I think Jon Fernquest confuses the rule of law with the rule of judges. What, for example, did Lord Justice Jeffreys, corrupt courtier notorious for his unjust exercise of judicial power, do for the rule of law? The answer is: he undermined it.
I believe that we in the West have been through the same kind political crisis that Thailand is going through now, and that Thailand is like England in the 17th century, but so far less violent. The threat of violence, however is the major determinant in Thai politics.
Thaksin has chosen the right-wing demagogue Samak, because Samak has the best chance of winning the Army over. Once this has happened the judges will come into line. Their Honours are, how shall we say it, not risk-takers, and happy to be agents for the risk-takers who acquire real power. Though Thaksin winning the Army over sounds far from a triumph of good over evil, in the long term it might get the Army used to taking orders from the elected government. The danger is that he will win over only half the Army. Then the threat of violence will turn into reality.
Well, folks, don’t put too much trust in the judiciary, either. All members of the judiciary are human, aren’t they? And as such they are also subjected to greed, wrath, and illusion. Isn’t it rather unrealistic to expect unblemished superThais amid Thai commonfolks? It happens only in tall tales.
What do you mean come out for it’s moment in the Sun? The Sun and this moment must have been paused in some sort of pre-nuclear fallout flashback for the last 15 years? What if (first name basis) Noam was given more power? With ‘Chomsky policy’ there’d be moments in the Sun all the time and instead of denying his own hypocrisy, — sitting at MIT, writing books on the terrible actions of his country whilst profiting from them with his name on the front cover of his books, much larger than the title, in the regular Tom Clancy vogue — the Earth could still maintain a celestial course. Clearly the best thing that’s ever happened to Noam Chomsky is the USA being the global bully. He can be the rest of the English speaking world’s whistleblower. *Giant impact bold font* —Chomsky— came to a realisation!!! Grovel before his ominous intellect!! Believe utilitarianism is just!!!
As always, I think it’s up to many people in Burma, not just minority, or so-called minority liberation groups – to commit to an uprising. And to commit to it without the aid of foreign mercenaries paid with ‘virtue’. I’d support that, but I think we have to take non-intervention seriously because of the actions of our forefathers. Of course, it’s a difficult position to defend morally, because the West will be accused no consistency when we demand it from developing nations as though we are not developing ourselves.. ie – not helping when the chips are down, and meddling when there were fewer problems in the 50’s, but I believe more strongly, that the act of national self-determination to be of greater importance to Burma’s future sustained success because it would come without subservience or reliance on anyone but those in Burma. Then, perhaps, the blame would stop, there’d be fewer victims and we can all be a happy liberal family. But, even if people start suggesting to people in Burma that their time has come, we’ll be waiting a long time for enough ridiculously expensive fuel to seep into the molotov cocktails located in the average citizens pscyche.
There were significant decisions by courts last week. Why can’t the foreign media can’t bring themselves to report these facts?
And I wrote:
The Government is under attack in the courts, in Parliament and in the media. … Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej must dread reading the newspaper each morning. Each day seems to bring a new crisis or an escalation in one of his many existing problems.
On Tuesday last week, his deputy party leader and former speaker was found guilty of vote buying. On Wednesday, the health minister was disqualified for not declaring his wife’s assets, and on Thursday the foreign minister resigned after a nationalist backlash against the Government’s decision to support a Cambodian bid for World Heritage listing for an ancient Hindu temple. The Preah Vihear temple is located on a disputed section of the Thai-Cambodian border. … The constitutional court even weighed into the fray by ruling the Government should not have endorsed the Cambodian World Heritage bid without taking the matter to Parliament.
I know you are not a fan of brevity, but I think I did cover the key decisions last week.
[…] number of regular New Mandala commentators, and here I am thinking of the Tom Blemings and Jack Slades of the world, have long made plain their public support for making war in Burma. […]
Srithanonchai : Dead silence on the Crown Prince’s trip. Same thing last year and well we know what kind of speculation there is.
