block The Guardian. It depends on the ISP too. True just got huge concession so of course it wants to please this government.
Smooth sailing here in Korat via TOT.
Jon’s article was very well written and to the point. But to suggest that the Thai media are free is overly optimistic. That’s why these sensitive stories are not covered. The media are not free.
There is a great deal of social pressure, backed by imminent problems from army or police, for people to not ask questions or raise issues the government/state do not want raised. This is retrograde.
From Beyond raises an interesting point or two; what we need to see is UDD listening and reflecting on the aspirations of the masses in regard to 112 otherwsie they will lose leadership credibility. when the partying is over for the released core leaders of UDD it is not the end. We now need to secure the release of hundreds of other ordinary red shirts around the country whose families depend on those incarcerated for their livelihoods. The end of the partying should also be the beginning of a new alliance among all red shirts to ensure the uprooting of the amaat regime; of seeking democracy for the people of Thailand, securing full accountability under the regime for those responsible for killing 91 persons, and making institutional changes necessary at all levels in accordance with a new constitution. After the partying it should not stop here. This should be a start. Surachai Sae Dan must also be released on bail in twelve days; even though he said not to fight for him or try to bail him out. If the state refuse to allow bail at the end of next week according to legal rights, then I am sure that red shirts everywhere will know what needs to be done.
We can only hope that the people finally say “enough is enough” and do away with the concept of monarchy once and for all.
Liberté, égalité, fraternité.
Or as Thomas Paine once said, how can a group of people willingly allow another group of people to rule them, their children and their childrens’ children forever?
And finally:
If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.
Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, No. 1, December 19, 1776
Pete# 19 :
“as tarrin stated, Mahidol’s resources are generally superior.”
That’s not actually what Tarrin said.
He simply praised Mahidol’s undoubtedly superior medical facilities
– with a name like that, who would n’t ?
On the whole, ‘Dr M: Operation Malaysia’ seems closer to cosmetic surgery than dissection. For a more substantial interview, without the pop and the corn and the showman-like sheen, you’d be better off reading ‘Hard Truths’.
Kee Thuan Chye reviewing Tom Plate’s Dr. M: Operation Malaysia – Conversations with Mahathir Mohamed. (Read here)
Kudos Nich & Andrew and all thoe who contribute. Well deserved.
@Trojan #2 – Yes, it does seems so. Checked at the office and at home today – at least blocked by True – keep getting error messages. Hopefully the Post’s recognition of NM doesn’t result in it getting blocked too. Coz that would, for lack of a better word, suck.
Facebook 
Twitter 
Soundcloud 
Youtube 
Rss
Should the International Conference on Thai Studies be held in Thailand?
The very first line of the formal invitation says it is pleased to invite “activists with an interest in Thailand”. I think you should attend and wave that in their face if they object.
Why is Malaysia experiencing a brain drain?
Alea Nishin, a young Malaysian contemplates returning home (read here)
Malays in Malaysia: “In Malay Supremacy we trust?”
Will Malaysians vote according to what’s best for the country or what is best for their race?
Pakatan fully realises that it must infiltrate and break Umno’s grip on the majority Malay electorate to realise its Putrajaya ambition.
Should the International Conference on Thai Studies be held in Thailand?
I won’t be attending.
That’s a shame Andrew. I can understand why you have decided this, but it does let things get brushed under the carpet. Maybe a visa application would make it known publicly without putting yourself in danger.
Tay Za put on ice in northern Burma
Thanks for all of these comments:
For those still following this story The Irrawaddy has a report as does Xinhua.
Best wishes to all,
Nich
Abhisit’s ongoing campaign against free speech
billyd.
An important part of Thai Buddhism teaches its adherents the act of ‘mindfulness’ that of being actively ‘attentive or alert’ to what happens to not only themselves but that around them. Yet the Thai education system contradicts much of this ideology and many cases teaches the opposite.
You are quite right when you write Thais prefer to direct their mental energies to matters of ‘money, family and status’ yet ironically these are far from been in an ‘enlightened’ state of mind.
In the west we are taught from a young age to question our elders be it parents, teachers, bosses or governments, its part of the social evolution of how progressive democracies work. We have a voice if we wish to use it.
Thailand’s democracy is far from progressive and double standards have been created by those with the most wealth and influence over decades.
My Thai family is not wealthy but know only too well their status as forced upon them by a small percentage of the population who assume some sort of higher superiority due to this wealth or bloodline. They know these families in many cases are above the law with much of their illegal activities protected by security forces and connections in government institutions.
