Tom- I am very happy to hear that your book is starting to sell more copies. The funds are much needed at the moment.
The website Mr. Bleming mentioned is still under construction and I wasn’t planning to release it until later this month or next month. I still need to set up a paypal type of account so that funds can be deposited directly over the internet. The correct webiste address is http://www.storminternationalcorp.com.
You can read what we have put there, but please understand that the site is not finished and in all actuallity this site was not going to be open to the public for quite some time. We had intended to stay below the radar until we had better equipment and services to offer.
If you would like to make a donation or contribution you can contact me via the website contact page and I can tell you how you may assist us in our efforts to provide assistance to the Karen People. Please do not email me about guns or weapons of any kind. We are not in the business of violating the weapons non-proliferation act and follow the rules of international law.
We are not mercenaries or missionaries.
Jack, out.
25 June 2008
‘Nuff of the sarcasm?
In fact, there has to be more than one group that has different ideas about the monarchy and whether it is fulfilling its role, overstepping its bounds or being improperly addressed by evil-minded people who don’t know what they are talking about. On the other hand, discounting informed, well-meaning people making valuable contributions to free speech by citing them as evil conspirators and what-not begs the question of whether or not communism is worse than the system of speech here in Thailand where people do not have recourse to proper protection from a great deal of human and civil rights violations.
If there are groups that are developing ideas contrary to the accepted ones relating to Thailand’s government with all its components, more power to them. Don’t forget that conspiracies make the world go round. It’s little people with little ideas and too much power who help whatever evil exists to continue to do so. When you punish legitimate free speech and demand consent rather than informed consent, you are not running a democracy or anything like it. If oppressive governance is so attractive, vote for Thaksin/TRT/PPP, or move to North Korea. And before you do so, kill off all the academics, researchers, foreigners, students, agitators, protesters, intellectuals, democracy advocates and others who disagree with your 1,000 year-old irony against human rights.
Andrew, there’s no point going over old ground – lets just leave it at:
– You are prepared to turn a blind eye to corruption, tax evasion, extra-judicial killings etc, and I am not!
Personally, I am in the ‘song mai ow camp’, and I think we know what camp you and Republican are in.
Good lord! Are you suggesting that there is more than one person with republican views that supports the rights of elected governments to govern? A “group”! It can’t be true! That is surely going too far!
I definitely agree with you jonfernquest! I believe that dishonesty has ruled the chamber of government and private institutions here in Thailand. I want to elaborate further on this issue but I guess it’s futile to discuss.
On the other hand, I believe that being dishonest is already mean, but being racist is another story. Why should these “people” try to hide the truth if in the long run, farang can see the point exactly why they have to do so much cost-cuttings. For instance, Filipino educators (especially Master of Arts in Education, English majors) have been criticized that they should only receive 15,000 baht because they’re not whites…. I believe that this is absolutely insane. It would be better if “they” would just simply say that the government can only pay this much…. rather than uttering discriminating words.
I have heard so many racist remarks… but it would be better to end this discussion because these people won’t even care to read what’s going on in the local newspapers. What’s the point of elaborating…?
Reg Varney: “I certainly don’t agree that these “maniacs” can be heroes (unless you see their task as getting rid of another government that was elected only a few months ago).”
There you go again. Ritual oblations to the democracy god. If the democracy god gets elected and then systematically pushes around everyone until they join his religion, making him richest man on earth, people will oppose democracy god by whatever means necessary. Good on them.
When will you ever stop echoing the word “democracy” (like a hairy chimpanzee at a zoo) and take a good critical look at what’s inside it, when it is put in practice. Then I will clap and feed you a peanut.
Did anyone notice the passing of 24 June yesterday? I didn’t see anything on TV (but haven’t seen the press). It seems that a pretty good job has been done on culling this event from official Thai remembered history.
On the Democrats and their role – it was interesting watching them bang the nationalist and royalist drum yesterday and generally following the furrow already ploughed by PADites.
I notice that Aj. Thak’s listing of them in the index of his revised book (on Sarit) has this in brackets: “conservative royalists”. Also in that book is an account of the Dems back in May 1947 using the constitution to invoke a general debate of the government’s record. They raised issues related to weak foreign policy, corruption, order, poor economic policy, the monarchy and education. Not much has changed in 61 years.
