Bh. V. #49: Australia IS ALREADY a part of Asia-Pacific. Didn’t you know that? Just kidding; I know that you’re suggesting that it’s not truly an Asia-Pacific nation because it doesn’t share the political and social views of its neighbours, indeed thinks some of them are wrong – and says so, rocking the boat, as it were. Well, you’re welcome to come to Oz & preach from your self-assumed elevated position that it’s fine for governments in the region to practice clamp-downs on free speech and imprison people for years for criticizing a head of state, to turn the army on its people as if they are hostile foreign invaders, to promote the belief that certain humans are gods and have superhuman powers, to practice extreme inequality under the law as a cultural value, to have closed trials, no verbatim court recording with available transcripts, no separation of powers, etc…but I think you would be ridiculed. Especially since you seem concerned to impress your Bh status on people, and Australian people would be surprised that a career Buddhist would support such authoritarian, indeed fascist, views.
Just would like to say that as a Thai I think to the contrary to the previous poster, Jothestrong. What ABC did was a great service to Thailand and the rest of the World. People who watch it can judge for themselves what to believe. Unlike in Thailand where they block websites and TV with opposing views, and the free-to-air TV run government propaganda 24/7.
Kermit (13). A major function of the Thai education system is to keep Thais in child-like ignorance of their State and how it compares with others. Before we laugh too loudly, we should think about all the Oxford dons who believe in the God of the Church of England. Thailand’s dirty little secret is that the main function of the Thai State and the associated royalist mumbo-jumbo and hereditary stuff is to keep itself from being plunged into civil war by generals squabbling over promotions. Again, before laughing, we should think of ancient Rome.
It’s the same level of uncompromising foolishness reflected in a much earlier anecdote I experienced when I asked a Thai woman in the NE where Thaksin is going to get all that money to pay off this and that and give farmers this and that, etc. She said, “He will pay it from his own pocket.”
Australia, I believe, should make any and all such programs global. The Thai defamation and LM laws apply to everyone, everywhere. Even in Australia.
I beg to disagree with Andrew Walker who is usually wrong, more than right, on his reading of the Thai situation.
(1) The red shirts are in a weaker (not stronger) position now than they were before Saturday. Because of the Red violence and provocations, the Reds have failed to draw any support from the Thailand intelligentsia . . nor from its middle class, labor groups, academia, student groups, etc.
(2)The crisis will require use of force to hammer some sense to the Reds moevement. Abhisit will continue to invite the Reds leadership to negotiate seriously.
(3)The army will attempt another crackdown until they succeed with their peacekeeping mission to remove the Reds from further disruptive and violent activities in Bangkok. The attacks on the military by unknown assailants clad in black . . are suspiciously Reds. But who else could be behind the assassins-in-black but the Reds. Read Shawn Crispin’s article at Asia Times (http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/LD17Ae01.html) for background about the violence-inclined Reds. Excerpts below:
“. . . When assassins dressed in black killed one top military commander and maimed two others in the early stages of the April 10 clashes between Thai security forces and red-shirted anti-government protesters, the precision hits were likely as political as they were tactical.
Analysts and diplomats believe that the pre-emptive strikes effectively broke the military’s chain of command and contributed significantly to the subsequent random violence that resulted in at least 24 deaths – including five soldiers – and over 800 injuries, many from bullet and grenade shrapnel wounds.
Significantly, the three targeted officers were all primed for promotion to top-ranking positions in this year’s military reshuffle and all were known loyalists to the deputy army commander, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is poised to replace the army
commander, General Anupong Paochinda, on his mandatory retirement later this year.
The sophisticated nature of the targeted attacks, including the use of laser-guided spot and shoot teams, and the apparent leak of confidential information concerning troops’ plans and formations, has suggested to analysts possible military involvement in the assaults. Officials have claimed that “terrorists” rather than rogue soldiers orchestrated the violence. But the uncertainty has raised critical new questions about army unity at a pivotal juncture in the country’s violently escalating five-year-old political conflict. . .”
(4) The constitution remains a problem, because it could easily be used to undo the results of the election. I agree. Because when so-called elected leaders themselves (Thaksin and Thai Rak Thai execs) had rampantly and criminally bent constitutional rules for their own personal profits/agenda . . . then the cycle of constitutional rewrites never end . . .
