Oh and another thing. While in Thailand I got to use internet cafe computers and personal computers quite often. When I did google searches and other internet searches there where an awful lot of videos and information that I had accessed prior to my trip here in the US that would not come up on the results screen Thailand. That says alot about how controlled the info is in Thailand. Most of the info I was looking up was about BURMA. So it makes you ask yourself who is protecting the SPDC from inside Thailand ? Whom is controlling the info on the the internet about Burma? If it is the Thai Government then maybe the KNLA has more problems than they know about. Jack Slade
Look, I am sick and tired of all this bad mouthing Thomas Bleming. The guy has a heart as big as the Great state of Wyoming itself. I went into Burma with the man for a week. We did do patrols in a truck. We also got out and walked. We went into villages close to the SPDC and villages very far away from them. The difference was obvious. Just because Thomas Belming says he would love to get weapons for the KNLA to destroy the SPDC does not mean he has or is trying to. All of the the things he and I took to the KNLA where medical, food, or health and comfort items. Does Tom have a big mouth? Yeah sure, he feels like its his job to get the word out. Is he the most qualified expert on the war in Burma? NO and he knows it.
He loves the Karen people and they like him too. Is he a little nuts? Unless you vacation in a war zone you may think so. If however you have been in combat once or twice he doesn’t seem crazy at all.
He does not recruit. People seek him out because of his book. I know because thats what I did.
Thomas Bleming is a wild man with out a doubt. Is he a danger to setting the war in Burma back decades as some idiots have suggested? Not in the least. Tom’s best quality is that he feels like he can get away running his mouth more because he is not worried about hurting the SPDC’s feelings. He feels that they are the enemy and should be treated as such. Tom loves to dream/plan big and talk big, and thats great because as some one a lot smater than me once said”small dreams do not inspire the hearts of men”. After reading Tom’s book ” War in Karen Country” I knew I wanted to go to Burma. I wanted to know or at least get a better understanding of what was going on there. I didn’t just go on what Tom told me or just what I read on the internet.
While in Thailand I met with several different groups involved in the war in Burma. KNLA was the primary one. I have met Colonel Ner Dah and I like the man. He is wise and wants to do battle with the SPDC but, I get the feeling, he is being stopped by the higher command.( that’s just my feeling, not based on anything he has relayed to me) I also met with reps. from the NLD and had a wonderful 8 hour decussion with them over some good food.
I had the chance to spend a night with people from Generation 88 and hear their side of the story as well. Then I was blessed with the opportunity to spend some time with the FREE BURMA RANGERS. These people impressed me greatly. They even wished Tom well after asking me about him. They didn’t understand his motivation ,and maybe they still don’t, but at least they said “then God Bless the man” after hearing my take on him.
If the KNLA/ KNU continues to follow the current path they have chosen the war will take a very long time to work itself out.
If there is corruption in the KNLA it needs to be weeded out and dealt with. However, I saw none of that while in Burma. I saw dedicated people trying to hold their own against a much larger force.
I am just one man offering my narrow view of what I had the good fortune to see while I was in Burma. There is one thing I have noticed in the press and even in some of the posts on this site that is somewhat disconcerting…. IF you support the people and their cause(freedom) you should use the proper name of the country BURMA. However if you support the Junta and their cronies you should use Myanmar. Maybe this is a way we can tell the faithful from the enemy. Brian McCartin and odobhlain I am talking to you. For what its worth, I like Tom Bleming and may God bless him for all he is trying to do. At least he has gotten people talking. J. Slade
jonfernquest: hope you have your Thongdaeng t-shirt on and that you feel all warm and fuzzy being Thai and shout to the rooftops:
I, servant of His Majesty,
Extend my heart and body to his feet,
To pay respect and give praise
To the protector of the country,
To the great Chakri Dynasty,
To the leader of the Siamese people in might and splendor,
The people, in peace and contentment
From his tireless labor and guidance,
Pray, that whatever he wills,
Will come to pass for his glory
Especially as you support censorship (including of so-called opportunists) and all other crimes perpetrated by all the Chakri dynasty that you worship.
thaipeople and Tulya, it’s Thai people like you guys that make me so ashamed of being a Thai. Read carefully and think before you respond here childishly. Being rude won’t get you anywhere to win an argument. It only shows how uneducated you really are. (In case of Khun Tulya, your English also shows!).
I’m a Thai but I don’t know if I can love our King. I’m not saying that he’s not a good man but I believe that he’s just an ordinary person just like all of us. I certainly don’t think of him as being so virtuous and God-like. After all, he and everyone in his family still cares for money. And lots of it too!!!
It is quite interesting to read your comments and hope you will find a way to get our country better. Posssessing different opinions is the human nature and then we will have opportunities to discuss or debate about issues which we are concerned. But, please bear in your mind that whatever we are discussing or debating is for the betterment of our country. I also wanted to participate in this talk and my opinion and suggesstion is sincerely not to attack anyone personally.
