Thongchai, if this happened in the US where you live, the reaction would be quite the same.
If people overreact, it is because they are very very cautious.
Under another scenario where people are not as cautious and reverence for the sanctity of human life is not as great (e.g. Beirut in the 1970s) there would be many many more deaths.
The fact remains that the red shirts have invaded and cut off a huge section of downtown Bangkok.
Thai Studies under the radicalized direction of the heirs of October 1976 in fact bears great responsibility for what is happening.
Radicalized Thai Studies academics flip-flopped in their critical attitude towards Thaksin and adopted a sort of amnesia regarding what Thaksin actually did in this country with his attempt to assert one man rule.
One man, one party rule instituted a trend that culminated in mass hysteria and 2500+ extrajudicial killings and the idea that Thaksin could be the sole judge, jury and executioner.
This very very unBuddhist Thaksin “thought virus” in which Thaksin convinced rural Thais that mass extrajudicial killing is somehow justified by unproven ends of crime reduction, this is the virus you should attend to.
I am struck by the fact that most of my Bangkok friends (who just randomly happen to be mostly female Chinese Thai middle class office workers and professionals in the age range 25-35) are shocked when I tell them that I have walked down Rajadamri from Pratunam to Sarasin and thence through the barricade for a walk around Silom.
They seem to have gotten the idea that the ‘red centre’ is a dangerously violent place – as opposed to temple fair / foot clapper party – which it most of the time is. Obviously they get fed their ideas by media + general prejudices of their class.
But the idea of actually *going to take a look* would never occur to them.
‘Too dangerous!’, ‘Bad People!’
Very few of these individuals in question would have any illusions about the FL (ain’t over until she sings) or most of the fruit of said loins – and when prodded will admit that it doesn’t take a brain the size of a planet to figure out who is probably behind the grenade attacks on BTS.
Ironically, many of them + their extended families would have *voted* for Thaksin first time around.
Obviously indoctrinated king worship plays a huge part in this.
Obviously also much unacknowledged bad psychic energy re the succession is being channeled into easier paths -> fear and loathing of red shirts.
And finally we should not forget that Thai society / culture gives rise to very insecure and fragile egos. Face is only part of it. I believe one reason middle and upper class Thais so rarely emigrate and prosper abroad is that they cannot function happily without *deference*. They may not notice it, or may profess not to notice it when it’s *there* – after all deference and obsequiousness are like oxygen to Thais – but they sure as hell notice when the rules get broken.
This rural awakening threatens the self-image and egos of a not just Bangkok Thai Chinese, but also the Central Thais who work on the hotel front desk, spa front desk, fill the lower clerical echelons, etc.
Having one’s deeply internalised self-image of ‘at least I am better than X’ dealt a blow can unleash terrible rage.
OK, a bit of a free-associating impressionistic twaddle fest here, but I guess my point is that very powerful disturbances of the id are at work here. Potential for extreme violence.
“We announce standpoint in protecting the nation, the religion, and the monarchy, which are the 3 main institutions of the society which the Thai people cherish.
Mmm. Sound familiar? This tired mantra has been around for ever.
It’s a Psych-Ops set up.”
Of course it is, set up courtesy of good ole Uncle Sam and his loyal CI. Of course the elites were quick to recognise its potential and built on those foundations, so now *shazaam*, we have – well, the propagandised nightmare that Thailand is now.
“Anonymous 5#. “Remember that Thailand has a mean IQ of less than 88, and in some parts of the country it is less than 70. Kind of makes you wonder which parts of society are dragging the average down really – doesn’t it?”
Please would you provide the full reference to the study or studies which support this statement.”
Sure, you can look at the wealth of nations (google is your friend – “IQ and the Wealth of Nations”),
Or there is this direct quote from the Bangkok Post (Learning Post) dated May 16th 2006 (the score remains unchanged in more recent years):
“the academic performances and IQ levels among Thai students have dropped to an alarming level. The average IQ level among Thai youths is lower than 80,”
ore there is this direct quote from the Nation on 29th November 2006:
“Do Thai children really have lower-than-average intelligence as suggested by some previous surveys?
The Mental Health Department has serious doubts and yesterday announced it would carry out what it describes as the most “comprehensive” and “trustworthy” survey on children’s intelligence quotients (IQs) and emotional quotients (EQs).”
This article does not quote specific scores but predictably quotes the government as questioning the method of testing rather than addressing the result (we are dealing with Thais after all and appearance is so much more important than substance). The article goes on to say the government will re-test but of course the results were the same and were buried deep in the back pages somewhere as I recall.