(5) Perhaps an election in July or August, but it is not clear if the result would be accepted. Perhaps. Perhaps not.
(6) The king is not a mediating factor. Perhaps so. But I could foresee that when the going gets very rough for the Reds, the Reds themselves will plead for royal mediation (after all, Thaksin continues to hope for his royal pardon, doesn’t he?)
(7) If the current confrontation is not resolved, there is a danger that it will spread outside Bangkok. The truth is that Bangkok has no quarrel with the Abhisit Government. It was the Reds who thought they could draw support from the Bangkok citizens . . . which came to naught.
“However, the Australian government does not and cannot control content run by Australian media organisations,” he told AFP.
THAT is how it’s supposed to be in a democratic country.
Otherwise, Thailand and all Thais, stop fooling and calling yourself democratic or claim to run a ‘THAI-STYLE’ democracy when it’s clearly dictatorship. It’s pathetic.
Disregard what Jothestrong, decades of brainwashing got to his brain, fortunately for me that I escaped the cycle of evil (brainwashing from education, language, and media). As a Thai, I am in full support of freedom of speech and expression and ABC has done my country a great favor by airing the program.
Umm, Thai a h # 50: ” The king doesn’t approve of the military coups. He endorses any law proposed by cabinet, the same way as the governor general does in Australia.” Tell us, what cabinet has ever gone to the King with a law proposing that a coup be accepted? My understanding is that the generals go to the King informing him of a coup & asking him for permission to form a cabinet & govern. The legitimate cabinet has been couped, & is out of the picture.
In the unlikely event of a military coup in Oz, I doubt that a GG would endorse it. The Constitutional Court (i.e. High Court) would step in if he did. Interesting that that doesn’t (can’t?) happen in Thailand. Something to do with a glitch in the separation of powers, perhaps?
Your statement that “Lèse majesté law is there to guard monarchy from politics” is equally confused. It is there to protect the monarchy from insults.
Thai at heart. It is no good posting unsubstantiated – indeed, in this case, false – information to blogs like this. There are too many examples of the king not signing and sending back legislation to even begin to list them here. Tens of thousands of people will need to be arrested if any fool follows your advice. Perhaps the standards for judging Thailand will shortly be the same as those for judging Burma.
“Thai at heart”, it is simply not true that the King passively accepted the 2006 coup.
The King has on numerous occasions rejected military coups, most recently in 1982 and 1985. He made his rejections in public and explained his reasoning for the entire nation.
He had a choice about whether he was going to accept the 2006 coup.
Days after the coup, he acknowledged the junta’s right to govern, and months after the coup he praised the junta’s leadership. He was not forced to do this through any legal mechanism or precedent. It was his choice, wise and infallible, to support the coup.
I support Eric concept.
Thai monarchy is nearly to be fad out.
My understanding on PM Mr.Abhisit Vejjajiva protect his Royal family.
His real mind is he wants to dissolved house.
Royal Family,mainly queen afraid to revoke their title.Thus,all of political unstable come from queens decisions.
For example,last year when clashed happened between RED and Yellow.Queen go to yellows funeral.
Now,Red lost their lives again,where is Queen Sirikit?
They always mention we are the parents of all Thai Peoples,no color no races.
But now where is Queen Sirikit?
THIS IS A RIGHT TIME TO CHANGE FOR THAILAND.
DON’T WAST PRECIOUS TIME.
At Vietnam Asean Summit 2010,Thailand Foreign Minister Mr.Sirikit would like to discus Myanmar internal affair.
I would like to advice if i have a chance before his attendance at that big event as follows:
Dear Mr. Sirikit,
Before you have to think other nations internal affair,please do political stabilities of your owned nation’s.Please do peace talk with Southern Thai Peoples.
