Ha Ha ! At last some humor on this blog! Go! Charlie Go!
I must say I am in the same boat as he is. Several people have contacted me and asked ” Do you really want me to go over there and fight?” I always answer the same way.” No! I don’t! I want you to WANT to get involved in a way that you feel comfortable getting involved in. Donate money, time, clothes, food, books for children’s schools. Send plastic sheeting for shelters, medicine, flash lights, binoculars, monoculars, MRE’S, Combat boots, Sandals, blankets, solar panels. PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE if that is all you feel comfortable doing.
When I go back to Burma it will be on my own dime and alone unless some one else wants to go on their own dime and for thier own reasons. I am not trying to recruit anyone. If I was the only white guy with in the borders of Burma that would be fine with me. However if you have serious skills… get your butt over there, if you think you are man enough for it.
There was one joker that I will simply call the “Redneck Ninja” (RN)
RN emailed me every day for a week solid. I finally told him to call me. When he did he was DRUNK! He was a wanna be Rambo who had to get drunk to get up enough nerve to call me! I was pissed. I was nice enough to the guy that he called me twice more. The last phone call I got ended badly for him. He was DRUNK again and told me this far fetched story about how some guy in a Suit had walked up to his place of work.(radiator shop) Shook his hand and pricked him with something that made him pass out. He swore he woke up 8 hours later at home while reaching for a beer in the fridge. He thought he had been interrogated by the NSA or FBI. I told him to call a shrink and stop “drunk calling me” as I had better things to do with my time… like pick my nose.
So if you have read some of my posts or the articles I have written for some e-magazines or whatever and you think I am a recruiter for the KNLA, think again… I am not! I am just some one who gives a damn about the people of Burma because I have met them and bounced their young ones on my knee. These kind people took me into thier homes and fed me like I was visiting family. Being concerned for thier safety and well being is the least I can do in return.
If you want to send clothes, food, money, or anything you think would help these people then please feel free to contact me and I can tell you where to send whatever you need to send. I have contacts for releif/ aid organizations in Canada, US, Austraila, UK, and even Thailand/Burma. Let me know what you would like to send and I can help you get it to the place where it will do the most good.
I am just an old soldier with a big heart, trying to do the right thing.
God Bless…… Jack Slade
All known English copies of Devil’s Discus in Thailand were ordered destroyed. The Siam Society resisted with the support of Princess Galyani but it is still in restricted circulation. Some university libraries have copies in rare books.
Until recently, Thammasat library actually had an English language copy freely accessible at Professor Direck Jayanama Library. In October 2007 I was able to borrow the book and make a copy. According to the loan period card, it had been borrowed seven times in 2007 alone.
I returned the book and a few weeks afterwards I checked the shelves again for a friend but could not find it any more. To my surprise, the title had also been deleted from the online catalogue. Whereas a few weeks before the catalogue had still listed two copies of the book at Thammasat Central Library (that copy was nowhere to be found) and at Direck Jayanama, it seems as if “The Devil’s Discus” has now completely “disappeared” from Thammasat.
jonfernquest, it is an amazingly difficult task for PMSamak and he will need all his skills and experience. He is aware that the actions of hardcore Thaksin loyalists (reflecting the puppet master’s impatience) pushing through (mainly self-serving) constitution change will most likely shorten his term – and wants to buy time with a referendum (which, again, will be expensive for PMThaksin – not only the taxpayers).
My hope is that the politicians come to their senses and totally open the process of constitutional amendment to broader societal involvement and debate – as it should be…
So what is your lived memory of Thai politics, Teth? I am waiting for your short synopsis…
I think patience is a virtue here… I look forward to 2018 to see who will buy the beers!
I’ve always followed your posts when I can Teth. You give quality opinions, but not evidences – what I can say of most NM posts anyway. At the end of day, we are describing events that we are not directly involved with and should and could not, like politicians, demand receipts for corruption!