The issue of economic sanctions imposed by Western powers has been really a controversial issue so far. As Dr. Win Maung mentioned, sanctions failed in some countries but there are also significant progress in some other countries in the world. One thing about this measure is that the only alternative to sanctions is that of military intervention which would bring huge impacts on the people from both the sender and its targeted country. Dr. W Maung is right about Burmese people suffering from malnutrition, diseases and other social breakdowns such as prostitution and abandoned children.But all these tragedies are not caused by the sanctions imposed as there are other factors contributed. The government allowed to open night-clubs, massage parlours and other sexual hubs in big cities across the country and senior officials, from ministerial levels to even local head of authorities are enjoying with prostitutes and sluts from showbiz. This scenario is dangerously drive the country to become like one of its neighbour with famous for prostitution. It is happening in urban area but in ethnic regions, the junta’s troops has been used ‘rape as the weapon’ against ethnic minorities. What about education? Children can’t go to school because teachers are corrupted and children from poor family can’t afford to bribe teachers to enroll in the school. Even after enrolled in the school, children from poor family background are discriminated by the teachers and bullied by the children from official families. These incidents are true and wide-spread in the country. What about in the university level? Anyone can get a MA/MSc or even PhD if you can bribe a set of diamond necklace or other high-luxury facilities to the Head of the Department. In healthcare, hospitals across the country have no medications in stock and then anyone who wants to be treated at the hospital has to buy even the basic kits such as bandage from private pharmacies. But generals can get treatment in Singapore and it is a wonder how Burma’s Generals and government officials became millionaires. I am sure that most of government officials are not traditional businessmen. Ordinary people in Burma’s are suffering day by day but we also need to think about how government officials are getting rich in the last two decades.
And other commentators like Nay Yu should also provide explanations that why sanctions should be favoured and no impacts at all on ordinary people. One thing I agree with Yar Zar and Nay Yu is that whether it is updated or not knowledge is never expired and reading and getting more knowledge at least for basic framework is encouraged. However, sticking to facts is perfect for analysing current scenarios but the facts should be genuine, unbiased and impartial.
One last thing about Daw Suu Kyi is that if anyone who thinks she is not really wise should blame to institutions she studied and her parents. Then, should we consider that Bogyoke Aung San and Daw Khin Kyi did not bring their daughter up well? Oxford University should not be a top university in the world too?
The truth is the Lese Majeste will persist in some form or other for quite a while; not because Thais love their king -although many claim to do so- but because the current law a. prevents some very uncomfortable issues being discussed in the public domain (which may have little if anything to do with the king), and b. is a valuable tool in the hands of powerful and influential people.
Actually, some to think of it, the law does work pretty damn well. I still haven’t plucked up the courage to write about the mysterious death of Ananda Mahidol.
I stand up at every movie I go to and I am deeply moved by the song they play, honest. And I am a big fan of Princess Sirindhorn.
It wasn’t always that way. I used to think that what is essentially worshipping human beings was a little strange. No longer. My family has all the pictures on the family altar at home. Neighbors gave them to us.
I do cringe at those ads a year or two ago with the rural tuk tuk driver explaining to the clueless blond Farang boy the deep meaning of His Majesty the King, which is just plain racist. Like because I’m a white Farang, I can’t understand and do it too? Because of my genes?
I had an opportunist colleague from Australia who wanted to make it as a writer so he defamed the Crown Prince in his novel. Authorities silently took it off the shelves. Discrete approaches like this take the wind out of opportunist’s sails.
I don’t understand why they want to blow this movie theatre thing into a big issue. Is the police or the courts (or both) that decide whether a lese majeste case goes to court?
Dear Holly High
Unfortunately you are right, and I do hope it is temporarily, which I am to investigate. You do find it as follows: The site opens with a picture of the kings sister, who passed away in January. Just below her picture is a short text in Thai. Click on that, and the web should open. In the left column of this Thai-language page you will find a picture of the book-cover. Click on that, and the page should open. Please let me know if still problems.
Thongbai has really said that? Can you give the source, please?
Btw, here is a somewhat frightening piece of rhetoric by Chamlong Srimueang produced at the PAD rally at Thammasat on April 25. He was quoted in Matichon (April 27) as having said, “Today’s politicians are extremely insolent. Whatever terrible things they can think of, they can do them every day. Now, they don’t only aim at destroying the chairperson of the Privy Council alone. Today, they aim at destroying the highest institution of the country. Therefore, we must be prepared to resist.”
This is a strange deja vu re Chamlong in October 1976, only that he was at the Royal Plaza with the village scouts at that time, and not in Thammasat University. And those accused of destroying the monarchy were not the government politicians, but the students assembled in Thammasat.
I partially agree with Teth and TRT and its proxy PPP are more ‘competent’ governments compared to PMSurayud’s ‘junta’ government – especially economically. However, on the ‘rule of law’ and ‘human rights’ issue, PMThaksin’s government was incompetent to say the least. No, I don’t have evidence to support that statement but a synthesis of events from various medias (as with corruption and vote buying). We have the courts to sort the incriminating from the hearsay – and I hope they carry out their job imparitally.
