I have darker doubts, alliteration unintended, that the world is in another Dark Age, having gotten there by increasing populations that rely on poor examples to learn how to live and do things. sort of a cynical view, but I fear more accurate than not. Around the world people seem to be developing less and less regard for one another, individually seem to be making reality up as they go along, and collectively near-totally ignore logic and basic principles that bind humanity. I am not the only one to sense this; even Stateside where I hail from more than one civilian patriot has decried the way people these days fit into the mold of the handbasket on its way to Hell – like my grandmother used to say.
Why it is that supposedly intelligent people can be prejudiced, blind, dismissive, ignorant, …well, ho back to Homer who said, “So it is that the gods do not give all men gifts of grace – neither good looks nor intelligence nor eloquence.” I think after modern observation we can legitimately say that many men are eloquent and might look good but lack intelligence. And, of course, other combinations that cause them to fall short of accuracy and intent.
Fascinating! Ne Win’s propensity to foul language and impulsive whims was well known, and his character certainly came through in this episode too. Just one small anachronistic confusion Hla Oo seems rather prone to: the status of LDC was not conferred to Burma until 1987.
Chris, you are wrong. The poor do pay taxes in VAT, liquor tax, tobacco tax, taxes on imported goods, the vehicle taxes that the taxi driver recoups when he charges for a ride a share taxi, taxes passed on in the prices of goods that are transported, etc. So while the poor do not pay direct income taxes, they certainly do pay taxes.
@Chris (#4)
I wasn’t aware that there is a law in place in Thailand that forbids to use the revenue from the VAT for purposes connected with the royals. Maybe you could enlighten us.
Its a conspiracy in the making – The current najib’s govt is seeing an erosion of support with a groundswell of discontent being voiced on the economy and the lack of sharing.
The average malaysian is now less able to afford the basic – Home , car and meals out (for people ignorant of malaysian life style – having meals out with friends and family is an integral part of life. A must have.)
With an eye on the next general Election, UMNO fears that it may not be able to retain the Federal Parliement, so has began to sow the seeds necessary to do a “Thailand style” coup to retain power if the election is actually lost!
We do pay tax. What about VAT and other indirect taxes? VAT alone represents a significant portion of government revenue in Thailand. It is too much that economists in Thailand Update seminar pointed it out. This means the poor are paying more tax than the rich.
BTW, I just wonder why the author misspelled many names, the name of the prince himself and “Taksin”.
Does he want to convey something else through this misspellings?
So we can simply ignore a quite remarkable comment by the government that has worked most closely with the Thai government since 1975 on Hmong issues…. And we take StanG’s statements as fact with no substantiation or even any argument? Does StanG work for either of the government’s he claims are +1? Is that how he can claim to know more than anyone else, even those intimately associated with the issue? Or is he just peddling nonsense? Frank seems to have it right: “It is a sheer waste of time arguing with total nonsense.”
Chris Beale: you are posting some truly amazing things. Back on the Rangers for a moment. You were the one who raised the issue and said that it was important. Nick says “The issue with the forest rangers with the rifles is an inane issue from the start.” You agree…. jeez. As I said above, I agree with Nick but there continue to be people who raise this “pending violence” as an excuse for the coup. I have not located any pre-coup evidence for it at all. And I ain’t flying to Darwin or ANU to search for it.
Somsak’s points are excellent. Recall also that following the earlier 1951 coup that brought Phibun back, according to Kobkua, the palace withheld approval for some time. It was part of a deal when the palace finally agreed to recognise the coup.
Throughout the grievous political events, Giles Ji turns out to be a virtuous man. For Giles Ji, it is easy to discern the difference between moral and immoral, he is impervious to any bad things. He has struggled to imbue the Thai society with decent values, a difficult task in this day and time. The audacious Giles Ji dared to think outside the box and lead the way. He talks about equality in a pre-modern feudalistic present day Thailand, he speaks for the weak and the working class people. Giles Ji is well known for having a judicious temperament. He is extremely articulate when it comes to expressing his political views; as a result, Giles Ji is respected among academics and intellectuals. Because of all of those, a stream of invectives pour from Giles Ji political opponents’ mouths as they attempt to block his rise to mission of serious purpose.