And no, I never deleted my blogs (nor have the time to go to reread any of it). Has my past comments been deleted?! (censorship in NM??? I hope not)
“… Especially in your case where it seems to not correspond with intelligence, maturity, wisdom, or detachment at all…”
As a designer, I take that as a compliment Teth. Gotta be a child at heart to get the creative juices flowing…
I can’t add to the DD story. However, the suggestion that Thai discussion of the monarchy is more acceptable to those up top than western appears to lack any supporting evidence.
Sorry– in the above anecdote, I put the date 74/75 in some places because at first I was not so sure what year I encountered this incident. I believe it was late 1974 when I met them and since by mid-1975 both of them went to the jungle. But I forgot to revise all the “74/75” in the above message to “1974”.
This is based entirely on my memory. The main story is still clear to me but I cannot assure the accuracy of all facts.
A publication of the Thai translation was in late 1974 by two Thammasat students (or just graduated). But in the end the published copies were never released to the market. After printing, and a day or two before the two planned to release the book, something happened. All I know is that most copies were destroyed or hidden away by the two publishers (not by the police)while some were circulated in small circles. Later we knew that both of them went to the jungle in mid 1975, the same group as Seksan, Jiranan and others. One of them later became an elected Senator from a northeastern province. The other one returned from the jungle with Seksan (and was mentioned in the film “Moonhunter”). But I didn’t follow his whereabout since then.
I don’t think the 1974 publication was known to the police. It was not banned because the publication didn’t exist! Only a small circle of their friends knew about the publications and the change of plan. Ask former student activists of the 70s, most of them never knew or saw this book at the time. I think the fact that the book was never released to the public and the police didn’t know about it, i.e. the book didn’t exist, is the reason why the ban only took place in 2006, when a copy of an old print emerged in public. It is not true that a publication of Devil Discus in Thai is more tolerable than the one in English. It was so dangerous that “something happened” can caused the publishers to change their plan.
I do not know if the cover shown here is the same as the 1974/75 edition but was mistaken to be the 1977 edition. Or there were really two different prints: 1974/75 and 1977 ones. In 1974, I didn’t see the cover. When I talked to the two about the book, I was too naive and didn’t realize the significance of the book. I only knew the title in Thai “р╕Бр╕Зр╕Ир╕▒р╕Бр╕гр╕Ыр╕╡р╕ир╕▓р╕И” and knew that it was dangerous.
Sorry that I cannot tell the real names of the two. They might not want to be known involving with this episode 34 years ago, esp in the current ugly royalist climate.
[…] was only banned in 2006. Perhaps this backs up the point suggested by Craig Reynolds at the recent panel discussion on The King Never Smiles that Thai language discussions of the monarchy may be less offensive to the […]
I would like to take this opportunity to tell New Mandala readers that I am NOT (underline ‘not’) recruiting soldiers, mercenaries or anyone else for the KNLA.
I have made several posts on this forum, defending my longtime friend, Thomas Bleming, and in addition, defending the activities of the KNLA. Both are worth defending.
I have been contacted by several individuals seeking information on how to link up with the KNLA. Most of them are ex-military with needed skill sets. Some are war tourists, looking for an action fix. A few are professional mercenaries, looking for a job (sorry – no money with the KNLA).
But there is another group of people that I would like to mention – the mentally disturbed.
I’m sure that you (you know who you are) enjoy killing chickens and then having masturbatory sessions afterwards. But how does that equate to fighting in a real war against people that have the capability and skills to kill you? Have you considered gaining employment at a processing plant, or becoming a journalist?
To “Mr. J.”, I’m sorry that you are having nightmares about Rwanda and East Timor. But instead of “joining the crusade in Burma”, don’t you think your money would be better spent seeing a therapist?
And finally, to all of you wannabe Rambos who served in secret, hush-hush, “have to kill you if I tell you” Delta Force, SEAL units that only the President knows about, I would suggest that you remain at your secret moon base – we don’t want the war ending in one day. We’ll call you if we need you. But I would still like to have the free suitcase nuke you offered me, if any are still available (my neighbor is most disagreeable and needs to be dealt with).
