Sorry for patronizing you, the finger is not the moon after all. I suggest you wave your finger at yourself. The language of rights, again, are not adequate to succeed in accomplishing a universal protection of human dignity which is obviously required in times such as these. Especially when people say the Myanmar Junta and not mean ‘Burmese’ people, and then hypocritically say China and mean the actions of CCP. This sort of conflation just points to you accepting public knowledge as your private knowledge which is rather lazy. Good luck with your prophecies.
I don’t want to be too ironic, but I think the chinese word “The Finger is not the Moon” applies perfectly here.
What I mean by ennemy is “real responsible”.
It’s totally useless to point your finger at the generals in Burma, and crying.
Instead, look at China, the real responsible, the “ennemy” as far as basic human rights, civilization, compassion are concerned etc.
Got it ?
And don’t patronize me on the “foreign policy” of China. There is no chinese “foreign policy”, just a gross, amazing will of power, without any conscience and ethics.
I repeat : without any.
If you compare with real politik from bismarck, to kissenger and the soviets… I mean those are sweet children…
You’re probably a chinese propagandist, and this is why it seems i’ve touched a nerve there, but you should get used to : the “propaganda fog” about China starts to break. Slowly but surely.
Tragedy in Burma, Darfur… unfortunately… help people to understand the issue : China is the real ennemy.
This is an annual Lao government ritual involving the celebration of International Arbour Day with very little constructive environmental or social benefit. Every year the government encourages all ministries, mass organisations and local people to plant thousands of seedlings in their local area and the number of seedlings planted is seen as the measure of success. The result in ‘every’ single year that the project has been implemented has been the death of the seedlings due to poor choice of planting location and complete lack of care for the plants. Local newspapers exhort the population to take responsibility for caring for the plants but it appears that very little thought is put into seriously attempting to conserve the ‘conservation effort’. It is sufficient for grand claims to be made about percentages of national reforestation and numbers of seedlings planted for the government to be seen as making an effort to tackle the systematic and wide-spread deforestation of the country by its own officials, the military and regional business interests.
14 June 2008
Another round of lee majeste nonsense coming up?
From the Nation:
PPP MP threatens to hold demonstrations to counter PAD
14 June 2008
People Power Party MP Pracha Prasopdee Friday reiterated his threat to hold rallies to counter demonstrations of the People’s Alliance for Democracy if the PAD does not stop its rally Friday night.
Pracha, leader of the Great Public Vanguards of Democracy, said his group would come out to launch all sorts of campaigns against the PAD if the PAD continues its demonstration after Friday.
As a counter measure, Pracha said his group would compile video clips to back up the allegations that the PAD had insulted the monarchy.
The Nation”
Generally speaking the people insulting the monarchy are those that chose to remain deaf and dumb to HM’s advisory that he himself WANTED to be criticized when it was warranted. Although needing to be careful, Thai holier-than-thous need to get their act together instead of seeking to squander more honor in a barrel of dishonor as is usually the case.
I have been following the Thomas Bleming saga for some time and would like to add some comments.
1) The entire time that Mr. Bleming was in Mae Sot and at the KNLA camp he was drinking heavily. At one point his drinking caused him to get diarrhea and he had to be treated by the camp medic. In addition, he is an elderly man, in poor health, and was having a very difficult time whilst at the camp. He was never taken on any patrols, as it was feared that he might expire under the stress.
2) At no time was Mr. Bleming EVER allowed to have a loaded weapon. He was allowed to pose with various weapons, but they were always checked beforehand to ensure they weren’t loaded.
On one occasion he took – without permission – a loaded weapon. It caused much consternation, and never happened again.
3) Mr. Bleming has many demons, some of them coming to light after he had been drinking heavily. He kept the camp awake most nights by sounding alarms about gunfire and explosions, which existed only in his mind.
4) Mr. Bleming was cautioned repeatedly about his loud and indiscreet behaviour in the bars and restaurants in Mae Sot. When he did not listen to reason, and desist, he was “dressed down” rather forcefully by the KNU leadership. He was pointedly told that his assistance was not needed or welcome.
