You are wasting your breath Toady. Vichai N is either a hired hand or Thai military personnel himself, and he will mouth such assertions until he is no longer paid, in one coin or another, to do so. None of his assertions are new, they are the same-old talking points adopted by the PAD/military/Democrat putsch since 2006 with updates as their usurpation has progressed. They need no new refutation.
Yeah cos Thai courts and judges are really credible….
The situation is simple – the Thai judicial system is politicised. The indisputable evidence of this is the complete lack of any meaningful action against the PAD.
Also, if you consider “utmost restraint” to include “live firing zones” and numerous incontrovertible incidents of the Thai army murdering unarmed Thai civilians then one wonders what you’d consider a ruthless crackdown. Shelling? Aerial bombardment? Napalm?
What I would say is that Thailand has to wake up and realise it is no longer 1976. Mechanisms now exist that hold regimes to account when their domestic systems fail.
That the Thai state and their agents, in the form of the PAD, Red Guar etc etc , have repeatedly and continually acted with complete impunity is no longer up for debate. It is an established fact.
Whether Amsterdam or whoever seeks to address this impunity is a completely moot point. Whether Thaksin committed human rights abuses in the past is also relatively meaningless when laying charges against Abhisit, CRES and the present regime.
Simple, 5year’s old logic dictates that if you opposed Thaksin’s human rights violations you must also oppose the abuses perpetrated by this regime. To do otherwise is the grossest act of hypocrisy and reveals a complete lack of coherent values and ethics.
The debate is now only about how much longer the present hegemony can hold and how much blood can be prevented from being shed as it disintegrates.
Lets hope that Vichai N’s bloodthirsty version of “utmost restraint” is never repeated again. Thailand and its people deserve far far better than such a murderous mess.
Up to now, the ammat, including those in this forum, still believe that the reds are murdered by their own people and the troops were out in the streets to maintain peace and order. They also believe the reds started violence so the troops had to “act fast”
Well, let us see reactions to the Khao Sod article in Thai. I fear Khao Sod may have to pay the price for publishing Amsterdam’s piece.
Helen, yes that was pretty much my reaction at the time and the local people I was with weren’t really holding their breath for it to be finished. However, reading Simon’s report (and then your link), I thought it might be more than simply some internal shenanigans and part of a larger plan. I’m certainly not expecting to be able to jump on a train between KGG and TGY during future visits.
Maybe Dan should ask the Thai government why they aren’t prosecuting Thaksin or anyone else for the extra-judicial murders.
I would fully support such a prosecution (and Tak Bai and Kru sae)but the fact that Thaksin is a criminal doesn’t excuse the Abisit government and army’s May massacre.
“For decades, the rules of war under Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions stated that the passing of sentences and the carrying out of executions without previous judgment pronounced by a regularly constituted court affording all the guarantees which are recognized as indispensable by civilized peoples is strictly prohibited.”
Maybe Robert should ask his client about the 2,500+ extra-judicial executions earlier this decade.
Great reporting Nick, thanks. Those nationalists are still living in a bizarre alternative universe where they are being “genocided” by their own government! I find the clear misuse of that term deeply offensive, but it is nothing new in the make-believe, playground world of Thai politics.
Chris Beale being bowed upon as a war expert (#40) must be the most hilarious poster I’ve ever read at New Mandala. The second most hilarious of course was Chris Beale being accorded the title of ‘Isaarn-will-secede expert’ by unanimous vote, here too at NM.
The International Criminal Court should not delay in putting all these criminals behind bar. They should not hesitate in accepting this case and find out those who ordered the killing. Without any doubt, those dictators behind the killing should be put on trial and the utmost punishment should be given to them. There is no other crime more serious than crime against humanity. Lesson should be given to those tyrants who use their power without any mercy.
Chris, are we really having this discussion? It may come as a shock, but milk does not just come from cows. I don’t think this is a campaign in support of Thai dairy farmers. This article may provide some clues. AW
If the construction that you saw was in a country other than Myanmar, it would probably mean that an actual rail line would appear soon. The efforts to connect countries within Asia are bringing rail service to multiple cities that did not have them before. Unfortunately, Myanmar is somewhat immune to the international pressure that is reducing corruption in rail projects throughout Asia. So it could just be someone’s cousin could be getting money to move dirt around.
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From the archives: On traditional Siamese kingship
After reading your furnished Textorian review on this piece of junk I have to wonder why you published an excerpt from it on your website?
Robert Amsterdam on Show Trials, Political Trials and Crimes Against Humanity
You are wasting your breath Toady. Vichai N is either a hired hand or Thai military personnel himself, and he will mouth such assertions until he is no longer paid, in one coin or another, to do so. None of his assertions are new, they are the same-old talking points adopted by the PAD/military/Democrat putsch since 2006 with updates as their usurpation has progressed. They need no new refutation.
Robert Amsterdam on Show Trials, Political Trials and Crimes Against Humanity
@Vichai N
Yeah cos Thai courts and judges are really credible….
The situation is simple – the Thai judicial system is politicised. The indisputable evidence of this is the complete lack of any meaningful action against the PAD.
Also, if you consider “utmost restraint” to include “live firing zones” and numerous incontrovertible incidents of the Thai army murdering unarmed Thai civilians then one wonders what you’d consider a ruthless crackdown. Shelling? Aerial bombardment? Napalm?
What I would say is that Thailand has to wake up and realise it is no longer 1976. Mechanisms now exist that hold regimes to account when their domestic systems fail.
That the Thai state and their agents, in the form of the PAD, Red Guar etc etc , have repeatedly and continually acted with complete impunity is no longer up for debate. It is an established fact.
