I think the protest will continue to be peaceful in it’s current form. What is going on is an encouragement for the people to stand up. And with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi clearly still the model patron for a free and democratic society, nonviolent protest will be the form of expression for this movement. I also don’t think retribution by the junta is an immediate threat. However, as each day passes the situation becomes more and more unpredictable.
I was telling a friend of mine, that I think it will be during the next year that we will see darker times with more opportunities for the military to strike or repress the peaceful movement through more harsh forms than placing fake distruptive monks in the crowd. But as of this moment, right now is not the time for the junta to strike. Depending on where this goes, mass arrest are possible, but with so many people involved in the marchs, the chances of the junta maintaining a wanted list are unlikely.
“Dictatorship of the Proletariat results in abuses far worse than corrupt politicians and repressive royalists.”
I can’t think of a dictatorship of the proletariat that has lasted more than five minutes. They nearly all ended up being subverted, as in the case of COMMUNIST Russia. In contrast, I can think of endless numbers of corrupt politicians, repressive royalists and even deluded semi-divine constitutional monarchs who have badly abused their fellow citizens. The left-wing threat is largely a ‘bogeyman’ myth. The right-wing threat is a daily reality.
I would settle for a strong opposition with a few mildly socialist ideas. But of course that is all too much for the hardline fundamentalist free-marketers, intelligent designers and neocons.
What on earth are you saying Vichai? It takes so little to provoke the repressed people? It’s years of repression since the last uprising. The beginning of the ugly generals? They’ve been there since 1962! I’m sure I’ve misunderstood your post. I wonder what Sonthi B. is saying now that his buddies in Burma are facing an uprising?
The protests, led by Burmese monks, now on its 8th day will culminate in violence. It takes only so little to provoke the repressed oppressed people of Burma to scream out their anger at the junta . . . after decades of reign of fear.
I am not sure whether this is the beginning of the end of Myanmar\’s ugly generals.
Just saw a report on Prachatai about what appears to be a very large rally by Phalang Prachachon in Buriram today[http://www.prachatai.com/webboard/topic.php?id=469267]. The poster reckoned 200 000. From the pics I don’t think it was that many but it does appear quite a large crowd.
Republican, is Prachai Leopairatana a complicating factor? To which camp does he belong? He hates Supachai and the Democrats, but is also a violent antagonist of Thaksin and the “Thaksin system.” Finally, he also thinks that the election date was set by PM Surayudh after Thaksin ordered him to do so; he accuses Surayudh of being part of the “Thaksin system.” Readings Prachai’s interviews in Post Today and Matichon makes me shiver. After Thaksin and Sonthi L., Thailand might fall into the hands of yet another megalomaniac Sino-Thai businessman.
Re: Sidh> Lleij Samuel Schwartz, I gather you must own an export business in Bangkok. If so, I extend my sympathies.
Huh? I don’t know where you came up with that conclusion. I’m actually a linguist and language educator by trade, specializing in socio-pedagogy and intercultural pragmatics.
You must be more advanced in your practice. I certainly don’t claim to be an arhant; (Besides, I’ve already pledged myself to the Bodhisvatta vows.) however, I could be more advanced in my practice than you, or I could not. I’d rather not discuss that subject in a public forum; if you’d like, I’d be more than happy to continue that discussion by e-mail.
“Just as it’s simplistic and convenient to blame the West/America/et al. for all of Thailand’s ills, as you do.” Do tell where I did that or please read my post more carefully
I read your posts most carefully, and where you say that is when you state: This is the context that I view Paul Handey’s book – the aim is neo-colonialism which is to ‘civilize’, ’sterilize’ the Thais. It want [sic] to convert the Mahidols into the Windsors, it want [sic] to convert the animist Thais from their magical mumbo-jumbo, the idolatory, the Jatukam Ramathep, Palad Khik and Buddhist amulet nonsense. It [Western “neo-colonialism”] wants to do that through belittlement – to make Thais a global laughing stock for worshipping a ‘false god’ (and by extension all false gods/spirits). It is clearly uncomfortable with Thai culture and identity and its long historical links to the monarchy. It can’t wait for Thai society to become ‘modern’ and ‘developed’ to become like ‘us’ in the West.
However, I do duly note you comment in #4
And where have I wrote the monarchy is above criticism?