5) Mr. Bleming made many promises of financial and material assistance to the KNU and KNLA. To date none of these things have happened. He took his photographs, wrote his book, and hasn’t been seen since.
6) Mr. Bleming has put the KNU leadership in an embarrassing situation with the Thai authorities. They are guests of the Thai government, and as such try to keep a low profile while on Thai territory. Fortunately, the Thai police saw Mr. Bleming for what he is, a loud mouthed blowhard who drinks too much, and things were smoothed over.
7) The Burmese military has no air force to speak of, so why Mr. Bleming would offer to obtain stinger missiles is a complete mystery. In addition, the KNU is courting American support – why would they jeopardize it by trying to obtain controlled munitions. The KNLA is not a terrorist organization.
8) If Mr. Bleming does form an “International Brigade” they would do well to leave him at home. He is no longer welcome at ANY KNLA camp, or at the KNU headquarters. And hopefully they will not be the heavy drinkers and braggarts that he is.
9)Jason Howe was discreetly told that Mr. Bleming was unstable and that anything he said needed to be fact checked. Mr. Howe decided to ignore these warnings.
On a somewhat tangential point, Michael Aung-Thwin has created a bit of a stir….
From the Irrawaddy.
Burmese Academic’s Letter Draws Fire
——————————————————————————–
By WAI MOE Friday, June 13, 2008
——————————————————————————–
A Burmese historian who wrote a letter to the editor of the Workers World newspaper charging that US foundations were behind the monk-led uprising last year has drawn critical reactions from Burma observers.
The newspaper is published by The Worker’s World Party, a communist political party in the US.
In the letter, “Exploiting a Human Tragedy,” published on June 1, Michael Aung-Thwin, a professor of Asian Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, alleged US-based foundations, such as the Soros Foundation and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), were behind the monk-led mass demonstrations last September.
As evidence, he cited their awarding grants of US $40,000 to Burmese monasteries.
“This was to be used for ‘education’ [of] Burmese monks about how to hold ‘democratic’ demonstrations,” he claimed. “Is it any surprise the riots led by a small group of bogus monks and ‘outlaw monasteries’ occurred shortly thereafter?
“The US even has a head of the Sangha-Buddhist Church ready to be installed if there is the regime change it wants,” he said.
Win Min, a Burmese political observer in Chiang Mai, Thailand, said he disagreed with Prof Aung-Thwin’s unsupported charges that the mass demonstrations were created by the US.
“The root of the mass demonstrations last September was mass outrage about the misrule by the Burmese military junta,” Win Min said. “So Prof Aung-Thwin’s writing on Burmese monks in the letter was quite groundless.”
Nyo Ohn Myint of the National League for Democracy in exile said Aung-Thwin’s calling the 1988 Burmese student uprising and the 2007 uprising “riots” was “wrong historically and academically.”
Gustaaf Houtman, a Dutch expert on Burma and editor of Anthropology Today, told The Irrawaddy by e-mail the letter lacked a legitimate “moral ground.”
“The weakness of his argument is [that it has no] compassionate statement of concern about the suffering in Burma, [but] is as an argument against the country he lives in so comfortably,” said the Dutch scholar.
“Why did Aung-Thwin not raise the need for the [Burmese] military to accept relief efforts from anyone who could remedy the suffering of the people he says he represents?” he asked.
A Burmese researcher on Burma’s civil society who is based in Rangoon said if Aung-Thwin thinks the situation in Burma is not bad and Western actions made it worse, he should come back to Burma and live as a normal Burmese citizen.
He said Prof Aung-Thwin allegations in an international media outlet offered support to the junta’s claim that the US attempts to directly interfere in Burma’s internal affairs and those who undertake pro-democracy activities in Burma are destructive elements.
