The force of globalization has exerted pressure on states in developing countries to modernize, democratize, and undertake reform programs.
The changes in political, economic, and security related issues have intensified the threat perceived by the Thai state and increased fear regarding their own survival. The force has threatened internal stability and presented the Thai state with one of two options: either to remain on the current course of repression, or to opt for a change in their attitude toward policies and institutions in order to preserve their own existence and accelerate progress and development.
I sincerely hope the Thai state chooses the later strategy.
Nathan # 13. Ok, that’s pretty creepy. But if you consider that Sonthi has had an open field and a dream run, totally unhindered by the usual oppressive forces operating in Thailand and he has only been able to organize a minuscule group of degenerate supporters. That is a gratifying statement on the amount commonsense still prevalent in the country.
Christoffer we are back to tossing the word “fascist” around like confetti. I don’t want to sound like a university professor as there are real ones on this blog to do that, but someone did suggest looking at the Wikipedia entry on the subject before. The link is below.
Now many would look at the top leaders of the PAD and UDD, Sondhi and Thaksin, and see fascist tendencies in both. Myself I just see two Thai-Chinese businessmen using politics to get out of bad personal situations.
(It should be noted that I have used the F word myself on occasions and that I was probably wrong to do so;-)
If people call for reform then why shouldn’t abolition be on the table. Surely it is part of the continuum of reform. Hopefully, Streckfuss was misquoted, as such a limited vision is unbecoming of Thailand. There are many possibilities for Thailand, with or without a monarchy. I, personally, am encouraged that there are some who are brave enough to struggle to break free from a culturally imposed Stockholm syndrome.
“Hegel said: “”Genuine tragedies in the world are not conflicts between right and wrong. They are conflicts between two rights.”
Thank you Ko Kyaw Nyein
New Mandala unlike The Irrawaddy or almost every ‘western media’ has not espoused and promote the black/white, right/wrong sentiment among it audience.
May be the embargo aspirants will now cease denigrating others like Ko Thant Myint-U and here in New Mandala’s own Ko Hla Oo.
A wishful thinking no doubt, given the unconscionable amount of profits involved in present quagmire of Myanmar in Limbo.
The report says the cops sprayed water cannon on the bridge and electrocuted the people! And all of you use this tragedy to indulge your western road rage at having to drive in Thai traffic.
Leave it to The Academy to turn an article about an activist under the gun, actually facing prosecution, into a story about an Academic flying high on his cloud of immunity and idolatry for his $125, hence unread, dusty tome.
This an old post by now. But here’s a article by The Nation about the statue. I don’t believe Laotians are afraid of “being taken over by others” like the author says. Especially by the Thailand.
There are people who do not allow their children to be treated with life saving operations or medications. In many countries these parents who claim to follow their religious believe, will be taken the right away to decide about the child’s life and a court will very likely order the treatment saving the child.
If nobody is there to convince the parents to let the doctors treat the child, if nobody takes care of the child, or if the parents protect the child with weapons and kill people who want to save the child, the child might very likely die, may be after a long period of very heavy suffering.
Thanks for sharing your 2010 election experiences. It certainly is refreshing to hear a voice from the younger generation. Were he alive today, Bagyi Nu will be very proud of you as Daw Than Than Nu and U Aung Nyein are.
The older generation of democracy- seeking Burmese remain lamentably poised on the edge of a cliff separating statements and proclamations from tangible results. Hopefully, they will yet manage to negotiate the chasm.
“The pro-democracy forces participating in the 2010 elections also made a different kind of sacrifice: they staked everything they had, even their credibility in the eyes of their own people, to pursue an equally noble vision. For them, taking a chance, even if it failed to amount to anything, was preferable to inaction, for it is apathy and inaction that will ultimately serve to legitimize continued military rule.”
Hegel said: “”Genuine tragedies in the world are not conflicts between right and wrong. They are conflicts between two rights.”
Sadly, the kerfuffle between ” to boycott” camp and ” to participate” camps was a totally uncalled for conflict. It was not between good and evil but between one-sided positions, each of which embodies some good.
Conceivably, both sides could have orchestrated a conflict-free, planned action while still holding respective positions.
Your speak as a matter of factly of THE SANCTIONS as the foregone given RIGHT, accepted Moses’s staff, is absolutely ludicrous!
1) By what principles thus USA, Great Britain and Australia base their audacious unquestioned right to pose such crippling, shameful, siege on a country like Myanmar without ANY historical precedent/comparison?
