See, that’s the problem with most Singaporeans who’ve never stepped out of the country except to Batam, Thailand and Genting Highlands.
Singaporeans are so wrapped around their bitter house politics, resentful of their lot in life when really, the rest of the world isn’t so much better.
You blame the Government for everything despite having the Government doing alot more than many other Governments for their own people.
I too have my own transgressions against despite what I still see as a flawed Government.
But which Government is perfect?
Luckily for me, I am a very well-travelled person. I make it a point to live in several countries and immerse myself into their culture.
Believe me I used to hate the Singapore Government as blindly as you do now.
But living in other countries, despite having its novelties – which I must admit feels good for the first couple of months, as with all things new – these novelties wear off when real life sets in.
What you then seek to apply within your life and whatever the Government provides to you becomes more important than what wonderful story some politician on a stand can spin and then screw you over.
As for “dictatorship” and “rule of law”.
So obviously you do not realise that in many countries, Australia, UK, America, the rich, powerful, elite and even politicians can bypass laws because of their influence and power?
Many politicians, politicians sons, rich man’s sons, etc, have commited crimes such as murder and other lesser felonies but because of their influence they get off scott free or barely a slap on the wrist!
Do you think Singapore is immune to it? Why would Singapore be immune to it?
As for everything is “tapped and monitored”.
Did you know in the U.S they have the patriot law which allows them to tap into any electronic device within your home – phones, internet, mobile, install spy devices – without cause, consent or even consideration even they ONLY SUSPECT you to have any scant links to their interests?
This can include – terrorism, espionage, etc etc.
The scope is far and wide and many people have complained but to no avail!
Well I’m not in Singapore simply because my company posted me overseas. But I’m based in Singapore.
Look all I’m saying is that instead of complaining we should sit and consider our circumstances and make positive changes to Singapore instead of screaming bloody murder at every single thing we’re not content with in Singapore.
The people have a responsibility to steer the Government the right way when it no longer has the people’s interests in mind.
Judging from SG Government’s track record – good at first, then shaky, then now questionable but understandable, you can’t expect the Government to do everything.
Just like how you’re sitting here complaining your arse off expecting the Government to have a wonderful, miraculous change of heart just because 200,000 odd people are sitting at home griping over the internet.
As for being the a Government ‘pig’ – um, I don’t think so. I may not exactly like the SG Government but that doesn’t mean I want to screw it over so that it becomes the next Bangladesh.
Thailand is a kind of brother …….who mischievously stole large track of land from his younger sibling – the 16 Isan provinces from Korat plateau to the Chiangmai-Lampang-Lampoon corridor. this territory used to belong to Laos until the French came in, then “represented” Laos to sign a treaty with Siam in 1928. Thailand successfully fooled the French the 16 Isan provinces are Thailand’s territory, but in reality, it is Laos’ land!
Since Laos has gained her independence, she should question legitimacy of the 1928 treaty in which she didn’t have a say in the matter. French certainly couldn’t speak for the interest of Laos then. Laos Government should free the 17 millions Laos people west of Mekong river who are living in dire poverty. Also Thai gov’t has to admit the reality Isan people are Laotians by birth!!!!
Can the victim sue those powerful people? The European Union has legal services to assist with this kind of cases. Does ASEAN have one?
Thailand begins to practice suing for damage. It seems to be working well. Today the Thai Airway Ltd. sues the yellow shirts PAD for damage. It even sues the current Foreign Minister. I think Malaysia should consider this approach.
Bangkok Post
THAI sues PAD over closures
┬╖ Published: 10/12/2009 at 05:19
Thai Airways is suing key leaders of the People’s Alliance for Democracy and their supporters, including Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, for 575 million baht for damage caused by their seizure of Bangkok’s two airports last year.
the Thai military today is just replicating what the US taught them?
do human beings actually become more civilised over time?
is this just another case of human beings “progressing” in an economic and technological sense but regressing in social and humanitarian aspects, better and smarter repression and coverups
why should we not believe that Prem is trying to manipulate HMK because he wants to be nominated Regent?
some believe this is why HMK is staying in the relatively public and safe hospital rather than the palace where Prem and other members of the royals and their hangers-on would be able to work on him…..