The king’s statement to Samak, at least in the CNN version posted here, could mean anything you want it to mean. I doubt many interpreted it as a ringing endorsement of a democratic system.
I met with several differnet political groups while in Thailand and Burma. The one overwhelmingly obvious thing I learned from the conversations I had with every single person I met was that, as a outsider from the other side of the planet, I would never fully understand the complex political situation in such a diverse and complicated enviroment.
I was advised by the Free Burma Rangers to never get invovled in the political side of things. I never had any intention of learning all the in’s and out’s, gossip and rumors of every group involved.
I am a soldier, a shooter, there to offer tactical advice on how best to defeat the people trying to kill innoccent farmers and thier familes.
When I heard about Timothy and Melton I told the person telling me that I did not want to hear about it. I have a limited amount of time ,when in country, to focus on what is important and those types will just be one distraction I do not need.
Since being stateside I have tried to approuch several churches in an attempt to get aid to Burma… I have been blown off by the pastors/fathers/Reverends/shepards of just about every faith within a 75 mile radious of my location. I had one of these “Christian Pastors” tell me that if his congregation started to give money to anything other than his church he would not be able to pay the bills and keep the lights on in the house of the lord. I threw two bible verses in his face (James 1:27 and James 2:14-18) If he knows his bible he will know in his heart that he is a hypocrite and not a true Christian.
NOT ONE CHURCH HAS GIVEN ME ANY ASSISTANCE FOR THE KAREN PEOPLE.
I should post their emails and websites all over the internet. I should visit those churches and leave fliers on every car in the lot on sunday telling how their Pastor/Rev./Father would not let me tell them of christians and non-christians that need their help. Tell them how their leader was more interested in linning his pockets and gassing up his SUV than helping people that are starveing and dyeing. I am not a vengeful person.
However, MY GOD is a vengeful God and they will be judged by him in the end. I only hope that they see the error of thier ways before they step off the planet and infront of the pearly gates.
When on the ground in some one elses world you should sit back, shut up, and observe…. Focus on the most immediate and important things to survive.
I have no use for preachers or politicians on the battle field. I will ask for forgiveness when I am done fighting or you can pray over my dead body. If I think you will help me feed my people, keep my guns, and leave me alone I might vote for you.
I wish I could tell you what I know will change the balance on the battlefield in favor of the Karen, but I know the SPDC can read too.
When I go back I will show the KNLA what I know and see what they can do with that info, no politics, no preachers, just bullets and brains.
David,
As for Melton and that so-called “pastor” Timothy, both are on the s–t list with the KNLA. Both have betrayed the Karen freedom struggle with meetings and alignments with the SPDC.
Melton even crossed into SPDC territory to “interrogate” two Knla P.O.W.’s last year. These two soldiers had surrendered to the SPDC/DKB and after Melton had his go at them they were then tortured to death!
I received this information directly from Colonel Nerdah Mya when I enquired as to what happened to these men.
An order for the arrest of Timothy has been given by the KNU.
Timothy is wanted for questioning in the murder of the late general secretary Prado Manh Sha.
Timothy fled to Australia, then to the United States after he got word that his presence in Thailand was on shaky grounds.
It has been reported on this thread in the past that Melton and Timothy have, for a long time, been engaged in fleecing various individuals for money, to aid the Karen struggle and most of these funds have been used to go on elegant shopping trips in Mae sot and Chaing Mai as well as to pay for the air tickets for their wives and families.
Should any of your readership wish to make a contribution to the Karen struggle, they only need to contact Jack Slade (www.storminternational.com), as he and a Canadian lady are the ONLY two who have been authorized by Colonel Nerdah Mya to collect and accept donations for Karen humanitarian relief projects in the Republic of Kawthoolei.
Mr. Slade brought over about $8,000.00 (eight-thousand dollars USD), of medicines and related medical gear, as well as other much needed equipment for the KNLA which he presented to Colonel Mya.