Rabinowitz has long been a dogged promoter of himself as the “great white hunter” xxx make that “great white savior” of the SE Asian tiger and leopard. When you read his writings and listen to his talks on Thailand, that’s how he comes across: snide about Thai assistants, maids and experts. Me, I’d like to find out more about the accusations exchanged by the Thais and Rabinowitz over a leopard killed in a trap in Huay Kha Khaeng. Perhaps he should be lauded for his interrest in helping wild cats, but his self-promotion is a bit too much. But I guess that’s how you get on Stephen Colbert.
In South Korea there are regular shows which feature round table discussions with academics. Sometimes beforehand there is a lecture, and then afterwards the discussion – or it just begins with a Oprah style guest format and unlike Oprah, probably ends with the glittering I AM THE GREATEST KOREAN ACADEMIC ALIVE prize which usually consists of an original copy of The Truth Behind American Beef by Tyler Durden.
What are you fishing for? The intellectualisation of fame? There is none. Fame is very simple for people who are not famous. This blog could make you a potentially famous netizen, so perhaps you could apply to the ABC to take New Mandala to a 2am Tuesday night time slot and use the South Korean shows as examples. It would be hosted by you and feature Dr Walker as the Dr Phil character, ready to correct and offer a new perspective on all things South-East Asian. If it went as well as the Oprah model suggests it can, you’d be able to buy Than Shwe out of power — or even be able to compete with Bhumibol by having giant New Mandala posters on billboards everywhere in Bangkok. Enough money to even influence the mainland South-East Asian affairs that you write about… Yes… I see where this is going!
thaicrisis, what is an ennemy? I have a sneaking suspicion you mean enemy, and in that case, I think you need to face some realities about Chinese foreign policy which do not revolve around some foggy allusion to imperialism.
Do you think the benefits of Myanmar being what it is to China outweigh the potential economic benefits if say, Than Shwe was removed by Burmese people? China will do what is best for China regardless of the domestic issues in other countries. Do you think what is best for China amounts to world domination? Do you really think the CCP believe that the Burmese Junta are puppets? Get off it. Go assume some inane accusatory ramblings about something local to you. That way someone local to you could dunk your head in ice cold water and present you with some roses to smell.
Reg Varney: “I do not understand how you can demand historical clarity and accuracy from someone who is essentially characterising a position that is widely held (and still taught in Thailand).”
Yes, it paradoxical how Jakrapob gives a 5th grade Thai history lesson to highly paid and intelligent foreign journalists, during happy hour, and at the end of his little story of Thai history, at the end of the “patronage system,” who is standing there heroically in bold relief, the Hegelian culmination and perfection of all Thai history?
Jakrapob’s patron.
Then his conclusion:
J: “Thaksin did right or wrong it’s up to history to judge.”
Yes, read the article on Thai telecommunications in the recent Baker and Pasuk volume, that article accurately summarises how he used the political power of his premiership to pump money out of his telecommunications business.
J: “You can drag him to court or international court of justice, doesn’t matter.”
That will be difficult because he has lots of money, unlimited ability to harass judges with defamation suits and arrest warrants and a lot of friends in the police department which does not operate transparently by any means.
J: “What matters is what he has put and imprinted in Thailand.”
That would be division and political strife.
J: “It’s something that people never felt before.”
Probably a good thing. Rewards usually go with economic progress, as in South Korea under Park Chung Hee or China nowadays.
Dumping money on rural Thailand without reforming the corrupt system there is like putting a bandaid on a bleeding ulcer.
J: “He almost did not do anything for the Bangkok people because he felt that they didn’t need him that much.”
No, because divide and rule was an essential part of his tactics.
Sidh: “We have to remember that it is PMThaksin’s TRT that rendered the parliamentary process and almost all checks and balances against against the ruling party ineffectual.”
Yes.
Sidh: “We also have to remember that PMThaksin’s TRT is the first democratically elected Thai civilian government to sanction police ‘death squads’ against “drug dealers and addicts” and send the full might of the Thai military on poorly armed/unarmed Thai citizens in the South.”
Yes.