Many of these wealthy families have their children educated in western democracies, many study business but yet when they return to Thailand do very little with what they have learn t as its the ‘face’ value of the international degree that seems to only matter.
The PM himself was educated at a prestigious UK university yet what affect has he had on the archaic and corrupt system that exists in Thailand. What did he actually learn at Oxford?
I have read all of Pira Sudham’s books they have ‘enlightened’ me to what really exists at the grass roots in Thailand. He doesn’t need to be publicly outspoken as his books tells it as it truly is. Many people have been murdered in Thailand for speaking publicly about the truth in the kingdom.
You only have to go and visit upcountry in Thailand and talk with the people, if you speak Thai and although many have not been university educated they still understand the mechanisms of a social system that keeps them where they are, at the bottom with no real voice.
Abhisit at history’s juncture
When Thais voted in 2007, there were no Bhumjai Thai, Ruam Jai Thai, et al. Any independent candidate was never allowed. A candidate must run under a party, people voted for party policies.
People voted for People Power Party (PPP). When PPP was dissolved, it did not mean that MPs who were elected under PPP banner were let free from the people’s will. Nobody voted for Bhumjai Thai in this parliament, as it did not exist during the 2007 election.
There was no ligitimacy of this government since the day it was formed. Abhisit has never, and can never defend anywhere that people has not voted for Bhumjai Thai to ligitimize him as PM.
Is blogging about Thai politics illegal?
First, I want to praise New Mandala for its unceasing devotion to exploring the nuances of political and academic discussion of very sensitive matters in the Kingdom, as the Thai public sphere is continually reshaped by emerging technology and critical voices.
For example, your thread on “The Devil’s Discus” (http://www.newmandala.org/2008/05/29/the-devils-discus-in-thai/), remains one of the most interesting and most fearless posts I have ever encountered on the Internet referencing Thailand’s monarchy. It is right to be concerned about the reach of Thailand’s corresponding legal reach into the digital realm, for obvious reasons.
In the narrow sphere of online representation which I critique at length (blogs and websites about Thailand’s sex industry), I have raised similar concerns about the transnational promotion of something that is nominally illegal in Thailand, namely prostitution. The problem that bloggers and commercial websites promoting Thai prostitution (which attract significant foreign readership) likely will encounter are similar to websites that promote anti-monarchical views in general. First, they are promoting via transnational digital means illegal activity in the Kingdom. Secondly, they are presenting Thai culture in its most unflattering aspects in moral terms, against which the Thai government has historically attempted to regulate in the form of its guardianship of public media. Depictions of prostitution, moral degradation (substance use), pornography and the like are generally prohibited in the Thai public sphere.
I do not share WLH’s premature optimism regarding Thailand’s emergence from what he or she calls “political adolescence.” Using the language of aging (read as “political progress”) coupled with the language of “mourning”, the previous comment underestimates the breadth and scope of Thai royal history (and its inherent modern power) through the rose-tinted lens of Western populist fable.
Abhisit at history’s juncture
SteveCM – 20
That Brown, Gillard or Abhisit were within legal bounds to do as they did is not in dispute…
Sorry Steve but you will see all I was arguing was that what Abhisit did in becoming prime minister was legal under a parliamentary system no matter what others may think about. That it was anything other than this is just a silly argument made by those that seem unable to understand the difference between a parliamentary system and what they have in presidential systems of government. For pointing out this Soonuk Dum was attacked, but then again nobody wanted to answer his questions either.
Let’s look at a few comments:
An Ajarn – 2
…this “charming” PM of ours did not attain his position through democratic means…
Stuart – 6
Thailand is still waiting for an election to legitimise the current government’s coup d’etat of a DIFFERENT political party.
Tarrin – 7
We have no alternative because your lovely junta made the law so that everyone that is not from the Democrat Party all got banned.
From Beyond – 15
…But attempting to dress them up as holding some “democratic legitimacy” is just complete bollocks.
And of course yourself – 17
Not mentioned yet (and notably absent from Soonuk Dum’s own confusion) is that Brown succeeded Blair as leader of the same party that had won a convincing majority – pointedly different from Abhisit’s situation.
Where of course which party the prime minister comes from has nothing to do with his legitimacy.
The lack of legality of the majority of elected MPs voting for Abhisit is, as i said in the earlier comment, a silly argument that does those opposed to Abhisit no favours.
