Thank you very much for the informative views on the crisis. It shows the intricacies and complexities of the issue. By putting the crisis in a dichotomy, such as double standards, us against them, etc., it will only do more harm to the reconciliation and more to good old who-dun-it games of finger pointing.
As we all know that Aphisit regime cannot win majority votes in any fair election, so he spent all his energy distorting the image of his political opponents.
Here is an interesting article from Prachatai entitled, “The Problem of Aphisit Regime: Keeping Peace or Destroying Political Opponents?
It said, “The gathering of the Red Shirts had a very clear demand, “Parliament Dissolution.” However, all of the sudden the CRES under Aphisit distorted the logic by creating an issue that whoever criticizing Aphisit regime intends to eliminate the monarchy institution. So the question is, “Does Aphisit use the monarchy institution as an instrument to destroy its political opponents?”
During the current crisis, Aphisit regime is not only ineffective in its management of the affairs of the state. Instead of putting his priority in keeping peace, Aphisit has spent all of his energy in trying to destroy his political opponents.
Agree, I well remember the Thaksin era with the outrageous impunity and corruption.
But it was never the level of impunity, corruption, deceit and downright lies that we are currently seeing from the Abhisit government, coupled with a vague but powerful feeling if unease as these people inch towards the abyss, an abyss which may well swallow up all of Thailand and provide that final impetus to there being a wider recognition that Thailand is a failed state, though I believe it already has that dubious distinction.
There is a rumour that Arisman has already been disappeared/killed. I do not doubt there will be others, and eventually, the government will find the reds playing their game. At that point Thailand will truly have reached banana republic status.
Although Abhisit inherited some major problems from the junta puppet government and those that preceded it, if has itself poured petrol on the flames, and will doubtless be burned alive by the ensuing conflagration unless it acknowledges that minority interest partied, even in coalition, have no legitimacy and should surrender to the democratic principle it pretends to espouse.
Thailand is now an unlivable place. For those who think differently, see differently, they are now treated like cats and dogs or even some dirts, that need to be getting rid off. No matter what happened, I can only think of a big changes in a Thai society. The Thais has been fooled for a long long time, ever since they were born. It’s time for all Thai to wake up and realize that what you were taught since you were young were all illusions and propaganda.
Thank for reminding me that some parts of the world are still governed by dictatorship. But this regime is certainly losing it grip. If you look deeply into China, you can see some changes that is happening right now. The Chinese government knows damn well that they cannot keep all the power within the Communist committee alone. They have now started to share some power by having some districts election in some provinces. At least the Chinese government realizes that they need to release the rope instead of tightening it. If you travel to China frequently you can observe the changes in all sectors including a freer society, although not politically. But by releasing it slowly, they will definitely cool down the situation, unlike Thailand which they make the matter worse. Same with North Korea, which I see a quick fading if power after Kim die. No matter what the argument is, a free country which respect the majority will always prevail. Any government that orders the shooting of people who have different political view can never stay long. Only government who serves its people, who respects their people, no matter they are rich or poor, can then win the hearts of their citizens.
Jim Taylor – the reality check of destruction is that there is now far more impetus for LAO Isaarn to break-away from “Thailand”.
Far more impetus for them to link-up with their phi-nong across the Mekong in the liberated LAO PDR
Big thank for both professors for having done an excellent job. We appreciate it very much and would love to hear from both of you again. This website is certainly a MUST for everyone.
Today, Khaosod newspaper has an article criticizing Aphisit as regime that increasingly moves away from democracy. Professor Sutachai has never violate any law. For Aphisit regime to put Prof. Sutachai in the military jail in Saraburi province with neither trial nor evidence, is purely an abusive of power.
I have seen several videos of the Red Shirt speeches but their calls for ‘Bangkok to burn’ were preceded by the phrase “should there be another coup”. This is conveniently omitted from the government’s propaganda.
@ 7
I don’t believe that story one bit. I have inadvertently overstayed my visa a number of times caused through floods, badly translated Thai to English and delayed flights.
If the person has no money, the Thai Immigration Police always contact that person’s embassy and an agreement is reached, normally over the phone if that person has to leave on a flight.
The professor is being held at an army barracks at Sara Buri, not a Thai gaol.
If we start “telling stories” we are no better than the current propaganda being issued daily by the CRES.