Sidh: “How do we even begin to reverse this? For a start make sure that PMThaksin’s cases, already investigated, gets to court and are transparently tried.”
It may be a small victory of sorts for international law if Than Shwe really is staying up at night contemplating the life and times of Slobodan Milosevic, albeit a Pyrrhic one for the cyclone victims denied aid as a consequence, but perhaps if he ever comes to a sticky end it will be more like that of Ferdinand Marcos or Soeharto.
It’s a tragedy. I mean to hope than one day the generals could face justice… is nice. But we have to face… the reality.
Serbia was not protected by… China. Same with Marcos…
I continue to think that Burma is a vivid proof if I may say that China is… the ennemy.
It’s not political correct to say that, it’s even gross. But it’s the harsch reality.
If the burmese junta continue to serve their chinese masters… they they will continue to sleep without any fear.
I mean : can we find another (I would like !) inference regarding the whole situation ?
Can you ?
I’m afraid it’s pure logic. Uggly. But inescapable.
[…] And then there is an eight-page feature on Thomas Bleming. New Mandala readers who have yet to hear of his escapades along the Thailand-Burma border will, to get up to speed, find these previous posts helpful (30 January 2007, 5 February 2008, 2 March 2008, 6 April 2008. […]
[…] along the Thailand-Burma border will, to get up to speed, find these previous posts helpful (30 January 2007, 5 February 2008, 2 March 2008, 6 April […]
Is this Lao project for restoration purposes only?More information would be helpful .
The influence of forests on the hydrology and chemistry of forested streams has been well-documented by the Hubbard Experiment of the eastern US.This longterm study of experimental watershed is of course not a study of tropical forested watersheds.
I don’t remember seeing data on any experimental watersheds in Andrew’s review of forests and water.
.Were there none? And another comment on Andrew’s review-the longest set of hydrological data given was of 12 or 13 years ,if my memory serves me correctly. 12 or 13 years is short term ,very short term , for a hydrological data set.
What Andrew does not state explicitly in the quote from THE book ,is that the species planted -their habit ,the nature of the leaves and their phenology-affect to different degrees the amount of water “lost” to the system. Or are these features covered by the term”fast-growing species”?
I should buy THE book.
From a “highly-placed source” familiar with the principals, it seems as if Mr. Khan is a bit of a loose cannon and someone who might be in need of a more productive hobby. The “situation” is being deftly handled with Thai sensitivities in mind, but there is a “get-tough” option available if needed. From the looks of things once this fool gets to understand common sense, the situation will dissolve and be forgotten.
Maybe too optimistic, but this is from a very close source…
As well, from other things that Mr. Khan has put up in one place or another, he may be in possession of a lack of wits.
Did the toxic Twix do permanent damage? That seems to be a crucial question here. The evidence appears to suggest an affirmative answer. Show some compassion!
“[If we] are allowed to use the ledo road with out escourt this would be great but if we end up having an escourt i dont think it would be a good idea to upset any member of the escourt by asking about these sexuall assults as it could ruin our trip. We may even risk being shot.”
In my private email to you, Michael, I offered to meet with you and to give you some advice and possible contacts. I now withdraw that offer. Probably you don’t care about that that – I assure you I care even less. I expect also that most other people will now have a clearer idea of how trivial your interests in and knowledge about this area are as well. Good luck. Enjoy your holiday.
[…] may lie. It is also perhaps where the greatest interest is located: six months from now the number of searches on New Mandala for “Thandar Shwe” will still vastly outnumber those for “Aung Lin Htut” or “Christie […]
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Does Than Shwe have anything to fear from international law?
Sorry for patronizing you, the finger is not the moon after all. I suggest you wave your finger at yourself. The language of rights, again, are not adequate to succeed in accomplishing a universal protection of human dignity which is obviously required in times such as these. Especially when people say the Myanmar Junta and not mean ‘Burmese’ people, and then hypocritically say China and mean the actions of CCP. This sort of conflation just points to you accepting public knowledge as your private knowledge which is rather lazy. Good luck with your prophecies.