You have to wonder with the daily 20 minute Royal News and over two to three months, why can’t they fit in a couple of minute segment? I swear one of the other royals was in the region recently.
There were significant decisions by courts last week.
Why can’t the foreign media can’t bring themselves to report these facts?
I suppose there is some cultural relativist anthropological explanation or paternalistic explanation.
The criteria of good reporting in one’s own country does not apply to other poorer countries?
Both former Prime Minister Thaksin and current Prime Minister Samak have made explicit statements in the past that they believe that corruption was part of Thai society. The Thai judicial system apparently disagrees. In the west this is called checks and balances. The courts have found Chaiya guilty of concealing assets, something he apparently thought he could get away with, perhaps because he has a lot of money. Yutthapong was found guilty of vote buying. Prime Minister Samak was already sentenced to serve jail time when he was elected. …etc…etc…apparently no one took laws seriously until last week….
Did the writer of this opinion piece actually read the newspaper last week?
Furthermore, what do you expect when the elected party sees it as their mandate to undermine the judicial system. There was even talk of adding justices to the court. Rewrite the constitution to diminish their role.
Where were the courts after Tak Bai or the mass 3,000 extrajudicial killings of the drug war? A reassertion of the judicial system and rule of law is a welcome sign. Again, the court cases should have been mentioned and discussed.
Many western readers apparently have their minds already made up about every possible future event and don’t need to read the news anymore.
There indeed seem to have been a conscious strategy of expanding the protests and sites of confrontation beyond Bangkok
As long as there is a conscious strategy by the TRT/PPP mafia to evade the rule of law blatantly and shamelessly, one cannot expect anything but for the protests to expand and intensify.
Injustice breeds anger and resentment. And history has proven that the people have always arisen to struggle against injustice.
When the politicians come out with their defiant and shameless messages of, “WE WILL REMAIN ABOVE THE LAW AT ANY COST”, this is the real incitement of violence. In fact, Noppodon’s resignation was a recognition of this. Inaction on his part (i.e. “I AM ABOVE THE CONSTITUTION”) would have provoked widespread dangerous reactions.
So PM Samak’s renewed declaration to amend the constitution, ie. another affirmation of “WE WILL REMAIN ABOVE THE LAW AT ANY COST.” is sure to provoke further expansion and intensification of protest activities.
But it seems as if the government is cornered and will do things despite knowing that their actions will provoke violence, but this is to be expected since their aim has always been to remain above the law at any cost
So things are not looking good. Last I heard is that a group of PPP MPs are preparing to file petitions against the Election Commission, the NCCC, the OAG and the Constitution Tribunal in order to try to cease their operations. Thereby again, adding much fuel for violence.
This lastest move to overpower the Constitutional Court and independent watchdogs shows just what kind of government they’d like to have for Thailand, ie. same as in those days of Thaksin. Such government being best described by James Madison as so: “The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective , may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.”
Yes, buffaloes do like to “do their own thing.” Many years ago here with the Peace Corps community development in Buriram, I was asked by local officials to build a grader to replace a Cat grader that had gone kaput and needed spare parts. foolishly I said yes, then went to work drawing up and then getting an estimate for a wooden sled that would have sand bags on top and be pulled by water buffalo. Went overbudget, but we got the thing done and put it on the road near the broken down Cat.
The deputy governor was with me as we tied the sled to two water buffalo and got them to begin pulling it on the laterite road surface. For a moment it looked like things were fine, but suddenly the buffaloes bolted, one one way the other the other way! We all had a laugh but were thinking about the expense in having this new piece of equipment that did not serve its purpose. The deputy governor, though, was smart, and had a nearby tractor driver pull the tractor over and hook up the sled behind it. That worked great!
We got the job done and roadwork taken care of, but I learned a bit about buffalo.
Thanks Observer. I only read the opinion piece here in NM – and credit to Andrew there (and my apologies ofcourse).