And finally, why yes, Joanna, I do spend my off hours daydreaming about murder and mayhem. But it usually involves journalists. Too bad you’re not an eighteen year old Swedish girl with large breasts, and whose English is limited to, “Oh, you’re so big” – I have daydreams about them as well.
Sidh: “I had the same wish, but it looks like wishful thinking now and PMSamak will never be ‘his own man’ nor get to run the country in the way he wants to.”
Well, I hope he does, anyway.
Teth: “…the people to propose it as a solution seem to forget that education occurs lifelong…students can teach their teachers as much as their teachers teach them,”
I agree with you. My wife who never got beyond junior high school, certainly learned to hate education early on, when her teacher dragged her out in front of the class and humiliated her, cutting her hair in front of the class. I’m the exact opposite. You couldn’t drag me out of the bookstore. People learn to either love education or hate it very early in life.
The better way for anti-PAD mob to move was to present itself as a group with name like “pro-constituency change”, not out-right “I am against you” group. But what’s done is done…
As critical as education is for the country’s betterment, the people to propose it as a solution seem to forget that education occurs lifelong. They focus on schools, but I think the focus should be on educating people, changing their perspective, maturing their attitudes at every age. Of course, suggesting this position sounds patronizing, but students can teach their teachers as much as their teachers teach them, so I am in no way suggesting “we” are better or that should we patronize anybody. Instead, we have been given good ideas that should be shared and considered.
So unless these cases are taken to court, evidence will not flow magically? Non sequitur, unless, of course, the judge is Moses with his staff and a desert rock.
Again, we will magically respect the rule of law when a junta unlawfully takes power, selectively prosecutes an individual, and then absolves itself of any wrongdoing? I agree that Thaksin should be tried and taken to court, but so should Saphrang, Sondhi, and Surayud.
Keep up the faith with regards to your “evidence flowing like the waters”. I have given my fair share of evidence and arguments in these various debates. Use your search function.
Oh, and the fact that you think you never demanded evidence from me says it all, really, about your standard of proof.
On change, I’ve already stated, Teth, that I have long aged past those idealistic late teens to mid-20s. I laugh when I go back to read what I wrote then. I guarantee you will have many amusing hours reading what you write now in, say, 10 years time. Call me for a free beer if you don’t.
You haven’t got a clue, do you?
Call me for a reciprocal free beer after you’ve given an interview to a “lady from far away” asking her “How old are you? Were you born yet?”
The older you are, the sadder your own little tirades seem. No wonder you deleted your blog, as it probably seemed ridiculous even after less than one year. So much for the calm, composed, mature wisdom that comes with age. Age really is just a number! Especially in your case where it seems to not correspond with intelligence, maturity, wisdom, or detachment at all…
And by the way, you really should keep a tab on your blood pressure. Trust me, I’m an angry old git, too.
Yeah Tom’s very handy with that little 35mm camera. Hell he even caught me in his sights a few times. I hope the KNLA uses this time wisely and finds it’s strengths in thier enemy’s weaknesses. The navy is out of commission, the air corps/force is down, and troops are heading home to look after mom and pop. Of course the KNLA’s troops have families too. I am sure they are trying to find & feed thier loved ones as well. I am praying for the entire country right now. Slade
I totally agree jonfernquest. Education is critical for the country’s future – and the measure of any government’s foresight.
I had the same wish, but it looks like wishful thinking now and PMSamak will never be ‘his own man’ nor get to run the country in the way he wants to. Like Ericksson, he looks to be on his way out of PMThaksin’s good books… It is only the fate of ‘nominees’…
Evidences will flow like water from a broken Three Gorges Dam, Teth, if the cases against PMThaksin & co are tried by the courts. That will be another watershed in Thai society’s fight against corruption (the first was one of PMChavalit’s ministers was convicted for corruption, MajGen.Sanan’s conviction for assets concealment was also very important as he was literally the most powerful politician at the time) and route to a respect for the written rule of law.