Roger
Now for a reality check on the destruction that AW talks about: There are numerous facts circulating which caste doubt that tired, hungry, and chased Red Shirt protestors had the capacity, time, technical and floor plan know-how to bring such calculated and well targeted destruction, even a building of some ten stories at the Central World complex. Also, it is in the interests of state-amaat to construct a story for the outside world affirming the Red Shirts as “terrorists”. Other speculations are that the state had stocked weapons in the building and dead bodies that they did not want the outside to know about. Interestingly, we have to ask how could protestors get into the building a second time around 20.00 hours after the curfew with so many army and police around and not get caught? It had already been set fire ten hours earlier at the height of the crackdown. Thaksin was quoted as saying much the same thing: “The big fire … must be the work of [a] professional. As an ex-police [officer], I can assure you that this is a well planned and professionally done…” and that it was ‘definitely’ not the work of red shirts” (Aljazeera, May 27, 2010, http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/05/201052743011586383.html).
At the end of the protest Nuttawut said at Rajprasong : because of daily livecast through satellite they thought they were safe: “govt dare not do anything to kill a mass (as long as we have a lot of people here we are safe)…” But negotiations proved futile and govt started to kill. He said: “This govt is cruel has animal mind; so to save people’s lives I surrender: please everyone go home. If necessary hide inside buildings…” This is why Central World was burned down. The people felt trust in this place unlike other buildings; they were allowed to use toilets over past two months. It was only Zen that was burned down. It was insured and govt had backed them. Govt already announced they would provide financial assistance to support traders affected by arson. Budget already approved. Building is insured. The gov wanted to kill red people inside building. Also wanted to show the world they reds were real terrorists. Not a win for the red shirts, but for the despotic regime: One shot: three birds. No doubt the truth will reveal itself one day.
William Stevenson was possibly chosen by King Bhumipol as his official biographer, although the final product was rejected. The King moreover, translated “A Man Called Intrepid” into Thai, suggesting there was some rapport. Stevenson apparently spent many hours interviewing various other members of the royal family.
Obviously, Stevenson will never be canonized in New Mandalaland, but what’s the point of calling all that he writes “delusional”?
First Thaksin, then his money, then his followers, then those close to him, then anyone in the elite whoever supported him. This is fitting of Stalin era purge.
CRES is making powerful enemies. The more ruthless they become, the more they will invest in never allowing any of their alleged adversaries ever regain any power.
I did not like Thaksin when he abused power and I spoke against him. I am now too afraid to speak against the current outrages occurring except in nameless posts from proxy servers in nondescript internet cafes, remembering using private browsing, and checking to see that history and cookies are not stored.
Given what I’ve heard about Thai prison food – from a farang who over-stayed his visa by eight days, and was therefore LOCKED UP FOR MORE THAN SIX MONTHS, because he had no money having been ripped off by a Buddhist “nun” – some might consider themselves better off hunger-striking than eating Thai prison poison !!
Two or three bowls of maggot infested rice soup, with a chicken bone thrown in ! Everyday.
Thai prison authorities are such Buddhist humane people with such a great sense of compassion !
McDonalds – you have a great waiting market for you.
Thank you for making such a nice video and topic. I’m glad that Thailand’s crisis is in world spotlight so I just hope people all around the world would have a better understanding about it.
Well, for this comment, I would just say, the recent crisis is not just about poverty or class gap, but it’s about double standard.
I think many Thai enjoy the way they are, I mean, those farmers or rural poor. It might be from the way of Buddhism, self-sufficient something like that. Yes, of course they want life improvement, having better living standard.
Thaksin gave them opportunity to “see heaven” and some group, someone just envy him.
Jakrapob Penkhar, former minister of PM Office, charged of lese majestic, has written some straight-to-the-point articles.
Just an example of double standard, a King’s advisor, Gen. Surayud had a house on a reserved area, but no legal charge, whereas the people down the hill sentenced to jail for almost 10 years, just because they are ordinary people.
Now, I understand that this narrative does not fit with the predominant point of view expressed here, and likely will get lots of thumbs down. Others will predictably suggest these journalists are little but hired stooges of the rightest, fascist military royalist running dog cliques. This compares to the current ASTV nonsense alleging that CNN’s Dan Rivers is on Thaksin’s payroll.
I appreciate NM as a resource. From an academic point of view, I’m not particularly impressed by the widespread inability of NM posters to engage in rational critiques of more than one perspective.