I maintain my critique of the opinion piece that it is only half the story without mentioning the highly interrelated PMThaksin’s ongoing court cases as well as PPP’s attempt at contitutional amendment. I will admit to ‘losing it’ because he is talking about my country here. I don’t care what the Economist or other big global media company say as Thailand is the least of their concern. Andrew Walker is a highly respected academic and does top quality research on Thailand and his words and views carries weight and responsibility – especially when he is writing for the Canberra Times audience that doesn’t follow Thai events day to day. I believe he knows full well here that he was selective of recent Thai political events. That I find unfortunate and, hence, my expressed disappointment.
Readers looking for another assessment of Downer’s years as Foreign Minister will find this fascinating piece, from the Lowy Institute’s Interpreter, merits a quick click.
I’m quite sad on how the “Sufficiency Philosophy” is being criticized, when really IMHO its about:
PHILOSOPHY Achieving your Optimum Output sustainably– on doing the best you can with (the resources) you have, whilst having time to do other good and fun things! And for Thais, do that with the Award Winning Smile, and That’s it!
I think the philosophy is quite timeless and like any good “common sense”, is another common sense.
What I think it really IS is this: Draw a Line for supply going up, and prices coming down. Draw another line for demand going up and prices going up. Where the lines intersect is the Optimum Output. (So if you have so much brains to supply, Go Ahead Now. If you have so much love, Go Ahead Now! If you have huge Talent, contriubute! Just Do It, have fun, grow sustainably!)
MIDDLE PATH
I think it extends from “the Middle Path” — avoiding extremes, but attaining continual growth sustainably, so you don’t burn out in what you do.
Doing the above help Thailand in the context of, for the sub-poor: not wanting more than you can afford. Theft (plus other crimes), Drug Problem, Stupid Investments, Prostitution stem from that. For the Poor, its about achieving this output on a constant basis AND grow. For street workers keep up the legal work, for the poor but educated, keep up the grunt and keep on toiling. For the medium to rich, its about living a Balanced Life, for a happy family.
MOVING FORWARD SUSTAINABLY
So, its not about Stomping your Foot Where You Are. Its about Progressive Growth in a Sustainable Manner. Can this bad?
I would suggest that people try to get this at a Philosophical level rather than socking it out at an implementation level. If it doesn’t fit the philosophy, then better not go with it.
How it matters to the Thai Economy?
1. “Don’t only Be a Branch Office Economy” – Geez do we have to buy *everything* Sure, if its too complex we can buy, but if we can do (i.e. a) the government sponsors b) the people are ready c) it makes economical sense based on the required resources)
2. “Thaksinism” fails the “Sufficiency Economy” mainly because the objective is already flawed, but because it involves giving money away recklessly for elections, rather than giving away the sustainable know-how for people to live sustainably; Sorry for bringing Thaksinism that high for comparison, really, IMHO its only about getting One Man to the “Richest Man In The World” spot – the objective.
Whilst Capitalism and Democracy Go Hand In Hand, IMHO, “Sufficiency Philosophy” is a “Middle Path” version of Capitalism, though does not strive “Fullest Profit”, but rather, a “Sustained Optimum Output” — which may or may not be Wealth. So to me, it is a higher form.
But since it is not as easy to measure as Capitalism is (Counting Money is Easy), the vagueness of what one considers “Success” is what is causing the confusion.
So I’d advise people to just stick to the Philosophical Level, and you’ll never get lost in its application. (IMHO). 🙂
I bet a) Thaksin bought that advertisement himself b) Someone who wants to KowTow him did that.
If you saw Andrew’s map on Constituency and voting (over 70-80% Bangkokians are not PPP), you’ll see that this Advertisement is false, and no, it does not represent Bangkokian people.
Again, another “Dog and Pony Show” to Tourists to make him seem like a hero and in the eyes of the Manchester City Football Clubbers, a ‘legitimate’ owner. IMHO.