2) Has similar audacity EVER proven to work under any assumed intends?
3) What are and who is responsible for the proven beyond a reasonable doubt effects of such careless audacious undertaking?
And specifically in Myanmar case what has Myanmar ever done to the West that rise up to this level of vindictiveness its itizenry has to endure?
Until these questions are answered in New Mandala you are as responsible as SPDC and your lady in bringing on the unspeakable sufferings on the innocent Citizenry of Myanmar.
The ASTV Manager website owned and run by PAD leader Mr. Sondhi contains the following shockingly racist comments regarding the Cambodia bridge tragedy, presumably from some of Mr. Sondhi’s devoted PAD/Yellow followers:
===============
”This is good (the deaths in the bridge tragedy), since this can decrease the numbers of beggars in Thailand” (Comment 122).
”I would like to express my congratulations to what happened” (Comment 115).
“They stepped on themselves like animals. This is so disgusting. Cambodians’ lives are useless” (Comment 96).
“Have fun counting” (Comment 77).
“What do you expect in the brains of this developing country? This is not to mention idiot leader that is pulling in all the benefits for his family. It is good that they are dying, so the world will be lighter” (Comment 73).
It shows how this was much different from the Love Parade accident in Germany 6 month ago. Here you can see that even after the police arrived and panic was gone the people were unable to move an inch. Blocked by a pile of dead and unconscious people.
@Neverfree:
I don’t think it has something to do with race.
Give me a week for acclimation next time i come back from Germany and you will see that i turn into a 100% thai (behind the steering wheel only).
Thais are perhaps the most notorious for their senseless blocking the way probably in each and every imaginable situation. somehow it there is a car parked on one side of a narrow Soi, driver another car, coming from opposite direction, as if on purpose, would choose to stop or park his car EXACTLY beside that car, or very near to it, leaving very little or next to nothing place for others to pass through!
same happens practically everywhere. I think I can never understand their logic or reasoning in doing so, or rather the mind-boggling stupidity.
As for the main subject of stampede in Cambodia – it is very tragic unnecessary deaths which could and must have been prevented.
BTW there are some on-line discussions that people on the bridge saw something on the sky, which was like the main reason why they panicked and rushed to cross the bridge back…
anyone knows what was it? particularly the NM reader, whose letter was quoted in OP.
Hundreds of supporters of the People’s Alliance for Democracy came out to protest against charter amendments in front of Parliament. Sondhi Limthongkul demanded a referendum prior to any amendments, while Praphan Koonmee said outright that he wished for a coup today, and without a coup Abhisit would never have become Prime Minister.
‘Those who wish to have a coup wish to see changes to the country, to get rid of bad politicians from the country. If a coup really happens, you will only run scared with your tail between your legs. Is it true that you have contacted universities abroad to find a teaching job after you fall from power?’ Praphan asked, referring to the PM.
‘What is wrong if I want a coup? Without the coup, Abhisit would have still been a new boy. Without the coup in 2006, Abhisit would never have become PM. Without the PAD, Abhisit would never have become PM. How come he talks in such an ungrateful manner to the people?’ he said, referring to Abhisit’s recent remarks that the PAD came out to protest the charter amendments this time in order to pave the way for another coup.
The Bangkok Post ‘somehow’ missed Praphan’s comments in their coverage of the first day’s protest by the People Against Democracy.
The CEO of the Bangkok Post is named Supakorn Vejjajiva and a contributor to the editorial pages is Suranand Vejjajiva.
The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation has defied Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s wishes by refusing to reverse its ban on anti-government souvenirs.
The souvenirs, which are being sold by red shirt protesters, carry messages which the CRES claims cause disunity and offend the royal institution.
A source said yesterday Defence Minister and CRES director Prawit Wongsuwon and army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha insisted the ban, issued last Friday, would remain in effect even though Mr Abhisit believed it violated people’s right to free speech.
The prime minister said on Saturday he would ask the CRES to revise the ban.
“The order will not be revoked or changed but the CRES has explained to government officials and police that it applies only to things that offend the [royal] institution,” the CRES source said.
All this talk about a coup is misplaced. The latest coup happened on 1 October, 2010 when Prayuth took over. Prayuth is the new strongman in Thailand. And a military government is fascist by definition.
Facebook 
Twitter 
Soundcloud 
Youtube 
Rss
How hardline have the redshirts become?
LesAbbey – 41
I did look up the definition of fascism before I used it and I am by no means using it as some kind of confetti.