There are earlier reports too, which provided similar results, thereby establishing a trend. This from the “people’s Daily Online”:
“Five years later, the corresponding figures … and 84.2 in the North.
About 65 percent of children aged between 13-18 years old exhibited regression in their learning development, said Doctor Nichara Ruangdarakanont from Ramathibodi Hospital.”
There are more recent results too but I don’t have them to hand. Also, it has been reported b the Bangkok Post that there are some areas in the North where average IQ among children is below 70 – I regret I don’t have that to hand at present either but I’m sure you get the gist.
Because of the nature of IQ testing, there is a high degree of correlation between juvenile and adult scores.
So yes, not racism or abuse, but simply reporting accepted scientific fact. As distasteful as it might be to Thais who have been brought up to thin they are genetically superior (Tul and others).
“If you do not post details of your empirical source(s), I’ll just assume it’s the latter.”
Must be your Thai genes kicking in, it’s a better policy to wait for the answer to a question before stating your conclusion.
The transition from free speech to enforced silence is no doubt painful. What torment for a living society, used to thinking for itself, to lose from some decreed date the right to express itself in print and in public, to bite back its words year in and year out, in friendly conversation and even under the family roof.
But the way back, which our country will soon face – the return of breathing and consciousness, the transition from silence to free speech – will also prove difficult and slow, and just as painful, because of the gulf of utter incomprehension which will suddenly yawn between fellow-countrymen, even those of the same generation and place of origin, even members of the same close circle.
For decades, while we were silent, our thoughts straggled in all possible and impossible directions, lost touch with another, never learnt to know each other, ceased to check and correct each other. The stereotypes of required thought, or rather of dictated opinion, dinned into us daily from the electrified gullets of radio, endlessly reproduced in thousands of newspapers identical as peas, condensed into weekly surveys for political study groups, have made mental cripples of us and left very few minds undamaged.
Powerful and daring minds are now beginning to struggle upright, to fight their way out from under heaps of antiquated rubbish. But even they still bear all the cruel marks of the branding iron, they are still cramped by the shackles into which they were forced half-grown. And because we are intellectually isolated from each other, they have no one to measure themselves against.
As for the rest of us, we have so shriveled in the decades of falsehood, thirsted so long in vain for the refreshing drops of truth, that as soon as they fall on our faces we tremble with joy. “At last!” we cry, and we forgive the dust-laden whirlwind which has blown up with them, and the radioactive fallout which they conceal. We so rejoice in every little word of truth, so utterly suppressed until recent years, that we forgive those who first voice it for us all their near misses, all their inexactitudes, even a portion of error greater than the portion of truth, simply because “something at least, something at last has been said!”
[…]
The state system which exists in our country is terrible not because it is undemocratic, authoritarian, based on physical constraint – a man can live in such conditions without harm to his spiritual essence.
Our present system is unique in world history, because over and above its physical and economic constraints, it demands of us total surrender of our souls, continuous and active participation in the general, conscious lie. To this putrefaction of the soul, this spiritual enslavement, human beings who wish to be human cannot consent. When Caesar, having exacted what is Caesar’s, demands still more insistently that we render him what is God’s – that is a sacrifice we dare not make!
The most important part of our freedom, inner freedom, is always subject to our will. If we surrender it to corruption, we do not deserve to be called human.
But let us note that if the absolutely essential task is not political liberation, but the liberation of our souls from participation in the lie forced on us, then it requires no physical, revolutionary, social, organizational measures, no meetings, strikes, trade unions — things fearful for us even to contemplate and from which we quite naturally allow circumstances to dissuade us.
No! It requires from each individual a moral step within his power – no more than that. And no one who voluntarily runs with the hounds of falsehood, or props it up, will ever be able to justify himself to the living, or to posterity, or to his friends, or to his children.
(Alexander Solzhenitsyn: “As Breathing and Consciousness Return”, 1973)
An interesting observation, Les Abbey. Wonder if it applies across the board, or was just happenstance? What would the relative absence of the youth mean?
Social activist movements gather momentum in part because the leaders are able to mobilise the youth, who have the time, energy and I guess what some cynics would call “naive idealism”. With little to protect (family, job, etc.) it’s often the youth who represent the hard line of the movement.
Is the relative lack of this traditional core asset a weakness or a strength in the red shirt movement?
