“Thaksin and the drive to democratic governments originally inspired by him”.
I believe it should be “the drive to democratic governments re-ignited by him”. Thaksin may be more autocratic in his so-called “CEO-style” management, but there is no doubt he succeeded in pushing his democratic perception – even I felt during those years with him as PM that Thailand is more vibrant and democratic then when Chuan was PM earlier. And without any doubt, Thailand is much less democratic now with Abhisit as PM. In fact, I would say it is now feudal monarchy with a pretty face boy on the PM chair and a smirking Shogun seated just slightly behind
The “original” drive to democracy I still put that honor to Pridi.
This article is most refreshing. The concept of “capsule” is very useful. I would single out the Patravadi theatre for creating artistic bridges of great quality between Thailand and the outside world.
It is interesting that the article comes next to the review of Scott’s “The Art of Not Being Governed”. We read in the piece that censorship is needed to block any information that personalizes and humanizes these “terrorist” individuals, yet this depersonalisation has been applied to other elements of Thai society for decades, in particular the hill tribes. I have never once seen a picture of a hill tribe person with the dignity of a name attached.
Scott’s book cites another as an influence, this book being Hjorleifur Jonsson’s Mien Relations: Mountain People and State Control in Thailand which was reviewed by Douglas Miles in New Mandala on Aug 24 2009.
Miles’ description of the Thai elite chimes in with the sentiments of this article and remains powerful:…Thailand’s ruling elite whose iconically but deceptive serenity, charming but fabricated sophistry and obfuscatingly dazzling smiles have stereotypically characterised the presentation of itself to the rest of the world since beginning of modern history and can probably presume it can do so forever more.
Interesting looking piece on the International Crisis Group in New Left Review. Apologies for the lengthy cut and paste but I think it’s always useful to know who’s paying the piper. I mean, do you really want to read what an American diplomat from 1980s El Salvador has to say on anything?
“A prominent example is the ‘conflict prevention’ outfit, the International Crisis Group. On the face of it, the icg represents a particularly successful ngo incursion into geopolitical affairs. A mid-nineties spin-off from us establishment think-tank the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Crisis Group purports to offer ‘new strategic thinking’ on conflict situations, aided by a global monitoring network it runs across sixty countries, with links to lobbying operations in Washington, New York, Brussels and London. Half of its annual budget of $16m comes from governments–mainly nato members, including the us and Britain–while corporate donors include rbs, Chevron and bhp Billiton; billionaire financier George Soros is a leading patron. [3] The organization styles itself as independent and non-partisan, but has consistently championed nato’s wars to fulsome transatlantic praise. Kofi Annan spoke for the entire House when he lauded the icg as ‘a global voice of conscience, and a genuine force for peace’. The credulous Western media also has moments of sycophancy. The ft praises the group’s ‘hard-nosed realism’, the bbc its ‘masterful’ and ‘essential’ research. The Washington Post likens its ‘excellent reports’ to investor credit ratings for conflict-prone states. Noting with admiration that ‘there is nothing cut-and-paste about the research’, the Guardian enthuses: ‘Long may it continue to thrive.’
Such commendation would seem no mean feat, especially given the dubious makeup of the Crisis Group board–a rogue’s gallery even by the standards of international politics. Outgoing president Gareth Evans was the West’s principal apologist for Suharto in East Timor while Australian foreign minister. Co-chair Thomas Pickering was a Reagan point man in Central America’s dirty wars, as us ambassador to El Salvador and one-time intermediary for Contra gunrunners. (This would become a habit: in retirement Pickering sold arms overseas for Boeing.) The Executive Committee includes among its number Mort Abramowitz, self-confessed ‘aggressive interventionist’ and former State Department fire-starter who obtained Stinger missiles for the Afghan Mujahidin; earlier on, while ambassador in Thailand, he had been instrumental in the us policy of backing Pol Pot against the Vietnamese-installed regime. Also featured are stalwart peaceniks Zbigniew Brzezinski, Carter’s National Security Advisor; seasoned neocon Ken Adelman; Richard Armitage, Assistant Defense Secretary under Reagan and Deputy Secretary of State under G. W. Bush; retired nato general Wesley Clark, the bomber of Belgrade–alongside foreign friends: the likes of Aleksander Kwas┬┤niewski, Polish promoter of nato and eu accession. Little wonder that us Secretary of State Colin Powell, attending a 2003 icg reception in the State Department, found the occasion ‘something of a reunion’. ”
For a long time there was really no alternative to BN. Sad to say, the opposition had been a motley bunch. PAS was spewing fire and brimstone, DAP ran around like a headless chicken etc.