Streckfuss on reform of the institution
The force of globalization has exerted pressure on states in developing countries to modernize, democratize, and undertake reform programs.
The changes in political, economic, and security related issues have intensified the threat perceived by the Thai state and increased fear regarding their own survival. The force has threatened internal stability and presented the Thai state with one of two options: either to remain on the current course of repression, or to opt for a change in their attitude toward policies and institutions in order to preserve their own existence and accelerate progress and development.
I sincerely hope the Thai state chooses the later strategy.
Prelude to the bridge tragedy
Nathan # 13. Ok, that’s pretty creepy. But if you consider that Sonthi has had an open field and a dream run, totally unhindered by the usual oppressive forces operating in Thailand and he has only been able to organize a minuscule group of degenerate supporters. That is a gratifying statement on the amount commonsense still prevalent in the country.
How hardline have the redshirts become?
Christoffer Larsson – 41
Christoffer we are back to tossing the word “fascist” around like confetti. I don’t want to sound like a university professor as there are real ones on this blog to do that, but someone did suggest looking at the Wikipedia entry on the subject before. The link is below.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascist
Now many would look at the top leaders of the PAD and UDD, Sondhi and Thaksin, and see fascist tendencies in both. Myself I just see two Thai-Chinese businessmen using politics to get out of bad personal situations.
(It should be noted that I have used the F word myself on occasions and that I was probably wrong to do so;-)
Streckfuss on reform of the institution
Little wonder the talk turns to abolishment when mere discussion of reform is treated as treason.
Reap what you sow (eventually).
Streckfuss on reform of the institution
If people call for reform then why shouldn’t abolition be on the table. Surely it is part of the continuum of reform. Hopefully, Streckfuss was misquoted, as such a limited vision is unbecoming of Thailand. There are many possibilities for Thailand, with or without a monarchy. I, personally, am encouraged that there are some who are brave enough to struggle to break free from a culturally imposed Stockholm syndrome.
Myanmar elections: Notes from the campaign trail
“Hegel said: “”Genuine tragedies in the world are not conflicts between right and wrong. They are conflicts between two rights.”
Thank you Ko Kyaw Nyein
New Mandala unlike The Irrawaddy or almost every ‘western media’ has not espoused and promote the black/white, right/wrong sentiment among it audience.
May be the embargo aspirants will now cease denigrating others like Ko Thant Myint-U and here in New Mandala’s own Ko Hla Oo.
A wishful thinking no doubt, given the unconscionable amount of profits involved in present quagmire of Myanmar in Limbo.
Prelude to the bridge tragedy
The report says the cops sprayed water cannon on the bridge and electrocuted the people! And all of you use this tragedy to indulge your western road rage at having to drive in Thai traffic.
Streckfuss on reform of the institution
Leave it to The Academy to turn an article about an activist under the gun, actually facing prosecution, into a story about an Academic flying high on his cloud of immunity and idolatry for his $125, hence unread, dusty tome.
Chiranuch : “Silence equals death.”
Size matters
This an old post by now. But here’s a article by The Nation about the statue. I don’t believe Laotians are afraid of “being taken over by others” like the author says. Especially by the Thailand.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2010/11/25/politics/Let&039;s-hope-Laos-hangs-on-to-its-identity-30143128.html
Streckfuss on reform of the institution
There are people who do not allow their children to be treated with life saving operations or medications. In many countries these parents who claim to follow their religious believe, will be taken the right away to decide about the child’s life and a court will very likely order the treatment saving the child.
If nobody is there to convince the parents to let the doctors treat the child, if nobody takes care of the child, or if the parents protect the child with weapons and kill people who want to save the child, the child might very likely die, may be after a long period of very heavy suffering.
Myanmar elections: Notes from the campaign trail
Thanks for sharing your 2010 election experiences. It certainly is refreshing to hear a voice from the younger generation. Were he alive today, Bagyi Nu will be very proud of you as Daw Than Than Nu and U Aung Nyein are.
The older generation of democracy- seeking Burmese remain lamentably poised on the edge of a cliff separating statements and proclamations from tangible results. Hopefully, they will yet manage to negotiate the chasm.
“The pro-democracy forces participating in the 2010 elections also made a different kind of sacrifice: they staked everything they had, even their credibility in the eyes of their own people, to pursue an equally noble vision. For them, taking a chance, even if it failed to amount to anything, was preferable to inaction, for it is apathy and inaction that will ultimately serve to legitimize continued military rule.”