On the face of it, the red shirt movement has much broader appeal than the usual ‘student-led’ movements of the past. From looking at the faces in a typical red shirt crowd, it’s clear that these are not idealists. These are angry working men and women, with real problems, who have reached the tipping point.
This does not like just another day in Thailand. This movement looks real. Yes, it has the backing of a wealthy benefactor. For now. But this is a groundswell that appears to have legs of its own. All it needs is a Bloody Sunday or a Sharpeville ’76 to sustain a 20-year insurrection.
While I agree that this discussion needs to be aired and aired honestly and transparently, I do not think that petty, junk journalism adds anything at all to the debate.
In fact, it simply denegrates any and all attempts to further the discussion.
By the way, while looking at Wiki yesterday, I noticed that the entry for Bhumibol Adulyadej had been blocked by the governmen; however, today it is accessible via a Wiki broken link default portal.
Strange how both sides have been unable to build any large scale enthusiasm in the younger generation and students. Does this tell us something about issues being fought over?
I think Andrew’s point was not so much about the quality of the journalism or the subject matter. I happen to agree with you that it’s all a bit salacious. I think Andrew’s point was that an article such as this would have been unheard up until even a few weeks ago.
The article is relevant as another example of how automatic and unquestioned respect for the Thai monarchy is no longer a given. The ABC’s piece on “Foreign Correspondent” of a couple of weeks ago broke the seal. This admittedly rather scatty piece is evidence of that.
We announce standpoint in protecting the nation, the religion, and the monarchy, which are the 3 main institutions of the society which the Thai people cherish.
Mmm. Sound familiar? This tired mantra has been around for ever.
So given western iq scores are higher, and let’s not question the western designed tests, western educations understand things more clearly and can recognize what is up and what is down more readily in Foreign lands with funny languages and customs.
Locals who disagree are mentally challenged. Those who agree are apparently sheep marching in the right direction to be fleeced by the shepherd of your choice. Perhaps we should just become your colony. But then there might be some trouble there as you would might meet some wolflike resistance from the 2nd and 3rd generation Chinese who run the place, have tons of money offshore, and think they are superior even to western pedants who are dumb enough to care about human rights and pay taxes. In fact a well known set of twins name Sonthi and Thaksin might very well outplay you – since they know there are no rules and accountability for them.
More english:
Unmask means exposing the truth, and not just shouting down the opposing view.
Interesting and useful comments – a couple of further responses:
First, Sawarin’s point that Thaksin may have tried to do too much may be correct, but what was impressive about his initiatives was that there was little tendency to “pick winners.” Thaksin’s priorities were based on sectors whose market potential was clear and in which there were clear niches in which Thailand had at least the potential technological capacities. And more micro-analyses of specific sectors, as I tried to provide in my book, show that the key obstacles involved the interaction of factional politics, weak support from local manufacturers, and flawed administrative reform.
Second, on Thailand not being Korea and Japan. Agreed, but when we look at the comparative technology indicators of Thailand and S. Korea over time, the former’s failure to keep up in any way with the latter is very, striking. Further, the point is not that Thailand should invent things, but rather that the country can and should exploit market niches that require at least process innovation AND that provide opportunities for indigenous firms and jobs for Thai workers. That suggests that the question is not whether Thailand should forget manufacturing. It’s too late for that. But what is possible are 1) expanding downstream production linked to agriculture, and this has been done somewhat, albeit not in rubber or sugar; and 2) low-intermediate technology niches in manufacturing (e.g. mold, die, plastic injection).
I don’t have a problem with StanG’s argument that Thailand should build rather than invent hybrids. My problem is with the paucity of Thai engineers, technicians and managers able to create firms to supply the final assemblers. As I noted in my first post, the situation in disk drives is perhaps the most extreme: lots of excellent Thai process engineers, but few if any technological entrepreneurs. This is not because of a lack of entrepreneurial culture, by the way, but rather the lack of collective / public support policies. For an example of how such policies can support indigenous spinoffs from MNCs, check out Singapore’s precision engineering firms.
Finally, the really key issue now – and the one I started with – is the way in which the resulting economic structure has contributed to rural-urban inequality, and the impact of this inequality on political (in)stability. Inequality does not necessarily foster political turmoil, but Thailand’s inequality combined with the lack of legitimate organizations representing farmers and workers undermines the kind of orderly negotiations that could promote constructive stability.
In line with that point, could we have some postings from folks well acquainted with the present state of unions and farmers’ groups?