There was no coherence and no shadow cabinet to represent ideas or alternate policies for people to compare and judge. Given that, Malaysian, if they vote, would simly “play safe” Life was good, or at least decent. I myself was a Petronas Scholar… shining example for my “kampong”. Needless to say, the entire neighbourhood, voted Alliance – former BN.
Times are changing though, and the parallel between Thailand and Malaysia, as far as elections go is becoming more irrelevant. The other bits relating to governance, rule of law, judiciary etc, I leave to you imagination
I would say that LM laws answer the needs of ordinary Thais who don’t want to see the institution smeared rather than interests of the royal family itself.
From that point of view, the King would be giving out unconditional pardons without any care for the offended party – those sensitive people, for the lack of a better word, who are the actual victims of LM crimes.
I was drawing from Andrew Walker’s analogy of Thailand – where he argued that Thai’s are “adept at hedging their bets”. He was not commenting on Malaysia per say.
It’s true that Malaysia has a serious democratic deficit and there is a feeling of change in the air since March 8, 2008.
But can Malaysians really plead innocence – when we have been part and parcel of this system – which for long periods of time, many of us did support (remember the roaring 90s or Pak Lah’s first term).
CPB should have been aware of the pending Shin sale as it has reps on Siam Commercial bank board and it was the biggest sale in country’s history. It had other deals involving Thaksin, too, like the sale of SCB stake in ITV.
My claim TRT had a bigger war chest is based on countless opinions from knowledgeable people over the years.
Your counterclaim was invented just a couple of weeks ago and is based on nothing but a loose list of companies that you believe oppose Thaksin NOW. Wait and see what they will sing if Thaksin stages a successful comeback.
I mentioned that persecution to point out that Nation journos don’t need to read newspapers to know of Thaksin’s “evil”.
Or that Bangkok Post editor who got fired after decades of service for allowing airport crack story on the front page. That came with two billion baht lawsuit, too. I might not remember the exact numbers but the gist is still the same.
Incidentally, today Thanong tweets about dire financial predictions for the US stock exchange that have made it to New York Times.
If the electorial process is like the Australian – proportionate representation, then election outcomes would be different in Malaysia. 10 years ago, the “majority” voting for BN would be absolutely right. not so much now.
The election commission is not “independent” electorial demarcations are changed accordingly to favour the BN. The ability to breakdown in precise numbers on who voted for whom has always been a mystery to me. Are the ballots actually secret?
The bulk voters (BN fixed deposit) as the political analyst like to put it are the rural Malays. This group feel they owe BN, and will mostly vote for BN. The Govt agencies (again not independent) cannot tell between their duties and political campaigning. Even so, the voters in Penisula Malaysia are changing, including the rural Malays. If East malaysia is taken out of the picture, BN would have lost the Federal Govt. – So Andrew is not “so right” in saying “majority” still support BN.
BN / UMNO themselves know this and is sparing no effort in persecuting or buying over PKR reps. IF the treat is taken lightly, then why the effort in this endeavour (persecution)
Rather than “unprecedented freedom ” I would say “out of control”. Don’t forget that Thailand dont have that system to check whether the news reporting is reliable or legitimate, what we get later is misinterpretation, fault accusation, and sometime flat out lies. I’ve seen those picture shown in the Nation that was flat out doped with Photoshop. The journalist in Thailand hardly have to pay for their mistake. In the end what sort of punishment they get? just an apology somewhere in their paper, like this one. http://www.bangkokbiznews.com/2008/09/22/news_27278542.php?news_id=27278542
Don’t mistaken me by the way, I’m not saying that there should any sort of control, but rather, a system that at least make sure that the journalist dont write their news carelessly.
I think trying to maintain the cult of Phumipon will further deepen the conflicts in Thailand.
The cult of Phumipon concept was created by the U. S. for the Cold War objectives, thus it requires the change of U. S. policy in order to facilitate change in Thailand. It’s neither in the interests of the U. S. nor Thailand to keep the cult of Phumipon by way of imposing oppressive measures and the continuation of propaganda operation. The Philippines has moved away from Marcos, so has Indonesia away from Suharto. In order to create a balance of power inside its society, just like what the Philippines and Indonesia are trying to do, Thailand needs to depart from the cult of Phumipon towards the “Presidential System.”