You keep asking everyone for ‘evidences’! What about your incriminating evidences, Teth? Do let us know when you really have substantial stuff. If you feel that it is that strong, file a case in court. If you can’t do any of that, stop asking the same of others – many of whom never demanded ‘evidences’ from you. First and foremost, I understand NM’s blog is a place for opinions of varying subtances and quality – it is not an serious academic refereed journal nor a court of law…
On change, I’ve already stated, Teth, that I have long aged past those idealistic late teens to mid-20s. I laugh when I go back to read what I wrote then. I guarantee you will have many amusing hours reading what you write now in, say, 10 years time. Call me for a free beer if you don’t.
On my age, I’ve been walking for a few years in 1976 and have absolutely no political memories then. I begun to follow politics in the latter years of PMPrem’s premiership. My first passionate debates on politics with friends and family was after the 1991 GenSujinda’s coup against PMChatchai. 1992 Black May was the first deeply painful, heartbreak. 1997 passage of the constitution was heartstopping (felt like the moment when Somluck Kamsing won the country’s first gold medal in 1996). The first cabinet minister tried for corruption and MajGen.Sanan’s five-year ban gave me great hope until PMThaksin’s got off for an ‘honest mistake’… Then War on Drugs, Krue-sae and Takbai – for me some of the worse nightmares of Thai state abuse of power in living memory… 1973 and 1976 was no doubt very sad – but, for me, there’s a lot of difference between reading things from history books and living through those events. Almost everyone in the world will remember where they were when they heard of the 9/11. It is never the same for people who are too young or not born yet. I’m not putting you down like PMSamak did – just stating what is rather common.
So what is your lived memory of Thai politics, Teth? After giving a short synopsis of mine, I think I am entitled to hear yours? (Frankly, I won’t mind if you say that you remember 1976 as if you were there in the events and is able to give first-person evidences! As long as you also come clean)
Robert, I guess you can call them “supersititions” if you want to, but given that I live with the people who take them seriously. I have to show proper respect, even to those Jatukam amulets.
I actually have some of those amulets though I’m not sure if they are that specific type. I should have put “superstitious” in quotes since I was really talking about whatever King Mongkut had declared a discouraged practice (and I’m not sure exactly what that list is. I should do some reading.)
The thing is that some of these practices, even if they seem irrational to some, can still be helpful to people. For example, people with sleep paralysis often think they’re being harassed by a ghost at night. In reality this is a mental condition brought on by anxiety and can be treated with anti-anxiety drugs, but often some sort of protective charm will help prevent the disorder because it reduces the anxiety that causes the condition. (People feel safer knowing the ghost will be scared off by the charm, reducing their anxiety.)
So all of these practices have to be looked at in terms of whether they’re harmful, harmless, or actually helpful somehow rather than whether they’re based on empirical science or something.
So we have this father of abrasive innovation, to be exact. And nowadays we have this super-being before whom even the Buddha must take a far second place.
i agreed with Amateur. miss thai only promote the minority group that did not have a voice. I don’t think that the dress would be that of a big issue. As human, we should respect every culture within our boundary. treat other as you want to be treat. Miss thai just did her job by giving and promoting the many ethnicity of Thailand. Any country would not get far if they only look within their own area. Every country with pride need to open up their door for others to get in. thank other ethnicity for living and taking pride by being a part of the thai people. Go miss thai. U rock. Do whatever you do and feel. They already vote for you and you are crowed as miss thai. Now, it is your time to shine. Don’t let anybody tells u what to do. Well, they can tell you, but remember that the decision is in your hand. The only force that can stop you is yourself. Love, Sek Loso fan
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Volunteering to fight in Burma
Ha Ha ! At last some humor on this blog! Go! Charlie Go!