[…] Chulalongkorn Hospital – an alternative account New Mandala was established in June 2006 by Andrew Walker and Nicholas Farrelly. Andrew’s current work focuses on village-level political life and economic transformation in a lowland area of northern Thailand. His other research interests include environmental politics, regional trade and village ritual. Hmmmmmmm, Northern of Thailand. […]
It am in line witht he idea of republic than it is today for thailand in order to restore the unity of the country or the less majesty must be abolished and the king must declare his asset and pay tax to the state.
Allow me to support the sentiments expressed so stylishly by the poster known only as “I’m totally Thai”. This individual is a true patriot and the type of person who represents the best of the Yellow Shirt Movement. My impression is that “I’m totally Thai” is an honest, hard-working, law-abiding, considerate, politically conscientious, respectable, privileged individual. This person is nothing like the Red Shirts who are stupid, uneducated, exploited, marginalized, brown-skinned, licentious, poor vermin in the pay of a criminal. Thailand needs a strongman to guide the country out of this crisis and to restore order and security at any price. If we push hard enough we will succeed in forcing the government as well as the military to reenact the events of the 6th of October 1976. (You do know what happened on that date, right? If you don’t that’s okay. It took place a long time ago).
Your passion and sense of blameless indignation are infectious like a benevolent virus. However, I would like for you to elaborate your position more on the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Please spell out in greater detail for the ignorant and na├пve readers of the New Mandala the many sins of Thaksin the fugitive. Thailand suffered so much under his tyrannical rule and yet people have forgotten. And still I remember clearly the adoration and admiration of the majority of the Thai people for this fraud and his political machine the Thai Rak Thai Party (How did it scored overwhelming electoral victories in 2001 and 2005?). Now we have an administration that is legitimate, responsible, accountable, transparent, sincere and free of corruption. (On a side note, doesn’t Peter Pan of Newcastle remind you of Seni Pramoj?) Why do the masses of this country still believe Thaksin and continue to follow this charlatan? For all of his crimes against the people of Thailand, why did the Supreme Court only sentence him to two years in prison? Can you help me understand the current phenomenon of Thai judicial coups?
Also, your report would assist me with a personal situation. Unfortunately, my two eldest children are rabid anti-government crusaders and they have used all forms of social media to spread critical messages of the Abhisit regime to their friends and colleagues all over the world. Objectively speaking, I am most impressed with their dedication, logical argumentation, technological competence, in-depth investigation of the crisis, impartial analysis, and determination to affect positive change in Thailand. On the other hand, the vast majority of Yellow Shirts cannot express themselves in a lucid, straightforward and substantive manner without dragging the esteemed institution of the monarchy into the whole mess or engaging in harebrained conspiracy theories (Sondhi’s Finland Plot is a classic which will never die). What about our vision for the creation of an amart democracy? Yet, as my wife finds out every time, it is difficult to defend the Yellow Shirt message. For every example she puts forward against the Red Shirts my son and daughter throw two examples of Yellow Shirt chicanery and sanctioned impunity back at her. It is embarrassing for me to witness. However, we well know this whole crisis is the fault of one man who presently is the Lord of the Skies. (Isn’t anyone curious as to why Thaksin is travelling around the world so much and with whom he is meeting? If take your eye off the ball you will lose the game.)
So if you – I’m totally Thai – are committed to maintaining the status quo and protecting the righteous and principled amart of this country then I suggest that you open your wallet and donate 35,000 baht to the Cause. I can provide you with instructions later.
Alliance of Thai Patriots arise from your slumber!
boo! everybody’ s so scared of Kasit!
especially when you’re the embassador of a huge and powerful country like Russia that controls a big part of the world oil and gas production and that can nuke thailand in, like, 15 seconds…
Only Thais have the special and unique ability to continue to obliterate the fact that they are a small meaningless country nobody cares about. Even Cambodia is not afraid of them…
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Thongchai Winichakul on the Red “germs”
What sophistry!
Thongchai, if this happened in the US where you live, the reaction would be quite the same.
If people overreact, it is because they are very very cautious.
Under another scenario where people are not as cautious and reverence for the sanctity of human life is not as great (e.g. Beirut in the 1970s) there would be many many more deaths.
The fact remains that the red shirts have invaded and cut off a huge section of downtown Bangkok.
Thai Studies under the radicalized direction of the heirs of October 1976 in fact bears great responsibility for what is happening.
Radicalized Thai Studies academics flip-flopped in their critical attitude towards Thaksin and adopted a sort of amnesia regarding what Thaksin actually did in this country with his attempt to assert one man rule.