The cult of Phumipon has created instability throughout the country to the point that the current regime has to extend the Emergency Law for another three months for half of the country. With the Emergency Law, the regime is completely free to abuse its power like an absolute monarchy system where they can jail anyone at any time for any reason.
From a local news today, the regime has hired an international lobbyist company Podesta for $240,000.- (U.S. dollars), for 3 months since June, to alter Thailand’s image. Aphisit is incapable of understanding that no investors or tourists will invest their money in unstable Thailand. However, the regime can waste public money any way they prefer with the Emergency Law.
2. Also today, Prachatai has announced the closure of its website by the end of July 2010 because the current regime is targeting Prachatai Webboard and its members with the Emergency Law and the Computer Crime Law.
Certainly we must not forget that Aphisit was capable of ordering sniper operation with 89 deaths and 2,000 injured. In addition, hundreds are now being detained as political prisoners at military’s prison. The best qualtiy Thai news media such as Prachatai has made the right decision that on one can trust Aphisit.
3. Lastly, I read a comment in the Bangkok Post that I would like to share with everyone.
At what price?
This man calls himself a democrat!
The English born and Oxford educated Abhisit seems to have no political morals whatsoever. I would love to be proved wrong, however, I see him as a spoilt brat who will do anything to get his own way. Mr Abhisit, I suspect will oversee the further weakening of democracy and personal freedoms in Thailand; all to fulfil his personal ambitions. At what Price Mr Abhisit did you sell your soul to the devil?
In conclusion, the continuity of the cult of Phumipon would create an underground movement with serious instability and backwardness, whereas democratization will bring peace, development and progress.
TRT in its heyday had full support from CP, only some bankers might have not paid them. Thaksin had very close ties with the richest families in the country anyway.
CT support both the Dem and TRT, the Jiravanon family is so big that they have people in their family both align with TRT and Dem, same goes with Jiratiwat family and so on.
I don’t know if CPB ever made any political contributions, so why bring it here?
Well since the CPB might be the biggest conglomerate in Thailand, maybe its worth discuss about what’s their stance on all these?
I know the 258 mil was paid to someone, but for now we don’t know if it was an illegal contribution, and even if it was, it doesn’t mean TRT had less money going past the books, too.
Yes and that doesn’t also mean that Democract war chest is any smaller than TRT, like what you claimed in your comment number 52.
Now with subtitles i will burn this together with other youtube stuff on a CD and send it to some friends in North Thailand. I know they are a multiplicator for this information.
So yes it is useful.
Unfortunately even with the fixed subtitle lengths, it’s still pretty hard to read.
@Suluck Lamubol: Are you sure the youtube vids are still accessible from inside Thailand?
It is a foregone conclusion then that nothing much can be expected from BN if only marginal changes are being put forward.
Wonder why the ‘majority’ still comes out supporting BN. Using Andrew’s analogy, are the ‘majority’ of Malaysians hedging their bets when they vote for BN?
Arthurson
You are desrcribing a reality since Ne Win era. Infra structure of major cities in Myanmar need to be upgraded. Basic utilities: Sewer. Water and Electricity are all in dire need of revamping.
Technology and ability aside an Asian government like Myanmar who has put most of the resource into Militarization need to be questioned.
The obvious facts well known and expounded clearly and objectively can be found with this link . Yet this trend continue to use every and any instances against the government continue.
There has been a general disconnect between what’s good for the plight of Myanmar citizenry and punishing the SPDC.
Worst, unwilling in any way even to “back off” and encourage the government “to do the right thing” more on behalf of the citizenry.
The recent renewal of sanction by USA and Hillary haranguing says it all.
That is not even mentioning all the various government including Australian claiming the credit of sanction each contributed on behalf of Myanmar people’s Democracy.
These are recorded clearly in their recent statements in support for Daw Aung SAn Suu Kyi on her Birthday.
The upgrading of utilities in a city like Yangon is absolutely daunting if not impossible.
Have you seen UN or any other who are the more capable of these tasks offering help or even suggestion beyond Steiglitz visit right after the hoopla of Yetaw incidence and Webb talking to SPDC?
If the west and everyone should keep Myanmar Citizenry Plight as the focus instead of the past Anti-SPDC and pro Daw Aung San Suu Kyi may be the approach to the quagmire will become clearer.
