[…] both are said to have commercial ties to the Myanmar regime. U.S.-based Chronicle of Higher Ed links to New Mandala academic group blog which has lots of info and in turn links to Burmese sife Kachin […]
That is the official budget. Apparently the king announced that state agencies, businesses and the public can also participate in paying some of the bills for this event.
ITSC: “The sky will not fall in if we talk freely and frankly about the king’s role in contemporary Thai politics. Let’s make sure this is a starting point for ongoing frank and public discussion.” >> …outside of this special arrangement, and within political studies academia in Thailand.
I find the Bangkok Post article about the conference elliptical and understated to the extreme. For the conference exchanges to have more effect, there needs to be a more thorough and informative series of articles and reports……….
(the average Bangkok Post article about a Premier League soccer game has more information and detail………..)
Academic research and diverse views on Thailand supplied by foreign scholars help Thai society see itself more objectively, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn said yesterday.
”As outsiders, they can see us from afar more clearly because we ourselves are too close to the subject,” the Princess said while addressing some 500 academics at the opening of an international conference on Thai Studies at Thammasat University.
A wide range of topics and papers will be presented and discussed over the three-day conference, including the ”sufficiency economy”, censorship, the southern violence, Buddhism, sexuality, gender inequality and the monarchy.
In the seminar yesterday, academics lashed out at the inapplicability and irrelevance of the sufficiency economy concept in Thailand, saying the promotion of the principle was a political manoeuvre of the coup-installed government and Thailand’s elite.
One of the critics, Peter Bell from the State University of New York at Purchase said the principle was not a coherent and viable economic theory. The United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) recommendation for other countries to apply the approach was not relevant, he added.
”The concept is simply a strong critique of Thai capitalist development. It comes with a sense of anti-globalisation in light of the financial crisis in 1997,” Mr Bell said.
Andrew Walker of the Australian National University’s Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, said the sufficiency economy had become an ideological tool used by the elite to take the pressure off them to address any serious redistribution of income or resources.
HRH Princess Sirindhorn said Thai scholars should conduct their own local research to compare notes with foreign academics’ work because better understanding can help the country solve its problems more effectively.
Prof Charles Keyes, a respected anthropologist at the University of Washington, traced the changes of Thailand over the past 40 years in his keynote speech.
He said that Thai villagers had left the sufficiency economy behind to unequivocally embrace the global capitalist system, but their economic decisions, aspirations and life choices remain significantly tempered by the Buddhist teachings based on moderation and self-reliance.
Piriya Krairiksh, an art historian, said that although research on Thailand has shifted from the hands of amateurs a century ago to professional academics, their common aim to create a ”united, free and good” Thailand remains elusive.
Please, have some compassion — notwithstanding the CPB, the royals are too poor to pay themselves for the funeral of one of their family members. Sufficiency funeral anybody?
The document is dated 1982 and the writer gives as his penname, “Raktham Rakthai”. It’s a leftist-inspired popular history of the Chakri dynasty.
See expecially the chapter on the present king, “р╕Др╕Щр╕Ър╕▓р╕Ыр╣Гр╕Щр╕Др╕гр╕▓р╕Ър╕Щр╕▒р╕Бр╕Ър╕╕р╕Н”. The image we gain of Bhumibol from this account is of a ruthless, bloodsoaked, avaricious and duplicitous autocrat who has lied and deceived the Thai people for the duration of his reign for the sole purpose of preserving the throne: “р╕Бр╕йр╕▒р╕Хр╕гр╕┤р╕вр╣Мр╕ар╕╣р╕бр╕┤р╕Юр╕ер╕Ир╕нр╕бр╕зр╕▓р╕Зр╣Бр╕Ьр╕Щ”