I expect quality education is still the key… to enable the people to make good choices for themselves
perhaps some improved education will enable engagement in manufacturing but involving remote/isolation from family… continued improved education might enable more local manufacturing????
Roan #22: “… all this discussion in a way is juz mental mensturbation …”: a lovely example of how new Singlish words come into being, which reminds me of ” CORRIGHT The proper and correct Singlish pronunciation of ‘correct’; illustrates how Singlish can combine two related words, creating a new word with improved potency. Often used as a response when the truth is glaringly obvious.” (From The Coxford Singlish Dictionary, which may be found at the satirical Singaporean site, TalkingCock, now in its 9th year of taking the piss.)
It’s a dictatorship. It’s got no rule of law. The Judiciary system can be and have been override by lee kuan yew and his cronies. The police force is not independent and professional and has become a tool to suppress the people. There’s no free press whatsoever.
Its resident could be killed on a whim by the lee familee and cronies. Everything is controlled, the education institution, the hospital, etc.
It’s an island of surveillance. Phone tapping, internet monitoring even resorting to mind reading done by psy agent.
If you love Singapore so much why don’t you go back there and live there if you haven’t.
It’s lee kuan yew and his regime that needs to grow up!
My guess is you are one of those pig paid by the paranid lee regime to save their faces in the internet world.
Threats used by Government departments? Is Singapore the only country to practice this or does it happen in so-called ‘enlightened’ countries in the U.S?
Dictator?
I think not.
I used to hate LKY and Singapore, believing the education system and the society to have wronged me.
I came to Australia to study and live and it was through living here I realised what LKY has done for Singapore.
From a 3rd world dump to a 1st world country with world class health care, safety, infrastructure, etc.
I was an outcast of the system because I was young, rebelled for no reason and missed the train. I couldn’t even get basic results for simple subjects except perhaps for English and one or two subjects.
When I came to Australia even being an outcast of the Singapore education system – a failure, I could get outstanding results here.
The view towards education here is sadly lacking. The standards are sadly lacking as well.
Plagiarism is rife and I’ve seen and met many students blatantly submitting completely plagiarised assignments and thesis projects – not one was caught!
Teachers were not passionate in teaching at all and very lacking in standards, save for a few wonderful gems who ironically studied overseas and spent lots of time in Asia.
In Australia, health care is so dismal you wait for months, even years to get basic health care subsidised by the Government. Dental health in Australia is statistically speaking is similar to African countries – UNBELIEVEABLE.
Australians do not have basic access to health care nor does Australia have infrastructure to support Aussies!
Basic infrastructure such as public transport is pathetic. Things take a billion years to happen here.
Apply for a bank account? On the spot in Singapore. 1 week in Australia. And you don’t get your card one week later, and the pass code another week later.
Everything is far more expensive here (i.e broadband) not because Australia lacks money, but because infrastructure is so bad everything costs more because of unproductive methods of executing anything!
All that money goes to absolutely, openly corrupt politicians who play their parlour games on TV and behind 4 walls and all the average Aussies ever do is whinge, moan and stay happy for the next one month when a few scraps are thrown to them from the obesely rich and fat pollies.
The average Aussie is ignorant of their status in Asia Pacific.
They’d like to think they are Western but you’re not! That’s why its called Australasia and that’s why you’re in the Asia Pacific!
Without an understanding of Asia, culture, customs and getting rid of your high nosed idiocy and ignorance of Asia, you are slowly being left behind while the rest of Asia catches up – and fast!
While the Aussies are still running around in circles in their own little world running their ‘lightning fast’ on average 1.5 – 24mbps internet (which truth be told is closer to barely 5mbps real time), sad market monopolies (Coles, Woolworths) because the average Aussie is so fat, lazy, incompetant and ignorant to stand up and vote with their consumer dollar – not to mention happily expecting and guzzling cheap goods yet complaining about the quality (you get what you paid for, darls), the rest of the world has already walked over you to open the door, closing it in front of your face.