Please stop discrimination to southern Thai Peoples.
you can just search Nation and see that few times Korn was quoted, like for example that “details of package bills will be known after Songrkan”, then in other place particular date was mentioned – Apr 27th. also, in another article it was mentioned that almost all the concerned have already submitted their requests to FinMin, except 2 ministries (one of them – Education) who requested that they need 2 more months. thus I guess – all those Chula ajarns were infuriated by red protests and gathered their own “pink shirt” mob.
also notice that so called “No color” / “colorless” (I prefer to call them chameleons – cleverly morphed yellows) are reportedly comprised from “civil workers”. what does that means ? again : all those bureaucrats and permanent workers in many gov. agencies and echelons of power, who practically NEVER or hardly so much change. all of them will get their own morsel from the big “cake”, when their ministries / agencies will get their share.
in fact, probably red-shirts or at least their leaders (and PT) also know that, and that’s why may be they do not mention it at all (someone may correct me if I’m wrong) – because they probably know that if their party wins elections, the “cake sharing” will be done differently then, with most yummy slices (as all those mega-projects) decided in their own favor and of their allies / partners. yes, may be some kamnans and puyais will also get their own share – although it would be not as big as, say of some Ministries or companies, but at least it would be better than if “Democrats” remain in position of who decides about “cake sharing”. because “Democrats” have repeatedly and openly expressed their opinion that gov. spending on peasants is WASTE of money ! (see some recent articles, as I recall about Korn slashing debt for 0.5 mln farmers)
so, there is no doubt that red-shirts are genuine in their desire to get a better opportunities, which is nothing wrong, and even can be placed into category of “pursuit of happiness” (as phrased in US Constitution). however are they fully aware that in reality the WHOLE system, down to the level of their local communities (those kamnans and puyais) leaves a very small chance that those tiny trickles which finally sip down through the whole multi-layered apparatus of bureaucracy from the “cake giver” (FinMin) will actually help them to improve their lives ?
I am not sure about that. even if they are – then perhaps the reason why they are still continuing their protests is because that SOMETHING is really better than nothing, which “Democrats” surely will only give them.
Consumerism is deeply ingrained in Thai peoples’ minds. anti-reds’ furious reaction to UDD protests are mainly based on their (urban well-to-do dwellers) being upset of NOT being able to CONSUME undisturbed as before that. also, I suspect deep within reds’ desire for a better opportunities is also based on and finally aimed at same thing: being able to CONSUME more and better things. the only difference is that elite & upper middle class exploits the concept of “self sufficiency”, imposing it on peasants – while themselves rather prefer to continue living their comfy lives.
(Notice that Bkk Post mentioned : “No color” protesters are comprised from facebookers and other net social network members ! what does that means ? 😉 it means : ONLY those who have enough money to be able to afford both PC with high-speed internet or often Blackberry like smart-phones AND even just enough time to spend on participating in all those on-line groups ! )
with such an inner flaw (say, in the set of values – corrupted by Consumerism) it is hard to expect any serious change to happen in near future. it is like an endless vicious circle.
but of course I am fully aware that thousands or even millions of peasants’ lives get leveled in the grinder of the current system in Thailand, that’s why they to do something about it.
“total sum paid to state (ministry of finance + TOT) remain the same, before AIS paid to TOT then TOT deduct any “Operational cost” and pass on to ministry of finance.”
You are certainly biased and pretend not to know Thaksin’s ultimate purpose? It is to weaken TOT and CAT so that AIS could take them over. It is also a strategy to set up a barrier for new entry into the telecom field. If it does not help his business, why did he bother to issue such a regulation? You also don’t seem to argue against AIS and Shin Sat that engineered amending the original contracts so many times that favour their operations (Do you pretend not to know this again?). Do you think a failed and cheating son of his was capable of holding his riches without him interferring in running the telecombusiness while still being PM? Then you are certainly putting your head in the sand.
“Anyway, just a question, by getting rid of Thaksin trough Coup Detat, how was that suppose to solve the problem Thailand has now???”
If Thaksin died right now, who could provide finance to the red shirts? Pray tell me.
Don’t tell me that the red shirts, supposed to be poor Isan farmers, could commandeer all pick-ups to drive to Bangkok.
Don’t tell me that they survive by the generosity of Bangkokians.
I am saying that Thaksin or the elite bureaucrats are the same type of people. They just use the hard working men/women as pawns in the political game to win power.