For me, the main ‘evidences’ for my statement were PMThaksin’s ‘War on Drugs’ and sanctioning of state violence in the South. To doubters of the events, maybe the media has exaggerated numbers slain, maybe they were no ‘death squads’ and police kidnappings. In the present context, I concede that we will never know (as with vote buying and corruption). But being in Australia, I have had the opportunity to see quality investigative journalism into both the ‘War on Drugs’ and the Southern violence via SBS. Recently I was one of the lucky few to get to see the documentary on the Thai South “Citizen Juling” by Ing K, Ajarn Kraisak Choonhavan and Ajarn Manit Sriwanichpoom. It is probably one of the most revealing, yet highly depressing documentary I’ve seen and is highly recommended – at least for Thais and Thai voters. I hear KhunIng K wants to air it on the new public TV and wish her the best of luck.
What does this have to do with the ‘big picture’? We all (at least in NM) have an ideal picture of Thai democracy. Many here envision a ‘republic’, others a ‘constitutional monarchy’ resembling the British or Japanese system. I am seeing ‘chicken and egg’ issues in a very messy process of being sorted out in the practice of Thai democracy. One of the most fundamental being the ‘checks and balances’ between the executive, legislative and judiciary branches of government.
I totally agree that the electorate (including myself) desire effective economic managers – but what about the ‘rule of law’, ‘human rights’ and ‘corruption’? How can we end this vicious cycle of the disregard (‘futility’ according to Teth) that both political and military elites show for the highest rules of the land?
With Yuth ‘The Fridge’ case, it is almost like PMThaksin’s 2001 asset concealment case all over again. I agree that the 2007 Constitution is overly harsh – but the rules were clearly established before the December election. Will Thai democracy mature by going through another cycle of ‘honest mistake’ a light slap on the wrist – when, as with the asset concealment, the evidences are clear? Is it better to ‘compromise’ and ban Yuth ‘The Fridge’ for 10 years and let PPP govern on instead of following the law to the letter?
Personally, I prefer that the law is respected and PPP gets dissolved as this will set a new precedent. There’s already talk about a new party called “Thaksin Party” (according to Thairath’s political news column) to replace PPP anyway – and I am certain political parties will not be weakened and will eventually adapt (e.g. a much smaller executive committee)… The 2007 constitution certainly needs amendment but it must be a much more democratic and inclusive process as KhunChaturon Chaiseang suggested…
As I have also said before, PMThaksin’s pockets are extremely deep and he will still cast a very long shadow over Thai politics for another decade at least – whether behind the scenes (as he is doing now to PMSamak’s chagrin) or maybe even becoming PM again. I agree with Nganadeeleg and his movements are still very significant, whether making merit around the country or welcoming Laskmi Mittal (one of the top five richest person) to invest in Thailand. Contrary to what many in NM see as a struggle between ‘Thaksin Loyalist’ Vs ‘Royalist’. That is quite mythical in proportions and recent and current political events simply suggest PMThaksin trying to regain power and money… The military, royalty, Democrats, PAD aren’t really his match, it is the increasingly independent judiciary branch. PMThaksin will not go through these lengths of changing the constitution to suit his interests if there’s no incriminating evidences…
Khun BP writes He can then ask the complaint, do they know view the monarchy in a lesser light because of his actions? No one could admit to this, least all of the royalist who complained, so there is no insult.
This legel strategy (basically based on “consequence” as well as intention) was first employed by Thongbai Thongpao in the famous Praderm Damrongcharoen’s case of 1974-75 and is said (by Streckfus) to account for the succesful defense of the case. First of all, I’m not sure that the Praderm Damrongcharoen’s (or Sulak’s) case was successful in the defense because of legal reason or political reason. I suspect it’s the latter. Furthermore, in the Veera Musikkaphong’s case, the “consequence” didn’t seem to help him get off (in the appeal court). Other recent LM trial, eg. the case of a ‘crazy’ nun in Ayudthaya who (if I remember correctly) claimed to be relative of the Crown Prince was also convicted even though no negative consequence to public could be shown.
I still think the outcome of most, if not all, LM cases depend largely on political reason rather legal one.
btw. Thongbai has now come out to state firmly that not standing for Royal Anthem is less majesty and is punishable by jail terms.
Now, now, Colonel, my use of “futility” is the standard, correct use of the word. Shall I now expect an apology from you for misunderstanding the word now that you are using it in its correct sense? ๐
Lese majeste carries “force” now in Thailand only because of the deep reverence accorded by the Thais to its current King, HM King Bhumibhol.
Fast forward a few years from now when Thailand will have a new King . . . . . and Teth’s “futility” will probably best describe Lese Majeste law.
So just wait gentlemen . . . be patient. But in the meantime . . .NM regulars should be able to endure standing up in theaters during the Thai royal anthem.