And you wonder why Aussies are so desperate for validation by any small/medium fry from any white country.
Just look at one visit from Tiger Woods turned Aussies into. Slobbering, begging, doe eyed puppies waiting for the Master to nod his approval and say, “Good dog.”
And that’s JUST one Tiger Woods.
200 years. Australia have had ample time to buckle its seatbelts and head for the stars.
Singapore took 30 years.
Those findings are quite striking, but I think what one would expect. It’s well known that manufacturing is superior to agriculture when it comes to the overall wealth of a country.
I would like to see a follow up showing a comparison of the relative strength of the family unit in Khon Kaen and Suphan Buri betwen 1984 and 2004. I believe a shift to a manufacturing society also has a corresponding negative impact on the family unit.
Ultimately it is positive to see increased wealth in these communities, but it is a shame when it comes at the expense of long held traditions and cultural norms. Western countries have much greater wealth, but they also have seen a degradation of the family, increased substance abuse and mental health issues, an increase in stress related diseases…is it really worth it to move away from an agriculturally based society?
I’m certainly not advocating continuing poverty, I just wish there were a balanced way to move away from agriculture and into non-farm occupations. Perhaps Thailand will show us how to balance a non-farm workforce and increased wealth with the needs of the individual and the family.
I think the issue is more of what Australia as a country in the Asia Pacific region intends to project herself in the 21st century. This region is undergoing a rapid social, economic and political transformation of which these changes have not been discussed or addressed among leaders in the region. These structural changes require institutional reform. The characteristics of global economic interdependence demand the participation of the entire village in order to make the reform process less pain. The approach does not necessarily be perceived as interference, it could be done via ASEAN multilateral framework. I am certain Australia participation and leadership would be welcome.
One can address the current event as directly and publicly as one wish, as long as one no longer wish to set feet on Thai soil. It’s simple, as Thongchai stated in his speech. That’s why he reiterates the necessity of the LM reform times and again. The only problem is, the one who can accomplish this job, is the one who sticks to the status quo most.
I agree with your sentiment, but I’m not sure about not being able to regard Australia as a ‘credible’ democracy internationally because Australia’s internal processes are not what you’re criticising. Rudd’s values and democracy are not interchangeable!
Thongchai addressed the PRESENT ISSUE through the past events (like his article which titled ‘The Kingmakers’ published after the 2006 coup). I hope that in the future we could raise the present issue through the present events more directly and publicly.
In particular:
“Another concern is the gangsters and corrupt power brokers associated with deforestation in some countries.
It’s “the dirty secret no one wants to talk about,” said Joe Saunders, deputy program director at Human Rights Watch. “But until the lack of oversight and conflicts of interest are taken seriously, pouring more money into the leaky system from carbon trading is likely to make the problem worse, not better.”
Agus Purnomo, who heads Indonesia’s National Council on Climate Change, dismisses the concerns and says existing national laws should be adequate.
“If you have to clear up all the corruption before you can have REDD, then REDD won’t be a useful instrument,” Purnomo said. “We should not overburden REDD with all these other issues.”
A Chula Political Science Faculty student, regular member of the Samesky Webboard (soon to be re-named ThaiLiberal.cm) who goes by the log-in name “Fallingangels” has made an mp3 recording of the seminar. Anyone interested can download it here: http://www.mediafire.com/?yditkmymnii
(34.01MB)
The recording last about 74 minutes. I haven’t had a chance to listen to all of it, but it seems not to include the questions and answers session (except a few seconds of part of “Fallingangels”‘ himself posing question at the very end of the tape).
As I understand it, His Majesty the King’s eldest daughter relinquished all claims to be in the line of succession to the Throne, when she married the American West Point graduate Peter Jensen.
ALL Thai land is ultimately Royal land, and foreigners are forbidden from owning Thai land.
At the time of her marriage, Thai spouses of foreigners were also automatically disposessed of any rights to Thai land.