Among the more interesting aspects of the account: it was Bhumibol who murdered his brother, King Rama 8; he refused to commute the execution sentences for the two royal pages and the royal secretary whom he framed for the murder; he ordered the police to attack the students at the 14 October 1973 protests in order to make it appear that it had been ordered by the “3 Tyrants” with whom the king was in conflict; he perverted the Buddhist religion to attack his enemies; and he was responsible for the infamous massacre of students at Thammasat University on 6 October 1976: “р╕Чр╕╕р╕Бр╕Др╕гр╕▒р╣Йр╕Зр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕бр╕╡р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Ар╕нр╣Ир╕вр╕Цр╕╢р╕Зр╣Ар╕лр╕Хр╕╕р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Ур╣Мр╕бр╕лр╕▓р╕зр╕┤р╕Ыр╣Вр╕вр╕Др╣Гр╕Щр╕зр╕▒р╕Щр╕Чр╕╡р╣И р╣Ц р╕Хр╕╕р╕ер╕▓р╕Др╕б р╕вр╕▓р╕Бр╕вр╕┤р╣Ир╕Зр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Кр╕▓р╕зр╣Др╕Чр╕вр╕Ир╕░р╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕лр╕зр╕Щр╕гр╕░р╕ер╕╢р╕Бр╕Цр╕╢р╕Зр╕Бр╕йр╕▒р╕Хр╕гр╕┤р╕вр╣Мр╕ар╕╣р╕бр╕┤р╕Юр╕ер╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕гр╕▓р╕Кр╕┤р╕Щр╕╡р╕кр╕┤р╕гр╕┤р╕Бр╕┤р╕Хр╕Хр╕┤р╣Мр╕Др╕Щр╕Ър╕▓р╕Ыр╣Гр╕Щр╕Др╕гр╕▓р╕Ър╕Щр╕▒р╕Бр╕Ър╕╕р╕Н р╕Ьр╕╣р╣Йр╕Ър╕Зр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕нр╕вр╕╣р╣Ир╣Ар╕Ър╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╕лр╕ер╕▒р╕Зр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Хр╕▓р╕вр╕нр╕▒р╕Щр╕Щр╣Ир╕▓р╕Вр╕Щр╕Юр╕нр╕Зр╕кр╕вр╕нр╕Зр╣Ар╕Бр╕ер╣Йр╕▓р╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╣Ар╕лр╕ер╣Ир╕▓р╕Щр╕▒р╕Бр╕ир╕╢р╕Бр╕йр╕▓р╕Ьр╕╣р╣Йр╕Ър╕гр╕┤р╕кр╕╕р╕Чр╕Шр╕┤р╣М”
There is much more of interest.
Now of course, the factuality of this account remains to be proved – but this is no different from the royalist propaganda that is produced about the king on a daily basis. The point is that even if the facts were proven, because of the lese majeste law it would be impossible in Thailand to publicly state them.
What this document shows is the existence of an alternative view of the king and the royal family held by Thais, but which is hidden because of the the royalist program of indoctrination, censorship and propaganda that intensified from the time of the Prem era.
I’m happily surprised to see that the Bangkok Post is reporting on how academics in the panels on SE have “lashed out at the inapplicability and irrelevance of the sufficiency economy concept in Thailand, saying the promotion of the principle was a political manoeuvre of the coup-installed government and Thailand’s elite. ”
Based on these panels, I guess it would be relatively easy to have 50+ academics signing a common statement publicly criticizing a few key aspects of SE and its political utilization. Such a statement could then be sent out to newspapers and published in Thai and English.
As to the discussion of Paul Handley’s book, I’m a bit disappointed that the most important points of the book – in particular on the influence of the King in limiting the advancements of democracy – have not really been discussed directly. My guess is that the numerous Thai students who attended the panels and have never read the book probably don’t know more about it now than they used to.
And the Colonel still hasn’t answered the question. Rather than admit that he reported false information and correcting that (even the police corrected their original assertions on the money from HK. Maybe their wives weren’t up to date?), he resorts to abuse and profanity. I guess he has had the pants scared off him? That those nasty lower-class types still vote for TRT and PPP, especially after the huge campaigns to change their minds post-coup.
“Same sky books’ webboard was recently shut down and 2 people were imprisoned last year for lese majeste. Lese majeste is not a libel case as there needs to be no proof of “truth” or “valid criticism for the public interest.” Surely this must be apparent to you. You also do realize that many websites are banned in Thailand and the book the King Never Smiles is not sold in any bookstore in Thailand”
But many people can buy TKNS, right ? although it’s banned. I’m sure you had it and of course, I read it thoroughly. If you feel that Lese Majeste Law must be fixed, why don’t you go to study the Law whether it can be done. To fix law, I think there must be signature from various people. Why don’t you gather people and show your concern in formal and polite way to parliament.
For TKNS, as mentioned earlier, I read it through but do not believe it at all. It’s a good book but still contains some emotional idea of writer. Anyway, it’s just a book with critism but without proof.
Bear in mind, I was born in Issarn and live there. You blamed on Issarn people and never been aware that they are clever than you ; a sophisticated ,civilian and educated middle class . Although you may say it’s just your sarcasm, it’s still in your mind to look down “Issarn” . Not wise, man.