Srithanonchai : You are right on the point about the news of the prince’s trips not been reported (unlike other royal globetrotters). However, the prince’s wife was on TV a couple of weeks ago, visiting a bunch of hospitals and kiddie things just outside Bangkok. Maybe a kik went to Germany??
An opinion piece PMSamak would dream for!!! (but is not getting in the Thai press as Andrew acknowledged – a foriegn Thai specialist academic must know better and be more objective??? I think Canberra Times readers should be informed of NM to be able to put this opinion piece in clearer context)
Except, ofcourse, for that one line towards the end:
“Thai politics is very messy but some of democracy’s main checks and balances seem to be working.”
PMSamak says that its time to change the constitution to curb the courts’ checks and balances power. It’s just hard to change “TRT/PPP-Election-Win-Equals-To-License-To-Freely-Rob-Thailand” habit… I do empathize with Andrew here, it is a difficult, if not an impossible task to summarize the current state of Thai politics in an evenhanded manner in so many words. But at least, he could avoid such misrepresentations through selected truths. It is PMThaksin through PPP who wants to, and has the actual power to, “change the rules” not PAD.
And another critical one:
“The bottom line is Samak holds a commanding majority in the House of Representatives. His People Power Party, in which deposed prime-minister Thaksin Shinawatra has considerable influence…”
PMSamak is a self-confessed “nominee” of PMThaksin (but, in actual fact, an ingenious opportunist) and PPP is clearly not “his”. And in this arrangement/relationship lies the root of all current problems – which Andrew interestingly omits from Canberran readership. The Thai cabinet was not of PMSamak’s choosing, the first PPP push to amend the constitution to white-wash PMThaksin’s court cases which fired up PAD protests (another critical omission by Andrew) actually did not receive PMSamak’s full blessing. In this context, Andrew, if he chose to, could have done much better such as:
“Let the Thai courts decide Thaksin’s fate, let the Thai electorate decide PPP’s”
Most of us in NM are aware of Andrew’s soft-spot for PMThaksin. This is fine for a blog – but to misrepresent Thai politics (by telling selected truths) in an opinion piece to a mainly foriegn readership (not to mention the influential ones) is rather disappointing…
‘Time to go back to the streets and around the country’ – seems to be PAD’s mantra with PMSamak, as usual, throwing oil to the fire proposing a quick constitution amendment to limit the court’s power. A case of thieves and mafias changing the law to white-wash/legalize their crimes. PMThaksin/PMSamak/TRT/PPP (and whatever shape and form they eventually take up) DESERVES the PAD.
The critical thing here is that everyone “do their jobs” properly. The attorney-general, after turning back many cases from ASC, (surprising many) filed the BIGGEST ONE against PMThaksin one on the conflicts of interests involving ShinCorp and its eventual sale (we all know the current political conflict is largely due to PMThaksin wanting ‘his’ USD2billion unfrozen – and PPP government priorities clearly reflect that). May the cases proceed openly without fear or favor or any interference. Let all the evidences come out to light. IF PMThaksin truly believes in his innocence, then really stay out of politics. His and his nominees’ actions provide ample evidences otherwise…
For Reg Varney’s and Srithanonchai’s concerns, if the security forces “do their jobs”, the protests from both sides can be managed and crashes avoided. They seem to be getting better at it already (but not down South, unfortunately). The army commanders can “do their jobs” and maintain neutrality – no matter who comes knocking at their doors (and resist any reshuffle that re-politicizes the army).
Who knows, if another unprecedented phenomenon happens – and everyone “does their job” properly, this might settle by the years end without violence and/or loss of life. And we’ll have an election where politicians will think three times before considering breaking the law. And that is surely worth a big national celebration. I have my fingers crossed…
Facebook 
Twitter 
Soundcloud 
Youtube 
Rss
“Let the electorate judge”
I think Jon Fernquest confuses the rule of law with the rule of judges. What, for example, did Lord Justice Jeffreys, corrupt courtier notorious for his unjust exercise of judicial power, do for the rule of law? The answer is: he undermined it.