The Thai court rules are complicated, but essentially it seems she never ceased being a Princess, and now that she has returned to Thailand, and divorced Jensen, she has been welcomed back into the Royal Family.
But because of her previous action, has no entitlement to be considered for the Throne – i.e. she is not known by the title Crown Princess.
Only her younger sister – Princess Sirindhorn, and her older brother the Crown Prince, are entitled to be considered by the Privy Council, which ultimately decides.
Very high levels of the Thai elite have long been buying up prime real estate, and investments. etc. overseas – as protection against one day being overthrown in Thailand.
They have thoroughly exploited the loophole which allows Thais to buy in the West, but not Westerners to buy in Thailand.
Stan – I hope you are correct about “the days of street politics deciding country’s fate are over”.
It would be far better for the country’s fate to be decided through the ballot box, than either street politics or yet another coup (which it seems General Anupong is now quietly warning of).
There was an excellent post here awhile ago by a Thai pointing out that the Democrats have a good chance of winning many votes in Lanna and Isaarn. This is the hopeful way to go.
But from a Western perspective, OUR history offers not much hope at all of avoidng civil war in the type of situation Thailand is now in. But never under-estimate particular Thai cultural traits – especially their extraordinary ability to achieve compromise and consensus in the most difficult circumstances.
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“Lee Kuan Yew – ANU is not for you!”
Lol.
See, that’s the problem with most Singaporeans who’ve never stepped out of the country except to Batam, Thailand and Genting Highlands.
Singaporeans are so wrapped around their bitter house politics, resentful of their lot in life when really, the rest of the world isn’t so much better.
You blame the Government for everything despite having the Government doing alot more than many other Governments for their own people.
I too have my own transgressions against despite what I still see as a flawed Government.
But which Government is perfect?
Luckily for me, I am a very well-travelled person. I make it a point to live in several countries and immerse myself into their culture.
Believe me I used to hate the Singapore Government as blindly as you do now.
But living in other countries, despite having its novelties – which I must admit feels good for the first couple of months, as with all things new – these novelties wear off when real life sets in.
What you then seek to apply within your life and whatever the Government provides to you becomes more important than what wonderful story some politician on a stand can spin and then screw you over.
As for “dictatorship” and “rule of law”.
So obviously you do not realise that in many countries, Australia, UK, America, the rich, powerful, elite and even politicians can bypass laws because of their influence and power?
Many politicians, politicians sons, rich man’s sons, etc, have commited crimes such as murder and other lesser felonies but because of their influence they get off scott free or barely a slap on the wrist!
Do you think Singapore is immune to it? Why would Singapore be immune to it?
As for everything is “tapped and monitored”.
Did you know in the U.S they have the patriot law which allows them to tap into any electronic device within your home – phones, internet, mobile, install spy devices – without cause, consent or even consideration even they ONLY SUSPECT you to have any scant links to their interests?
This can include – terrorism, espionage, etc etc.
The scope is far and wide and many people have complained but to no avail!
Well I’m not in Singapore simply because my company posted me overseas. But I’m based in Singapore.
Look all I’m saying is that instead of complaining we should sit and consider our circumstances and make positive changes to Singapore instead of screaming bloody murder at every single thing we’re not content with in Singapore.
The people have a responsibility to steer the Government the right way when it no longer has the people’s interests in mind.
Judging from SG Government’s track record – good at first, then shaky, then now questionable but understandable, you can’t expect the Government to do everything.
Just like how you’re sitting here complaining your arse off expecting the Government to have a wonderful, miraculous change of heart just because 200,000 odd people are sitting at home griping over the internet.
As for being the a Government ‘pig’ – um, I don’t think so. I may not exactly like the SG Government but that doesn’t mean I want to screw it over so that it becomes the next Bangladesh.
You flatter me too much.
Thailand 1 – Vietnam (and Laos) 1
Thailand is a kind of brother …….who mischievously stole large track of land from his younger sibling – the 16 Isan provinces from Korat plateau to the Chiangmai-Lampang-Lampoon corridor. this territory used to belong to Laos until the French came in, then “represented” Laos to sign a treaty with Siam in 1928. Thailand successfully fooled the French the 16 Isan provinces are Thailand’s territory, but in reality, it is Laos’ land!