Let’s face it. The red shirts are made up of a large number of Thais with very legitimate grievances that have not been addressed by the ruling elite. Most of them were there peacefully. But their leadership includes many who called for violence, who clearly turned a blind eye to violence being committed on their behalf, and dishonestly portrayed their activities and those of their movement as utterly and completely nonviolent.
When you’re in a face-off with well-armed forces of authority, you are a fool if you expect them to approach you with anything but overwhelming force. Poorly trained and disciplined Thai army guys are not going to worry who is “peaceful” and who is “violent” when they are taking fire.
Thousands of peaceful protesters have been betrayed not just by a political system that has ignored and harmed them, but also betrayed by leaders and their violent henchmen who brought forth ENTIRELY PREDICTABLE violence from the state in a cynical effort to promote the narrow political goals of those leaders.
WLH #2 – they always saturate with Royalist music, etc. whenever there’s coup in Thailand.
Your wife was completely right : it’s totally routine, and a 100% certain indicator that a coup is under way.
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Thailand in crisis – ANU video series
Thank you very much for the informative views on the crisis. It shows the intricacies and complexities of the issue. By putting the crisis in a dichotomy, such as double standards, us against them, etc., it will only do more harm to the reconciliation and more to good old who-dun-it games of finger pointing.
Looking forward to the next episode.
Thailand in crisis – ANU video series
As we all know that Aphisit regime cannot win majority votes in any fair election, so he spent all his energy distorting the image of his political opponents.
Here is an interesting article from Prachatai entitled, “The Problem of Aphisit Regime: Keeping Peace or Destroying Political Opponents?
It said, “The gathering of the Red Shirts had a very clear demand, “Parliament Dissolution.” However, all of the sudden the CRES under Aphisit distorted the logic by creating an issue that whoever criticizing Aphisit regime intends to eliminate the monarchy institution. So the question is, “Does Aphisit use the monarchy institution as an instrument to destroy its political opponents?”
During the current crisis, Aphisit regime is not only ineffective in its management of the affairs of the state. Instead of putting his priority in keeping peace, Aphisit has spent all of his energy in trying to destroy his political opponents.
р╕Ыр╕▒р╕Нр╕лр╕▓р╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕гр╕▒р╕Рр╕Ър╕▓р╕ер╕нр╕ар╕┤р╕кр╕┤р╕Чр╕Шр╕┤р╣М: р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕гр╕▒р╕Бр╕йр╕▓р╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕кр╕Зр╕Ър╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Чр╕│р╕ер╕▓р╕вр╕ир╕▒р╕Хр╕гр╕╣р╕Чр╕▓р╕Зр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Ар╕бр╕╖р╕нр╕З? http://www.prachatai2.info (Wed, 2010-05-26 18:40)