I must say I am in the same boat as he is. Several people have contacted me and asked ” Do you really want me to go over there and fight?” I always answer the same way.” No! I don’t! I want you to WANT to get involved in a way that you feel comfortable getting involved in. Donate money, time, clothes, food, books for children’s schools. Send plastic sheeting for shelters, medicine, flash lights, binoculars, monoculars, MRE’S, Combat boots, Sandals, blankets, solar panels. PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE if that is all you feel comfortable doing.
When I go back to Burma it will be on my own dime and alone unless some one else wants to go on their own dime and for thier own reasons. I am not trying to recruit anyone. If I was the only white guy with in the borders of Burma that would be fine with me. However if you have serious skills… get your butt over there, if you think you are man enough for it.
There was one joker that I will simply call the “Redneck Ninja” (RN)
RN emailed me every day for a week solid. I finally told him to call me. When he did he was DRUNK! He was a wanna be Rambo who had to get drunk to get up enough nerve to call me! I was pissed. I was nice enough to the guy that he called me twice more. The last phone call I got ended badly for him. He was DRUNK again and told me this far fetched story about how some guy in a Suit had walked up to his place of work.(radiator shop) Shook his hand and pricked him with something that made him pass out. He swore he woke up 8 hours later at home while reaching for a beer in the fridge. He thought he had been interrogated by the NSA or FBI. I told him to call a shrink and stop “drunk calling me” as I had better things to do with my time… like pick my nose.
So if you have read some of my posts or the articles I have written for some e-magazines or whatever and you think I am a recruiter for the KNLA, think again… I am not! I am just some one who gives a damn about the people of Burma because I have met them and bounced their young ones on my knee. These kind people took me into thier homes and fed me like I was visiting family. Being concerned for thier safety and well being is the least I can do in return.
If you want to send clothes, food, money, or anything you think would help these people then please feel free to contact me and I can tell you where to send whatever you need to send. I have contacts for releif/ aid organizations in Canada, US, Austraila, UK, and even Thailand/Burma. Let me know what you would like to send and I can help you get it to the place where it will do the most good.
I am just an old soldier with a big heart, trying to do the right thing.
God Bless…… Jack Slade
The Devil’s Discus – in Thai
Until recently, Thammasat library actually had an English language copy freely accessible at Professor Direck Jayanama Library. In October 2007 I was able to borrow the book and make a copy. According to the loan period card, it had been borrowed seven times in 2007 alone.
I returned the book and a few weeks afterwards I checked the shelves again for a friend but could not find it any more. To my surprise, the title had also been deleted from the online catalogue. Whereas a few weeks before the catalogue had still listed two copies of the book at Thammasat Central Library (that copy was nowhere to be found) and at Direck Jayanama, it seems as if “The Devil’s Discus” has now completely “disappeared” from Thammasat.
Samak’s talents!
jonfernquest, it is an amazingly difficult task for PMSamak and he will need all his skills and experience. He is aware that the actions of hardcore Thaksin loyalists (reflecting the puppet master’s impatience) pushing through (mainly self-serving) constitution change will most likely shorten his term – and wants to buy time with a referendum (which, again, will be expensive for PMThaksin – not only the taxpayers).
My hope is that the politicians come to their senses and totally open the process of constitutional amendment to broader societal involvement and debate – as it should be…
Samak’s talents!
So what is your lived memory of Thai politics, Teth? I am waiting for your short synopsis…
I think patience is a virtue here… I look forward to 2018 to see who will buy the beers!
I’ve always followed your posts when I can Teth. You give quality opinions, but not evidences – what I can say of most NM posts anyway. At the end of day, we are describing events that we are not directly involved with and should and could not, like politicians, demand receipts for corruption!
And no, I never deleted my blogs (nor have the time to go to reread any of it). Has my past comments been deleted?! (censorship in NM??? I hope not)
“… Especially in your case where it seems to not correspond with intelligence, maturity, wisdom, or detachment at all…”
As a designer, I take that as a compliment Teth. Gotta be a child at heart to get the creative juices flowing…
The Devil’s Discus – in Thai
I can’t add to the DD story. However, the suggestion that Thai discussion of the monarchy is more acceptable to those up top than western appears to lack any supporting evidence.