Since Laos has gained her independence, she should question legitimacy of the 1928 treaty in which she didn’t have a say in the matter. French certainly couldn’t speak for the interest of Laos then. Laos Government should free the 17 millions Laos people west of Mekong river who are living in dire poverty. Also Thai gov’t has to admit the reality Isan people are Laotians by birth!!!!
Getting away with murder
Can the victim sue those powerful people? The European Union has legal services to assist with this kind of cases. Does ASEAN have one?
Thailand begins to practice suing for damage. It seems to be working well. Today the Thai Airway Ltd. sues the yellow shirts PAD for damage. It even sues the current Foreign Minister. I think Malaysia should consider this approach.
Bangkok Post
THAI sues PAD over closures
┬╖ Published: 10/12/2009 at 05:19
Thai Airways is suing key leaders of the People’s Alliance for Democracy and their supporters, including Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, for 575 million baht for damage caused by their seizure of Bangkok’s two airports last year.
Revolution of rising expectations in Isan
what does this mean:
militaries around the world all behave the same?
the Thai military today is just replicating what the US taught them?
do human beings actually become more civilised over time?
is this just another case of human beings “progressing” in an economic and technological sense but regressing in social and humanitarian aspects, better and smarter repression and coverups
Thaksin on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
why should we not believe that Prem is trying to manipulate HMK because he wants to be nominated Regent?
some believe this is why HMK is staying in the relatively public and safe hospital rather than the palace where Prem and other members of the royals and their hangers-on would be able to work on him…..
Off-farm income and education in rural Thailand
Steve, good comment and question
I expect quality education is still the key… to enable the people to make good choices for themselves
perhaps some improved education will enable engagement in manufacturing but involving remote/isolation from family… continued improved education might enable more local manufacturing????
“Lee Kuan Yew – ANU is not for you!”
Roan #22: “… all this discussion in a way is juz mental mensturbation …”: a lovely example of how new Singlish words come into being, which reminds me of ” CORRIGHT The proper and correct Singlish pronunciation of ‘correct’; illustrates how Singlish can combine two related words, creating a new word with improved potency. Often used as a response when the truth is glaringly obvious.” (From The Coxford Singlish Dictionary, which may be found at the satirical Singaporean site, TalkingCock, now in its 9th year of taking the piss.)
Faith, you damn chik ak, one!
“Lee Kuan Yew – ANU is not for you!”
It’s a dictatorship. It’s got no rule of law. The Judiciary system can be and have been override by lee kuan yew and his cronies. The police force is not independent and professional and has become a tool to suppress the people. There’s no free press whatsoever.
Its resident could be killed on a whim by the lee familee and cronies. Everything is controlled, the education institution, the hospital, etc.
It’s an island of surveillance. Phone tapping, internet monitoring even resorting to mind reading done by psy agent.
If you love Singapore so much why don’t you go back there and live there if you haven’t.
It’s lee kuan yew and his regime that needs to grow up!
My guess is you are one of those pig paid by the paranid lee regime to save their faces in the internet world.
“Lee Kuan Yew – ANU is not for you!”
Oh please.
Threats used by Government departments? Is Singapore the only country to practice this or does it happen in so-called ‘enlightened’ countries in the U.S?
Dictator?
I think not.
I used to hate LKY and Singapore, believing the education system and the society to have wronged me.
I came to Australia to study and live and it was through living here I realised what LKY has done for Singapore.
From a 3rd world dump to a 1st world country with world class health care, safety, infrastructure, etc.
I was an outcast of the system because I was young, rebelled for no reason and missed the train. I couldn’t even get basic results for simple subjects except perhaps for English and one or two subjects.
When I came to Australia even being an outcast of the Singapore education system – a failure, I could get outstanding results here.
The view towards education here is sadly lacking. The standards are sadly lacking as well.
Plagiarism is rife and I’ve seen and met many students blatantly submitting completely plagiarised assignments and thesis projects – not one was caught!