Hegel said: “”Genuine tragedies in the world are not conflicts between right and wrong. They are conflicts between two rights.”
Sadly, the kerfuffle between ” to boycott” camp and ” to participate” camps was a totally uncalled for conflict. It was not between good and evil but between one-sided positions, each of which embodies some good.
Conceivably, both sides could have orchestrated a conflict-free, planned action while still holding respective positions.
Burma votes 2010 – Episode 3
Ko Moe Aung #8
Your speak as a matter of factly of THE SANCTIONS as the foregone given RIGHT, accepted Moses’s staff, is absolutely ludicrous!
1) By what principles thus USA, Great Britain and Australia base their audacious unquestioned right to pose such crippling, shameful, siege on a country like Myanmar without ANY historical precedent/comparison?
2) Has similar audacity EVER proven to work under any assumed intends?
3) What are and who is responsible for the proven beyond a reasonable doubt effects of such careless audacious undertaking?
And specifically in Myanmar case what has Myanmar ever done to the West that rise up to this level of vindictiveness its itizenry has to endure?
Until these questions are answered in New Mandala you are as responsible as SPDC and your lady in bringing on the unspeakable sufferings on the innocent Citizenry of Myanmar.
Prelude to the bridge tragedy
The ASTV Manager website owned and run by PAD leader Mr. Sondhi contains the following shockingly racist comments regarding the Cambodia bridge tragedy, presumably from some of Mr. Sondhi’s devoted PAD/Yellow followers:
===============
”This is good (the deaths in the bridge tragedy), since this can decrease the numbers of beggars in Thailand” (Comment 122).
”I would like to express my congratulations to what happened” (Comment 115).
“They stepped on themselves like animals. This is so disgusting. Cambodians’ lives are useless” (Comment 96).
“Have fun counting” (Comment 77).
“What do you expect in the brains of this developing country? This is not to mention idiot leader that is pulling in all the benefits for his family. It is good that they are dying, so the world will be lighter” (Comment 73).
“Hahaha! I am very satisfied” (Comment 70).
Prelude to the bridge tragedy
I found this terrible video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEog1Mr_dqk&feature=related
It shows how this was much different from the Love Parade accident in Germany 6 month ago. Here you can see that even after the police arrived and panic was gone the people were unable to move an inch. Blocked by a pile of dead and unconscious people.
Terrible. Now more then 450 casulties.
Burma votes 2010 – Episode 3
Dylan Grey #9
You must have been to a Myanmar internet café. mp3 is indeed the best form.
Prelude to the bridge tragedy
@Neverfree:
I don’t think it has something to do with race.
Give me a week for acclimation next time i come back from Germany and you will see that i turn into a 100% thai (behind the steering wheel only).
No racism just locustus behaviour.
Prelude to the bridge tragedy
BTW check this out :
The Manager Website and its (lack of) ethics
http://asiancorrespondent.com/siamvoices/manager_and_ethics
comments by PAD members on Manager website about numbers of dead in Cambodian stampede
I bet this article’s author will be attacked and harassed all over internet for exposing those comments.
Prelude to the bridge tragedy
Thais are perhaps the most notorious for their senseless blocking the way probably in each and every imaginable situation. somehow it there is a car parked on one side of a narrow Soi, driver another car, coming from opposite direction, as if on purpose, would choose to stop or park his car EXACTLY beside that car, or very near to it, leaving very little or next to nothing place for others to pass through!
same happens practically everywhere. I think I can never understand their logic or reasoning in doing so, or rather the mind-boggling stupidity.
As for the main subject of stampede in Cambodia – it is very tragic unnecessary deaths which could and must have been prevented.
BTW there are some on-line discussions that people on the bridge saw something on the sky, which was like the main reason why they panicked and rushed to cross the bridge back…
anyone knows what was it? particularly the NM reader, whose letter was quoted in OP.
People’s Alliance against Democracy
PAD fiercely attack PM for charter amendments
The Bangkok Post ‘somehow’ missed Praphan’s comments in their coverage of the first day’s protest by the People Against Democracy.
The CEO of the Bangkok Post is named Supakorn Vejjajiva and a contributor to the editorial pages is Suranand Vejjajiva.
The Bangkok Post was suitably distressed, therefore, when CRES defies Abhisit over ‘disunity’ ban
All this talk about a coup is misplaced. The latest coup happened on 1 October, 2010 when Prayuth took over. Prayuth is the new strongman in Thailand. And a military government is fascist by definition.