р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Кр╕╕р╕бр╕Щр╕╕р╕бр╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕Др╕Щр╣Ар╕кр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╣Бр╕Фр╕Зр╕Др╕гр╕▒р╣Йр╕Зр╕Щр╕╡р╣Йр╕бр╕╡р╕Вр╣Йр╕нр╣Ар╕гр╕╡р╕вр╕Бр╕гр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╕нр╕вр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╕Кр╕▒р╕Фр╣Ар╕Ир╕Щр╕вр╕┤р╣Ир╕З р╕Щр╕▒р╣Ир╕Щр╕Др╕╖р╕н р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕вр╕╕р╕Ър╕кр╕ар╕▓ р╣Бр╕Хр╣Ир╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕Чр╕гр╕▓р╕Ър╕Фр╣Йр╕зр╕вр╣Ар╕лр╕Хр╕╕р╣Гр╕Ф р╕Ир╕╣р╣И р╣Ж р╕ир╕нр╕Й. р╕ар╕▓р╕вр╣Гр╕Хр╣Йр╕гр╕▒р╕Рр╕Ър╕▓р╕ер╕Щр╕╡р╣Йр╕Бр╣Зр╕Ир╕╕р╕Фр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╣Ар╕Фр╣Зр╕Щр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕ер╣Йр╕бр╕ер╣Йр╕▓р╕Зр╕кр╕Цр╕▓р╕Ър╕▒р╕Щр╕Вр╕╢р╣Йр╕Щр╕бр╕▓ р╕Чр╕▒р╣Йр╕З р╣Ж р╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╣Ар╕Фр╣Зр╕Щр╕Щр╕╡р╣Йр╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╣Ар╕гр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕Зр╕ер╕░р╣Ар╕нр╕╡р╕вр╕Фр╕нр╣Ир╕нр╕Щ р╣Бр╕Хр╣И р╕ир╕нр╕Й. р╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕гр╕▒р╕Рр╕Ър╕▓р╕ер╕Бр╕ер╕▒р╕Ър╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕кр╕▓р╕бр╕▓р╕гр╕Цр╣Бр╕кр╕Фр╕Зр╕лр╕ер╕▒р╕Бр╕Рр╕▓р╕Щр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Кр╕▒р╕Фр╣Ар╕Ир╕Щр╣Др╕Фр╣Й р╕Ир╕Щр╕Фр╕╣р╣Ар╕лр╕бр╕╖р╕нр╕Щр╕гр╕▒р╕Рр╕Ър╕▓р╕ер╕нр╕ар╕┤р╕кр╕┤р╕Чр╕Шр╕┤р╣Мр╕кр╕гр╣Йр╕▓р╕Зр╕лр╕ер╕▒р╕Бр╕Хр╕гр╕гр╕Бр╕░р╕Ър╕┤р╕Фр╣Ар╕Ър╕╖р╕нр╕Щр╕Вр╕╢р╣Йр╕Щр╕бр╕▓р╕зр╣Ир╕▓ р╣Гр╕Др╕гр╕зр╕┤р╕Ир╕▓р╕гр╕Ур╣Мр╕гр╕▒р╕Рр╕Ър╕▓р╕ер╕нр╕ар╕┤р╕кр╕┤р╕Чр╕Шр╕┤р╣М р╕Ьр╕╣р╣Йр╕Щр╕▒р╣Йр╕Щр╕Хр╣Ир╕нр╕Хр╣Йр╕▓р╕Щр╕кр╕Цр╕▓р╕Ър╕▒р╕Щ р╕Чр╕│р╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╣Ар╕Бр╕┤р╕Фр╕Др╕│р╕Цр╕▓р╕бр╕зр╣Ир╕▓ р╕гр╕▒р╕Рр╕Ър╕▓р╕ер╕нр╕ар╕┤р╕кр╕┤р╕Чр╕Шр╕┤р╣Мр╕Бр╕│р╕ер╕▒р╕Зр╕Фр╕╢р╕Зр╕кр╕Цр╕▓р╕Ър╕▒р╕Щр╕нр╕▒р╕Щр╕кр╕╣р╕Зр╕кр╕╕р╕Фр╕бр╕▓р╣Гр╕Кр╣Йр╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╣Ар╕Др╕гр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕Зр╕бр╕╖р╕нр╕Чр╕│р╕ер╕▓р╕вр╕ир╕▒р╕Хр╕гр╕╣р╕Чр╕▓р╕З р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Ар╕бр╕╖р╕нр╕Зр╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕Хр╕Щр╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╣Ар╕Ыр╕ер╣Ир╕▓?
р╕Ьр╕╣р╣Йр╣Ар╕Вр╕╡р╕вр╕Щр╕Др╕┤р╕Фр╕зр╣Ир╕▓ р╕гр╕▓р╕Бр╣Ар╕лр╕Зр╣Йр╕▓р╣Гр╕Щр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Ър╕гр╕┤р╕лр╕▓р╕гр╕Зр╕▓р╕Щр╣Гр╕Щр╕ар╕▓р╕зр╕░р╕зр╕┤р╕Бр╕др╕Хр╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕гр╕▒р╕Рр╕Ър╕▓р╕ер╕нр╕ар╕┤р╕кр╕┤р╕Чр╕Шр╕┤р╣Мр╕Щр╕▒р╣Йр╕Щ р╕Щр╕нр╕Бр╕Ир╕▓р╕Бр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕бр╕╡р╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕кр╕┤р╕Чр╕Шр╕┤р╕ар╕▓р╕Юр╣Бр╕ер╣Йр╕з р╕гр╕▓р╕Бр╕Ыр╕▒р╕Нр╕лр╕▓р╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕кр╕│р╕Др╕▒р╕Нр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕кр╕╕р╕Фр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕лр╕Щр╕╢р╣Ир╕Зр╕Др╕╖р╕н р╕Фр╕╣р╣Ар╕лр╕бр╕╖р╕нр╕Щр╕гр╕▒р╕Рр╕Ър╕▓р╕ер╕нр╕ар╕┤р╕кр╕┤р╕Чр╕Шр╕┤р╣Мр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Др╕Фр╣Йр╕бр╕╕р╣Ир╕Зр╕бр╕▒р╣Ир╕Щр╕Хр╕▒р╣Йр╕Зр╣Гр╕Ир╕Ир╕░р╕гр╕▒р╕Бр╕йр╕▓р╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕кр╕Зр╕Ър╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕гр╕░р╣Ар╕Ър╕╡р╕вр╕Ър╣Гр╕Щ р╕Ър╣Йр╕▓р╕Щр╣Ар╕бр╕╖р╕нр╕Зр╕бр╕▓р╕Бр╣Ар╕Чр╣Ир╕▓р╕Бр╕▒р╕Ър╕Хр╕▒р╣Йр╕Зр╕лр╕Щр╣Йр╕▓р╕Хр╕▒р╣Йр╕Зр╕Хр╕▓р╕лр╕▓р╕Чр╕▓р╕Зр╕Чр╕│р╕ер╕▓р╕вр╕ир╕▒р╕Хр╕гр╕╣р╕Чр╕▓р╕Зр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Ар╕бр╕╖р╕нр╕Зр╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕Хр╕Щ
Thailand’s terrorists
@Concerned (25):
Agree, I well remember the Thaksin era with the outrageous impunity and corruption.