Teachers were not passionate in teaching at all and very lacking in standards, save for a few wonderful gems who ironically studied overseas and spent lots of time in Asia.
In Australia, health care is so dismal you wait for months, even years to get basic health care subsidised by the Government. Dental health in Australia is statistically speaking is similar to African countries – UNBELIEVEABLE.
Australians do not have basic access to health care nor does Australia have infrastructure to support Aussies!
Basic infrastructure such as public transport is pathetic. Things take a billion years to happen here.
Apply for a bank account? On the spot in Singapore. 1 week in Australia. And you don’t get your card one week later, and the pass code another week later.
Everything is far more expensive here (i.e broadband) not because Australia lacks money, but because infrastructure is so bad everything costs more because of unproductive methods of executing anything!
All that money goes to absolutely, openly corrupt politicians who play their parlour games on TV and behind 4 walls and all the average Aussies ever do is whinge, moan and stay happy for the next one month when a few scraps are thrown to them from the obesely rich and fat pollies.
The average Aussie is ignorant of their status in Asia Pacific.
They’d like to think they are Western but you’re not! That’s why its called Australasia and that’s why you’re in the Asia Pacific!
Without an understanding of Asia, culture, customs and getting rid of your high nosed idiocy and ignorance of Asia, you are slowly being left behind while the rest of Asia catches up – and fast!
While the Aussies are still running around in circles in their own little world running their ‘lightning fast’ on average 1.5 – 24mbps internet (which truth be told is closer to barely 5mbps real time), sad market monopolies (Coles, Woolworths) because the average Aussie is so fat, lazy, incompetant and ignorant to stand up and vote with their consumer dollar – not to mention happily expecting and guzzling cheap goods yet complaining about the quality (you get what you paid for, darls), the rest of the world has already walked over you to open the door, closing it in front of your face.
And you wonder why Aussies are so desperate for validation by any small/medium fry from any white country.
Just look at one visit from Tiger Woods turned Aussies into. Slobbering, begging, doe eyed puppies waiting for the Master to nod his approval and say, “Good dog.”
And that’s JUST one Tiger Woods.
200 years. Australia have had ample time to buckle its seatbelts and head for the stars.
Singapore took 30 years.
Grow up.
Off-farm income and education in rural Thailand
Those findings are quite striking, but I think what one would expect. It’s well known that manufacturing is superior to agriculture when it comes to the overall wealth of a country.
I would like to see a follow up showing a comparison of the relative strength of the family unit in Khon Kaen and Suphan Buri betwen 1984 and 2004. I believe a shift to a manufacturing society also has a corresponding negative impact on the family unit.
Ultimately it is positive to see increased wealth in these communities, but it is a shame when it comes at the expense of long held traditions and cultural norms. Western countries have much greater wealth, but they also have seen a degradation of the family, increased substance abuse and mental health issues, an increase in stress related diseases…is it really worth it to move away from an agriculturally based society?
I’m certainly not advocating continuing poverty, I just wish there were a balanced way to move away from agriculture and into non-farm occupations. Perhaps Thailand will show us how to balance a non-farm workforce and increased wealth with the needs of the individual and the family.
Anwar and Rudd
I think the issue is more of what Australia as a country in the Asia Pacific region intends to project herself in the 21st century. This region is undergoing a rapid social, economic and political transformation of which these changes have not been discussed or addressed among leaders in the region. These structural changes require institutional reform. The characteristics of global economic interdependence demand the participation of the entire village in order to make the reform process less pain. The approach does not necessarily be perceived as interference, it could be done via ASEAN multilateral framework. I am certain Australia participation and leadership would be welcome.
The Devil’s Discus – in Thai
Interesting subject.
There is video on YouTube since a few days, referring to the book – easily be found it “devil’s discus” is entered in the search field.
Since I checked in the internet about this subject I ask myself about the title: What could be the meaning of it?
Furthermore I found a link to the Khun Somsaks analysis from published on Nov. 03, 2007:
http://somsakwork.blogspot.com/2007/11/blog-post.html
Is any English translation of this article available?