One man, one party rule instituted a trend that culminated in mass hysteria and 2500+ extrajudicial killings and the idea that Thaksin could be the sole judge, jury and executioner.
This very very unBuddhist Thaksin “thought virus” in which Thaksin convinced rural Thais that mass extrajudicial killing is somehow justified by unproven ends of crime reduction, this is the virus you should attend to.
Thongchai Winichakul on the Red “germs”
I am struck by the fact that most of my Bangkok friends (who just randomly happen to be mostly female Chinese Thai middle class office workers and professionals in the age range 25-35) are shocked when I tell them that I have walked down Rajadamri from Pratunam to Sarasin and thence through the barricade for a walk around Silom.
They seem to have gotten the idea that the ‘red centre’ is a dangerously violent place – as opposed to temple fair / foot clapper party – which it most of the time is. Obviously they get fed their ideas by media + general prejudices of their class.
But the idea of actually *going to take a look* would never occur to them.
‘Too dangerous!’, ‘Bad People!’
Very few of these individuals in question would have any illusions about the FL (ain’t over until she sings) or most of the fruit of said loins – and when prodded will admit that it doesn’t take a brain the size of a planet to figure out who is probably behind the grenade attacks on BTS.
Ironically, many of them + their extended families would have *voted* for Thaksin first time around.
Obviously indoctrinated king worship plays a huge part in this.
Obviously also much unacknowledged bad psychic energy re the succession is being channeled into easier paths -> fear and loathing of red shirts.
And finally we should not forget that Thai society / culture gives rise to very insecure and fragile egos. Face is only part of it. I believe one reason middle and upper class Thais so rarely emigrate and prosper abroad is that they cannot function happily without *deference*. They may not notice it, or may profess not to notice it when it’s *there* – after all deference and obsequiousness are like oxygen to Thais – but they sure as hell notice when the rules get broken.
This rural awakening threatens the self-image and egos of a not just Bangkok Thai Chinese, but also the Central Thais who work on the hotel front desk, spa front desk, fill the lower clerical echelons, etc.
Having one’s deeply internalised self-image of ‘at least I am better than X’ dealt a blow can unleash terrible rage.
OK, a bit of a free-associating impressionistic twaddle fest here, but I guess my point is that very powerful disturbances of the id are at work here. Potential for extreme violence.
Not news, I know.
Student leaders summoned
@JohnH:
“We announce standpoint in protecting the nation, the religion, and the monarchy, which are the 3 main institutions of the society which the Thai people cherish.
Mmm. Sound familiar? This tired mantra has been around for ever.
It’s a Psych-Ops set up.”
Of course it is, set up courtesy of good ole Uncle Sam and his loyal CI. Of course the elites were quick to recognise its potential and built on those foundations, so now *shazaam*, we have – well, the propagandised nightmare that Thailand is now.
Interview with Thaksin: “I am speaking to you from heaven”
@Banphai:
“Anonymous 5#. “Remember that Thailand has a mean IQ of less than 88, and in some parts of the country it is less than 70. Kind of makes you wonder which parts of society are dragging the average down really – doesn’t it?”
Please would you provide the full reference to the study or studies which support this statement.”
Sure, you can look at the wealth of nations (google is your friend – “IQ and the Wealth of Nations”),
Or there is this direct quote from the Bangkok Post (Learning Post) dated May 16th 2006 (the score remains unchanged in more recent years):
“the academic performances and IQ levels among Thai students have dropped to an alarming level. The average IQ level among Thai youths is lower than 80,”
ore there is this direct quote from the Nation on 29th November 2006:
“Do Thai children really have lower-than-average intelligence as suggested by some previous surveys?
The Mental Health Department has serious doubts and yesterday announced it would carry out what it describes as the most “comprehensive” and “trustworthy” survey on children’s intelligence quotients (IQs) and emotional quotients (EQs).”
This article does not quote specific scores but predictably quotes the government as questioning the method of testing rather than addressing the result (we are dealing with Thais after all and appearance is so much more important than substance). The article goes on to say the government will re-test but of course the results were the same and were buried deep in the back pages somewhere as I recall.
There are earlier reports too, which provided similar results, thereby establishing a trend. This from the “people’s Daily Online”:
“Five years later, the corresponding figures … and 84.2 in the North.
About 65 percent of children aged between 13-18 years old exhibited regression in their learning development, said Doctor Nichara Ruangdarakanont from Ramathibodi Hospital.”