I believe that we in the West have been through the same kind political crisis that Thailand is going through now, and that Thailand is like England in the 17th century, but so far less violent. The threat of violence, however is the major determinant in Thai politics.
Thaksin has chosen the right-wing demagogue Samak, because Samak has the best chance of winning the Army over. Once this has happened the judges will come into line. Their Honours are, how shall we say it, not risk-takers, and happy to be agents for the risk-takers who acquire real power. Though Thaksin winning the Army over sounds far from a triumph of good over evil, in the long term it might get the Army used to taking orders from the elected government. The danger is that he will win over only half the Army. Then the threat of violence will turn into reality.
“The treasures of man are women, wine, cars and villas…”
Sorry, Erik, I wrote that while I was feeling fairly Grim Reaper at work. What a load of rubbish.
Crown Prince scouting European airports
Don’t waste your attention on this completely useless imitation of a royal.
National pride restored!
The outfit on the girl’s body is a disgrace to Thailand.
“Let the electorate judge”
Well, folks, don’t put too much trust in the judiciary, either. All members of the judiciary are human, aren’t they? And as such they are also subjected to greed, wrath, and illusion. Isn’t it rather unrealistic to expect unblemished superThais amid Thai commonfolks? It happens only in tall tales.
Armed struggle: The way forward?
What do you mean come out for it’s moment in the Sun? The Sun and this moment must have been paused in some sort of pre-nuclear fallout flashback for the last 15 years? What if (first name basis) Noam was given more power? With ‘Chomsky policy’ there’d be moments in the Sun all the time and instead of denying his own hypocrisy, — sitting at MIT, writing books on the terrible actions of his country whilst profiting from them with his name on the front cover of his books, much larger than the title, in the regular Tom Clancy vogue — the Earth could still maintain a celestial course. Clearly the best thing that’s ever happened to Noam Chomsky is the USA being the global bully. He can be the rest of the English speaking world’s whistleblower. *Giant impact bold font* —Chomsky— came to a realisation!!! Grovel before his ominous intellect!! Believe utilitarianism is just!!!
As always, I think it’s up to many people in Burma, not just minority, or so-called minority liberation groups – to commit to an uprising. And to commit to it without the aid of foreign mercenaries paid with ‘virtue’. I’d support that, but I think we have to take non-intervention seriously because of the actions of our forefathers. Of course, it’s a difficult position to defend morally, because the West will be accused no consistency when we demand it from developing nations as though we are not developing ourselves.. ie – not helping when the chips are down, and meddling when there were fewer problems in the 50’s, but I believe more strongly, that the act of national self-determination to be of greater importance to Burma’s future sustained success because it would come without subservience or reliance on anyone but those in Burma. Then, perhaps, the blame would stop, there’d be fewer victims and we can all be a happy liberal family. But, even if people start suggesting to people in Burma that their time has come, we’ll be waiting a long time for enough ridiculously expensive fuel to seep into the molotov cocktails located in the average citizens pscyche.
“Let the electorate judge”
Hi Jon: you wrote:
And I wrote:
I know you are not a fan of brevity, but I think I did cover the key decisions last week.
A glossy feature on Thomas Bleming
[…] number of regular New Mandala commentators, and here I am thinking of the Tom Blemings and Jack Slades of the world, have long made plain their public support for making war in Burma. […]
Crown Prince scouting European airports
Srithanonchai : Dead silence on the Crown Prince’s trip. Same thing last year and well we know what kind of speculation there is.
You have to wonder with the daily 20 minute Royal News and over two to three months, why can’t they fit in a couple of minute segment? I swear one of the other royals was in the region recently.
“Let the electorate judge”
There were significant decisions by courts last week.
Why can’t the foreign media can’t bring themselves to report these facts?
I suppose there is some cultural relativist anthropological explanation or paternalistic explanation.
The criteria of good reporting in one’s own country does not apply to other poorer countries?