In the town I live , who say like you say about our King is “sin” in our belief. King gave a lot to our people at my province and my town. I can say I grew up because of his mercy to grant the free education and find carreer to our people in town through his project.
Mr. Teth who is a civilian guy. I warn you. Don’t separate people only if they live in Issarn. I can say in Issarn, people love their King wholeheartedly. If you wish to separate this country, just go on looking down people. One day, it becomes true.
My first comment is just to disagree with Somsak who is always sarcatic Royal Family so I asked what they did to Somsak. In the note of Thamasart, as I said many times, it’s just to ask for cooperation to dress up properly. Princess was one of member of Faculty and I just wonder why Somsak still thought that it’s command.
Come to another point, Mr.Teth, I said we’ve our own freedom. I have never felt I’ve been locked or forced to do this or do that but every action must be under law. I can’t hurt you coz it’s not legal, right?
You mention about the website”samesky books” was closed but now it’s opened. I suggest you study why 2 people were put in jail. Is it proper when we still have law to govern?
We know law still exist but if we still break it in this criminal action, no doubt to put in jail. Although no Lese majeste , we still have defamation law.
If you wish to change our Royal Family to be like in UK, you can. Just go to the parliament as suggested. If you don’t have hidden agenda in your intention, it’s in order.
Well, you and Somsak still have freedom to say without charge , right? What is the restriction? If you use critique, no one arrest you but on the other hand, if you aren’t polite not only to Royal family but others , you will of course be put in jail.
I would like to quote Ajaan Chaiyan Ratchakool of Chiang Mai University who said:
“Sufficiency Economy is the consolation for the poor. And it’s a poor consolation.”
I’ve never realized that the stupid word is from the educated people like you. I don’t know why you still separate Thai in each. It’s no reason to discrimiante people lie you did.
Surely you must understand sarcasm and me mocking you?
A question for you, should I prove my “theory” by “going to Grand Palace and shout out loud. See how many people are your side.” Or should I “show evidence”? Make up your mind, is this going to be decided by a deluded and brainwashed popular vote or by evidence?
Just show evidence if you feel sure on your belief. Thailand goes bad now due to ourselves. Anyway, blame others is better than ours , right?
The issue is not whether I criticize myself. I certainly do critically examine myself, but the real issue is whether my argument is valid.
I have presented evidence many times in this web blog if you so wish to go back and read. What I can guarantee is that it is in no way based on rumors or gossip. And, I also can guarantee that Paul Handley’s book the King Never Smiles is not based on gossip either (even though it mentions gossip, the actual evidence is solid and well researched). As long as you take off your tinted glasses, sir, then let’s have a proper discussion. Otherwise, you will simply be defending the indefensible.
Look ! we can discuss in this issue in many webboard with harmless. Why do you still think that it’s restricted!
Same sky books’ webboard was recently shut down and 2 people were imprisoned last year for lese majeste. Lese majeste is not a libel case as there needs to be no proof of “truth” or “valid criticism for the public interest.” Surely this must be apparent to you. You also do realize that many websites are banned in Thailand and the book the King Never Smiles is not sold in any bookstore in Thailand.
“In you/your family funeral, will you wish all of us dress up red instead?”
Yes, I wish my funeral will be a joyful one.
Not so long ago Thai’s funeral was a ‘fun’ event with plays and music until ‘modernization’ around 100 years ago.
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Academic commentary on Burma uprising
[…] both are said to have commercial ties to the Myanmar regime. U.S.-based Chronicle of Higher Ed links to New Mandala academic group blog which has lots of info and in turn links to Burmese sife Kachin […]
Royal funerary rites
That is the official budget. Apparently the king announced that state agencies, businesses and the public can also participate in paying some of the bills for this event.
Handley responds to Evans
Is this the famous Nine Reigns booklet? I don’t have a copy with me, so can’t verify. Maybe someone else can?
Monarchy, monarchy, monarchy
ITSC: “The sky will not fall in if we talk freely and frankly about the king’s role in contemporary Thai politics. Let’s make sure this is a starting point for ongoing frank and public discussion.” >> …outside of this special arrangement, and within political studies academia in Thailand.
Monarchy, monarchy, monarchy
I find the Bangkok Post article about the conference elliptical and understated to the extreme. For the conference exchanges to have more effect, there needs to be a more thorough and informative series of articles and reports……….