But it was never the level of impunity, corruption, deceit and downright lies that we are currently seeing from the Abhisit government, coupled with a vague but powerful feeling if unease as these people inch towards the abyss, an abyss which may well swallow up all of Thailand and provide that final impetus to there being a wider recognition that Thailand is a failed state, though I believe it already has that dubious distinction.
There is a rumour that Arisman has already been disappeared/killed. I do not doubt there will be others, and eventually, the government will find the reds playing their game. At that point Thailand will truly have reached banana republic status.
Although Abhisit inherited some major problems from the junta puppet government and those that preceded it, if has itself poured petrol on the flames, and will doubtless be burned alive by the ensuing conflagration unless it acknowledges that minority interest partied, even in coalition, have no legitimacy and should surrender to the democratic principle it pretends to espouse.
Sutachai on hunger strike
Thailand is now an unlivable place. For those who think differently, see differently, they are now treated like cats and dogs or even some dirts, that need to be getting rid off. No matter what happened, I can only think of a big changes in a Thai society. The Thais has been fooled for a long long time, ever since they were born. It’s time for all Thai to wake up and realize that what you were taught since you were young were all illusions and propaganda.
Thailand’s terrorists
Dear Anonymous,
Thank for reminding me that some parts of the world are still governed by dictatorship. But this regime is certainly losing it grip. If you look deeply into China, you can see some changes that is happening right now. The Chinese government knows damn well that they cannot keep all the power within the Communist committee alone. They have now started to share some power by having some districts election in some provinces. At least the Chinese government realizes that they need to release the rope instead of tightening it. If you travel to China frequently you can observe the changes in all sectors including a freer society, although not politically. But by releasing it slowly, they will definitely cool down the situation, unlike Thailand which they make the matter worse. Same with North Korea, which I see a quick fading if power after Kim die. No matter what the argument is, a free country which respect the majority will always prevail. Any government that orders the shooting of people who have different political view can never stay long. Only government who serves its people, who respects their people, no matter they are rich or poor, can then win the hearts of their citizens.
Thailand in crisis – ANU video series
Jim Taylor – the reality check of destruction is that there is now far more impetus for LAO Isaarn to break-away from “Thailand”.
Far more impetus for them to link-up with their phi-nong across the Mekong in the liberated LAO PDR
Thailand in crisis – ANU video series
Big thank for both professors for having done an excellent job. We appreciate it very much and would love to hear from both of you again. This website is certainly a MUST for everyone.
Sutachai on hunger strike
Today, Khaosod newspaper has an article criticizing Aphisit as regime that increasingly moves away from democracy. Professor Sutachai has never violate any law. For Aphisit regime to put Prof. Sutachai in the military jail in Saraburi province with neither trial nor evidence, is purely an abusive of power.