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The Republic of Kawthoolei and Thomas Bleming
Oh and another thing. While in Thailand I got to use internet cafe computers and personal computers quite often. When I did google searches and other internet searches there where an awful lot of videos and information that I had accessed prior to my trip here in the US that would not come up on the results screen Thailand. That says alot about how controlled the info is in Thailand. Most of the info I was looking up was about BURMA. So it makes you ask yourself who is protecting the SPDC from inside Thailand ? Whom is controlling the info on the the internet about Burma? If it is the Thai Government then maybe the KNLA has more problems than they know about. Jack Slade
The Republic of Kawthoolei and Thomas Bleming
Look, I am sick and tired of all this bad mouthing Thomas Bleming. The guy has a heart as big as the Great state of Wyoming itself. I went into Burma with the man for a week. We did do patrols in a truck. We also got out and walked. We went into villages close to the SPDC and villages very far away from them. The difference was obvious. Just because Thomas Belming says he would love to get weapons for the KNLA to destroy the SPDC does not mean he has or is trying to. All of the the things he and I took to the KNLA where medical, food, or health and comfort items. Does Tom have a big mouth? Yeah sure, he feels like its his job to get the word out. Is he the most qualified expert on the war in Burma? NO and he knows it.
He loves the Karen people and they like him too. Is he a little nuts? Unless you vacation in a war zone you may think so. If however you have been in combat once or twice he doesn’t seem crazy at all.
He does not recruit. People seek him out because of his book. I know because thats what I did.
Thomas Bleming is a wild man with out a doubt. Is he a danger to setting the war in Burma back decades as some idiots have suggested? Not in the least. Tom’s best quality is that he feels like he can get away running his mouth more because he is not worried about hurting the SPDC’s feelings. He feels that they are the enemy and should be treated as such. Tom loves to dream/plan big and talk big, and thats great because as some one a lot smater than me once said”small dreams do not inspire the hearts of men”. After reading Tom’s book ” War in Karen Country” I knew I wanted to go to Burma. I wanted to know or at least get a better understanding of what was going on there. I didn’t just go on what Tom told me or just what I read on the internet.
While in Thailand I met with several different groups involved in the war in Burma. KNLA was the primary one. I have met Colonel Ner Dah and I like the man. He is wise and wants to do battle with the SPDC but, I get the feeling, he is being stopped by the higher command.( that’s just my feeling, not based on anything he has relayed to me) I also met with reps. from the NLD and had a wonderful 8 hour decussion with them over some good food.
I had the chance to spend a night with people from Generation 88 and hear their side of the story as well. Then I was blessed with the opportunity to spend some time with the FREE BURMA RANGERS. These people impressed me greatly. They even wished Tom well after asking me about him. They didn’t understand his motivation ,and maybe they still don’t, but at least they said “then God Bless the man” after hearing my take on him.
If the KNLA/ KNU continues to follow the current path they have chosen the war will take a very long time to work itself out.
If there is corruption in the KNLA it needs to be weeded out and dealt with. However, I saw none of that while in Burma. I saw dedicated people trying to hold their own against a much larger force.
I am just one man offering my narrow view of what I had the good fortune to see while I was in Burma. There is one thing I have noticed in the press and even in some of the posts on this site that is somewhat disconcerting…. IF you support the people and their cause(freedom) you should use the proper name of the country BURMA. However if you support the Junta and their cronies you should use Myanmar. Maybe this is a way we can tell the faithful from the enemy. Brian McCartin and odobhlain I am talking to you. For what its worth, I like Tom Bleming and may God bless him for all he is trying to do. At least he has gotten people talking. J. Slade
Taking a stand against lรจse majestรฉ
Jon, you’ve brought a tear into my eye. I accept you as a real Thai now. Thank you from the people of Thailand, Brother Jon.
DFID man in Burma
“….Yangon ….Burma …”
Hmm, diplomatic there, covering both sides of the game. Just sayin’… ๐
Taking a stand against lรจse majestรฉ
jonfernquest: hope you have your Thongdaeng t-shirt on and that you feel all warm and fuzzy being Thai and shout to the rooftops:
I, servant of His Majesty,
Extend my heart and body to his feet,
To pay respect and give praise
To the protector of the country,
To the great Chakri Dynasty,
To the leader of the Siamese people in might and splendor,
The people, in peace and contentment
From his tireless labor and guidance,
Pray, that whatever he wills,
Will come to pass for his glory
Especially as you support censorship (including of so-called opportunists) and all other crimes perpetrated by all the Chakri dynasty that you worship.
More debate on The King Never Smiles
thaipeople and Tulya, it’s Thai people like you guys that make me so ashamed of being a Thai. Read carefully and think before you respond here childishly. Being rude won’t get you anywhere to win an argument. It only shows how uneducated you really are. (In case of Khun Tulya, your English also shows!).
I’m a Thai but I don’t know if I can love our King. I’m not saying that he’s not a good man but I believe that he’s just an ordinary person just like all of us. I certainly don’t think of him as being so virtuous and God-like. After all, he and everyone in his family still cares for money. And lots of it too!!!