(the average Bangkok Post article about a Premier League soccer game has more information and detail………..)
Thai studies conference underway
Here is the Bangkok Post report of the first day of the conference:
THAI STUDIES / INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
Princess: Outsiders’ views useful
SANITSUDA EKACHAI & ACHARA ASHAYAGACHAT
Academic research and diverse views on Thailand supplied by foreign scholars help Thai society see itself more objectively, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn said yesterday.
”As outsiders, they can see us from afar more clearly because we ourselves are too close to the subject,” the Princess said while addressing some 500 academics at the opening of an international conference on Thai Studies at Thammasat University.
A wide range of topics and papers will be presented and discussed over the three-day conference, including the ”sufficiency economy”, censorship, the southern violence, Buddhism, sexuality, gender inequality and the monarchy.
In the seminar yesterday, academics lashed out at the inapplicability and irrelevance of the sufficiency economy concept in Thailand, saying the promotion of the principle was a political manoeuvre of the coup-installed government and Thailand’s elite.
One of the critics, Peter Bell from the State University of New York at Purchase said the principle was not a coherent and viable economic theory. The United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) recommendation for other countries to apply the approach was not relevant, he added.
”The concept is simply a strong critique of Thai capitalist development. It comes with a sense of anti-globalisation in light of the financial crisis in 1997,” Mr Bell said.
Andrew Walker of the Australian National University’s Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, said the sufficiency economy had become an ideological tool used by the elite to take the pressure off them to address any serious redistribution of income or resources.
HRH Princess Sirindhorn said Thai scholars should conduct their own local research to compare notes with foreign academics’ work because better understanding can help the country solve its problems more effectively.
Prof Charles Keyes, a respected anthropologist at the University of Washington, traced the changes of Thailand over the past 40 years in his keynote speech.
He said that Thai villagers had left the sufficiency economy behind to unequivocally embrace the global capitalist system, but their economic decisions, aspirations and life choices remain significantly tempered by the Buddhist teachings based on moderation and self-reliance.
Piriya Krairiksh, an art historian, said that although research on Thailand has shifted from the hands of amateurs a century ago to professional academics, their common aim to create a ”united, free and good” Thailand remains elusive.
Royal funerary rites
Please, have some compassion — notwithstanding the CPB, the royals are too poor to pay themselves for the funeral of one of their family members. Sufficiency funeral anybody?
Handley responds to Evans
For an alternative Thai history of Bhumibol’s reign and the dynasty he belongs to which is even more critical than Handley’s TKNS see:
http://chakridynasty.googlepages.com
The document is dated 1982 and the writer gives as his penname, “Raktham Rakthai”. It’s a leftist-inspired popular history of the Chakri dynasty.
See expecially the chapter on the present king, “р╕Др╕Щр╕Ър╕▓р╕Ыр╣Гр╕Щр╕Др╕гр╕▓р╕Ър╕Щр╕▒р╕Бр╕Ър╕╕р╕Н”. The image we gain of Bhumibol from this account is of a ruthless, bloodsoaked, avaricious and duplicitous autocrat who has lied and deceived the Thai people for the duration of his reign for the sole purpose of preserving the throne: “р╕Бр╕йр╕▒р╕Хр╕гр╕┤р╕вр╣Мр╕ар╕╣р╕бр╕┤р╕Юр╕ер╕Ир╕нр╕бр╕зр╕▓р╕Зр╣Бр╕Ьр╕Щ”
Among the more interesting aspects of the account: it was Bhumibol who murdered his brother, King Rama 8; he refused to commute the execution sentences for the two royal pages and the royal secretary whom he framed for the murder; he ordered the police to attack the students at the 14 October 1973 protests in order to make it appear that it had been ordered by the “3 Tyrants” with whom the king was in conflict; he perverted the Buddhist religion to attack his enemies; and he was responsible for the infamous massacre of students at Thammasat University on 6 October 1976: “р╕Чр╕╕р╕Бр╕Др╕гр╕▒р╣Йр╕Зр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕бр╕╡р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Ар╕нр╣Ир╕вр╕Цр╕╢р╕Зр╣Ар╕лр╕Хр╕╕р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Ур╣Мр╕бр╕лр╕▓р╕зр╕┤р╕Ыр╣Вр╕вр╕Др╣Гр╕Щр╕зр╕▒р╕Щр╕Чр╕╡р╣И р╣Ц р╕Хр╕╕р╕ер╕▓р╕Др╕б р╕вр╕▓р╕Бр╕вр╕┤р╣Ир╕Зр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Кр╕▓р╕зр╣Др╕Чр╕вр╕Ир╕░р╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕лр╕зр╕Щр╕гр╕░р╕ер╕╢р╕Бр╕Цр╕╢р╕Зр╕Бр╕йр╕▒р╕Хр╕гр╕┤р╕вр╣Мр╕ар╕╣р╕бр╕┤р╕Юр╕ер╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕гр╕▓р╕Кр╕┤р╕Щр╕╡р╕кр╕┤р╕гр╕┤р╕Бр╕┤р╕Хр╕Хр╕┤р╣Мр╕Др╕Щр╕Ър╕▓р╕Ыр╣Гр╕Щр╕Др╕гр╕▓р╕Ър╕Щр╕▒р╕Бр╕Ър╕╕р╕Н р╕Ьр╕╣р╣Йр╕Ър╕Зр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕нр╕вр╕╣р╣Ир╣Ар╕Ър╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╕лр╕ер╕▒р╕Зр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Хр╕▓р╕вр╕нр╕▒р╕Щр╕Щр╣Ир╕▓р╕Вр╕Щр╕Юр╕нр╕Зр╕кр╕вр╕нр╕Зр╣Ар╕Бр╕ер╣Йр╕▓р╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╣Ар╕лр╕ер╣Ир╕▓р╕Щр╕▒р╕Бр╕ир╕╢р╕Бр╕йр╕▓р╕Ьр╕╣р╣Йр╕Ър╕гр╕┤р╕кр╕╕р╕Чр╕Шр╕┤р╣М”
There is much more of interest.
Now of course, the factuality of this account remains to be proved – but this is no different from the royalist propaganda that is produced about the king on a daily basis. The point is that even if the facts were proven, because of the lese majeste law it would be impossible in Thailand to publicly state them.
What this document shows is the existence of an alternative view of the king and the royal family held by Thais, but which is hidden because of the the royalist program of indoctrination, censorship and propaganda that intensified from the time of the Prem era.
Thai studies conference underway
I’m happily surprised to see that the Bangkok Post is reporting on how academics in the panels on SE have “lashed out at the inapplicability and irrelevance of the sufficiency economy concept in Thailand, saying the promotion of the principle was a political manoeuvre of the coup-installed government and Thailand’s elite. ”
Based on these panels, I guess it would be relatively easy to have 50+ academics signing a common statement publicly criticizing a few key aspects of SE and its political utilization. Such a statement could then be sent out to newspapers and published in Thai and English.
As to the discussion of Paul Handley’s book, I’m a bit disappointed that the most important points of the book – in particular on the influence of the King in limiting the advancements of democracy – have not really been discussed directly. My guess is that the numerous Thai students who attended the panels and have never read the book probably don’t know more about it now than they used to.
Thai studies conference underway
http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/10Jan2008_news04.php
Lessons from the Thaksin era
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Thailand’s coup by stealth
And the Colonel still hasn’t answered the question. Rather than admit that he reported false information and correcting that (even the police corrected their original assertions on the money from HK. Maybe their wives weren’t up to date?), he resorts to abuse and profanity. I guess he has had the pants scared off him? That those nasty lower-class types still vote for TRT and PPP, especially after the huge campaigns to change their minds post-coup.
Thailand’s coup by stealth
Yes, Colonel Jeru appears to believe” the ‘bribes’ paid to voters in these provinces persuaded them to vote for one party rather than another?”
The Colonel has long refused to believe that anyone could vote for Thaksin/TRT/PPP unless they are paid, stupid or duped.
He gets this gossip from the wives of policemen, not from any contact with voters in the rural areas or from any candidates who stood for election.
More on the 2008 Thai Studies conference
“Same sky books’ webboard was recently shut down and 2 people were imprisoned last year for lese majeste. Lese majeste is not a libel case as there needs to be no proof of “truth” or “valid criticism for the public interest.” Surely this must be apparent to you. You also do realize that many websites are banned in Thailand and the book the King Never Smiles is not sold in any bookstore in Thailand”
But many people can buy TKNS, right ? although it’s banned. I’m sure you had it and of course, I read it thoroughly. If you feel that Lese Majeste Law must be fixed, why don’t you go to study the Law whether it can be done. To fix law, I think there must be signature from various people. Why don’t you gather people and show your concern in formal and polite way to parliament.