*р╕Щр╕╡р╣Ир╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕вр╕╕р╕Др╕нр╕░р╣Др╕г!?*
р╕нр╕▓р╕Ир╕▓р╕гр╕вр╣Мр╕кр╕╕р╕Шр╕▓р╕Кр╕▒р╕вр╕Щр╕▒р╣Йр╕Щ р╕бр╕╡р╕Кр╕╡р╕зр╕┤р╕Хр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕Хр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╣Др╕Ыр╕Ир╕▓р╕Бр╕Ыр╕▒р╕Нр╕Нр╕▓р╕Кр╕Щр╕Щр╕▒р╕Бр╕Др╕┤р╕Фр╕Чр╕▒р╣Йр╕Зр╕лр╕ер╕▓р╕в р╣Ар╕Др╕вр╕Ьр╣Ир╕▓р╕Щр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Хр╣Ир╕нр╕кр╕╣р╣Йр╕Чр╕▓р╕Зр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Ар╕бр╕╖р╕нр╕З р╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Щр╕▒р╕Бр╕зр╕┤р╕Кр╕▓р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕нр╕вр╕╣р╣Ир╕Бр╕▒р╕Ър╕ар╕▓р╕Др╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Кр╕▓р╕Кр╕Щ р╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Ар╕Др╕вр╣Ар╕Вр╣Йр╕▓р╕нр╕┤р╕Зр╕нр╕│р╕Щр╕▓р╕Ир╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Ар╕бр╕╖р╕нр╕З
р╕кр╕бр╕▒р╕вр╕Чр╕▒р╕Бр╕йр╕┤р╕Ур╣Ар╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Зр╕нр╕│р╕Щр╕▓р╕И р╕Бр╣Зр╕нр╕вр╕╣р╣Ир╣Гр╕Щр╣Ар╕зр╕Чр╕╡р╕кр╕▒р╕бр╕бр╕Щр╕▓ р╕нр╕ар╕┤р╕Ыр╕гр╕▓р╕в р╕Кр╕│р╣Бр╕лр╕ер╕░р╕Чр╕▒р╕Бр╕йр╕┤р╕Ур╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Ир╕│
р╕бр╕▓р╣Гр╕Щр╕вр╕╕р╕Др╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Кр╕▓р╕Шр╕┤р╕Ыр╕▒р╕Хр╕вр╣М р╣Ар╕лр╣Зр╕Щр╕Фр╣Йр╕зр╕вр╕Бр╕▒р╕Ър╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Ар╕гр╕╡р╕вр╕Бр╕гр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Кр╕▓р╕Шр╕┤р╕Ыр╣Др╕Хр╕в р╕Ир╕╢р╕Зр╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╣Бр╕Щр╕зр╕гр╣Ир╕зр╕бр╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╣Ар╕кр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╣Бр╕Фр╕З
р╕Ир╕╣р╣Ир╣Ж р╕ир╕нр╕Й.р╣Ар╕нр╕▓р╕Кр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╣Др╕Ыр╣Бр╕Ыр╕░р╣Гр╕Щр╕Кр╕▓р╕гр╣Мр╕Хр╕ер╣Йр╕бр╣Ар╕Ир╣Йр╕▓ р╣Бр╕ер╣Йр╕зр╕Ир╕╣р╣Ир╣Ж р╕Бр╣Зр╕нр╕нр╕Бр╕лр╕бр╕▓р╕вр╕Ир╕▒р╕Ъ р╣Вр╕Фр╕вр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕бр╕╡р╕Вр╣Йр╕нр╕лр╕▓р╣Бр╕Щр╣Ир╕Кр╕▒р╕Ф
р╕нр╕▓р╕Ир╕▓р╕гр╕вр╣Мр╕кр╕╕р╕Шр╕▓р╕Кр╕▒р╕вр╣Ар╕Фр╕┤р╕Щр╣Ар╕Вр╣Йр╕▓р╣Др╕Ыр╕Юр╕Ър╕Хр╕│р╕гр╕зр╕Ир╣Ар╕нр╕З р╣Ар╕Юр╕гр╕▓р╕░р╣Ар╕Кр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕бр╕▒р╣Ир╕Щр╕зр╣Ир╕▓р╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Ар╕Др╕вр╕Чр╕│р╕Ьр╕┤р╕Фр╕Бр╕Ор╕лр╕бр╕▓р╕в р╣Бр╕ер╣Йр╕зр╣Ар╕Вр╕▓р╕Бр╣Зр╣Ар╕нр╕▓р╣Др╕Ыр╕Вр╕▒р╕Зр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Др╣Ир╕▓р╕вр╕Чр╕лр╕▓р╕г
*р╕ер╕┤р╕Фр╕гр╕нр╕Щр╣Ар╕кр╕гр╕╡р╕ар╕▓р╕Юр╕Чр╕▓р╕Зр╕зр╕┤р╕Кр╕▓р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕нр╕вр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╕гр╕╕р╕Щр╣Бр╕гр╕З р╕Ир╕Щр╕Хр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╕нр╕Фр╕нр╕▓р╕лр╕▓р╕гр╣Ар╕Юр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕Хр╣Ир╕нр╕кр╕╣р╣Йр╕нр╕вр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╕нр╕лр╕┤р╕Зр╕кр╕▓*
р╕Ыр╕гр╕▓р╕Ър╕бр╣Зр╕нр╕Ър╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕Ыр╕┤р╕Фр╕Бр╕▒р╣Йр╕Щр╣Ар╕кр╕гр╕╡р╕ар╕▓р╕Юр╕Чр╕▓р╕Зр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕Др╕┤р╕Ф
р╕нр╕ар╕┤р╕кр╕┤р╕Чр╕Шр╕┤р╣Мр╕Бр╕▒р╕Ър╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Кр╕▓р╕Шр╕┤р╕Ыр╣Др╕Хр╕в р╕лр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╣Др╕Бр╕ер╕Бр╕▒р╕Щр╕бр╕▓р╕Бр╕Вр╕╢р╣Йр╕Щр╕Чр╕╕р╕Бр╕Чр╕╡!
Enemies, foreign and domestic