That’s why I say that Thailand is a potential failed state and it is now. The monarch could not do anything now because Thaksin is very powerful. Chicken comes to roost. You give him concessions in return for bribes. He uses his wealth to win seat of power and does not care about human rights or the poor at all. When he was toppled from power by a certain someone who sees danger Thaksin posed to the monarchy institution, Thaksin would not lie down easily.
The analogy is Al-Kaeda and Taleban which were supported by the US. Now they come home to roost.
The king doesn’t approve of the military coups. He endorses any law proposed by cabinet, the same way as the governor general does in Australia. Thais deeply respect the King not because he is believed to be living god. It is because he has been devoting his entire life to our nation, our land. Lèse majesté law is there to guard monarchy from politics. The woman who says that royal supports military coup deserve to be in jail. She wrongfully accuses someone in public with intention to defame him.
The red shirt protest has nothing to do with the monarchy. It’s Thaksin’s tactic to revenge. He has asked the privy council many times to help take him back to Thailand and obviously he is rejected. No one knows, Thai problem better than Thai people. Please stop judging other countries from your own point of view.
Reds only detained four soldiers who jumped out of their personnel carrier when the battle died out.
There was one other detained guy in military fatigues who could have been a sniper but he was quietly released without any fuss from reds whatsoever, while the four soldiers were considered an important catch to be paraded on the red stage.
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An open letter to the Thai media
To be fair Thai media aren’t biased. They’re spineless. Whoever is in power they do their bidding. Same for Thaksin and same for Abhisit’s sponsors.
It’s just one big Grenjai club.
Reflections on Eric Campbell’s royal report
Thai at Heart: You might also see if you can spot one teeny insignificant congruence, too 😀
The Embassy and the ABC
JohnH#15,
FYI: the monarchy = Thai nation
security of the monarchy= national security
Reflections on Eric Campbell’s royal report
Bh. V. #49: Australia IS ALREADY a part of Asia-Pacific. Didn’t you know that? Just kidding; I know that you’re suggesting that it’s not truly an Asia-Pacific nation because it doesn’t share the political and social views of its neighbours, indeed thinks some of them are wrong – and says so, rocking the boat, as it were. Well, you’re welcome to come to Oz & preach from your self-assumed elevated position that it’s fine for governments in the region to practice clamp-downs on free speech and imprison people for years for criticizing a head of state, to turn the army on its people as if they are hostile foreign invaders, to promote the belief that certain humans are gods and have superhuman powers, to practice extreme inequality under the law as a cultural value, to have closed trials, no verbatim court recording with available transcripts, no separation of powers, etc…but I think you would be ridiculed. Especially since you seem concerned to impress your Bh status on people, and Australian people would be surprised that a career Buddhist would support such authoritarian, indeed fascist, views.
ABC TV on Thai politics
Just would like to say that as a Thai I think to the contrary to the previous poster, Jothestrong. What ABC did was a great service to Thailand and the rest of the World. People who watch it can judge for themselves what to believe. Unlike in Thailand where they block websites and TV with opposing views, and the free-to-air TV run government propaganda 24/7.
The Embassy and the ABC
Kermit (13). A major function of the Thai education system is to keep Thais in child-like ignorance of their State and how it compares with others. Before we laugh too loudly, we should think about all the Oxford dons who believe in the God of the Church of England. Thailand’s dirty little secret is that the main function of the Thai State and the associated royalist mumbo-jumbo and hereditary stuff is to keep itself from being plunged into civil war by generals squabbling over promotions. Again, before laughing, we should think of ancient Rome.
The Embassy and the ABC
It’s the same level of uncompromising foolishness reflected in a much earlier anecdote I experienced when I asked a Thai woman in the NE where Thaksin is going to get all that money to pay off this and that and give farmers this and that, etc. She said, “He will pay it from his own pocket.”
Australia, I believe, should make any and all such programs global. The Thai defamation and LM laws apply to everyone, everywhere. Even in Australia.
What next?
I beg to disagree with Andrew Walker who is usually wrong, more than right, on his reading of the Thai situation.
(1) The red shirts are in a weaker (not stronger) position now than they were before Saturday. Because of the Red violence and provocations, the Reds have failed to draw any support from the Thailand intelligentsia . . nor from its middle class, labor groups, academia, student groups, etc.