For TKNS, as mentioned earlier, I read it through but do not believe it at all. It’s a good book but still contains some emotional idea of writer. Anyway, it’s just a book with critism but without proof.
Bear in mind, I was born in Issarn and live there. You blamed on Issarn people and never been aware that they are clever than you ; a sophisticated ,civilian and educated middle class . Although you may say it’s just your sarcasm, it’s still in your mind to look down “Issarn” . Not wise, man.
In the town I live , who say like you say about our King is “sin” in our belief. King gave a lot to our people at my province and my town. I can say I grew up because of his mercy to grant the free education and find carreer to our people in town through his project.
Mr. Teth who is a civilian guy. I warn you. Don’t separate people only if they live in Issarn. I can say in Issarn, people love their King wholeheartedly. If you wish to separate this country, just go on looking down people. One day, it becomes true.
My first comment is just to disagree with Somsak who is always sarcatic Royal Family so I asked what they did to Somsak. In the note of Thamasart, as I said many times, it’s just to ask for cooperation to dress up properly. Princess was one of member of Faculty and I just wonder why Somsak still thought that it’s command.
Come to another point, Mr.Teth, I said we’ve our own freedom. I have never felt I’ve been locked or forced to do this or do that but every action must be under law. I can’t hurt you coz it’s not legal, right?
You mention about the website”samesky books” was closed but now it’s opened. I suggest you study why 2 people were put in jail. Is it proper when we still have law to govern?
We know law still exist but if we still break it in this criminal action, no doubt to put in jail. Although no Lese majeste , we still have defamation law.
If you wish to change our Royal Family to be like in UK, you can. Just go to the parliament as suggested. If you don’t have hidden agenda in your intention, it’s in order.
Well, you and Somsak still have freedom to say without charge , right? What is the restriction? If you use critique, no one arrest you but on the other hand, if you aren’t polite not only to Royal family but others , you will of course be put in jail.
Simple logic!
Thai studies conference underway
I would like to quote Ajaan Chaiyan Ratchakool of Chiang Mai University who said:
“Sufficiency Economy is the consolation for the poor. And it’s a poor consolation.”
Using wisdom to see reality
Andrew & Nick (re. Srithanonchai & LSS):
This is developing into a REALLY interesting & valuable discussion. Perhaps it should be given a new thread…?
More on the 2008 Thai Studies conference
I’ve never realized that the stupid word is from the educated people like you. I don’t know why you still separate Thai in each. It’s no reason to discrimiante people lie you did.
Surely you must understand sarcasm and me mocking you?
A question for you, should I prove my “theory” by “going to Grand Palace and shout out loud. See how many people are your side.” Or should I “show evidence”? Make up your mind, is this going to be decided by a deluded and brainwashed popular vote or by evidence?
Just show evidence if you feel sure on your belief. Thailand goes bad now due to ourselves. Anyway, blame others is better than ours , right?
The issue is not whether I criticize myself. I certainly do critically examine myself, but the real issue is whether my argument is valid.
I have presented evidence many times in this web blog if you so wish to go back and read. What I can guarantee is that it is in no way based on rumors or gossip. And, I also can guarantee that Paul Handley’s book the King Never Smiles is not based on gossip either (even though it mentions gossip, the actual evidence is solid and well researched). As long as you take off your tinted glasses, sir, then let’s have a proper discussion. Otherwise, you will simply be defending the indefensible.
Look ! we can discuss in this issue in many webboard with harmless. Why do you still think that it’s restricted!
Same sky books’ webboard was recently shut down and 2 people were imprisoned last year for lese majeste. Lese majeste is not a libel case as there needs to be no proof of “truth” or “valid criticism for the public interest.” Surely this must be apparent to you. You also do realize that many websites are banned in Thailand and the book the King Never Smiles is not sold in any bookstore in Thailand.
Royal funerary rites
I see the Thai government has allocated 300 million Bahts of tax payers’ money to spend on cremating the princess. See http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/09Jan2008_news03.php
With no direspect to the old lady, 300 million Bahts (that’s $10 million US) is a hell lot of money to burn in anyone language, don’t you think?
Royal funerary rites
The funeral will cost 300 million baht; taken from the 2008 budget for emergencies.
More on the 2008 Thai Studies conference
“In you/your family funeral, will you wish all of us dress up red instead?”
Yes, I wish my funeral will be a joyful one.
Not so long ago Thai’s funeral was a ‘fun’ event with plays and music until ‘modernization’ around 100 years ago.