The quagmire exemplified here by the backwardness of a water delivery system.
This kind of tragic condition goes on and on. In terms of Education high lighted here in New Mandala. Health care, economic opportunities etc.
The very needed essences for a thriving citizenry.
Cut short by SPDC paranoia and the west contribution to that effect.
Boonyuen was arrested in the same case as Da Torpido, from their group’s political activities at Sanam Luang. (Da was arrested on 22 July 2008, Boonyuen was arrested three weeks later on 15 August. See report at the time of her arrest on Manager here: http://www.manager.co.th/Crime/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000096572 ) But she chose to act differently from Da (option II I mentioned above #18 http://www.newmandala.org/2009/04/28/suwicha-thakor-still-locked-up/#comment-698053 ), namely to ‘confess’ her ‘wrongdoing’ on LM, was sentenced right away, then appealed for royal pardon. In the meantime, she also decided to ‘cut off’ contact with her former activists including Da in prison. (see further below.)
Included in the report at Prachatai is a 3-part interview with her on YouTube. (Direct links here:
Although in the interview, Boonyuen appears in the current royalist shirt color (Pink, not yellow), it’s clear from the content that she doesn’t change her political views. (She explains why she took part in the political activities: because Thaksin had done a lot for her family’s economic well being, etc.) Of course she ‘admits’ (in passing) her ‘mistake’ (р╕Ьр╕┤р╕Фр╕Юр╕ер╕▓р╕Ф р╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Ар╕лр╕бр╕▓р╕░р╕кр╕б) on her LM speech, but insists that it’s not right to put her into jail. She suggests the [LM] law be changed to lesser punishment, such as warning or fine. (See Par III at minute 7.50)
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Big questions for Thailand
“Thaksin and the drive to democratic governments originally inspired by him”.
I believe it should be “the drive to democratic governments re-ignited by him”. Thaksin may be more autocratic in his so-called “CEO-style” management, but there is no doubt he succeeded in pushing his democratic perception – even I felt during those years with him as PM that Thailand is more vibrant and democratic then when Chuan was PM earlier. And without any doubt, Thailand is much less democratic now with Abhisit as PM. In fact, I would say it is now feudal monarchy with a pretty face boy on the PM chair and a smirking Shogun seated just slightly behind
The “original” drive to democracy I still put that honor to Pridi.
Thai media culture in the eyes of a foreigner
This article is most refreshing. The concept of “capsule” is very useful. I would single out the Patravadi theatre for creating artistic bridges of great quality between Thailand and the outside world.
It is interesting that the article comes next to the review of Scott’s “The Art of Not Being Governed”. We read in the piece that censorship is needed to block any information that personalizes and humanizes these “terrorist” individuals, yet this depersonalisation has been applied to other elements of Thai society for decades, in particular the hill tribes. I have never once seen a picture of a hill tribe person with the dignity of a name attached.
Scott’s book cites another as an influence, this book being Hjorleifur Jonsson’s Mien Relations: Mountain People and State Control in Thailand which was reviewed by Douglas Miles in New Mandala on Aug 24 2009.
Miles’ description of the Thai elite chimes in with the sentiments of this article and remains powerful:…Thailand’s ruling elite whose iconically but deceptive serenity, charming but fabricated sophistry and obfuscatingly dazzling smiles have stereotypically characterised the presentation of itself to the rest of the world since beginning of modern history and can probably presume it can do so forever more.
Thailand in Crisis: แปลเป็นภาษาไทย
Thanks for these comments, everyone,
We do hope that the subtitles prove useful. At this stage, we will be working towards translating the entire series.
I am very happy to hear further suggestions on the topic.
Best wishes to all,
Nich
Thailand in Crisis: แปลเป็นภาษาไทย
Peter: Yes, they are.
But maybe get the subs encoded into the video?
That way it would be possible to save/download the video with subs as well.
International Crisis Group on Thailand’s divide
Interesting looking piece on the International Crisis Group in New Left Review. Apologies for the lengthy cut and paste but I think it’s always useful to know who’s paying the piper. I mean, do you really want to read what an American diplomat from 1980s El Salvador has to say on anything?