Interview with Burma’s Ma Thanegi
Dear Compatriots,
It is quite interesting to read your comments and hope you will find a way to get our country better. Posssessing different opinions is the human nature and then we will have opportunities to discuss or debate about issues which we are concerned. But, please bear in your mind that whatever we are discussing or debating is for the betterment of our country. I also wanted to participate in this talk and my opinion and suggesstion is sincerely not to attack anyone personally.
The issue of economic sanctions imposed by Western powers has been really a controversial issue so far. As Dr. Win Maung mentioned, sanctions failed in some countries but there are also significant progress in some other countries in the world. One thing about this measure is that the only alternative to sanctions is that of military intervention which would bring huge impacts on the people from both the sender and its targeted country. Dr. W Maung is right about Burmese people suffering from malnutrition, diseases and other social breakdowns such as prostitution and abandoned children.But all these tragedies are not caused by the sanctions imposed as there are other factors contributed. The government allowed to open night-clubs, massage parlours and other sexual hubs in big cities across the country and senior officials, from ministerial levels to even local head of authorities are enjoying with prostitutes and sluts from showbiz. This scenario is dangerously drive the country to become like one of its neighbour with famous for prostitution. It is happening in urban area but in ethnic regions, the junta’s troops has been used ‘rape as the weapon’ against ethnic minorities. What about education? Children can’t go to school because teachers are corrupted and children from poor family can’t afford to bribe teachers to enroll in the school. Even after enrolled in the school, children from poor family background are discriminated by the teachers and bullied by the children from official families. These incidents are true and wide-spread in the country. What about in the university level? Anyone can get a MA/MSc or even PhD if you can bribe a set of diamond necklace or other high-luxury facilities to the Head of the Department. In healthcare, hospitals across the country have no medications in stock and then anyone who wants to be treated at the hospital has to buy even the basic kits such as bandage from private pharmacies. But generals can get treatment in Singapore and it is a wonder how Burma’s Generals and government officials became millionaires. I am sure that most of government officials are not traditional businessmen. Ordinary people in Burma’s are suffering day by day but we also need to think about how government officials are getting rich in the last two decades.
And other commentators like Nay Yu should also provide explanations that why sanctions should be favoured and no impacts at all on ordinary people. One thing I agree with Yar Zar and Nay Yu is that whether it is updated or not knowledge is never expired and reading and getting more knowledge at least for basic framework is encouraged. However, sticking to facts is perfect for analysing current scenarios but the facts should be genuine, unbiased and impartial.
One last thing about Daw Suu Kyi is that if anyone who thinks she is not really wise should blame to institutions she studied and her parents. Then, should we consider that Bogyoke Aung San and Daw Khin Kyi did not bring their daughter up well? Oxford University should not be a top university in the world too?
Taking a stand against lรจse majestรฉ
The truth is the Lese Majeste will persist in some form or other for quite a while; not because Thais love their king -although many claim to do so- but because the current law a. prevents some very uncomfortable issues being discussed in the public domain (which may have little if anything to do with the king), and b. is a valuable tool in the hands of powerful and influential people.
Actually, some to think of it, the law does work pretty damn well. I still haven’t plucked up the courage to write about the mysterious death of Ananda Mahidol.
Taking a stand against lรจse majestรฉ
Srithanonchai said : Thongbai has really said that? Can you give the source, please?
http://www.manager.co.th/Crime/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000048141
Taking a stand against lรจse majestรฉ
I stand up at every movie I go to and I am deeply moved by the song they play, honest. And I am a big fan of Princess Sirindhorn.
It wasn’t always that way. I used to think that what is essentially worshipping human beings was a little strange. No longer. My family has all the pictures on the family altar at home. Neighbors gave them to us.
I do cringe at those ads a year or two ago with the rural tuk tuk driver explaining to the clueless blond Farang boy the deep meaning of His Majesty the King, which is just plain racist. Like because I’m a white Farang, I can’t understand and do it too? Because of my genes?
I had an opportunist colleague from Australia who wanted to make it as a writer so he defamed the Crown Prince in his novel. Authorities silently took it off the shelves. Discrete approaches like this take the wind out of opportunist’s sails.
I don’t understand why they want to blow this movie theatre thing into a big issue. Is the police or the courts (or both) that decide whether a lese majeste case goes to court?