I never claimed you wrote that. I merely stated that criticism of the monarchy is problematic for someone of your religious creed. Noteing that, I think we agree on more that we disagree. I wholeheartedly agree with you when you write:There were so many figures and agents as influential and critical, for better and for worse, particularly at the pinnacle of their careers (AjarnPridi Bhanomyong, FM P.Pibulsongkram, Sarit and a very long line of generals up to the present GenSonthi; the many godfathers and tycoons whether in the city or provinces up to the present PMThaksin…etc…etc…). We have to clearly diffentiate here – HM the King is not running the country (he never did) – at any time, a large ‘alliance of interests’ is. However, unlike you, I think the cult of personality that formulates your religion supports the tyranny of the stratocracy rather than tempers it. (For it combines both the first and last refuge of scoundrels: patriotism and religion). Indeed, if the Chakris were seen as more like the Windors, then these “scoundrels” [i.e. Pridi, Pibulsongkram, Sarit, et al.] wouldn’t be able to use the karmaphala generated by the good deeds of His Majesty, the King, to obfuscate their own nefarious deeds.
With metta,
Lleij
P.S. Thailand is not ” a global laughing stock for worshipping a ‘false god'” Thailand is a global laughing stock due to its unconscionable refusal to seriously combat the human trafficking and child sexual exploitation that occurs inside its borders.
Further to Srithanonchai’s post (#3) on how “elites” are siding in the current war of position between network monarchy and Thai Rak Thai (put very crudely – it’s obviously more complicated than this): I noticed the other night Thanin Chearavanont giving a speech to a military audience (I only caught a short part of it) on Sufficiency Economy.
An interesting study to do – I’m not sure if anyone has already done it – would be to identify the business groups that are firmly allied to network monarchy, and those groups that are allied with, or have the potential to ally themselves with, Thaksin and Thai Rak Thai. This is would presumably be an important factor in the outcome of the coming political battle.
Sidh’s could as well reject a book written by, say, Pasuk, “reasoning” that he did not like her hair style. As if such a thing had anything to do with the product. Trying to limit one’s reading to books of authors with whose intentions during the production process one agrees could prove a very difficult approach.
Yes gardening takes time to master! It has been one year since I moved into my new sufficient village and yet it seems as though I’ve been there forever. My neighbors and I are real pals. Over this last year we have sufficiently exerted ourselves. However, much to my shock, when I strolled off the veranda the nettles had grown! I was appalled. How could this happen? We act sufficiently! Everything should be OK.
As I said earlier, luckily Big Brother saved me from the overgrown weeds in his giant butterfly net. If he did not we could not manage considering we have all forgotten how to garden. My daughter got some very important information for me somehow; she said that I should stay in the countryside and not come to Bangkok to see her because their way is too complicated and I would get lost. For some reason she started to cry?
Lucky Big Brother Bhumibol stands in Bangkok as a blinding, virtuous light amongst fuming devils who will try to pray on my beautiful daughter. If BB were not there, I may have to get off my veranda and go get her! This would take a lot of effort which could be used more effectively for our sufficiency choice. Ah. Everything will take its course. I am just a small piece of BB’s jigsaw yet he spends so much of his time on me. I don’t want him to be lost in time with all of us here in the countryside trying to be complicated! Plus if I stay I get to be with nature and keep Bee’s like BB taught me. I am going to start a honey farm for him!
So surely serf, you will agree now that you can see; that it is better to inhale the fresh air from Big Brother and float free in on a lovely teak seat!?!
Sidh S, when you say you accept Teth’s critique, does that include the third paragraph in Teth’s #30?
If you do, then the debate’s over, because the third paragraph is the central thesis of Handley’s book.
p.s. your attempt to discredit Handley’s intentions and methods smacks of someone who doesn’t like the book but can’t refute its contents, so he/she attacks the author instead. Very Thai.
Sidh S.: If your view is that facts and content are unimportant to your analysis but that it is intent that is important, then I suggest that you refrain from comments that suggest that Handley is “prepetuating [sic.] what is at most ‘quarter-truths’ – not even ‘half-truths’…” and from allegedly factual statements that themselves may be no more than “quarter-truths” (e.g. that when other “groups of people mess up and the King is drawn into the fray – to give guidance as best as he could.”) Your statement that “Thai people … know that the King, whether they agree or not with his decisions, always had the very best interests of the Thai people…” is a statement of belief and this kind of blanket speaking for all Thais as if you know them all and their opinions is insulting, elitist, unenlightening and orientalist.