There are more recent results too but I don’t have them to hand. Also, it has been reported b the Bangkok Post that there are some areas in the North where average IQ among children is below 70 – I regret I don’t have that to hand at present either but I’m sure you get the gist.
Because of the nature of IQ testing, there is a high degree of correlation between juvenile and adult scores.
So yes, not racism or abuse, but simply reporting accepted scientific fact. As distasteful as it might be to Thais who have been brought up to thin they are genetically superior (Tul and others).
“If you do not post details of your empirical source(s), I’ll just assume it’s the latter.”
Must be your Thai genes kicking in, it’s a better policy to wait for the answer to a question before stating your conclusion.
HTH
Student leaders summoned
The “world thai student association” is in fact a propaganda instrument of the MICT
What Kasit said to the diplomats
Ah yes… but Thais have something that nobody else has… don’t you know? 🙂
The King Never Smiles?
The transition from free speech to enforced silence is no doubt painful. What torment for a living society, used to thinking for itself, to lose from some decreed date the right to express itself in print and in public, to bite back its words year in and year out, in friendly conversation and even under the family roof.
But the way back, which our country will soon face – the return of breathing and consciousness, the transition from silence to free speech – will also prove difficult and slow, and just as painful, because of the gulf of utter incomprehension which will suddenly yawn between fellow-countrymen, even those of the same generation and place of origin, even members of the same close circle.
For decades, while we were silent, our thoughts straggled in all possible and impossible directions, lost touch with another, never learnt to know each other, ceased to check and correct each other. The stereotypes of required thought, or rather of dictated opinion, dinned into us daily from the electrified gullets of radio, endlessly reproduced in thousands of newspapers identical as peas, condensed into weekly surveys for political study groups, have made mental cripples of us and left very few minds undamaged.
Powerful and daring minds are now beginning to struggle upright, to fight their way out from under heaps of antiquated rubbish. But even they still bear all the cruel marks of the branding iron, they are still cramped by the shackles into which they were forced half-grown. And because we are intellectually isolated from each other, they have no one to measure themselves against.
As for the rest of us, we have so shriveled in the decades of falsehood, thirsted so long in vain for the refreshing drops of truth, that as soon as they fall on our faces we tremble with joy. “At last!” we cry, and we forgive the dust-laden whirlwind which has blown up with them, and the radioactive fallout which they conceal. We so rejoice in every little word of truth, so utterly suppressed until recent years, that we forgive those who first voice it for us all their near misses, all their inexactitudes, even a portion of error greater than the portion of truth, simply because “something at least, something at last has been said!”
[…]
The state system which exists in our country is terrible not because it is undemocratic, authoritarian, based on physical constraint – a man can live in such conditions without harm to his spiritual essence.
Our present system is unique in world history, because over and above its physical and economic constraints, it demands of us total surrender of our souls, continuous and active participation in the general, conscious lie. To this putrefaction of the soul, this spiritual enslavement, human beings who wish to be human cannot consent. When Caesar, having exacted what is Caesar’s, demands still more insistently that we render him what is God’s – that is a sacrifice we dare not make!
The most important part of our freedom, inner freedom, is always subject to our will. If we surrender it to corruption, we do not deserve to be called human.
But let us note that if the absolutely essential task is not political liberation, but the liberation of our souls from participation in the lie forced on us, then it requires no physical, revolutionary, social, organizational measures, no meetings, strikes, trade unions — things fearful for us even to contemplate and from which we quite naturally allow circumstances to dissuade us.
No! It requires from each individual a moral step within his power – no more than that. And no one who voluntarily runs with the hounds of falsehood, or props it up, will ever be able to justify himself to the living, or to posterity, or to his friends, or to his children.
(Alexander Solzhenitsyn: “As Breathing and Consciousness Return”, 1973)
Where are the young reds?
An interesting observation, Les Abbey. Wonder if it applies across the board, or was just happenstance? What would the relative absence of the youth mean?
Social activist movements gather momentum in part because the leaders are able to mobilise the youth, who have the time, energy and I guess what some cynics would call “naive idealism”. With little to protect (family, job, etc.) it’s often the youth who represent the hard line of the movement.
Is the relative lack of this traditional core asset a weakness or a strength in the red shirt movement?
On the face of it, the red shirt movement has much broader appeal than the usual ‘student-led’ movements of the past. From looking at the faces in a typical red shirt crowd, it’s clear that these are not idealists. These are angry working men and women, with real problems, who have reached the tipping point.