“A prominent example is the ‘conflict prevention’ outfit, the International Crisis Group. On the face of it, the icg represents a particularly successful ngo incursion into geopolitical affairs. A mid-nineties spin-off from us establishment think-tank the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Crisis Group purports to offer ‘new strategic thinking’ on conflict situations, aided by a global monitoring network it runs across sixty countries, with links to lobbying operations in Washington, New York, Brussels and London. Half of its annual budget of $16m comes from governments–mainly nato members, including the us and Britain–while corporate donors include rbs, Chevron and bhp Billiton; billionaire financier George Soros is a leading patron. [3] The organization styles itself as independent and non-partisan, but has consistently championed nato’s wars to fulsome transatlantic praise. Kofi Annan spoke for the entire House when he lauded the icg as ‘a global voice of conscience, and a genuine force for peace’. The credulous Western media also has moments of sycophancy. The ft praises the group’s ‘hard-nosed realism’, the bbc its ‘masterful’ and ‘essential’ research. The Washington Post likens its ‘excellent reports’ to investor credit ratings for conflict-prone states. Noting with admiration that ‘there is nothing cut-and-paste about the research’, the Guardian enthuses: ‘Long may it continue to thrive.’
Such commendation would seem no mean feat, especially given the dubious makeup of the Crisis Group board–a rogue’s gallery even by the standards of international politics. Outgoing president Gareth Evans was the West’s principal apologist for Suharto in East Timor while Australian foreign minister. Co-chair Thomas Pickering was a Reagan point man in Central America’s dirty wars, as us ambassador to El Salvador and one-time intermediary for Contra gunrunners. (This would become a habit: in retirement Pickering sold arms overseas for Boeing.) The Executive Committee includes among its number Mort Abramowitz, self-confessed ‘aggressive interventionist’ and former State Department fire-starter who obtained Stinger missiles for the Afghan Mujahidin; earlier on, while ambassador in Thailand, he had been instrumental in the us policy of backing Pol Pot against the Vietnamese-installed regime. Also featured are stalwart peaceniks Zbigniew Brzezinski, Carter’s National Security Advisor; seasoned neocon Ken Adelman; Richard Armitage, Assistant Defense Secretary under Reagan and Deputy Secretary of State under G. W. Bush; retired nato general Wesley Clark, the bomber of Belgrade–alongside foreign friends: the likes of Aleksander Kwas┬┤niewski, Polish promoter of nato and eu accession. Little wonder that us Secretary of State Colin Powell, attending a 2003 icg reception in the State Department, found the occasion ‘something of a reunion’. ”
The rest is at http://www.newleftreview.org/?page=article&view=2841
The 13th General Election in Malaysia
For a long time there was really no alternative to BN. Sad to say, the opposition had been a motley bunch. PAS was spewing fire and brimstone, DAP ran around like a headless chicken etc.
There was no coherence and no shadow cabinet to represent ideas or alternate policies for people to compare and judge. Given that, Malaysian, if they vote, would simly “play safe” Life was good, or at least decent. I myself was a Petronas Scholar… shining example for my “kampong”. Needless to say, the entire neighbourhood, voted Alliance – former BN.
Times are changing though, and the parallel between Thailand and Malaysia, as far as elections go is becoming more irrelevant. The other bits relating to governance, rule of law, judiciary etc, I leave to you imagination
Big questions for Thailand
Suzie–Do note that Prachathai seems to be saying there that it is closing its Web-board, rather than its Web-site. SR
Suwicha Thakor still locked up
I would say that LM laws answer the needs of ordinary Thais who don’t want to see the institution smeared rather than interests of the royal family itself.
From that point of view, the King would be giving out unconditional pardons without any care for the offended party – those sensitive people, for the lack of a better word, who are the actual victims of LM crimes.
In the meantime, in the land of free speech…
http://english.aljazeera.net//news/middleeast/2010/07/2010784132514853.html
The 13th General Election in Malaysia
Hi Neptunian,
I was drawing from Andrew Walker’s analogy of Thailand – where he argued that Thai’s are “adept at hedging their bets”. He was not commenting on Malaysia per say.
It’s true that Malaysia has a serious democratic deficit and there is a feeling of change in the air since March 8, 2008.
But can Malaysians really plead innocence – when we have been part and parcel of this system – which for long periods of time, many of us did support (remember the roaring 90s or Pak Lah’s first term).
Thailand in crisis: Episode 4
Tarrin,
CPB should have been aware of the pending Shin sale as it has reps on Siam Commercial bank board and it was the biggest sale in country’s history. It had other deals involving Thaksin, too, like the sale of SCB stake in ITV.