He continues to work on funding for projects that he plans to do back in Kawthoolei later this year along with the Canadian woman.
By the way Jack it looks like my book “War in Karen Country” is finally taking off (thanks to the “Arena” magazine story!)
I will be forwarding a contribution to you efforts from the royalities!
Ehhh about time one country that actually deserves it independence gets it seriously Burma deserves its own independents as appose to Tibet thats was a country based on slavery FREEDOM TO BURMA DOWN WITH TIBET’S SLAVERY!!!!!
Are you implying that I am mistaken about there being a group (which is a subset of a larger group), and you think Republican is alone with those views?
This word conspiracy gets thrown around almost as much as democracy. Conspiracies don’t need to be bad. Conspire also means ‘to act in harmony toward a common end.’ On this basis, everyone here in Thailand working toward social and political harmony is a conspirator.
While generally it means secretly joining with others in plotting to do something wrong, illegal or evil, it also does not necessarily mean being bad. For example, “something wrong.” In a society that often regards open debate as wrong, is it also wrong to conspire to bring about change?
Thailand’s constitutional monarchy was brought about by a set of conspiracies, was it not.
Just some rambling…
25 June 2008
Who appoints Privy Councilors?
Actually, a bit more detailed that “He” does it.
Don’t they generally make a joint OK on it once one of them, in varying previous talks with HM et. al, then say fine and the guy gets in? Is it not a careful appointment not just from the absolute top but from trusted submissions on who is a good candidate?
I said I am generally supportive of the PAD, and maybe better qualify that these days by dismissing myself form the nonsense in PAD or anyplace else, equally. I think part of the problem here in Thailand is that not having ever been brought up in a truly liberal democratic environment, these fringe leaders don’t know what it means when you say ‘responsible speech.’
In such an environment, things are not gong to get well anytime soon.
Anyone with ideas on the Phra Viharn situation? Is Noppadon really as straight as he is trying to make it appear?
If this is a tit-for-tat to let Thaksin in there for massive investment, why don’t people who don’t like Thaksin start spilling the beans?
That is, other than PAD?
[…] groups, and a few of them published written accounts. Takazumi Nishiyama, the author of the book mentioned by Andrew earlier in these pages, was one of them. I have not read his book (as it is not easy to get hold of […]
Pundit: You are either not as widely read as I thought, or you are choosing to play games.
Perhaps anti-monarchy was a bit blunt, so yes, let’s call it an anti-Prem group, however don’t forget who appoints Privy Councilors.
I have seen Republican and heard claims of some big movement, but I don’t see it
Seen him in person, or seen his posts here?
He’s gone very quiet here of late, so maybe that’s all part of the brilliant master strategy that he was talking about a while ago.
(Obviously the last thing the PPP camp need right now is loud barracking from the likes of Republican)
You should also not that my statement: “barracking for the Thaksin side, and are therefore seen as a subset of the pro-Thaksin camp” does not say Samak, or even Thaksin for that matter, is anti monarchy, so there’s no point to your comment about a dress down from HMK.
(in any case, from my observations, HMK, does not ‘dress down’ merely because someone has a different view, but rather bangs on about doing the job correctly, and doing the right thing etc)
If you wish to learn more about this matter, I again recommend that you do a search of posts by ‘Republican’ at this site.
Totila: Could you give us a better idea what your point is? Change may take place in Burma and it may not. Nothing much has changed there for at least 20 years so I think the smart money would be on continuity. And when change does take place in Burma, and similar countries living under authoritarian regimes, it is often not a very pleasant experience for those on the spot. It is nice to be optimistic, but based on what?
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Volunteering to fight in Burma
Tom- I am very happy to hear that your book is starting to sell more copies. The funds are much needed at the moment.
The website Mr. Bleming mentioned is still under construction and I wasn’t planning to release it until later this month or next month. I still need to set up a paypal type of account so that funds can be deposited directly over the internet. The correct webiste address is http://www.storminternationalcorp.com.
You can read what we have put there, but please understand that the site is not finished and in all actuallity this site was not going to be open to the public for quite some time. We had intended to stay below the radar until we had better equipment and services to offer.