Does Than Shwe have anything to fear from international law?
I don’t want to be too ironic, but I think the chinese word “The Finger is not the Moon” applies perfectly here.
What I mean by ennemy is “real responsible”.
It’s totally useless to point your finger at the generals in Burma, and crying.
Instead, look at China, the real responsible, the “ennemy” as far as basic human rights, civilization, compassion are concerned etc.
Got it ?
And don’t patronize me on the “foreign policy” of China. There is no chinese “foreign policy”, just a gross, amazing will of power, without any conscience and ethics.
I repeat : without any.
If you compare with real politik from bismarck, to kissenger and the soviets… I mean those are sweet children…
You’re probably a chinese propagandist, and this is why it seems i’ve touched a nerve there, but you should get used to : the “propaganda fog” about China starts to break. Slowly but surely.
Tragedy in Burma, Darfur… unfortunately… help people to understand the issue : China is the real ennemy.
Thailand’s crown prince
http://www.revu.nl/6273
This link is apparently blocked. Is there another? Thanks.
The hydrological hazards of tree planting
This is an annual Lao government ritual involving the celebration of International Arbour Day with very little constructive environmental or social benefit. Every year the government encourages all ministries, mass organisations and local people to plant thousands of seedlings in their local area and the number of seedlings planted is seen as the measure of success. The result in ‘every’ single year that the project has been implemented has been the death of the seedlings due to poor choice of planting location and complete lack of care for the plants. Local newspapers exhort the population to take responsibility for caring for the plants but it appears that very little thought is put into seriously attempting to conserve the ‘conservation effort’. It is sufficient for grand claims to be made about percentages of national reforestation and numbers of seedlings planted for the government to be seen as making an effort to tackle the systematic and wide-spread deforestation of the country by its own officials, the military and regional business interests.
The lèse majesté plot thickens
14 June 2008
Another round of lee majeste nonsense coming up?
From the Nation:
PPP MP threatens to hold demonstrations to counter PAD
14 June 2008
People Power Party MP Pracha Prasopdee Friday reiterated his threat to hold rallies to counter demonstrations of the People’s Alliance for Democracy if the PAD does not stop its rally Friday night.
Pracha, leader of the Great Public Vanguards of Democracy, said his group would come out to launch all sorts of campaigns against the PAD if the PAD continues its demonstration after Friday.
As a counter measure, Pracha said his group would compile video clips to back up the allegations that the PAD had insulted the monarchy.
The Nation”
Generally speaking the people insulting the monarchy are those that chose to remain deaf and dumb to HM’s advisory that he himself WANTED to be criticized when it was warranted. Although needing to be careful, Thai holier-than-thous need to get their act together instead of seeking to squander more honor in a barrel of dishonor as is usually the case.
A glossy feature on Thomas Bleming
I have been following the Thomas Bleming saga for some time and would like to add some comments.
1) The entire time that Mr. Bleming was in Mae Sot and at the KNLA camp he was drinking heavily. At one point his drinking caused him to get diarrhea and he had to be treated by the camp medic. In addition, he is an elderly man, in poor health, and was having a very difficult time whilst at the camp. He was never taken on any patrols, as it was feared that he might expire under the stress.
2) At no time was Mr. Bleming EVER allowed to have a loaded weapon. He was allowed to pose with various weapons, but they were always checked beforehand to ensure they weren’t loaded.
On one occasion he took – without permission – a loaded weapon. It caused much consternation, and never happened again.
3) Mr. Bleming has many demons, some of them coming to light after he had been drinking heavily. He kept the camp awake most nights by sounding alarms about gunfire and explosions, which existed only in his mind.
4) Mr. Bleming was cautioned repeatedly about his loud and indiscreet behaviour in the bars and restaurants in Mae Sot. When he did not listen to reason, and desist, he was “dressed down” rather forcefully by the KNU leadership. He was pointedly told that his assistance was not needed or welcome.