I have seen several videos of the Red Shirt speeches but their calls for ‘Bangkok to burn’ were preceded by the phrase “should there be another coup”. This is conveniently omitted from the government’s propaganda.
Stevenson on King Bhumibol
For some laughs, here is a take on the Thai crisis (with comments) from the right wing magazine from the USA:
http://spectator.org/archives/2010/05/28/the-king-and-us
Sutachai on hunger strike
@ 7
I don’t believe that story one bit. I have inadvertently overstayed my visa a number of times caused through floods, badly translated Thai to English and delayed flights.
If the person has no money, the Thai Immigration Police always contact that person’s embassy and an agreement is reached, normally over the phone if that person has to leave on a flight.
The professor is being held at an army barracks at Sara Buri, not a Thai gaol.
If we start “telling stories” we are no better than the current propaganda being issued daily by the CRES.
Roger
Thailand in crisis – ANU video series
Now for a reality check on the destruction that AW talks about: There are numerous facts circulating which caste doubt that tired, hungry, and chased Red Shirt protestors had the capacity, time, technical and floor plan know-how to bring such calculated and well targeted destruction, even a building of some ten stories at the Central World complex. Also, it is in the interests of state-amaat to construct a story for the outside world affirming the Red Shirts as “terrorists”. Other speculations are that the state had stocked weapons in the building and dead bodies that they did not want the outside to know about. Interestingly, we have to ask how could protestors get into the building a second time around 20.00 hours after the curfew with so many army and police around and not get caught? It had already been set fire ten hours earlier at the height of the crackdown. Thaksin was quoted as saying much the same thing: “The big fire … must be the work of [a] professional. As an ex-police [officer], I can assure you that this is a well planned and professionally done…” and that it was ‘definitely’ not the work of red shirts” (Aljazeera, May 27, 2010, http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/05/201052743011586383.html).
At the end of the protest Nuttawut said at Rajprasong : because of daily livecast through satellite they thought they were safe: “govt dare not do anything to kill a mass (as long as we have a lot of people here we are safe)…” But negotiations proved futile and govt started to kill. He said: “This govt is cruel has animal mind; so to save people’s lives I surrender: please everyone go home. If necessary hide inside buildings…” This is why Central World was burned down. The people felt trust in this place unlike other buildings; they were allowed to use toilets over past two months. It was only Zen that was burned down. It was insured and govt had backed them. Govt already announced they would provide financial assistance to support traders affected by arson. Budget already approved. Building is insured. The gov wanted to kill red people inside building. Also wanted to show the world they reds were real terrorists. Not a win for the red shirts, but for the despotic regime: One shot: three birds. No doubt the truth will reveal itself one day.