If you would like to make a donation or contribution you can contact me via the website contact page and I can tell you how you may assist us in our efforts to provide assistance to the Karen People. Please do not email me about guns or weapons of any kind. We are not in the business of violating the weapons non-proliferation act and follow the rules of international law.
We are not mercenaries or missionaries.
Jack, out.
Leave the PA(S)D alone!
25 June 2008
‘Nuff of the sarcasm?
In fact, there has to be more than one group that has different ideas about the monarchy and whether it is fulfilling its role, overstepping its bounds or being improperly addressed by evil-minded people who don’t know what they are talking about. On the other hand, discounting informed, well-meaning people making valuable contributions to free speech by citing them as evil conspirators and what-not begs the question of whether or not communism is worse than the system of speech here in Thailand where people do not have recourse to proper protection from a great deal of human and civil rights violations.
If there are groups that are developing ideas contrary to the accepted ones relating to Thailand’s government with all its components, more power to them. Don’t forget that conspiracies make the world go round. It’s little people with little ideas and too much power who help whatever evil exists to continue to do so. When you punish legitimate free speech and demand consent rather than informed consent, you are not running a democracy or anything like it. If oppressive governance is so attractive, vote for Thaksin/TRT/PPP, or move to North Korea. And before you do so, kill off all the academics, researchers, foreigners, students, agitators, protesters, intellectuals, democracy advocates and others who disagree with your 1,000 year-old irony against human rights.
Volunteering to fight in Burma
Hi Jack, what is your web site address? Thomas left an address there, http://www.storminternational.com but it is a Russian web site.
Cheers,
Dave
Leave the PA(S)D alone!
Andrew, there’s no point going over old ground – lets just leave it at:
– You are prepared to turn a blind eye to corruption, tax evasion, extra-judicial killings etc, and I am not!
Personally, I am in the ‘song mai ow camp’, and I think we know what camp you and Republican are in.
Leave the PA(S)D alone!
Good lord! Are you suggesting that there is more than one person with republican views that supports the rights of elected governments to govern? A “group”! It can’t be true! That is surely going too far!
Sufficiently out of tune
I definitely agree with you jonfernquest! I believe that dishonesty has ruled the chamber of government and private institutions here in Thailand. I want to elaborate further on this issue but I guess it’s futile to discuss.
On the other hand, I believe that being dishonest is already mean, but being racist is another story. Why should these “people” try to hide the truth if in the long run, farang can see the point exactly why they have to do so much cost-cuttings. For instance, Filipino educators (especially Master of Arts in Education, English majors) have been criticized that they should only receive 15,000 baht because they’re not whites…. I believe that this is absolutely insane. It would be better if “they” would just simply say that the government can only pay this much…. rather than uttering discriminating words.
I have heard so many racist remarks… but it would be better to end this discussion because these people won’t even care to read what’s going on in the local newspapers. What’s the point of elaborating…?
Thai politics quote of the day
Reg Varney: “I certainly don’t agree that these “maniacs” can be heroes (unless you see their task as getting rid of another government that was elected only a few months ago).”
There you go again. Ritual oblations to the democracy god. If the democracy god gets elected and then systematically pushes around everyone until they join his religion, making him richest man on earth, people will oppose democracy god by whatever means necessary. Good on them.
When will you ever stop echoing the word “democracy” (like a hairy chimpanzee at a zoo) and take a good critical look at what’s inside it, when it is put in practice. Then I will clap and feed you a peanut.
Any chance of a word from on high?
Did anyone notice the passing of 24 June yesterday? I didn’t see anything on TV (but haven’t seen the press). It seems that a pretty good job has been done on culling this event from official Thai remembered history.
On the Democrats and their role – it was interesting watching them bang the nationalist and royalist drum yesterday and generally following the furrow already ploughed by PADites.
I notice that Aj. Thak’s listing of them in the index of his revised book (on Sarit) has this in brackets: “conservative royalists”. Also in that book is an account of the Dems back in May 1947 using the constitution to invoke a general debate of the government’s record. They raised issues related to weak foreign policy, corruption, order, poor economic policy, the monarchy and education. Not much has changed in 61 years.