My claim TRT had a bigger war chest is based on countless opinions from knowledgeable people over the years.
Your counterclaim was invented just a couple of weeks ago and is based on nothing but a loose list of companies that you believe oppose Thaksin NOW. Wait and see what they will sing if Thaksin stages a successful comeback.
Thanong on King Bhumibol
I mentioned that persecution to point out that Nation journos don’t need to read newspapers to know of Thaksin’s “evil”.
Or that Bangkok Post editor who got fired after decades of service for allowing airport crack story on the front page. That came with two billion baht lawsuit, too. I might not remember the exact numbers but the gist is still the same.
Incidentally, today Thanong tweets about dire financial predictions for the US stock exchange that have made it to New York Times.
The 13th General Election in Malaysia
If the electorial process is like the Australian – proportionate representation, then election outcomes would be different in Malaysia. 10 years ago, the “majority” voting for BN would be absolutely right. not so much now.
The election commission is not “independent” electorial demarcations are changed accordingly to favour the BN. The ability to breakdown in precise numbers on who voted for whom has always been a mystery to me. Are the ballots actually secret?
The bulk voters (BN fixed deposit) as the political analyst like to put it are the rural Malays. This group feel they owe BN, and will mostly vote for BN. The Govt agencies (again not independent) cannot tell between their duties and political campaigning. Even so, the voters in Penisula Malaysia are changing, including the rural Malays. If East malaysia is taken out of the picture, BN would have lost the Federal Govt. – So Andrew is not “so right” in saying “majority” still support BN.
BN / UMNO themselves know this and is sparing no effort in persecuting or buying over PKR reps. IF the treat is taken lightly, then why the effort in this endeavour (persecution)
Thanong on King Bhumibol
chris beale – 37
Rather than “unprecedented freedom ” I would say “out of control”. Don’t forget that Thailand dont have that system to check whether the news reporting is reliable or legitimate, what we get later is misinterpretation, fault accusation, and sometime flat out lies. I’ve seen those picture shown in the Nation that was flat out doped with Photoshop. The journalist in Thailand hardly have to pay for their mistake. In the end what sort of punishment they get? just an apology somewhere in their paper, like this one.
http://www.bangkokbiznews.com/2008/09/22/news_27278542.php?news_id=27278542
Don’t mistaken me by the way, I’m not saying that there should any sort of control, but rather, a system that at least make sure that the journalist dont write their news carelessly.
Big questions for Thailand
I think trying to maintain the cult of Phumipon will further deepen the conflicts in Thailand.
The cult of Phumipon concept was created by the U. S. for the Cold War objectives, thus it requires the change of U. S. policy in order to facilitate change in Thailand. It’s neither in the interests of the U. S. nor Thailand to keep the cult of Phumipon by way of imposing oppressive measures and the continuation of propaganda operation. The Philippines has moved away from Marcos, so has Indonesia away from Suharto. In order to create a balance of power inside its society, just like what the Philippines and Indonesia are trying to do, Thailand needs to depart from the cult of Phumipon towards the “Presidential System.”
The cult of Phumipon has created instability throughout the country to the point that the current regime has to extend the Emergency Law for another three months for half of the country. With the Emergency Law, the regime is completely free to abuse its power like an absolute monarchy system where they can jail anyone at any time for any reason.
From a local news today, the regime has hired an international lobbyist company Podesta for $240,000.- (U.S. dollars), for 3 months since June, to alter Thailand’s image. Aphisit is incapable of understanding that no investors or tourists will invest their money in unstable Thailand. However, the regime can waste public money any way they prefer with the Emergency Law.