(2)The crisis will require use of force to hammer some sense to the Reds moevement. Abhisit will continue to invite the Reds leadership to negotiate seriously.
(3)The army will attempt another crackdown until they succeed with their peacekeeping mission to remove the Reds from further disruptive and violent activities in Bangkok. The attacks on the military by unknown assailants clad in black . . are suspiciously Reds. But who else could be behind the assassins-in-black but the Reds. Read Shawn Crispin’s article at Asia Times (http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/LD17Ae01.html) for background about the violence-inclined Reds. Excerpts below:
“. . . When assassins dressed in black killed one top military commander and maimed two others in the early stages of the April 10 clashes between Thai security forces and red-shirted anti-government protesters, the precision hits were likely as political as they were tactical.
Analysts and diplomats believe that the pre-emptive strikes effectively broke the military’s chain of command and contributed significantly to the subsequent random violence that resulted in at least 24 deaths – including five soldiers – and over 800 injuries, many from bullet and grenade shrapnel wounds.
Significantly, the three targeted officers were all primed for promotion to top-ranking positions in this year’s military reshuffle and all were known loyalists to the deputy army commander, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is poised to replace the army
commander, General Anupong Paochinda, on his mandatory retirement later this year.
The sophisticated nature of the targeted attacks, including the use of laser-guided spot and shoot teams, and the apparent leak of confidential information concerning troops’ plans and formations, has suggested to analysts possible military involvement in the assaults. Officials have claimed that “terrorists” rather than rogue soldiers orchestrated the violence. But the uncertainty has raised critical new questions about army unity at a pivotal juncture in the country’s violently escalating five-year-old political conflict. . .”
(4) The constitution remains a problem, because it could easily be used to undo the results of the election. I agree. Because when so-called elected leaders themselves (Thaksin and Thai Rak Thai execs) had rampantly and criminally bent constitutional rules for their own personal profits/agenda . . . then the cycle of constitutional rewrites never end . . .
(5) Perhaps an election in July or August, but it is not clear if the result would be accepted. Perhaps. Perhaps not.
(6) The king is not a mediating factor. Perhaps so. But I could foresee that when the going gets very rough for the Reds, the Reds themselves will plead for royal mediation (after all, Thaksin continues to hope for his royal pardon, doesn’t he?)
(7) If the current confrontation is not resolved, there is a danger that it will spread outside Bangkok. The truth is that Bangkok has no quarrel with the Abhisit Government. It was the Reds who thought they could draw support from the Bangkok citizens . . . which came to naught.
The Embassy and the ABC
“We consider this an issue matter of national security….”
How so?
Would someone please explain.
The Embassy and the ABC
“However, the Australian government does not and cannot control content run by Australian media organisations,” he told AFP.
THAT is how it’s supposed to be in a democratic country.
Otherwise, Thailand and all Thais, stop fooling and calling yourself democratic or claim to run a ‘THAI-STYLE’ democracy when it’s clearly dictatorship. It’s pathetic.
ABC TV on Thai politics
Disregard what Jothestrong, decades of brainwashing got to his brain, fortunately for me that I escaped the cycle of evil (brainwashing from education, language, and media). As a Thai, I am in full support of freedom of speech and expression and ABC has done my country a great favor by airing the program.
Reflections on Eric Campbell’s royal report
Thai at Heart – I’m also Thai at heart, so for my advise, please read this
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Carlos_I_of_Spain
and see the difference.
Reflections on Eric Campbell’s royal report
Umm, Thai a h # 50: ” The king doesn’t approve of the military coups. He endorses any law proposed by cabinet, the same way as the governor general does in Australia.” Tell us, what cabinet has ever gone to the King with a law proposing that a coup be accepted? My understanding is that the generals go to the King informing him of a coup & asking him for permission to form a cabinet & govern. The legitimate cabinet has been couped, & is out of the picture.
In the unlikely event of a military coup in Oz, I doubt that a GG would endorse it. The Constitutional Court (i.e. High Court) would step in if he did. Interesting that that doesn’t (can’t?) happen in Thailand. Something to do with a glitch in the separation of powers, perhaps?
Your statement that “Lèse majesté law is there to guard monarchy from politics” is equally confused. It is there to protect the monarchy from insults.