5) Mr. Bleming made many promises of financial and material assistance to the KNU and KNLA. To date none of these things have happened. He took his photographs, wrote his book, and hasn’t been seen since.
6) Mr. Bleming has put the KNU leadership in an embarrassing situation with the Thai authorities. They are guests of the Thai government, and as such try to keep a low profile while on Thai territory. Fortunately, the Thai police saw Mr. Bleming for what he is, a loud mouthed blowhard who drinks too much, and things were smoothed over.
7) The Burmese military has no air force to speak of, so why Mr. Bleming would offer to obtain stinger missiles is a complete mystery. In addition, the KNU is courting American support – why would they jeopardize it by trying to obtain controlled munitions. The KNLA is not a terrorist organization.
8) If Mr. Bleming does form an “International Brigade” they would do well to leave him at home. He is no longer welcome at ANY KNLA camp, or at the KNU headquarters. And hopefully they will not be the heavy drinkers and braggarts that he is.
9)Jason Howe was discreetly told that Mr. Bleming was unstable and that anything he said needed to be fact checked. Mr. Howe decided to ignore these warnings.
JSEAS special issue on Burma is out now
On a somewhat tangential point, Michael Aung-Thwin has created a bit of a stir….
From the Irrawaddy.
Burmese Academic’s Letter Draws Fire
——————————————————————————–
By WAI MOE Friday, June 13, 2008
——————————————————————————–
A Burmese historian who wrote a letter to the editor of the Workers World newspaper charging that US foundations were behind the monk-led uprising last year has drawn critical reactions from Burma observers.
The newspaper is published by The Worker’s World Party, a communist political party in the US.
In the letter, “Exploiting a Human Tragedy,” published on June 1, Michael Aung-Thwin, a professor of Asian Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, alleged US-based foundations, such as the Soros Foundation and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), were behind the monk-led mass demonstrations last September.
As evidence, he cited their awarding grants of US $40,000 to Burmese monasteries.
“This was to be used for ‘education’ [of] Burmese monks about how to hold ‘democratic’ demonstrations,” he claimed. “Is it any surprise the riots led by a small group of bogus monks and ‘outlaw monasteries’ occurred shortly thereafter?
“The US even has a head of the Sangha-Buddhist Church ready to be installed if there is the regime change it wants,” he said.
Win Min, a Burmese political observer in Chiang Mai, Thailand, said he disagreed with Prof Aung-Thwin’s unsupported charges that the mass demonstrations were created by the US.
“The root of the mass demonstrations last September was mass outrage about the misrule by the Burmese military junta,” Win Min said. “So Prof Aung-Thwin’s writing on Burmese monks in the letter was quite groundless.”
Nyo Ohn Myint of the National League for Democracy in exile said Aung-Thwin’s calling the 1988 Burmese student uprising and the 2007 uprising “riots” was “wrong historically and academically.”
Gustaaf Houtman, a Dutch expert on Burma and editor of Anthropology Today, told The Irrawaddy by e-mail the letter lacked a legitimate “moral ground.”
“The weakness of his argument is [that it has no] compassionate statement of concern about the suffering in Burma, [but] is as an argument against the country he lives in so comfortably,” said the Dutch scholar.
“Why did Aung-Thwin not raise the need for the [Burmese] military to accept relief efforts from anyone who could remedy the suffering of the people he says he represents?” he asked.
A Burmese researcher on Burma’s civil society who is based in Rangoon said if Aung-Thwin thinks the situation in Burma is not bad and Western actions made it worse, he should come back to Burma and live as a normal Burmese citizen.
He said Prof Aung-Thwin allegations in an international media outlet offered support to the junta’s claim that the US attempts to directly interfere in Burma’s internal affairs and those who undertake pro-democracy activities in Burma are destructive elements.