р╕гр╕▒р╕Рр╕Ър╕▓р╕ер╣Др╕Чр╕вр╕ер╕Зр╕Щр╕▓р╕бр╕зр╣Ир╕▓р╕Ир╣Йр╕▓р╕З р╕Бр╕▒р╕Ъ р╕Ъ.р╣Вр╕Юр╣Ар╕Фр╕кр╕Хр╣Йр╕▓(Podesta) р╕Фр╣Йр╕зр╕вр╕зр╕Зр╣Ар╕Зр╕┤р╕Щр╕гр╕▓р╕з 240,000 р╕Фр╕нр╕ер╕ер╕▓р╕гр╣Мр╕кр╕лр╕гр╕▒р╕Р р╣Гр╕Щр╕кр╕▒р╕Нр╕Нр╕▓р╕кр╕▓р╕бр╣Ар╕Фр╕╖р╕нр╕Щ р╕Хр╕▒р╣Йр╕Зр╣Бр╕Хр╣Ир╕Хр╣Йр╕Щр╣Ар╕Фр╕╖р╕нр╕Щр╕бр╕┤р╕Цр╕╕р╕Щр╕▓р╕вр╕Щ р╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Ьр╣Ир╕▓р╕Щр╕бр╕▓ р╣Ар╕Юр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕Кр╣Ир╕зр╕вр╕Яр╕╖р╣Йр╕Щр╕Яр╕╣р╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╣Ар╕Кр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕бр╕▒р╣Ир╕Щр╕Щр╕▒р╕Бр╕ер╕Зр╕Чр╕╕р╕Щр╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Чр╣Ир╕нр╕Зр╣Ар╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕вр╕зр╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕Бр╕▒р╕Ър╣Др╕Чр╕вр╣Др╕Фр╣Йр╕нр╕вр╣Ир╕▓р╕З р╕гр╕зр╕Фр╣Ар╕гр╣Зр╕зр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕кр╕╕р╕Ф.
2. Also today, Prachatai has announced the closure of its website by the end of July 2010 because the current regime is targeting Prachatai Webboard and its members with the Emergency Law and the Computer Crime Law.
р╕кр╕Цр╕▓р╕Щр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Ур╣Мр╕нр╕▒р╕Щр╕ер╣Ир╕нр╣Бр╕лр╕ер╕б р╣Ар╕Ыр╕гр╕▓р╕░р╕Ър╕▓р╕З р╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕Фр╕┤р╣Ир╕Зр╣Ар╕лр╕зр╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕кр╕┤р╕Чр╕Шр╕┤р╣Ар╕кр╕гр╕╡р╕ар╕▓р╕Юр╣Гр╕Щр╕кр╕▒р╕Зр╕Др╕бр╣Др╕Чр╕в р╕Чр╕│р╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Кр╕▓р╣Др╕Чр╕Хр╕▒р╕Фр╕кр╕┤р╕Щр╣Гр╕Ир╕Ыр╕┤р╕Фр╣Ар╕зр╣Зр╕Ър╕Ър╕нр╕гр╣Мр╕Фр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Кр╕▓р╣Др╕Чр╕ер╕З р╣Вр╕Фр╕вр╣Ар╕гр╕┤р╣Ир╕бр╕бр╕╡р╕Ьр╕ер╕Хр╕▒р╣Йр╕Зр╣Бр╕Хр╣Ир╕зр╕▒р╕Щр╕Чр╕╡р╣И 31 р╕Бр╕гр╕Бр╕Ор╕▓р╕Др╕б 2553 р╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Хр╣Йр╕Щр╣Др╕Ы
Certainly we must not forget that Aphisit was capable of ordering sniper operation with 89 deaths and 2,000 injured. In addition, hundreds are now being detained as political prisoners at military’s prison. The best qualtiy Thai news media such as Prachatai has made the right decision that on one can trust Aphisit.
3. Lastly, I read a comment in the Bangkok Post that I would like to share with everyone.
At what price?
This man calls himself a democrat!
The English born and Oxford educated Abhisit seems to have no political morals whatsoever. I would love to be proved wrong, however, I see him as a spoilt brat who will do anything to get his own way. Mr Abhisit, I suspect will oversee the further weakening of democracy and personal freedoms in Thailand; all to fulfil his personal ambitions. At what Price Mr Abhisit did you sell your soul to the devil?
In conclusion, the continuity of the cult of Phumipon would create an underground movement with serious instability and backwardness, whereas democratization will bring peace, development and progress.
Thailand in crisis: Episode 4
StanG – 64
TRT in its heyday had full support from CP, only some bankers might have not paid them. Thaksin had very close ties with the richest families in the country anyway.
CT support both the Dem and TRT, the Jiravanon family is so big that they have people in their family both align with TRT and Dem, same goes with Jiratiwat family and so on.
I don’t know if CPB ever made any political contributions, so why bring it here?
Well since the CPB might be the biggest conglomerate in Thailand, maybe its worth discuss about what’s their stance on all these?
I know the 258 mil was paid to someone, but for now we don’t know if it was an illegal contribution, and even if it was, it doesn’t mean TRT had less money going past the books, too.
Yes and that doesn’t also mean that Democract war chest is any smaller than TRT, like what you claimed in your comment number 52.