Both former Prime Minister Thaksin and current Prime Minister Samak have made explicit statements in the past that they believe that corruption was part of Thai society. The Thai judicial system apparently disagrees. In the west this is called checks and balances. The courts have found Chaiya guilty of concealing assets, something he apparently thought he could get away with, perhaps because he has a lot of money. Yutthapong was found guilty of vote buying. Prime Minister Samak was already sentenced to serve jail time when he was elected. …etc…etc…apparently no one took laws seriously until last week….
Did the writer of this opinion piece actually read the newspaper last week?
Furthermore, what do you expect when the elected party sees it as their mandate to undermine the judicial system. There was even talk of adding justices to the court. Rewrite the constitution to diminish their role.
Where were the courts after Tak Bai or the mass 3,000 extrajudicial killings of the drug war? A reassertion of the judicial system and rule of law is a welcome sign. Again, the court cases should have been mentioned and discussed.
Many western readers apparently have their minds already made up about every possible future event and don’t need to read the news anymore.
Time to go home
There indeed seem to have been a conscious strategy of expanding the protests and sites of confrontation beyond Bangkok
As long as there is a conscious strategy by the TRT/PPP mafia to evade the rule of law blatantly and shamelessly, one cannot expect anything but for the protests to expand and intensify.
Injustice breeds anger and resentment. And history has proven that the people have always arisen to struggle against injustice.
When the politicians come out with their defiant and shameless messages of, “WE WILL REMAIN ABOVE THE LAW AT ANY COST”, this is the real incitement of violence. In fact, Noppodon’s resignation was a recognition of this. Inaction on his part (i.e. “I AM ABOVE THE CONSTITUTION”) would have provoked widespread dangerous reactions.
So PM Samak’s renewed declaration to amend the constitution, ie. another affirmation of “WE WILL REMAIN ABOVE THE LAW AT ANY COST.” is sure to provoke further expansion and intensification of protest activities.
But it seems as if the government is cornered and will do things despite knowing that their actions will provoke violence, but this is to be expected since their aim has always been to remain above the law at any cost
So things are not looking good. Last I heard is that a group of PPP MPs are preparing to file petitions against the Election Commission, the NCCC, the OAG and the Constitution Tribunal in order to try to cease their operations. Thereby again, adding much fuel for violence.
This lastest move to overpower the Constitutional Court and independent watchdogs shows just what kind of government they’d like to have for Thailand, ie. same as in those days of Thaksin. Such government being best described by James Madison as so: “The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective , may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.”
Fuel, tractors and buffalos – some local views
15 July 2008
Yes, buffaloes do like to “do their own thing.” Many years ago here with the Peace Corps community development in Buriram, I was asked by local officials to build a grader to replace a Cat grader that had gone kaput and needed spare parts. foolishly I said yes, then went to work drawing up and then getting an estimate for a wooden sled that would have sand bags on top and be pulled by water buffalo. Went overbudget, but we got the thing done and put it on the road near the broken down Cat.
The deputy governor was with me as we tied the sled to two water buffalo and got them to begin pulling it on the laterite road surface. For a moment it looked like things were fine, but suddenly the buffaloes bolted, one one way the other the other way! We all had a laugh but were thinking about the expense in having this new piece of equipment that did not serve its purpose. The deputy governor, though, was smart, and had a nearby tractor driver pull the tractor over and hook up the sled behind it. That worked great!
We got the job done and roadwork taken care of, but I learned a bit about buffalo.
“Let the electorate judge”
Thanks Observer. I only read the opinion piece here in NM – and credit to Andrew there (and my apologies ofcourse).
I maintain my critique of the opinion piece that it is only half the story without mentioning the highly interrelated PMThaksin’s ongoing court cases as well as PPP’s attempt at contitutional amendment. I will admit to ‘losing it’ because he is talking about my country here. I don’t care what the Economist or other big global media company say as Thailand is the least of their concern. Andrew Walker is a highly respected academic and does top quality research on Thailand and his words and views carries weight and responsibility – especially when he is writing for the Canberra Times audience that doesn’t follow Thai events day to day. I believe he knows full well here that he was selective of recent Thai political events. That I find unfortunate and, hence, my expressed disappointment.