The Devil’s Discus – in Thai
Sorry to arrive into the discussion like an elephant into a glassware shop… but could you… tell us what is Devil’s Discus about ??? !!!
And point number 2, it’s enough to know that is has been banned in Thailand… to have a huge desire to read it.
😉
Therefore, where is it possible to find the english version ?
Thanks.
The Devil’s Discus – in Thai
Sorry– in the above anecdote, I put the date 74/75 in some places because at first I was not so sure what year I encountered this incident. I believe it was late 1974 when I met them and since by mid-1975 both of them went to the jungle. But I forgot to revise all the “74/75” in the above message to “1974”.
The Devil’s Discus – in Thai
This is based entirely on my memory. The main story is still clear to me but I cannot assure the accuracy of all facts.
A publication of the Thai translation was in late 1974 by two Thammasat students (or just graduated). But in the end the published copies were never released to the market. After printing, and a day or two before the two planned to release the book, something happened. All I know is that most copies were destroyed or hidden away by the two publishers (not by the police)while some were circulated in small circles. Later we knew that both of them went to the jungle in mid 1975, the same group as Seksan, Jiranan and others. One of them later became an elected Senator from a northeastern province. The other one returned from the jungle with Seksan (and was mentioned in the film “Moonhunter”). But I didn’t follow his whereabout since then.
I don’t think the 1974 publication was known to the police. It was not banned because the publication didn’t exist! Only a small circle of their friends knew about the publications and the change of plan. Ask former student activists of the 70s, most of them never knew or saw this book at the time. I think the fact that the book was never released to the public and the police didn’t know about it, i.e. the book didn’t exist, is the reason why the ban only took place in 2006, when a copy of an old print emerged in public. It is not true that a publication of Devil Discus in Thai is more tolerable than the one in English. It was so dangerous that “something happened” can caused the publishers to change their plan.
I do not know if the cover shown here is the same as the 1974/75 edition but was mistaken to be the 1977 edition. Or there were really two different prints: 1974/75 and 1977 ones. In 1974, I didn’t see the cover. When I talked to the two about the book, I was too naive and didn’t realize the significance of the book. I only knew the title in Thai “р╕Бр╕Зр╕Ир╕▒р╕Бр╕гр╕Ыр╕╡р╕ир╕▓р╕И” and knew that it was dangerous.
Sorry that I cannot tell the real names of the two. They might not want to be known involving with this episode 34 years ago, esp in the current ugly royalist climate.
Reynolds on Handley’s The King Never Smiles
[…] was only banned in 2006. Perhaps this backs up the point suggested by Craig Reynolds at the recent panel discussion on The King Never Smiles that Thai language discussions of the monarchy may be less offensive to the […]
Volunteering to fight in Burma
I would like to take this opportunity to tell New Mandala readers that I am NOT (underline ‘not’) recruiting soldiers, mercenaries or anyone else for the KNLA.
I have made several posts on this forum, defending my longtime friend, Thomas Bleming, and in addition, defending the activities of the KNLA. Both are worth defending.
I have been contacted by several individuals seeking information on how to link up with the KNLA. Most of them are ex-military with needed skill sets. Some are war tourists, looking for an action fix. A few are professional mercenaries, looking for a job (sorry – no money with the KNLA).
But there is another group of people that I would like to mention – the mentally disturbed.
I’m sure that you (you know who you are) enjoy killing chickens and then having masturbatory sessions afterwards. But how does that equate to fighting in a real war against people that have the capability and skills to kill you? Have you considered gaining employment at a processing plant, or becoming a journalist?
To “Mr. J.”, I’m sorry that you are having nightmares about Rwanda and East Timor. But instead of “joining the crusade in Burma”, don’t you think your money would be better spent seeing a therapist?
And finally, to all of you wannabe Rambos who served in secret, hush-hush, “have to kill you if I tell you” Delta Force, SEAL units that only the President knows about, I would suggest that you remain at your secret moon base – we don’t want the war ending in one day. We’ll call you if we need you. But I would still like to have the free suitcase nuke you offered me, if any are still available (my neighbor is most disagreeable and needs to be dealt with).