Thailand in crisis – ANU video series
Excellent! Can’t wait to see more. 🙂
Stevenson on King Bhumibol
William Stevenson was possibly chosen by King Bhumipol as his official biographer, although the final product was rejected. The King moreover, translated “A Man Called Intrepid” into Thai, suggesting there was some rapport. Stevenson apparently spent many hours interviewing various other members of the royal family.
Obviously, Stevenson will never be canonized in New Mandalaland, but what’s the point of calling all that he writes “delusional”?
Thailand’s terrorists
Have a read: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/27/AR2010052705708.html?hpid=topnews
First Thaksin, then his money, then his followers, then those close to him, then anyone in the elite whoever supported him. This is fitting of Stalin era purge.
CRES is making powerful enemies. The more ruthless they become, the more they will invest in never allowing any of their alleged adversaries ever regain any power.
I did not like Thaksin when he abused power and I spoke against him. I am now too afraid to speak against the current outrages occurring except in nameless posts from proxy servers in nondescript internet cafes, remembering using private browsing, and checking to see that history and cookies are not stored.
Welcome to Amazing Thailand, Land of Smiles??????
Sutachai on hunger strike
Given what I’ve heard about Thai prison food – from a farang who over-stayed his visa by eight days, and was therefore LOCKED UP FOR MORE THAN SIX MONTHS, because he had no money having been ripped off by a Buddhist “nun” – some might consider themselves better off hunger-striking than eating Thai prison poison !!
Two or three bowls of maggot infested rice soup, with a chicken bone thrown in ! Everyday.
Thai prison authorities are such Buddhist humane people with such a great sense of compassion !
McDonalds – you have a great waiting market for you.
Thailand in crisis – ANU video series
Thank you for making such a nice video and topic. I’m glad that Thailand’s crisis is in world spotlight so I just hope people all around the world would have a better understanding about it.
Well, for this comment, I would just say, the recent crisis is not just about poverty or class gap, but it’s about double standard.
I think many Thai enjoy the way they are, I mean, those farmers or rural poor. It might be from the way of Buddhism, self-sufficient something like that. Yes, of course they want life improvement, having better living standard.
Thaksin gave them opportunity to “see heaven” and some group, someone just envy him.
Jakrapob Penkhar, former minister of PM Office, charged of lese majestic, has written some straight-to-the-point articles.
Just an example of double standard, a King’s advisor, Gen. Surayud had a house on a reserved area, but no legal charge, whereas the people down the hill sentenced to jail for almost 10 years, just because they are ordinary people.
Thailand’s terrorists
Here’s an account by two press eyewitnesses to the activities of the black shirt fellows. See http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/LE29Ae02.html.
Now, I understand that this narrative does not fit with the predominant point of view expressed here, and likely will get lots of thumbs down. Others will predictably suggest these journalists are little but hired stooges of the rightest, fascist military royalist running dog cliques. This compares to the current ASTV nonsense alleging that CNN’s Dan Rivers is on Thaksin’s payroll.
I appreciate NM as a resource. From an academic point of view, I’m not particularly impressed by the widespread inability of NM posters to engage in rational critiques of more than one perspective.
Let’s face it. The red shirts are made up of a large number of Thais with very legitimate grievances that have not been addressed by the ruling elite. Most of them were there peacefully. But their leadership includes many who called for violence, who clearly turned a blind eye to violence being committed on their behalf, and dishonestly portrayed their activities and those of their movement as utterly and completely nonviolent.
When you’re in a face-off with well-armed forces of authority, you are a fool if you expect them to approach you with anything but overwhelming force. Poorly trained and disciplined Thai army guys are not going to worry who is “peaceful” and who is “violent” when they are taking fire.
Thousands of peaceful protesters have been betrayed not just by a political system that has ignored and harmed them, but also betrayed by leaders and their violent henchmen who brought forth ENTIRELY PREDICTABLE violence from the state in a cynical effort to promote the narrow political goals of those leaders.
Sutachai on hunger strike
Re #4 and #5 (Aj.Somsak)
I believed I saw this news on Khaosod headline last noon (28).
And thanks ajarn so much for an update of his situation.
www.weloveking.org and other websites
WLH #2 – they always saturate with Royalist music, etc. whenever there’s coup in Thailand.
Your wife was completely right : it’s totally routine, and a 100% certain indicator that a coup is under way.