Farewell to the idiot son
Readers looking for another assessment of Downer’s years as Foreign Minister will find this fascinating piece, from the Lowy Institute’s Interpreter, merits a quick click.
Best wishes to all,
Nich
Sufficiency and the rich
I’m quite sad on how the “Sufficiency Philosophy” is being criticized, when really IMHO its about:
PHILOSOPHY
Achieving your Optimum Output sustainably– on doing the best you can with (the resources) you have, whilst having time to do other good and fun things! And for Thais, do that with the Award Winning Smile, and That’s it!
I think the philosophy is quite timeless and like any good “common sense”, is another common sense.
What I think it really IS is this: Draw a Line for supply going up, and prices coming down. Draw another line for demand going up and prices going up. Where the lines intersect is the Optimum Output. (So if you have so much brains to supply, Go Ahead Now. If you have so much love, Go Ahead Now! If you have huge Talent, contriubute! Just Do It, have fun, grow sustainably!)
MIDDLE PATH
I think it extends from “the Middle Path” — avoiding extremes, but attaining continual growth sustainably, so you don’t burn out in what you do.
Doing the above help Thailand in the context of, for the sub-poor: not wanting more than you can afford. Theft (plus other crimes), Drug Problem, Stupid Investments, Prostitution stem from that. For the Poor, its about achieving this output on a constant basis AND grow. For street workers keep up the legal work, for the poor but educated, keep up the grunt and keep on toiling. For the medium to rich, its about living a Balanced Life, for a happy family.
MOVING FORWARD SUSTAINABLY
So, its not about Stomping your Foot Where You Are. Its about Progressive Growth in a Sustainable Manner. Can this bad?
I would suggest that people try to get this at a Philosophical level rather than socking it out at an implementation level. If it doesn’t fit the philosophy, then better not go with it.
How it matters to the Thai Economy?
1. “Don’t only Be a Branch Office Economy” – Geez do we have to buy *everything* Sure, if its too complex we can buy, but if we can do (i.e. a) the government sponsors b) the people are ready c) it makes economical sense based on the required resources)
2. “Thaksinism” fails the “Sufficiency Economy” mainly because the objective is already flawed, but because it involves giving money away recklessly for elections, rather than giving away the sustainable know-how for people to live sustainably; Sorry for bringing Thaksinism that high for comparison, really, IMHO its only about getting One Man to the “Richest Man In The World” spot – the objective.
Whilst Capitalism and Democracy Go Hand In Hand, IMHO, “Sufficiency Philosophy” is a “Middle Path” version of Capitalism, though does not strive “Fullest Profit”, but rather, a “Sustained Optimum Output” — which may or may not be Wealth. So to me, it is a higher form.
But since it is not as easy to measure as Capitalism is (Counting Money is Easy), the vagueness of what one considers “Success” is what is causing the confusion.
So I’d advise people to just stick to the Philosophical Level, and you’ll never get lost in its application. (IMHO). 🙂
Welcome home Thaksin
Hopefully, Once in Jail, Forever in Jail 😉
I bet a) Thaksin bought that advertisement himself b) Someone who wants to KowTow him did that.
If you saw Andrew’s map on Constituency and voting (over 70-80% Bangkokians are not PPP), you’ll see that this Advertisement is false, and no, it does not represent Bangkokian people.
Again, another “Dog and Pony Show” to Tourists to make him seem like a hero and in the eyes of the Manchester City Football Clubbers, a ‘legitimate’ owner. IMHO.
“Let the electorate judge”
I think Canberra Times readers should be informed of NM to be able to put this opinion piece in clearer context)
You mean beyond this statement at the bottom of the editorial?
He co-founded New Mandala, a website that provides ongoing commentary on South-East Asian affairs.