And finally, why yes, Joanna, I do spend my off hours daydreaming about murder and mayhem. But it usually involves journalists. Too bad you’re not an eighteen year old Swedish girl with large breasts, and whose English is limited to, “Oh, you’re so big” – I have daydreams about them as well.
Charles Foster
[email protected]
Samak’s talents!
Sidh: “I had the same wish, but it looks like wishful thinking now and PMSamak will never be ‘his own man’ nor get to run the country in the way he wants to.”
Well, I hope he does, anyway.
Teth: “…the people to propose it as a solution seem to forget that education occurs lifelong…students can teach their teachers as much as their teachers teach them,”
I agree with you. My wife who never got beyond junior high school, certainly learned to hate education early on, when her teacher dragged her out in front of the class and humiliated her, cutting her hair in front of the class. I’m the exact opposite. You couldn’t drag me out of the bookstore. People learn to either love education or hate it very early in life.
Leave the PA(S)D alone!
The better way for anti-PAD mob to move was to present itself as a group with name like “pro-constituency change”, not out-right “I am against you” group. But what’s done is done…
Samak’s talents!
Jon,
As critical as education is for the country’s betterment, the people to propose it as a solution seem to forget that education occurs lifelong. They focus on schools, but I think the focus should be on educating people, changing their perspective, maturing their attitudes at every age. Of course, suggesting this position sounds patronizing, but students can teach their teachers as much as their teachers teach them, so I am in no way suggesting “we” are better or that should we patronize anybody. Instead, we have been given good ideas that should be shared and considered.
Samak’s talents!
So unless these cases are taken to court, evidence will not flow magically? Non sequitur, unless, of course, the judge is Moses with his staff and a desert rock.
Again, we will magically respect the rule of law when a junta unlawfully takes power, selectively prosecutes an individual, and then absolves itself of any wrongdoing? I agree that Thaksin should be tried and taken to court, but so should Saphrang, Sondhi, and Surayud.
Keep up the faith with regards to your “evidence flowing like the waters”. I have given my fair share of evidence and arguments in these various debates. Use your search function.
Oh, and the fact that you think you never demanded evidence from me says it all, really, about your standard of proof.
On change, I’ve already stated, Teth, that I have long aged past those idealistic late teens to mid-20s. I laugh when I go back to read what I wrote then. I guarantee you will have many amusing hours reading what you write now in, say, 10 years time. Call me for a free beer if you don’t.
You haven’t got a clue, do you?
Call me for a reciprocal free beer after you’ve given an interview to a “lady from far away” asking her “How old are you? Were you born yet?”
The older you are, the sadder your own little tirades seem. No wonder you deleted your blog, as it probably seemed ridiculous even after less than one year. So much for the calm, composed, mature wisdom that comes with age. Age really is just a number! Especially in your case where it seems to not correspond with intelligence, maturity, wisdom, or detachment at all…
And by the way, you really should keep a tab on your blood pressure. Trust me, I’m an angry old git, too.
Thomas Bleming in the news
Yeah Tom’s very handy with that little 35mm camera. Hell he even caught me in his sights a few times. I hope the KNLA uses this time wisely and finds it’s strengths in thier enemy’s weaknesses. The navy is out of commission, the air corps/force is down, and troops are heading home to look after mom and pop. Of course the KNLA’s troops have families too. I am sure they are trying to find & feed thier loved ones as well. I am praying for the entire country right now. Slade
Samak’s talents!
I totally agree jonfernquest. Education is critical for the country’s future – and the measure of any government’s foresight.
I had the same wish, but it looks like wishful thinking now and PMSamak will never be ‘his own man’ nor get to run the country in the way he wants to. Like Ericksson, he looks to be on his way out of PMThaksin’s good books… It is only the fate of ‘nominees’…
Samak’s talents!