Giles Ji’s father earned the respect of the entire country, the country simply loves his Dad. Giles Ji lives his life based on the axioms his parents have passed on to him. As Giles Ji rises to leadership, Thailand is bathed in luminous sunshine that warmed the heart and souls of people struggle for democracy.
The Thai democratization campaign is still in a nascent stage, leadership is thus crucial in leading the way. It is the Boy Scout’s ethos that one should always be prepared. The opponents will try to assail the Red Movement and their bases, but they will not be successful in their attack. With Giles Ji leadership, we will be prepared … we will be able to say … never, never, never again. Giles Ji Ungpakorn will unite the country and Thailand will become a modern country with justice for all.
at least via ToT the article (as well as other blog entries) is accessible, not ji’s homepage though. on the content, i somehow agree with somsak that there should be more ‘systemic reasons’; then again, the ‘personal’ reasons given by ji are what counts for the general public, doesn’t it, and thus aren’t less important.
I’m glad the many sides of the Hmong repatriation issue are finding an airing on this site.
Nobody so far has mentioned the disturbing details of the Hmong resettlement in the USA which plays into the international situation. I realize that these details do not in any way excuse any violation of human rights, but one is naive to think the Thai and Lao governments do not have the information as a backstory to what they have tried to do in the last few years with the Hmong in campus in Thailand. Here goes:
1. The threats against social workers and local community members if they dare to question welfare entitlements for the Hmong.
2. The diversion of tax dollars (both direct grant and coerced from Hmong family welfare payments) from refugee mutual assistance associations to supporting rebellions in Laos. Let nobody be in any doubt that Vang Pao’s old buddies in the US Army and CIA are the ones who have kept him out of jail time and time again.
3. The rich American missionaries, fundamentalists, who got hold of the Hmong early on, and finance trips to Laos under the guise of missionary work but who in reality are supporting the mafia-like Hmong groups who descend on villages and terrorize communities. And it is the same religious groups who complain to senators under the guise of “religious freedom”
Is it any wonder that the Thai government, who know very well all this is happening are careful not to let Hmong stay in Thailand any longer than is necessary to have them sent somewhere else in an orderly fashion?
Quite interesting. As well, I believe that another person had to use a mask to open the site.
As twisted as some personalities are, the culture that brings them forth is also something to be considered. This could very well explain why all those aliens inhabiting the universe are not dropping in very often for coffee.
What a wonderfully evocative story, the moral of which I guess is, that no matter how good, bad, evil or foolish the original intent might have been, the outcome can be the opposite……….
I hope the writer puts his mighty pen to paper for an entire book on his life in Ne Win’s Burma as a young engineer…….
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Abhisit’s definition of voluntary
I have darker doubts, alliteration unintended, that the world is in another Dark Age, having gotten there by increasing populations that rely on poor examples to learn how to live and do things. sort of a cynical view, but I fear more accurate than not. Around the world people seem to be developing less and less regard for one another, individually seem to be making reality up as they go along, and collectively near-totally ignore logic and basic principles that bind humanity. I am not the only one to sense this; even Stateside where I hail from more than one civilian patriot has decried the way people these days fit into the mold of the handbasket on its way to Hell – like my grandmother used to say.
Why it is that supposedly intelligent people can be prejudiced, blind, dismissive, ignorant, …well, ho back to Homer who said, “So it is that the gods do not give all men gifts of grace – neither good looks nor intelligence nor eloquence.” I think after modern observation we can legitimately say that many men are eloquent and might look good but lack intelligence. And, of course, other combinations that cause them to fall short of accuracy and intent.