Reflections on Eric Campbell’s royal report
Thai at heart. It is no good posting unsubstantiated – indeed, in this case, false – information to blogs like this. There are too many examples of the king not signing and sending back legislation to even begin to list them here. Tens of thousands of people will need to be arrested if any fool follows your advice. Perhaps the standards for judging Thailand will shortly be the same as those for judging Burma.
Reflections on Eric Campbell’s royal report
“Thai at heart”, it is simply not true that the King passively accepted the 2006 coup.
The King has on numerous occasions rejected military coups, most recently in 1982 and 1985. He made his rejections in public and explained his reasoning for the entire nation.
He had a choice about whether he was going to accept the 2006 coup.
Days after the coup, he acknowledged the junta’s right to govern, and months after the coup he praised the junta’s leadership. He was not forced to do this through any legal mechanism or precedent. It was his choice, wise and infallible, to support the coup.
Eric Campbell on journalistic duty
I support Eric concept.
Thai monarchy is nearly to be fad out.
My understanding on PM Mr.Abhisit Vejjajiva protect his Royal family.
His real mind is he wants to dissolved house.
Royal Family,mainly queen afraid to revoke their title.Thus,all of political unstable come from queens decisions.
For example,last year when clashed happened between RED and Yellow.Queen go to yellows funeral.
Now,Red lost their lives again,where is Queen Sirikit?
They always mention we are the parents of all Thai Peoples,no color no races.
But now where is Queen Sirikit?
THIS IS A RIGHT TIME TO CHANGE FOR THAILAND.
DON’T WAST PRECIOUS TIME.
At Vietnam Asean Summit 2010,Thailand Foreign Minister Mr.Sirikit would like to discus Myanmar internal affair.
I would like to advice if i have a chance before his attendance at that big event as follows:
Dear Mr. Sirikit,
Before you have to think other nations internal affair,please do political stabilities of your owned nation’s.Please do peace talk with Southern Thai Peoples.
Please stop discrimination to southern Thai Peoples.
Regards,
Khin Maung Nyo (Economist)
Chief Editor
World Economic Journal
[email protected]
[email protected]
Tel : 95 – 095063728
Contact
C/o
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Rm.304, 3rd Floor,
567,MACTower,
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GPO.666
Rm.304, 3rd Floor,
567,MACTower,
Merchant Road,
Kyauktada Tsp.,
Yangon, Myanmar.
GPO.666
Rm.304, 3rd Floor,
567,MACTower,
Merchant Road,
Kyauktada Tsp.,
Yangon, Myanmar.
GPO.666
ABC TV on Thai politics
@David Brown #50
you can just search Nation and see that few times Korn was quoted, like for example that “details of package bills will be known after Songrkan”, then in other place particular date was mentioned – Apr 27th. also, in another article it was mentioned that almost all the concerned have already submitted their requests to FinMin, except 2 ministries (one of them – Education) who requested that they need 2 more months. thus I guess – all those Chula ajarns were infuriated by red protests and gathered their own “pink shirt” mob.
also notice that so called “No color” / “colorless” (I prefer to call them chameleons – cleverly morphed yellows) are reportedly comprised from “civil workers”. what does that means ? again : all those bureaucrats and permanent workers in many gov. agencies and echelons of power, who practically NEVER or hardly so much change. all of them will get their own morsel from the big “cake”, when their ministries / agencies will get their share.
in fact, probably red-shirts or at least their leaders (and PT) also know that, and that’s why may be they do not mention it at all (someone may correct me if I’m wrong) – because they probably know that if their party wins elections, the “cake sharing” will be done differently then, with most yummy slices (as all those mega-projects) decided in their own favor and of their allies / partners. yes, may be some kamnans and puyais will also get their own share – although it would be not as big as, say of some Ministries or companies, but at least it would be better than if “Democrats” remain in position of who decides about “cake sharing”. because “Democrats” have repeatedly and openly expressed their opinion that gov. spending on peasants is WASTE of money ! (see some recent articles, as I recall about Korn slashing debt for 0.5 mln farmers)
so, there is no doubt that red-shirts are genuine in their desire to get a better opportunities, which is nothing wrong, and even can be placed into category of “pursuit of happiness” (as phrased in US Constitution). however are they fully aware that in reality the WHOLE system, down to the level of their local communities (those kamnans and puyais) leaves a very small chance that those tiny trickles which finally sip down through the whole multi-layered apparatus of bureaucracy from the “cake giver” (FinMin) will actually help them to improve their lives ?