Alan Rabinowitz and the Colbert Report, etc
Rabinowitz has long been a dogged promoter of himself as the “great white hunter” xxx make that “great white savior” of the SE Asian tiger and leopard. When you read his writings and listen to his talks on Thailand, that’s how he comes across: snide about Thai assistants, maids and experts. Me, I’d like to find out more about the accusations exchanged by the Thais and Rabinowitz over a leopard killed in a trap in Huay Kha Khaeng. Perhaps he should be lauded for his interrest in helping wild cats, but his self-promotion is a bit too much. But I guess that’s how you get on Stephen Colbert.
Alan Rabinowitz and the Colbert Report, etc
In South Korea there are regular shows which feature round table discussions with academics. Sometimes beforehand there is a lecture, and then afterwards the discussion – or it just begins with a Oprah style guest format and unlike Oprah, probably ends with the glittering I AM THE GREATEST KOREAN ACADEMIC ALIVE prize which usually consists of an original copy of The Truth Behind American Beef by Tyler Durden.
What are you fishing for? The intellectualisation of fame? There is none. Fame is very simple for people who are not famous. This blog could make you a potentially famous netizen, so perhaps you could apply to the ABC to take New Mandala to a 2am Tuesday night time slot and use the South Korean shows as examples. It would be hosted by you and feature Dr Walker as the Dr Phil character, ready to correct and offer a new perspective on all things South-East Asian. If it went as well as the Oprah model suggests it can, you’d be able to buy Than Shwe out of power — or even be able to compete with Bhumibol by having giant New Mandala posters on billboards everywhere in Bangkok. Enough money to even influence the mainland South-East Asian affairs that you write about… Yes… I see where this is going!
Bangkok Post’s brave attack on the patronage system!
Sure, Sidh.
Does Than Shwe have anything to fear from international law?
thaicrisis, what is an ennemy? I have a sneaking suspicion you mean enemy, and in that case, I think you need to face some realities about Chinese foreign policy which do not revolve around some foggy allusion to imperialism.
Do you think the benefits of Myanmar being what it is to China outweigh the potential economic benefits if say, Than Shwe was removed by Burmese people? China will do what is best for China regardless of the domestic issues in other countries. Do you think what is best for China amounts to world domination? Do you really think the CCP believe that the Burmese Junta are puppets? Get off it. Go assume some inane accusatory ramblings about something local to you. That way someone local to you could dunk your head in ice cold water and present you with some roses to smell.
Bangkok Post’s brave attack on the patronage system!
Reg Varney: “I do not understand how you can demand historical clarity and accuracy from someone who is essentially characterising a position that is widely held (and still taught in Thailand).”
Yes, it paradoxical how Jakrapob gives a 5th grade Thai history lesson to highly paid and intelligent foreign journalists, during happy hour, and at the end of his little story of Thai history, at the end of the “patronage system,” who is standing there heroically in bold relief, the Hegelian culmination and perfection of all Thai history?
Jakrapob’s patron.
Then his conclusion:
J: “Thaksin did right or wrong it’s up to history to judge.”
Yes, read the article on Thai telecommunications in the recent Baker and Pasuk volume, that article accurately summarises how he used the political power of his premiership to pump money out of his telecommunications business.
J: “You can drag him to court or international court of justice, doesn’t matter.”
That will be difficult because he has lots of money, unlimited ability to harass judges with defamation suits and arrest warrants and a lot of friends in the police department which does not operate transparently by any means.
J: “What matters is what he has put and imprinted in Thailand.”
That would be division and political strife.
J: “It’s something that people never felt before.”
Probably a good thing. Rewards usually go with economic progress, as in South Korea under Park Chung Hee or China nowadays.
Dumping money on rural Thailand without reforming the corrupt system there is like putting a bandaid on a bleeding ulcer.
J: “He almost did not do anything for the Bangkok people because he felt that they didn’t need him that much.”
No, because divide and rule was an essential part of his tactics.
Sidh: “We have to remember that it is PMThaksin’s TRT that rendered the parliamentary process and almost all checks and balances against against the ruling party ineffectual.”
Yes.