Irrawaddy water and Ne Win’s gold trees
Fascinating! Ne Win’s propensity to foul language and impulsive whims was well known, and his character certainly came through in this episode too. Just one small anachronistic confusion Hla Oo seems rather prone to: the status of LDC was not conferred to Burma until 1987.
Giles Ji Ungpakorn on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
Chris, you are wrong. The poor do pay taxes in VAT, liquor tax, tobacco tax, taxes on imported goods, the vehicle taxes that the taxi driver recoups when he charges for a ride a share taxi, taxes passed on in the prices of goods that are transported, etc. So while the poor do not pay direct income taxes, they certainly do pay taxes.
The Allah dilemma in Malaysia
Hi there Submarine,
Yes, identity seems to be a perenial problem of nation building. An inclusive nation seems to be elusive despite the hindsight of history.
An interesting open letter from the head of the Islamic party’s (PAS) think tank – Dr. Dzulkefly to Najib.
Giles Ji Ungpakorn on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
@Chris (#4)
I wasn’t aware that there is a law in place in Thailand that forbids to use the revenue from the VAT for purposes connected with the royals. Maybe you could enlighten us.
The Allah dilemma in Malaysia
Its a conspiracy in the making – The current najib’s govt is seeing an erosion of support with a groundswell of discontent being voiced on the economy and the lack of sharing.
The average malaysian is now less able to afford the basic – Home , car and meals out (for people ignorant of malaysian life style – having meals out with friends and family is an integral part of life. A must have.)
With an eye on the next general Election, UMNO fears that it may not be able to retain the Federal Parliement, so has began to sow the seeds necessary to do a “Thailand style” coup to retain power if the election is actually lost!
Giles Ji Ungpakorn on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
i am in lao, yet i am getting the same MICT bullshit when i try to access the article 🙁
Giles Ji Ungpakorn on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
RE: Chris Beale
We do pay tax. What about VAT and other indirect taxes? VAT alone represents a significant portion of government revenue in Thailand. It is too much that economists in Thailand Update seminar pointed it out. This means the poor are paying more tax than the rich.
BTW, I just wonder why the author misspelled many names, the name of the prince himself and “Taksin”.
Does he want to convey something else through this misspellings?
Giles Ji Ungpakorn on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
“Giles Ji Ungpakorn will unite the country and Thailand will become a modern country with justice for all.”
Would this sentence not have been sufficient for the purpose of sarcasm?
Abhisit’s definition of voluntary
So we can simply ignore a quite remarkable comment by the government that has worked most closely with the Thai government since 1975 on Hmong issues…. And we take StanG’s statements as fact with no substantiation or even any argument? Does StanG work for either of the government’s he claims are +1? Is that how he can claim to know more than anyone else, even those intimately associated with the issue? Or is he just peddling nonsense? Frank seems to have it right: “It is a sheer waste of time arguing with total nonsense.”
Thaksin on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
Chris Beale: you are posting some truly amazing things. Back on the Rangers for a moment. You were the one who raised the issue and said that it was important. Nick says “The issue with the forest rangers with the rifles is an inane issue from the start.” You agree…. jeez. As I said above, I agree with Nick but there continue to be people who raise this “pending violence” as an excuse for the coup. I have not located any pre-coup evidence for it at all. And I ain’t flying to Darwin or ANU to search for it.
Somsak’s points are excellent. Recall also that following the earlier 1951 coup that brought Phibun back, according to Kobkua, the palace withheld approval for some time. It was part of a deal when the palace finally agreed to recognise the coup.
Giles Ji Ungpakorn on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
Throughout the grievous political events, Giles Ji turns out to be a virtuous man. For Giles Ji, it is easy to discern the difference between moral and immoral, he is impervious to any bad things. He has struggled to imbue the Thai society with decent values, a difficult task in this day and time. The audacious Giles Ji dared to think outside the box and lead the way. He talks about equality in a pre-modern feudalistic present day Thailand, he speaks for the weak and the working class people. Giles Ji is well known for having a judicious temperament. He is extremely articulate when it comes to expressing his political views; as a result, Giles Ji is respected among academics and intellectuals. Because of all of those, a stream of invectives pour from Giles Ji political opponents’ mouths as they attempt to block his rise to mission of serious purpose.