Take a deep breathe Sidh, outside of the biased hordes of the PAD and ranting editorial board at The Nation, Andrew’s viewpoint makes a lot of sense
Crown Prince scouting European airports
Srithanonchai : You are right on the point about the news of the prince’s trips not been reported (unlike other royal globetrotters). However, the prince’s wife was on TV a couple of weeks ago, visiting a bunch of hospitals and kiddie things just outside Bangkok. Maybe a kik went to Germany??
“Let the electorate judge”
An opinion piece PMSamak would dream for!!! (but is not getting in the Thai press as Andrew acknowledged – a foriegn Thai specialist academic must know better and be more objective??? I think Canberra Times readers should be informed of NM to be able to put this opinion piece in clearer context)
Except, ofcourse, for that one line towards the end:
“Thai politics is very messy but some of democracy’s main checks and balances seem to be working.”
PMSamak says that its time to change the constitution to curb the courts’ checks and balances power. It’s just hard to change “TRT/PPP-Election-Win-Equals-To-License-To-Freely-Rob-Thailand” habit… I do empathize with Andrew here, it is a difficult, if not an impossible task to summarize the current state of Thai politics in an evenhanded manner in so many words. But at least, he could avoid such misrepresentations through selected truths. It is PMThaksin through PPP who wants to, and has the actual power to, “change the rules” not PAD.
And another critical one:
“The bottom line is Samak holds a commanding majority in the House of Representatives. His People Power Party, in which deposed prime-minister Thaksin Shinawatra has considerable influence…”
PMSamak is a self-confessed “nominee” of PMThaksin (but, in actual fact, an ingenious opportunist) and PPP is clearly not “his”. And in this arrangement/relationship lies the root of all current problems – which Andrew interestingly omits from Canberran readership. The Thai cabinet was not of PMSamak’s choosing, the first PPP push to amend the constitution to white-wash PMThaksin’s court cases which fired up PAD protests (another critical omission by Andrew) actually did not receive PMSamak’s full blessing. In this context, Andrew, if he chose to, could have done much better such as:
“Let the Thai courts decide Thaksin’s fate, let the Thai electorate decide PPP’s”
Most of us in NM are aware of Andrew’s soft-spot for PMThaksin. This is fine for a blog – but to misrepresent Thai politics (by telling selected truths) in an opinion piece to a mainly foriegn readership (not to mention the influential ones) is rather disappointing…
Time to go home
‘Time to go back to the streets and around the country’ – seems to be PAD’s mantra with PMSamak, as usual, throwing oil to the fire proposing a quick constitution amendment to limit the court’s power. A case of thieves and mafias changing the law to white-wash/legalize their crimes. PMThaksin/PMSamak/TRT/PPP (and whatever shape and form they eventually take up) DESERVES the PAD.
The critical thing here is that everyone “do their jobs” properly. The attorney-general, after turning back many cases from ASC, (surprising many) filed the BIGGEST ONE against PMThaksin one on the conflicts of interests involving ShinCorp and its eventual sale (we all know the current political conflict is largely due to PMThaksin wanting ‘his’ USD2billion unfrozen – and PPP government priorities clearly reflect that). May the cases proceed openly without fear or favor or any interference. Let all the evidences come out to light. IF PMThaksin truly believes in his innocence, then really stay out of politics. His and his nominees’ actions provide ample evidences otherwise…
For Reg Varney’s and Srithanonchai’s concerns, if the security forces “do their jobs”, the protests from both sides can be managed and crashes avoided. They seem to be getting better at it already (but not down South, unfortunately). The army commanders can “do their jobs” and maintain neutrality – no matter who comes knocking at their doors (and resist any reshuffle that re-politicizes the army).
Who knows, if another unprecedented phenomenon happens – and everyone “does their job” properly, this might settle by the years end without violence and/or loss of life. And we’ll have an election where politicians will think three times before considering breaking the law. And that is surely worth a big national celebration. I have my fingers crossed…