The king’s statement to Samak, at least in the CNN version posted here, could mean anything you want it to mean. I doubt many interpreted it as a ringing endorsement of a democratic system.
Review of Forest Guardians, Forest Destroyers
I have made some brief comments on Erik’s blog in relation to his very thoughtful review.
Volunteering to fight in Burma
I met with several differnet political groups while in Thailand and Burma. The one overwhelmingly obvious thing I learned from the conversations I had with every single person I met was that, as a outsider from the other side of the planet, I would never fully understand the complex political situation in such a diverse and complicated enviroment.
I was advised by the Free Burma Rangers to never get invovled in the political side of things. I never had any intention of learning all the in’s and out’s, gossip and rumors of every group involved.
I am a soldier, a shooter, there to offer tactical advice on how best to defeat the people trying to kill innoccent farmers and thier familes.
When I heard about Timothy and Melton I told the person telling me that I did not want to hear about it. I have a limited amount of time ,when in country, to focus on what is important and those types will just be one distraction I do not need.
Since being stateside I have tried to approuch several churches in an attempt to get aid to Burma… I have been blown off by the pastors/fathers/Reverends/shepards of just about every faith within a 75 mile radious of my location. I had one of these “Christian Pastors” tell me that if his congregation started to give money to anything other than his church he would not be able to pay the bills and keep the lights on in the house of the lord. I threw two bible verses in his face (James 1:27 and James 2:14-18) If he knows his bible he will know in his heart that he is a hypocrite and not a true Christian.
NOT ONE CHURCH HAS GIVEN ME ANY ASSISTANCE FOR THE KAREN PEOPLE.
I should post their emails and websites all over the internet. I should visit those churches and leave fliers on every car in the lot on sunday telling how their Pastor/Rev./Father would not let me tell them of christians and non-christians that need their help. Tell them how their leader was more interested in linning his pockets and gassing up his SUV than helping people that are starveing and dyeing. I am not a vengeful person.
However, MY GOD is a vengeful God and they will be judged by him in the end. I only hope that they see the error of thier ways before they step off the planet and infront of the pearly gates.
When on the ground in some one elses world you should sit back, shut up, and observe…. Focus on the most immediate and important things to survive.
I have no use for preachers or politicians on the battle field. I will ask for forgiveness when I am done fighting or you can pray over my dead body. If I think you will help me feed my people, keep my guns, and leave me alone I might vote for you.
I wish I could tell you what I know will change the balance on the battlefield in favor of the Karen, but I know the SPDC can read too.
When I go back I will show the KNLA what I know and see what they can do with that info, no politics, no preachers, just bullets and brains.
Jack out
Volunteering to fight in Burma
David,
As for Melton and that so-called “pastor” Timothy, both are on the s–t list with the KNLA. Both have betrayed the Karen freedom struggle with meetings and alignments with the SPDC.
Melton even crossed into SPDC territory to “interrogate” two Knla P.O.W.’s last year. These two soldiers had surrendered to the SPDC/DKB and after Melton had his go at them they were then tortured to death!
I received this information directly from Colonel Nerdah Mya when I enquired as to what happened to these men.
An order for the arrest of Timothy has been given by the KNU.
Timothy is wanted for questioning in the murder of the late general secretary Prado Manh Sha.
Timothy fled to Australia, then to the United States after he got word that his presence in Thailand was on shaky grounds.
It has been reported on this thread in the past that Melton and Timothy have, for a long time, been engaged in fleecing various individuals for money, to aid the Karen struggle and most of these funds have been used to go on elegant shopping trips in Mae sot and Chaing Mai as well as to pay for the air tickets for their wives and families.
Should any of your readership wish to make a contribution to the Karen struggle, they only need to contact Jack Slade (www.storminternational.com), as he and a Canadian lady are the ONLY two who have been authorized by Colonel Nerdah Mya to collect and accept donations for Karen humanitarian relief projects in the Republic of Kawthoolei.
Mr. Slade brought over about $8,000.00 (eight-thousand dollars USD), of medicines and related medical gear, as well as other much needed equipment for the KNLA which he presented to Colonel Mya.