Taking a stand against lรจse majestรฉ
here’s the link to the report of the No-Standing incident in Manager which quotes Thongbai as saying “This action is illegal under the Criminal Code and is a less majesty”:
http://www.manager.co.th/Crime/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000048141
ัโะฉัโโัโะฒัโะงัโะฝัโะัโฃะัโะช ัโะงัโะฝัโะัโฃะัโะซัโโัโะคัโฃะ ัโะฝัโะคัโโกัโะฅ ัโะบ.ัโะท.ัโะฑัโะปัโโัโะบัโโัโะณัโะัโโัโะฑ ัโะงัโะฉัโโัโะฒัโะัโะทัโโัโะฑัโะณัโโัโะัโะทัโโัโะตัโฃะัโะฑัโะัโฃะัโะัโฃะัโะ ัโะัโะตัโฃะัโโัโะทัโะทัโฃะัโโ ัโะัโะณัโะฃัโโกัโะคัโโัโะัโะัโะตัโฃะัโโัโะทัโะฆัโโัโะฝัโฃะัโะซัโฃะัโะฉัโะัโะทัโโัโะฑัโะฌัโโคัโะคัโะงัโโัโะัโะฝัโโัโะัโโ ัโะฑัโโกัโฃะัโะงัโะนัโะัโโัโะัโโัโะัโะบัโโฃัโะัโะฆัโโขัโะ 7 ัโะซัโโก ัโฃะัโะตัโโัโะฆัโโัโะฝัโะทัโฃะัโโัโะปัโะฑัโโคัโฃะัโะฉัโะฎัโะณัโโัโะชัโะณัโะฑัโฃะัโะคัโะัโโัโะฉัโโัโะฐัโโัโะฎ ัโะัโโขัโฃะัโะัโะัโโัโะณัโะฒัโโัโะฉัโะงัโโัโะัโะทัโโัโะฑัโฃะัโะัโโัโะณัโะฎัโฃะัโะฎัโะตัโะัโะบัโะณัโะณัโฃะัโะบัโะณัโโคัโะัโะฎัโะณัโโัโะชัโโัโะณัโะฑัโโก ัโฃะัโะตัโโัโฃะัโะฎัโะตัโะัโะัโโัโะฅัโโค ัโะงัโโัโะัโะัโะฉัโะฅัโฃะัโะฝัโะัโะัโะณัโโัโะงัโโัโะคัโฃะัโะทัโะฒัโะัโะทัโโัโะฑัโะบัโโัโะฐัโโัโะฎ ัโะฒัโโัโะฉัโะฅัโโัโะทัโะฅัโะณัโะ ัโะปัโฃะัโโัโะฑัโฃะัโะัโะทัโฃะัโะัโฃะัโะัโะฉ ัโะปัโะณัโโัโะฝัโะฒัโโัโะฉัโะฒัโโคัโฃะัโะฑ ัโะฅัโฃะัโะฝัโะัโะฒัโโัโะฉัโะคัโฃะัโะทัโะฒัโะัโะทัโโัโะฑัโะบัโะัโะชัโฃะัโะณัโโกัโะฒัโะชัโะณัโฃะัโะฝัโะฒ ัโะัโโขัโฃะัโะัโฃะัโะฉัโะฝัโะคัโโกัโะฅัโฃะัโะัโะฒัโะฑัโโกัโฃะัโะปัโะฅัโโัโะัโโัโะณัโะฃัโฃะัโะฉัโโคัโะบัโโคัโะฅัโะัโโัโะผัโโัโะตัโะัโะัโะณัโะฃัโฃะัโะฑัโะปัโโัโะทัโโคัโะงัโะฒัโโัโะตัโโัโะฒัโะฅัโฃะัโะฝัโะัโะฅัโโคัโะคัโะัโโัโะ 2 ัโะซัโโก ัโฃะัโะฎัโะณัโโัโโัโฃะัโะฑัโฃะัโะตัโโัโะัโะัโโขัโฃะัโะฉัโะฒัโโัโะฉัโะงัโโัโะัโะทัโโัโะฑัโฃะัโะัโโัโะณัโะฎัโฃะัโะฎัโะตัโะัโะบัโะณัโะณัโฃะัโะบัโะณัโโคัโะัโะฎัโะณัโโัโะชัโโัโะณัโะฑัโโก ัโะัโะฃัโโัโฃะัโะซัโะฏัโโัโะัโะัโโัโะณัโะซัโะณัโโัโะธัโะณัโโัโะฒัโะงัโโกัโฃะัโะงัโฃะัโะฝัโะัโะบัโะฉัโโัโะฑัโะปัโะตัโะทัโะ ัโฃะัโะคัโะฒัโฃะัโะัโะฎัโโัโโัโฃะัโะฉัโฃะัโะณัโะัโะฐัโโัโะฎัโะฒัโะฉัโะฅัโะณัโฃะัโะัโโัโะฑัโโกัโะัโฃะัโะฝัโะัโะทัโโัโะฑัโะณัโโัโะชัโโัโฃะัโะทัโฃะัโะัโโัโะคัโฃะัโะัโะฉัโะฝัโะฒัโโฃัโฃะัโฃะัโะตัโฃะัโะทัโะทัโฃะัโโ โัโฃะัโะซัโะณัโะคัโะฒัโโัโะฉัโะฆัโะทัโโัโะฒัโะัโะทัโโัโะฑัโฃะัโะัโโัโะณัโะฎโ
โัโฃะัโะฑัโฃะัโะัโโัโะฝัโะฒัโโฃัโฃะ ัโะฃ ัโะงัโโกัโฃะัโฃะัโะปัโฃะัโะัโฃะัโะค ัโฃะัโะฑัโโัโฃะัโะฝัโฃะัโะคัโฃะัโะฒัโโคัโะฉัโฃะัโะฎัโะตัโะัโะบัโะณัโะณัโฃะัโะบัโะณัโโคัโะัโะฎัโะณัโโัโะชัโโัโะณัโะฑัโโก ัโฃะัโะตัโโัโฃะัโะฎัโะตัโะัโะัโโัโะฅัโโค ัโะงัโโัโะัโะัโะฉัโะฅัโฃะัโะฝัโะัโะฒัโโัโะฉัโะฅัโโัโะทัโะฅัโะณัโะัโะฉัโโคัโฃะัโะัโะงัโโัโะัโะทัโโัโะฑัโฃะัโะัโโัโะณัโะฎโ ัโะฉัโโัโะฒัโะงัโะฝัโะัโฃะัโะช ัโะัโะตัโฃะัโโัโะท