By the way Steve if I were you I wouldn’t go too deeply into whether Newin was bought by the Democrats or not, as like any good tart it’s unlikely to be his first trick. We could look at the formation of the TRT if you want;-)
Now a few quick questions that I suspect won’t be answered by many, but who thinks the winners of the next election will be a legal government? Does it perhaps depends on who wins? Let’s say it’s a coalition of basically the same parties as are in it today. Would that be an acceptable government? What if it’s a Phue Thai majority? Would that be OK? Or how about this one. What if Newin is our next prime minister what should our reaction be?
High praise for New Mandala
Shall I say that blocking NM is suicidal ? So far they dare not block The Guardian. It depends on the ISP too. True just got huge concession so of course it wants to please this government.
Red Sky at Night – UDD at Democracy Monument
Not to be missed is CBN Press’ Miss Geepkae’s guide to the event on the 19th of February:
http://www.cbnpress.net/index.php?option=com_hwdvideoshare&task=viewvideo&Itemid=128&video_id=191
In fact, she goes everywhere including yesterday’s release of the Seven Leaders :
http://www.cbnpress.net/index.php?option=com_hwdvideoshare&task=viewvideo&Itemid=128&video_id=193
If you read Thai, you can also see past events on the right-hand side window where she was involved.
High praise for New Mandala
Smooth sailing here in Korat via TOT.
Jon’s article was very well written and to the point. But to suggest that the Thai media are free is overly optimistic. That’s why these sensitive stories are not covered. The media are not free.
There is a great deal of social pressure, backed by imminent problems from army or police, for people to not ask questions or raise issues the government/state do not want raised. This is retrograde.
Abhisit at history’s juncture
Whether Newin was bought or not, he certainly acts as though he has a debt to repay:
“pledged to “protect the monarchy until my last breath”
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/09/22/politics/politics_30112755.php
Abhisit’s ongoing campaign against free speech
While one red shirt remains in prison for his beliefs, we are all in prison.
Abhisit’s ongoing campaign against free speech
From Beyond raises an interesting point or two; what we need to see is UDD listening and reflecting on the aspirations of the masses in regard to 112 otherwsie they will lose leadership credibility. when the partying is over for the released core leaders of UDD it is not the end. We now need to secure the release of hundreds of other ordinary red shirts around the country whose families depend on those incarcerated for their livelihoods. The end of the partying should also be the beginning of a new alliance among all red shirts to ensure the uprooting of the amaat regime; of seeking democracy for the people of Thailand, securing full accountability under the regime for those responsible for killing 91 persons, and making institutional changes necessary at all levels in accordance with a new constitution. After the partying it should not stop here. This should be a start. Surachai Sae Dan must also be released on bail in twelve days; even though he said not to fight for him or try to bail him out. If the state refuse to allow bail at the end of next week according to legal rights, then I am sure that red shirts everywhere will know what needs to be done.
Is blogging about Thai politics illegal?
We can only hope that the people finally say “enough is enough” and do away with the concept of monarchy once and for all.
Liberté, égalité, fraternité.
Or as Thomas Paine once said, how can a group of people willingly allow another group of people to rule them, their children and their childrens’ children forever?
And finally:
If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.
Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, No. 1, December 19, 1776
Lessons from Egypt for Malaysia
I think it may be telling that he felt compelled to make that statement. Tunisia, Egypt, Libya; now Malaysia. What next, China?
University rankings from Chula’s perspective
Pete# 19 :
“as tarrin stated, Mahidol’s resources are generally superior.”
That’s not actually what Tarrin said.
He simply praised Mahidol’s undoubtedly superior medical facilities
– with a name like that, who would n’t ?
Malaysia’s Operasi Lalang: Who is telling the truth?
On the whole, ‘Dr M: Operation Malaysia’ seems closer to cosmetic surgery than dissection. For a more substantial interview, without the pop and the corn and the showman-like sheen, you’d be better off reading ‘Hard Truths’.
Kee Thuan Chye reviewing Tom Plate’s Dr. M: Operation Malaysia – Conversations with Mahathir Mohamed. (Read here)
High praise for New Mandala
Kudos Nich & Andrew and all thoe who contribute. Well deserved.
@Trojan #2 – Yes, it does seems so. Checked at the office and at home today – at least blocked by True – keep getting error messages. Hopefully the Post’s recognition of NM doesn’t result in it getting blocked too. Coz that would, for lack of a better word, suck.
-Ricardo