Sidh: “We also have to remember that PMThaksin’s TRT is the first democratically elected Thai civilian government to sanction police ‘death squads’ against “drug dealers and addicts” and send the full might of the Thai military on poorly armed/unarmed Thai citizens in the South.”
Yes.
Sidh: “How do we even begin to reverse this? For a start make sure that PMThaksin’s cases, already investigated, gets to court and are transparently tried.”
Yes.
Does Than Shwe have anything to fear from international law?
It may be a small victory of sorts for international law if Than Shwe really is staying up at night contemplating the life and times of Slobodan Milosevic, albeit a Pyrrhic one for the cyclone victims denied aid as a consequence, but perhaps if he ever comes to a sticky end it will be more like that of Ferdinand Marcos or Soeharto.
It’s a tragedy. I mean to hope than one day the generals could face justice… is nice. But we have to face… the reality.
Serbia was not protected by… China. Same with Marcos…
I continue to think that Burma is a vivid proof if I may say that China is… the ennemy.
It’s not political correct to say that, it’s even gross. But it’s the harsch reality.
If the burmese junta continue to serve their chinese masters… they they will continue to sleep without any fear.
I mean : can we find another (I would like !) inference regarding the whole situation ?
Can you ?
I’m afraid it’s pure logic. Uggly. But inescapable.
Thomas Bleming in the news
[…] And then there is an eight-page feature on Thomas Bleming. New Mandala readers who have yet to hear of his escapades along the Thailand-Burma border will, to get up to speed, find these previous posts helpful (30 January 2007, 5 February 2008, 2 March 2008, 6 April 2008. […]
Volunteering to fight in Burma
[…] along the Thailand-Burma border will, to get up to speed, find these previous posts helpful (30 January 2007, 5 February 2008, 2 March 2008, 6 April […]
The hydrological hazards of tree planting
Is this Lao project for restoration purposes only?More information would be helpful .
The influence of forests on the hydrology and chemistry of forested streams has been well-documented by the Hubbard Experiment of the eastern US.This longterm study of experimental watershed is of course not a study of tropical forested watersheds.
I don’t remember seeing data on any experimental watersheds in Andrew’s review of forests and water.
.Were there none? And another comment on Andrew’s review-the longest set of hydrological data given was of 12 or 13 years ,if my memory serves me correctly. 12 or 13 years is short term ,very short term , for a hydrological data set.
What Andrew does not state explicitly in the quote from THE book ,is that the species planted -their habit ,the nature of the leaves and their phenology-affect to different degrees the amount of water “lost” to the system. Or are these features covered by the term”fast-growing species”?
I should buy THE book.
The lèse majesté plot thickens
From a “highly-placed source” familiar with the principals, it seems as if Mr. Khan is a bit of a loose cannon and someone who might be in need of a more productive hobby. The “situation” is being deftly handled with Thai sensitivities in mind, but there is a “get-tough” option available if needed. From the looks of things once this fool gets to understand common sense, the situation will dissolve and be forgotten.
Maybe too optimistic, but this is from a very close source…
As well, from other things that Mr. Khan has put up in one place or another, he may be in possession of a lack of wits.
The lèse majesté plot thickens
Did the toxic Twix do permanent damage? That seems to be a crucial question here. The evidence appears to suggest an affirmative answer. Show some compassion!
The Stilwell Road
“[If we] are allowed to use the ledo road with out escourt this would be great but if we end up having an escourt i dont think it would be a good idea to upset any member of the escourt by asking about these sexuall assults as it could ruin our trip. We may even risk being shot.”
In my private email to you, Michael, I offered to meet with you and to give you some advice and possible contacts. I now withdraw that offer. Probably you don’t care about that that – I assure you I care even less. I expect also that most other people will now have a clearer idea of how trivial your interests in and knowledge about this area are as well. Good luck. Enjoy your holiday.
Popular search terms for New Mandala
[…] may lie. It is also perhaps where the greatest interest is located: six months from now the number of searches on New Mandala for “Thandar Shwe” will still vastly outnumber those for “Aung Lin Htut” or “Christie […]