ัโะงัโะฉัโโัโะฒัโะัโะทัโโัโะฑัโะฌัโโฃัโฃะัโะฉัโโกัโฃะ ัโะณัโโัโะชัโโัโะคัโฃะัโะทัโะฒัโะทัโฃะัโโ ัโะปัโโัโะัโะชัโโัโะัโะัโะตัโฃะัโะคัโฃะัโะปัโฃะัโะฉัโะปัโะณัโโัโะฝัโฃะัโะัโฃะัโะัโะัโะทัโโัโะฑัโฃะัโะฝัโโัโะฌัโโคัโะคัโะัโโัโะชัโะฌัโโฃัโฃะัโะงัโโกัโฃะัโฃะัโะฑัโฃะัโะตัโโัโะัโะัโโขัโฃะัโะฉัโะฒัโโัโะฉ ัโะปัโะณัโโัโะฝัโะฒัโโัโะฉัโฃะัโะฑัโฃะัโะบัโโัโะฐัโโัโะฎ ัโฃะัโะตัโโัโะฑัโโกัโะฎัโะฒัโโัโะฉัโฃะัโะปัโฃะัโะฉัโะัโโัโะคัโฃะัโะัโะฉ ัโฃะัโะัโฃะัโโัโะปัโะฉัโฃะัโโัโะงัโโกัโฃะัโะฅัโโัโะณัโะทัโะัโะัโโัโะณัโโัโะชัโฃะัโะัโฃะัโะัโะัโะทัโโัโะฑัโะฝัโะฒัโโฃัโฃะัโฃะัโะตัโฃะัโะท ัโะัโโขัโฃะัโะัโะงัโโกัโฃะัโะฌัโฃะัโโัโะฉัโะฑัโโ ัโะฑัโโกัโฃะัโะปัโะฅัโโัโะัโโัโะณัโะฃัโฃะัโะตัโโัโะัโะนัโะฃัโโัโฃะัโะัโฃะัโะฉัโะฉัโโกัโฃะัโฃะัโะัโโคัโะคัโะัโโขัโฃะัโะฉ ัโฃะัโะตัโโัโะฉัโโัโฃะัโะณัโโัโฃะัโะฝัโะัโะัโโขัโฃะัโะฉัโะบัโโฃัโฃะัโะธัโโัโะตัโะัโโกัโะัโโัโะฑัโโัโฃะัโะตัโฃะัโะท
Taking a stand against lรจse majestรฉ
Well, Srithanonchai, the students from 1976 have now matured to take the helms of government. How the tables have turned, and I wish them well.
Childbirth in Isan
Dear Holly High
Unfortunately you are right, and I do hope it is temporarily, which I am to investigate. You do find it as follows: The site opens with a picture of the kings sister, who passed away in January. Just below her picture is a short text in Thai. Click on that, and the web should open. In the left column of this Thai-language page you will find a picture of the book-cover. Click on that, and the page should open. Please let me know if still problems.
Taking a stand against lรจse majestรฉ
Thongbai has really said that? Can you give the source, please?
Btw, here is a somewhat frightening piece of rhetoric by Chamlong Srimueang produced at the PAD rally at Thammasat on April 25. He was quoted in Matichon (April 27) as having said, “Today’s politicians are extremely insolent. Whatever terrible things they can think of, they can do them every day. Now, they don’t only aim at destroying the chairperson of the Privy Council alone. Today, they aim at destroying the highest institution of the country. Therefore, we must be prepared to resist.”
This is a strange deja vu re Chamlong in October 1976, only that he was at the Royal Plaza with the village scouts at that time, and not in Thammasat University. And those accused of destroying the monarchy were not the government politicians, but the students assembled in Thammasat.
Ringbarking a government
I partially agree with Teth and TRT and its proxy PPP are more ‘competent’ governments compared to PMSurayud’s ‘junta’ government – especially economically. However, on the ‘rule of law’ and ‘human rights’ issue, PMThaksin’s government was incompetent to say the least. No, I don’t have evidence to support that statement but a synthesis of events from various medias (as with corruption and vote buying). We have the courts to sort the incriminating from the hearsay – and I hope they carry out their job imparitally.