Evidences will flow like water from a broken Three Gorges Dam, Teth, if the cases against PMThaksin & co are tried by the courts. That will be another watershed in Thai society’s fight against corruption (the first was one of PMChavalit’s ministers was convicted for corruption, MajGen.Sanan’s conviction for assets concealment was also very important as he was literally the most powerful politician at the time) and route to a respect for the written rule of law.
You keep asking everyone for ‘evidences’! What about your incriminating evidences, Teth? Do let us know when you really have substantial stuff. If you feel that it is that strong, file a case in court. If you can’t do any of that, stop asking the same of others – many of whom never demanded ‘evidences’ from you. First and foremost, I understand NM’s blog is a place for opinions of varying subtances and quality – it is not an serious academic refereed journal nor a court of law…
On change, I’ve already stated, Teth, that I have long aged past those idealistic late teens to mid-20s. I laugh when I go back to read what I wrote then. I guarantee you will have many amusing hours reading what you write now in, say, 10 years time. Call me for a free beer if you don’t.
On my age, I’ve been walking for a few years in 1976 and have absolutely no political memories then. I begun to follow politics in the latter years of PMPrem’s premiership. My first passionate debates on politics with friends and family was after the 1991 GenSujinda’s coup against PMChatchai. 1992 Black May was the first deeply painful, heartbreak. 1997 passage of the constitution was heartstopping (felt like the moment when Somluck Kamsing won the country’s first gold medal in 1996). The first cabinet minister tried for corruption and MajGen.Sanan’s five-year ban gave me great hope until PMThaksin’s got off for an ‘honest mistake’… Then War on Drugs, Krue-sae and Takbai – for me some of the worse nightmares of Thai state abuse of power in living memory… 1973 and 1976 was no doubt very sad – but, for me, there’s a lot of difference between reading things from history books and living through those events. Almost everyone in the world will remember where they were when they heard of the 9/11. It is never the same for people who are too young or not born yet. I’m not putting you down like PMSamak did – just stating what is rather common.
So what is your lived memory of Thai politics, Teth? After giving a short synopsis of mine, I think I am entitled to hear yours? (Frankly, I won’t mind if you say that you remember 1976 as if you were there in the events and is able to give first-person evidences! As long as you also come clean)
Scholarly comments on religion and the cyclone
I actually have some of those amulets though I’m not sure if they are that specific type. I should have put “superstitious” in quotes since I was really talking about whatever King Mongkut had declared a discouraged practice (and I’m not sure exactly what that list is. I should do some reading.)
The thing is that some of these practices, even if they seem irrational to some, can still be helpful to people. For example, people with sleep paralysis often think they’re being harassed by a ghost at night. In reality this is a mental condition brought on by anxiety and can be treated with anti-anxiety drugs, but often some sort of protective charm will help prevent the disorder because it reduces the anxiety that causes the condition. (People feel safer knowing the ghost will be scared off by the charm, reducing their anxiety.)
So all of these practices have to be looked at in terms of whether they’re harmful, harmless, or actually helpful somehow rather than whether they’re based on empirical science or something.
Exhibition: The King – “Father of Thai Innovation”
So we have this father of abrasive innovation, to be exact. And nowadays we have this super-being before whom even the Buddha must take a far second place.
Spot the Thai national dress
i agreed with Amateur. miss thai only promote the minority group that did not have a voice. I don’t think that the dress would be that of a big issue. As human, we should respect every culture within our boundary. treat other as you want to be treat. Miss thai just did her job by giving and promoting the many ethnicity of Thailand. Any country would not get far if they only look within their own area. Every country with pride need to open up their door for others to get in. thank other ethnicity for living and taking pride by being a part of the thai people. Go miss thai. U rock. Do whatever you do and feel. They already vote for you and you are crowed as miss thai. Now, it is your time to shine. Don’t let anybody tells u what to do. Well, they can tell you, but remember that the decision is in your hand. The only force that can stop you is yourself. Love, Sek Loso fan