This does not like just another day in Thailand. This movement looks real. Yes, it has the backing of a wealthy benefactor. For now. But this is a groundswell that appears to have legs of its own. All it needs is a Bloody Sunday or a Sharpeville ’76 to sustain a 20-year insurrection.
Vajiralongkorn’s pipe
Stuart – 6
While I agree that this discussion needs to be aired and aired honestly and transparently, I do not think that petty, junk journalism adds anything at all to the debate.
In fact, it simply denegrates any and all attempts to further the discussion.
By the way, while looking at Wiki yesterday, I noticed that the entry for Bhumibol Adulyadej had been blocked by the governmen; however, today it is accessible via a Wiki broken link default portal.
Where are the young reds?
Strange how both sides have been unable to build any large scale enthusiasm in the younger generation and students. Does this tell us something about issues being fought over?
Vajiralongkorn’s pipe
JohnH (5)
I think Andrew’s point was not so much about the quality of the journalism or the subject matter. I happen to agree with you that it’s all a bit salacious. I think Andrew’s point was that an article such as this would have been unheard up until even a few weeks ago.
The article is relevant as another example of how automatic and unquestioned respect for the Thai monarchy is no longer a given. The ABC’s piece on “Foreign Correspondent” of a couple of weeks ago broke the seal. This admittedly rather scatty piece is evidence of that.
Student leaders summoned
From: http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-438405
We announce standpoint in protecting the nation, the religion, and the monarchy, which are the 3 main institutions of the society which the Thai people cherish.
Mmm. Sound familiar? This tired mantra has been around for ever.
It’s a Psych-Ops set up.
From you to me – the mail in Burma
Moe Aung maybe his astrologer is simply living by the adage “Satires understood by the censors are rightly prohibited.”
Interview with Thaksin: “I am speaking to you from heaven”
So given western iq scores are higher, and let’s not question the western designed tests, western educations understand things more clearly and can recognize what is up and what is down more readily in Foreign lands with funny languages and customs.
Locals who disagree are mentally challenged. Those who agree are apparently sheep marching in the right direction to be fleeced by the shepherd of your choice. Perhaps we should just become your colony. But then there might be some trouble there as you would might meet some wolflike resistance from the 2nd and 3rd generation Chinese who run the place, have tons of money offshore, and think they are superior even to western pedants who are dumb enough to care about human rights and pay taxes. In fact a well known set of twins name Sonthi and Thaksin might very well outplay you – since they know there are no rules and accountability for them.
More english:
Unmask means exposing the truth, and not just shouting down the opposing view.
Lie down with dogs, wake up with fleas.
Economic strategy and the roots of Thai political turmoil
Interesting and useful comments – a couple of further responses:
First, Sawarin’s point that Thaksin may have tried to do too much may be correct, but what was impressive about his initiatives was that there was little tendency to “pick winners.” Thaksin’s priorities were based on sectors whose market potential was clear and in which there were clear niches in which Thailand had at least the potential technological capacities. And more micro-analyses of specific sectors, as I tried to provide in my book, show that the key obstacles involved the interaction of factional politics, weak support from local manufacturers, and flawed administrative reform.
Second, on Thailand not being Korea and Japan. Agreed, but when we look at the comparative technology indicators of Thailand and S. Korea over time, the former’s failure to keep up in any way with the latter is very, striking. Further, the point is not that Thailand should invent things, but rather that the country can and should exploit market niches that require at least process innovation AND that provide opportunities for indigenous firms and jobs for Thai workers. That suggests that the question is not whether Thailand should forget manufacturing. It’s too late for that. But what is possible are 1) expanding downstream production linked to agriculture, and this has been done somewhat, albeit not in rubber or sugar; and 2) low-intermediate technology niches in manufacturing (e.g. mold, die, plastic injection).
I don’t have a problem with StanG’s argument that Thailand should build rather than invent hybrids. My problem is with the paucity of Thai engineers, technicians and managers able to create firms to supply the final assemblers. As I noted in my first post, the situation in disk drives is perhaps the most extreme: lots of excellent Thai process engineers, but few if any technological entrepreneurs. This is not because of a lack of entrepreneurial culture, by the way, but rather the lack of collective / public support policies. For an example of how such policies can support indigenous spinoffs from MNCs, check out Singapore’s precision engineering firms.