He continues to work on funding for projects that he plans to do back in Kawthoolei later this year along with the Canadian woman.
By the way Jack it looks like my book “War in Karen Country” is finally taking off (thanks to the “Arena” magazine story!)
I will be forwarding a contribution to you efforts from the royalities!
Volunteering to fight in Burma
Ehhh about time one country that actually deserves it independence gets it seriously Burma deserves its own independents as appose to Tibet thats was a country based on slavery FREEDOM TO BURMA DOWN WITH TIBET’S SLAVERY!!!!!
Leave the PA(S)D alone!
Republican has republican tendencies
and he barracks for Thaksin.
Are you implying that I am mistaken about there being a group (which is a subset of a larger group), and you think Republican is alone with those views?
Leave the PA(S)D alone!
This word conspiracy gets thrown around almost as much as democracy. Conspiracies don’t need to be bad. Conspire also means ‘to act in harmony toward a common end.’ On this basis, everyone here in Thailand working toward social and political harmony is a conspirator.
While generally it means secretly joining with others in plotting to do something wrong, illegal or evil, it also does not necessarily mean being bad. For example, “something wrong.” In a society that often regards open debate as wrong, is it also wrong to conspire to bring about change?
Thailand’s constitutional monarchy was brought about by a set of conspiracies, was it not.
Just some rambling…
Leave the PA(S)D alone!
nganadeeleg – well spotted. Republican has republican tendencies.
Leave the PA(S)D alone!
25 June 2008
Who appoints Privy Councilors?
Actually, a bit more detailed that “He” does it.
Don’t they generally make a joint OK on it once one of them, in varying previous talks with HM et. al, then say fine and the guy gets in? Is it not a careful appointment not just from the absolute top but from trusted submissions on who is a good candidate?
Leave the PA(S)D alone!
http://th.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B8%A0%E0%B8%B9%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%A5_%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%90
He is even here!
I said I am generally supportive of the PAD, and maybe better qualify that these days by dismissing myself form the nonsense in PAD or anyplace else, equally. I think part of the problem here in Thailand is that not having ever been brought up in a truly liberal democratic environment, these fringe leaders don’t know what it means when you say ‘responsible speech.’
In such an environment, things are not gong to get well anytime soon.
Anyone with ideas on the Phra Viharn situation? Is Noppadon really as straight as he is trying to make it appear?
If this is a tit-for-tat to let Thaksin in there for massive investment, why don’t people who don’t like Thaksin start spilling the beans?
That is, other than PAD?
A Japanese tale
[…] groups, and a few of them published written accounts. Takazumi Nishiyama, the author of the book mentioned by Andrew earlier in these pages, was one of them. I have not read his book (as it is not easy to get hold of […]
Leave the PA(S)D alone!
Pundit: You are either not as widely read as I thought, or you are choosing to play games.
Perhaps anti-monarchy was a bit blunt, so yes, let’s call it an anti-Prem group, however don’t forget who appoints Privy Councilors.
I have seen Republican and heard claims of some big movement, but I don’t see it
Seen him in person, or seen his posts here?
He’s gone very quiet here of late, so maybe that’s all part of the brilliant master strategy that he was talking about a while ago.
(Obviously the last thing the PPP camp need right now is loud barracking from the likes of Republican)
You should also not that my statement: “barracking for the Thaksin side, and are therefore seen as a subset of the pro-Thaksin camp” does not say Samak, or even Thaksin for that matter, is anti monarchy, so there’s no point to your comment about a dress down from HMK.
(in any case, from my observations, HMK, does not ‘dress down’ merely because someone has a different view, but rather bangs on about doing the job correctly, and doing the right thing etc)
If you wish to learn more about this matter, I again recommend that you do a search of posts by ‘Republican’ at this site.
JSEAS special issue on Burma is out now
Totila: Could you give us a better idea what your point is? Change may take place in Burma and it may not. Nothing much has changed there for at least 20 years so I think the smart money would be on continuity. And when change does take place in Burma, and similar countries living under authoritarian regimes, it is often not a very pleasant experience for those on the spot. It is nice to be optimistic, but based on what?