I am not sure about that. even if they are – then perhaps the reason why they are still continuing their protests is because that SOMETHING is really better than nothing, which “Democrats” surely will only give them.
Consumerism is deeply ingrained in Thai peoples’ minds. anti-reds’ furious reaction to UDD protests are mainly based on their (urban well-to-do dwellers) being upset of NOT being able to CONSUME undisturbed as before that. also, I suspect deep within reds’ desire for a better opportunities is also based on and finally aimed at same thing: being able to CONSUME more and better things. the only difference is that elite & upper middle class exploits the concept of “self sufficiency”, imposing it on peasants – while themselves rather prefer to continue living their comfy lives.
(Notice that Bkk Post mentioned : “No color” protesters are comprised from facebookers and other net social network members ! what does that means ? 😉 it means : ONLY those who have enough money to be able to afford both PC with high-speed internet or often Blackberry like smart-phones AND even just enough time to spend on participating in all those on-line groups ! )
with such an inner flaw (say, in the set of values – corrupted by Consumerism) it is hard to expect any serious change to happen in near future. it is like an endless vicious circle.
but of course I am fully aware that thousands or even millions of peasants’ lives get leveled in the grinder of the current system in Thailand, that’s why they to do something about it.
Reflections on Eric Campbell’s royal report
“total sum paid to state (ministry of finance + TOT) remain the same, before AIS paid to TOT then TOT deduct any “Operational cost” and pass on to ministry of finance.”
You are certainly biased and pretend not to know Thaksin’s ultimate purpose? It is to weaken TOT and CAT so that AIS could take them over. It is also a strategy to set up a barrier for new entry into the telecom field. If it does not help his business, why did he bother to issue such a regulation? You also don’t seem to argue against AIS and Shin Sat that engineered amending the original contracts so many times that favour their operations (Do you pretend not to know this again?). Do you think a failed and cheating son of his was capable of holding his riches without him interferring in running the telecombusiness while still being PM? Then you are certainly putting your head in the sand.
“Anyway, just a question, by getting rid of Thaksin trough Coup Detat, how was that suppose to solve the problem Thailand has now???”
If Thaksin died right now, who could provide finance to the red shirts? Pray tell me.
Don’t tell me that the red shirts, supposed to be poor Isan farmers, could commandeer all pick-ups to drive to Bangkok.
Don’t tell me that they survive by the generosity of Bangkokians.
I am saying that Thaksin or the elite bureaucrats are the same type of people. They just use the hard working men/women as pawns in the political game to win power.
That’s why I say that Thailand is a potential failed state and it is now. The monarch could not do anything now because Thaksin is very powerful. Chicken comes to roost. You give him concessions in return for bribes. He uses his wealth to win seat of power and does not care about human rights or the poor at all. When he was toppled from power by a certain someone who sees danger Thaksin posed to the monarchy institution, Thaksin would not lie down easily.
The analogy is Al-Kaeda and Taleban which were supported by the US. Now they come home to roost.
Reflections on Eric Campbell’s royal report
The king doesn’t approve of the military coups. He endorses any law proposed by cabinet, the same way as the governor general does in Australia. Thais deeply respect the King not because he is believed to be living god. It is because he has been devoting his entire life to our nation, our land. Lèse majesté law is there to guard monarchy from politics. The woman who says that royal supports military coup deserve to be in jail. She wrongfully accuses someone in public with intention to defame him.
The red shirt protest has nothing to do with the monarchy. It’s Thaksin’s tactic to revenge. He has asked the privy council many times to help take him back to Thailand and obviously he is rejected. No one knows, Thai problem better than Thai people. Please stop judging other countries from your own point of view.
Mourning and defiance
Reds only detained four soldiers who jumped out of their personnel carrier when the battle died out.
There was one other detained guy in military fatigues who could have been a sniper but he was quietly released without any fuss from reds whatsoever, while the four soldiers were considered an important catch to be paraded on the red stage.