For me, the main ‘evidences’ for my statement were PMThaksin’s ‘War on Drugs’ and sanctioning of state violence in the South. To doubters of the events, maybe the media has exaggerated numbers slain, maybe they were no ‘death squads’ and police kidnappings. In the present context, I concede that we will never know (as with vote buying and corruption). But being in Australia, I have had the opportunity to see quality investigative journalism into both the ‘War on Drugs’ and the Southern violence via SBS. Recently I was one of the lucky few to get to see the documentary on the Thai South “Citizen Juling” by Ing K, Ajarn Kraisak Choonhavan and Ajarn Manit Sriwanichpoom. It is probably one of the most revealing, yet highly depressing documentary I’ve seen and is highly recommended – at least for Thais and Thai voters. I hear KhunIng K wants to air it on the new public TV and wish her the best of luck.
What does this have to do with the ‘big picture’? We all (at least in NM) have an ideal picture of Thai democracy. Many here envision a ‘republic’, others a ‘constitutional monarchy’ resembling the British or Japanese system. I am seeing ‘chicken and egg’ issues in a very messy process of being sorted out in the practice of Thai democracy. One of the most fundamental being the ‘checks and balances’ between the executive, legislative and judiciary branches of government.
I totally agree that the electorate (including myself) desire effective economic managers – but what about the ‘rule of law’, ‘human rights’ and ‘corruption’? How can we end this vicious cycle of the disregard (‘futility’ according to Teth) that both political and military elites show for the highest rules of the land?
With Yuth ‘The Fridge’ case, it is almost like PMThaksin’s 2001 asset concealment case all over again. I agree that the 2007 Constitution is overly harsh – but the rules were clearly established before the December election. Will Thai democracy mature by going through another cycle of ‘honest mistake’ a light slap on the wrist – when, as with the asset concealment, the evidences are clear? Is it better to ‘compromise’ and ban Yuth ‘The Fridge’ for 10 years and let PPP govern on instead of following the law to the letter?
Personally, I prefer that the law is respected and PPP gets dissolved as this will set a new precedent. There’s already talk about a new party called “Thaksin Party” (according to Thairath’s political news column) to replace PPP anyway – and I am certain political parties will not be weakened and will eventually adapt (e.g. a much smaller executive committee)… The 2007 constitution certainly needs amendment but it must be a much more democratic and inclusive process as KhunChaturon Chaiseang suggested…
As I have also said before, PMThaksin’s pockets are extremely deep and he will still cast a very long shadow over Thai politics for another decade at least – whether behind the scenes (as he is doing now to PMSamak’s chagrin) or maybe even becoming PM again. I agree with Nganadeeleg and his movements are still very significant, whether making merit around the country or welcoming Laskmi Mittal (one of the top five richest person) to invest in Thailand. Contrary to what many in NM see as a struggle between ‘Thaksin Loyalist’ Vs ‘Royalist’. That is quite mythical in proportions and recent and current political events simply suggest PMThaksin trying to regain power and money… The military, royalty, Democrats, PAD aren’t really his match, it is the increasingly independent judiciary branch. PMThaksin will not go through these lengths of changing the constitution to suit his interests if there’s no incriminating evidences…
Taking a stand against lรจse majestรฉ
Khun BP writes
He can then ask the complaint, do they know view the monarchy in a lesser light because of his actions? No one could admit to this, least all of the royalist who complained, so there is no insult.
This legel strategy (basically based on “consequence” as well as intention) was first employed by Thongbai Thongpao in the famous Praderm Damrongcharoen’s case of 1974-75 and is said (by Streckfus) to account for the succesful defense of the case. First of all, I’m not sure that the Praderm Damrongcharoen’s (or Sulak’s) case was successful in the defense because of legal reason or political reason. I suspect it’s the latter. Furthermore, in the Veera Musikkaphong’s case, the “consequence” didn’t seem to help him get off (in the appeal court). Other recent LM trial, eg. the case of a ‘crazy’ nun in Ayudthaya who (if I remember correctly) claimed to be relative of the Crown Prince was also convicted even though no negative consequence to public could be shown.
I still think the outcome of most, if not all, LM cases depend largely on political reason rather legal one.
btw. Thongbai has now come out to state firmly that not standing for Royal Anthem is less majesty and is punishable by jail terms.
Taking a stand against lรจse majestรฉ
Now, now, Colonel, my use of “futility” is the standard, correct use of the word. Shall I now expect an apology from you for misunderstanding the word now that you are using it in its correct sense? ๐
Taking a stand against lรจse majestรฉ
Colonel: I think you are not likely to be correct. I wish it were so. I think – guess – that lase majeste will be more important in the next reign….
Taking a stand against lรจse majestรฉ
Lese majeste carries “force” now in Thailand only because of the deep reverence accorded by the Thais to its current King, HM King Bhumibhol.
Fast forward a few years from now when Thailand will have a new King . . . . . and Teth’s “futility” will probably best describe Lese Majeste law.
So just wait gentlemen . . . be patient. But in the meantime . . .NM regulars should be able to endure standing up in theaters during the Thai royal anthem.
Business professionals prostrating
And I understand that they let once princesses choose jewelery and leave without having to pay for it.