Thailand in Crisis: แปลเป็นภาษาไทย
Now with subtitles i will burn this together with other youtube stuff on a CD and send it to some friends in North Thailand. I know they are a multiplicator for this information.
So yes it is useful.
Unfortunately even with the fixed subtitle lengths, it’s still pretty hard to read.
@Suluck Lamubol: Are you sure the youtube vids are still accessible from inside Thailand?
The 13th General Election in Malaysia
Point taken Neptunian.
It is a foregone conclusion then that nothing much can be expected from BN if only marginal changes are being put forward.
Wonder why the ‘majority’ still comes out supporting BN. Using Andrew’s analogy, are the ‘majority’ of Malaysians hedging their bets when they vote for BN?
Big questions for Thailand
It would be interesting to see how much the king is loved if lese majeste is removed.
Weekly heat, water and fire
Arthurson
You are desrcribing a reality since Ne Win era. Infra structure of major cities in Myanmar need to be upgraded. Basic utilities: Sewer. Water and Electricity are all in dire need of revamping.
Technology and ability aside an Asian government like Myanmar who has put most of the resource into Militarization need to be questioned.
The obvious facts well known and expounded clearly and objectively can be found with this link . Yet this trend continue to use every and any instances against the government continue.
There has been a general disconnect between what’s good for the plight of Myanmar citizenry and punishing the SPDC.
Worst, unwilling in any way even to “back off” and encourage the government “to do the right thing” more on behalf of the citizenry.
The recent renewal of sanction by USA and Hillary haranguing says it all.
That is not even mentioning all the various government including Australian claiming the credit of sanction each contributed on behalf of Myanmar people’s Democracy.
These are recorded clearly in their recent statements in support for Daw Aung SAn Suu Kyi on her Birthday.
The upgrading of utilities in a city like Yangon is absolutely daunting if not impossible.
Have you seen UN or any other who are the more capable of these tasks offering help or even suggestion beyond Steiglitz visit right after the hoopla of Yetaw incidence and Webb talking to SPDC?
If the west and everyone should keep Myanmar Citizenry Plight as the focus instead of the past Anti-SPDC and pro Daw Aung San Suu Kyi may be the approach to the quagmire will become clearer.
The quagmire exemplified here by the backwardness of a water delivery system.
This kind of tragic condition goes on and on. In terms of Education high lighted here in New Mandala. Health care, economic opportunities etc.
The very needed essences for a thriving citizenry.
Cut short by SPDC paranoia and the west contribution to that effect.
Suwicha Thakor still locked up
Here is the link to a report at Prachatai (in Thai) on another ex-LM prisoner, just released last month too: Boonyuen Prasertying.
http://www.prachatai3.info/journal/2010/07/30249
Boonyuen was arrested in the same case as Da Torpido, from their group’s political activities at Sanam Luang. (Da was arrested on 22 July 2008, Boonyuen was arrested three weeks later on 15 August. See report at the time of her arrest on Manager here: http://www.manager.co.th/Crime/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000096572 ) But she chose to act differently from Da (option II I mentioned above #18 http://www.newmandala.org/2009/04/28/suwicha-thakor-still-locked-up/#comment-698053 ), namely to ‘confess’ her ‘wrongdoing’ on LM, was sentenced right away, then appealed for royal pardon. In the meantime, she also decided to ‘cut off’ contact with her former activists including Da in prison. (see further below.)
Included in the report at Prachatai is a 3-part interview with her on YouTube. (Direct links here:
Part I: Life as prisoner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeKfcNYOcos&feature=player_embedded
Par II: Real-life study of ‘Thai Law 101’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjERMJ52rHY&feature=player_embedded
Part III: On Politics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25E4hBJ_7vs&feature=player_embedded
Although in the interview, Boonyuen appears in the current royalist shirt color (Pink, not yellow), it’s clear from the content that she doesn’t change her political views. (She explains why she took part in the political activities: because Thaksin had done a lot for her family’s economic well being, etc.) Of course she ‘admits’ (in passing) her ‘mistake’ (р╕Ьр╕┤р╕Фр╕Юр╕ер╕▓р╕Ф р╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Ар╕лр╕бр╕▓р╕░р╕кр╕б) on her LM speech, but insists that it’s not right to put her into jail. She suggests the [LM] law be changed to lesser punishment, such as warning or fine. (See Par III at minute 7.50)