Finally, the really key issue now – and the one I started with – is the way in which the resulting economic structure has contributed to rural-urban inequality, and the impact of this inequality on political (in)stability. Inequality does not necessarily foster political turmoil, but Thailand’s inequality combined with the lack of legitimate organizations representing farmers and workers undermines the kind of orderly negotiations that could promote constructive stability.
In line with that point, could we have some postings from folks well acquainted with the present state of unions and farmers’ groups?
Chulalongkorn Hospital – an alternative account
[…] Chulalongkorn Hospital – an alternative account New Mandala was established in June 2006 by Andrew Walker and Nicholas Farrelly. Andrew’s current work focuses on village-level political life and economic transformation in a lowland area of northern Thailand. His other research interests include environmental politics, regional trade and village ritual. Hmmmmmmm, Northern of Thailand. […]
The King Never Smiles?
It am in line witht he idea of republic than it is today for thailand in order to restore the unity of the country or the less majesty must be abolished and the king must declare his asset and pay tax to the state.
Interview with Thaksin: “I am speaking to you from heaven”
Allow me to support the sentiments expressed so stylishly by the poster known only as “I’m totally Thai”. This individual is a true patriot and the type of person who represents the best of the Yellow Shirt Movement. My impression is that “I’m totally Thai” is an honest, hard-working, law-abiding, considerate, politically conscientious, respectable, privileged individual. This person is nothing like the Red Shirts who are stupid, uneducated, exploited, marginalized, brown-skinned, licentious, poor vermin in the pay of a criminal. Thailand needs a strongman to guide the country out of this crisis and to restore order and security at any price. If we push hard enough we will succeed in forcing the government as well as the military to reenact the events of the 6th of October 1976. (You do know what happened on that date, right? If you don’t that’s okay. It took place a long time ago).
Your passion and sense of blameless indignation are infectious like a benevolent virus. However, I would like for you to elaborate your position more on the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Please spell out in greater detail for the ignorant and na├пve readers of the New Mandala the many sins of Thaksin the fugitive. Thailand suffered so much under his tyrannical rule and yet people have forgotten. And still I remember clearly the adoration and admiration of the majority of the Thai people for this fraud and his political machine the Thai Rak Thai Party (How did it scored overwhelming electoral victories in 2001 and 2005?). Now we have an administration that is legitimate, responsible, accountable, transparent, sincere and free of corruption. (On a side note, doesn’t Peter Pan of Newcastle remind you of Seni Pramoj?) Why do the masses of this country still believe Thaksin and continue to follow this charlatan? For all of his crimes against the people of Thailand, why did the Supreme Court only sentence him to two years in prison? Can you help me understand the current phenomenon of Thai judicial coups?
Also, your report would assist me with a personal situation. Unfortunately, my two eldest children are rabid anti-government crusaders and they have used all forms of social media to spread critical messages of the Abhisit regime to their friends and colleagues all over the world. Objectively speaking, I am most impressed with their dedication, logical argumentation, technological competence, in-depth investigation of the crisis, impartial analysis, and determination to affect positive change in Thailand. On the other hand, the vast majority of Yellow Shirts cannot express themselves in a lucid, straightforward and substantive manner without dragging the esteemed institution of the monarchy into the whole mess or engaging in harebrained conspiracy theories (Sondhi’s Finland Plot is a classic which will never die). What about our vision for the creation of an amart democracy? Yet, as my wife finds out every time, it is difficult to defend the Yellow Shirt message. For every example she puts forward against the Red Shirts my son and daughter throw two examples of Yellow Shirt chicanery and sanctioned impunity back at her. It is embarrassing for me to witness. However, we well know this whole crisis is the fault of one man who presently is the Lord of the Skies. (Isn’t anyone curious as to why Thaksin is travelling around the world so much and with whom he is meeting? If take your eye off the ball you will lose the game.)
So if you – I’m totally Thai – are committed to maintaining the status quo and protecting the righteous and principled amart of this country then I suggest that you open your wallet and donate 35,000 baht to the Cause. I can provide you with instructions later.
Alliance of Thai Patriots arise from your slumber!
From you to me – the mail in Burma
Kyatpyay is both ironic and apt since its literal meaning is ‘crisis run’.
What Kasit said to the diplomats
boo! everybody’ s so scared of Kasit!
especially when you’re the embassador of a huge and powerful country like Russia that controls a big part of the world oil and gas production and that can nuke thailand in, like, 15 seconds…
Only Thais have the special and unique ability to continue to obliterate the fact that they are a small meaningless country nobody cares about. Even Cambodia is not afraid of them…