Commentary on “Thailand in transition”
One can address the current event as directly and publicly as one wish, as long as one no longer wish to set feet on Thai soil. It’s simple, as Thongchai stated in his speech. That’s why he reiterates the necessity of the LM reform times and again. The only problem is, the one who can accomplish this job, is the one who sticks to the status quo most.
Anwar and Rudd
I agree with your sentiment, but I’m not sure about not being able to regard Australia as a ‘credible’ democracy internationally because Australia’s internal processes are not what you’re criticising. Rudd’s values and democracy are not interchangeable!
Commentary on “Thailand in transition”
Thongchai addressed the PRESENT ISSUE through the past events (like his article which titled ‘The Kingmakers’ published after the 2006 coup). I hope that in the future we could raise the present issue through the present events more directly and publicly.
Compare and contrast
There is a report in The Nation, and here, in Irrawaddy
Seems like it was somewhat lame and as early as five years ago Thailand could have given this kind of presentation itself.
Southeast Asia’s REDD alert
Following on from the points raised about Myanmar that Nich has referred to, see this article: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2009-12/05/content_9125987.htm
In particular:
“Another concern is the gangsters and corrupt power brokers associated with deforestation in some countries.
It’s “the dirty secret no one wants to talk about,” said Joe Saunders, deputy program director at Human Rights Watch. “But until the lack of oversight and conflicts of interest are taken seriously, pouring more money into the leaky system from carbon trading is likely to make the problem worse, not better.”
Agus Purnomo, who heads Indonesia’s National Council on Climate Change, dismisses the concerns and says existing national laws should be adequate.
“If you have to clear up all the corruption before you can have REDD, then REDD won’t be a useful instrument,” Purnomo said. “We should not overburden REDD with all these other issues.”
Compare and contrast
A Chula Political Science Faculty student, regular member of the Samesky Webboard (soon to be re-named ThaiLiberal.cm) who goes by the log-in name “Fallingangels” has made an mp3 recording of the seminar. Anyone interested can download it here:
http://www.mediafire.com/?yditkmymnii
(34.01MB)
The recording last about 74 minutes. I haven’t had a chance to listen to all of it, but it seems not to include the questions and answers session (except a few seconds of part of “Fallingangels”‘ himself posing question at the very end of the tape).
Thaksin on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
As I understand it, His Majesty the King’s eldest daughter relinquished all claims to be in the line of succession to the Throne, when she married the American West Point graduate Peter Jensen.
ALL Thai land is ultimately Royal land, and foreigners are forbidden from owning Thai land.
At the time of her marriage, Thai spouses of foreigners were also automatically disposessed of any rights to Thai land.
The Thai court rules are complicated, but essentially it seems she never ceased being a Princess, and now that she has returned to Thailand, and divorced Jensen, she has been welcomed back into the Royal Family.
But because of her previous action, has no entitlement to be considered for the Throne – i.e. she is not known by the title Crown Princess.
Only her younger sister – Princess Sirindhorn, and her older brother the Crown Prince, are entitled to be considered by the Privy Council, which ultimately decides.
Very high levels of the Thai elite have long been buying up prime real estate, and investments. etc. overseas – as protection against one day being overthrown in Thailand.
They have thoroughly exploited the loophole which allows Thais to buy in the West, but not Westerners to buy in Thailand.
Abhisit at Samak’s funeral
Stan – I hope you are correct about “the days of street politics deciding country’s fate are over”.
It would be far better for the country’s fate to be decided through the ballot box, than either street politics or yet another coup (which it seems General Anupong is now quietly warning of).
There was an excellent post here awhile ago by a Thai pointing out that the Democrats have a good chance of winning many votes in Lanna and Isaarn. This is the hopeful way to go.
But from a Western perspective, OUR history offers not much hope at all of avoidng civil war in the type of situation Thailand is now in. But never under-estimate particular Thai cultural traits – especially their extraordinary ability to achieve compromise and consensus in the most difficult circumstances.