Whether Amsterdam or whoever seeks to address this impunity is a completely moot point. Whether Thaksin committed human rights abuses in the past is also relatively meaningless when laying charges against Abhisit, CRES and the present regime.
Simple, 5year’s old logic dictates that if you opposed Thaksin’s human rights violations you must also oppose the abuses perpetrated by this regime. To do otherwise is the grossest act of hypocrisy and reveals a complete lack of coherent values and ethics.
The debate is now only about how much longer the present hegemony can hold and how much blood can be prevented from being shed as it disintegrates.
Lets hope that Vichai N’s bloodthirsty version of “utmost restraint” is never repeated again. Thailand and its people deserve far far better than such a murderous mess.
Robert Amsterdam on Show Trials, Political Trials and Crimes Against Humanity
Up to now, the ammat, including those in this forum, still believe that the reds are murdered by their own people and the troops were out in the streets to maintain peace and order. They also believe the reds started violence so the troops had to “act fast”
Well, let us see reactions to the Khao Sod article in Thai. I fear Khao Sod may have to pay the price for publishing Amsterdam’s piece.
Railroad ready to roll in Laos
Helen, yes that was pretty much my reaction at the time and the local people I was with weren’t really holding their breath for it to be finished. However, reading Simon’s report (and then your link), I thought it might be more than simply some internal shenanigans and part of a larger plan. I’m certainly not expecting to be able to jump on a train between KGG and TGY during future visits.
Robert Amsterdam on Show Trials, Political Trials and Crimes Against Humanity
Maybe Dan should ask the Thai government why they aren’t prosecuting Thaksin or anyone else for the extra-judicial murders.
I would fully support such a prosecution (and Tak Bai and Kru sae)but the fact that Thaksin is a criminal doesn’t excuse the Abisit government and army’s May massacre.
Robert Amsterdam on Show Trials, Political Trials and Crimes Against Humanity
“For decades, the rules of war under Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions stated that the passing of sentences and the carrying out of executions without previous judgment pronounced by a regularly constituted court affording all the guarantees which are recognized as indispensable by civilized peoples is strictly prohibited.”
Maybe Robert should ask his client about the 2,500+ extra-judicial executions earlier this decade.
Nick Nostitz on the PAD’s third coming
Still the same lack of youth, UDD or PAD it’s the same. The only difference is in whose picture the middle-aged ladies hold.
Nick Nostitz on the PAD’s third coming
thanks Nick… good to see you keeping track and reporting so well for all of us
Nick Nostitz on the PAD’s third coming
Great reporting Nick, thanks. Those nationalists are still living in a bizarre alternative universe where they are being “genocided” by their own government! I find the clear misuse of that term deeply offensive, but it is nothing new in the make-believe, playground world of Thai politics.
From the archives: On traditional Siamese kingship
thank you, always interesting to understand more of Thai history and what parallels there may be today…
appears royal impunity and scheming amongst surrounding courtiers/privy councillors may be similar aspects
Breast is best
To spell it out more directly, that boy’s mother is a public proponent of breastfeeding (see http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/04/27/special/special_30002628.php ) and active in a breastfeeding promotional campaign (http://www.pattayamail.com/748/news.shtml#hd1)
Anwar Ibrahim at the ANU
I’m a bit annoyed at someone trying to hijack my name (#1), but here’s Amnesty’s first comment on the coup:
http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ASA39/013/2006/en/f5466adf-d3ef-11dd-8743-d305bea2b2c7/asa390132006en.html
and here’s an index of all their major statements on Thailand:
http://www.amnesty.org/en/region/thailand
which includes statements from 16 and 16 May this year on “Thai military must halt reckless use of lethal force.”
Come the revolution?
Chris Beale being bowed upon as a war expert (#40) must be the most hilarious poster I’ve ever read at New Mandala. The second most hilarious of course was Chris Beale being accorded the title of ‘Isaarn-will-secede expert’ by unanimous vote, here too at NM.
Robert Amsterdam on Show Trials, Political Trials and Crimes Against Humanity
Amsterdam bores . . .
In a nutshell, from my layman’s point of view, Amsterdam has no case in Thai courts, or, international courts:
(a) The Thai authorities were acting with utmost restraint to maintain public order; and
(b) The Red leaders were guilty, beyond reasonable doubt, of “inciting violence”.
Robert Amsterdam on Show Trials, Political Trials and Crimes Against Humanity
The International Criminal Court should not delay in putting all these criminals behind bar. They should not hesitate in accepting this case and find out those who ordered the killing. Without any doubt, those dictators behind the killing should be put on trial and the utmost punishment should be given to them. There is no other crime more serious than crime against humanity. Lesson should be given to those tyrants who use their power without any mercy.
Breast is best
Chris, are we really having this discussion? It may come as a shock, but milk does not just come from cows. I don’t think this is a campaign in support of Thai dairy farmers. This article may provide some clues. AW
Breast is best
What type of milk are they “promoting” Andrew ?
Ji Ungpakorn on the military and the monarchy
Chris Beale.
If it’s Stalinists you prefer then I’m your man. I wont however send you to the Gulag. But you’re down fort two years re-education.
Railroad ready to roll in Laos
Paul,
If the construction that you saw was in a country other than Myanmar, it would probably mean that an actual rail line would appear soon. The efforts to connect countries within Asia are bringing rail service to multiple cities that did not have them before. Unfortunately, Myanmar is somewhat immune to the international pressure that is reducing corruption in rail projects throughout Asia. So it could just be someone’s cousin could be getting money to move dirt around.