Giles Ji’s father earned the respect of the entire country, the country simply loves his Dad. Giles Ji lives his life based on the axioms his parents have passed on to him. As Giles Ji rises to leadership, Thailand is bathed in luminous sunshine that warmed the heart and souls of people struggle for democracy.
The Thai democratization campaign is still in a nascent stage, leadership is thus crucial in leading the way. It is the Boy Scout’s ethos that one should always be prepared. The opponents will try to assail the Red Movement and their bases, but they will not be successful in their attack. With Giles Ji leadership, we will be prepared … we will be able to say … never, never, never again. Giles Ji Ungpakorn will unite the country and Thailand will become a modern country with justice for all.
The Allah dilemma in Malaysia
Thank you for your reports on the politics of Malaysia Greg, I read them regularly.
Those advocating an “identity-led” form of government in Thailand’s South should look over to Malaysia- there’s a lesson to be learned here.
I hate to live for the consequence of the phrase “… with the benefit of hindsight”.
Giles Ji Ungpakorn on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
Found the article here:
http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?page=article_impr&id_article=16180
Giles Ji Ungpakorn on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
at least via ToT the article (as well as other blog entries) is accessible, not ji’s homepage though. on the content, i somehow agree with somsak that there should be more ‘systemic reasons’; then again, the ‘personal’ reasons given by ji are what counts for the general public, doesn’t it, and thus aren’t less important.
Abhisit’s definition of voluntary
I’m glad the many sides of the Hmong repatriation issue are finding an airing on this site.
Nobody so far has mentioned the disturbing details of the Hmong resettlement in the USA which plays into the international situation. I realize that these details do not in any way excuse any violation of human rights, but one is naive to think the Thai and Lao governments do not have the information as a backstory to what they have tried to do in the last few years with the Hmong in campus in Thailand. Here goes:
1. The threats against social workers and local community members if they dare to question welfare entitlements for the Hmong.
2. The diversion of tax dollars (both direct grant and coerced from Hmong family welfare payments) from refugee mutual assistance associations to supporting rebellions in Laos. Let nobody be in any doubt that Vang Pao’s old buddies in the US Army and CIA are the ones who have kept him out of jail time and time again.
3. The rich American missionaries, fundamentalists, who got hold of the Hmong early on, and finance trips to Laos under the guise of missionary work but who in reality are supporting the mafia-like Hmong groups who descend on villages and terrorize communities. And it is the same religious groups who complain to senators under the guise of “religious freedom”
Is it any wonder that the Thai government, who know very well all this is happening are careful not to let Hmong stay in Thailand any longer than is necessary to have them sent somewhere else in an orderly fashion?
Giles Ji Ungpakorn on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
Quite interesting. As well, I believe that another person had to use a mask to open the site.
As twisted as some personalities are, the culture that brings them forth is also something to be considered. This could very well explain why all those aliens inhabiting the universe are not dropping in very often for coffee.
Patani and Turkey: What’s the connection?
Using the same logic,
would UK need to give away the Roman Bath, in Bath,
to Italy?
I am not being sarcastic.
Tai Lands and Thailand
Well said Suzie Wong.
The term “Thailand” is offensive to the LAO majority in the 16 provinces of Isaarn. Now almost independent Isaarn.
Irrawaddy water and Ne Win’s gold trees
What a wonderfully evocative story, the moral of which I guess is, that no matter how good, bad, evil or foolish the original intent might have been, the outcome can be the opposite……….
I hope the writer puts his mighty pen to paper for an entire book on his life in Ne Win’s Burma as a young engineer…….