I also suspect that any grassroots activism (which could potentially colasce into grassroots politics that could challenge special interests political parties) are often cut down at by the mafia-types, local or national – such as the case of Khun Charoen Wat-aksorn… There are laws in both the 1997 and new 2007 constitutions that protect local rights to manage their resouces – but there are interest groups (often urban-based) and businesses always looking to undermine/manipulate those laws/rights (leading to a ‘divide and rule’ of the poor?)…
Thank you for the account of conditions in the Narathiwat and Pattani. My thoughts are with the local inhabitants of the affected Southern provinces and hope that things can and will get better. Unfortunately there is no quick fix and, unlike the broader Thai political divide, will take years to redress (as long as a series of ‘cool heads’ take the lead in drawing up and implementing policies with full participation of the locals it is hoped)…
Restorationist, I have already stated, I am not interested to discuss the contents of the book but to analyse Paul Handey’s intent, the context he wrote the book and the audiences it is aimed for.
The job is probably more suited to a non-Thai and would require a very large research grant over many years. On the other hand, it is probably not suited to an academic – bounded by ‘research ethics’ (we have to reveal our intents upfront for one), but another journalist like Paul, who can afford to be more ruthless and underhanded in collecting ‘data’ (or ‘rumours’) – and, I must add, bias in interpreting those data/rumours (Fox news is pretty adept at that). The ‘fieldwork’ required will be very difficult and the original ‘sources’ (from the high echelons – nobility, bureaucrats, academics etc. – to the common people – taxi-drivers, hairdressers, market stall owners etc.) will be extremely difficult to track down and will likely distance themselves from the book.
As I mentioned, I am much more interested in a more comprehensive, even-handed treatment that considers all players/institutions specific historical and cultural contexts – and here, I accept Teth’s critique. Although I won’t compare Spain’s with Thailand’s case as the historical, cultural, socio-economic contexts are significantly different (there might be a bit more similarity if only FM P.Pibulsongkram ruled to the end of the 70s like Franco). I also find Grasshopper’s (#22) take on the Thai socio-cultural framework very interesting.
Lleij Samuel Schwartz, I gather you must own an export business in Bangkok. If so, I extend my sympathies.
Also thanks for identifying my schizophrenia! You must be more advanced in your practice (maybe an arahant?) – while my ‘vessel’ towards Buddhist nirvana is, as you put it, schizoprenic.
“Just as it’s simplistic and convenient to blame the West/America/et al. for all of Thailand’s ills, as you do.” Do tell where I did that or please read my post more carefully (note that in #4 I also wrote “…We all are and we are all accountable for the problems of the world today”).
And where have I wrote the monarchy is above criticism? I merely called for a more comprehensve, evenhanded and careful treatment that considers historical and cultural contexts. Besides, my position has been clear in a previous post – good karma has to be earned.
With an attitude that puts down “Pious devaracha-worshiping animist” could be a possible reason you are “suffering” in Thailand mate. Move to Australia!
Yet another meeting of Chachoengsao’s provincial election commission, and again nothing much yet on the national election in December. Rather, the PEC was concerned with determining the constituencies in a Tambon Administrative Organization that had been up-graded to a tambon municipality; a complaint regarding a local election that unusually many people had moved in a number of houses in the area; distributing supervisory duties amongst the members of the PEC in the TAO elections this coming Sunday; the confirmation of a previous set of local election commissioners in a local by-election; the approval of time-periods to be used for sending the ballot boxes to the counting stations in a municipality; and the approval of the date of another by-election.
Such are the bread-and-butter issues dealt with in PECs all over Thailand.
At the end of the hour-long meeting, however, the national election was briefly touched. An inspector from the ECT will visit the PEC for an hour to inquire about the preparations re the TAO elections. But he might also ask about the redrawing of the MP election constituencies. Thus, the chairman asked the secretary of the meeting what had been done so far in this respect. Well, the director of the PEC’s office had used the pre-2001 constituencies as a template for drawing up provisional maps dividing the province into two constituencies. However, they had to wait for the organic laws to be passed by the National Legislative Assembly at the end of September, and for the criteria subsequently to be set by the ECT. Generally, things such as the geographical settings and the number of voters will have to be considered. Also, they will have to take into account that MP candidates would not suffer disadvantages.
EH? Bumble Bee’s, Big Brothers, Yellow Daisies… what have you been smokin?
Serf:
Politics is always about the worse choice. Socialism has also shown that in the long run, Dictatorshit of the Proletariat results in abuses far worse than corrupt politicians and repressive royalists.
I actually am a big fan of Constitutional Monarchy, and believe that Thailand has by far one of the most open societies in Southeast Asia. Especially when you compare to the lack of freedoms in Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia and the uncertainty and strife in Indonesia and East Timor.
Not to say that Thailand is perfect (by any means it is not) but at least the ‘Royalists’ here are obsessed with their face and image; it is difficult to wannabe Godly and then do blatant ungodly things (ie: they too are controlled by their own portrayed image). That is why they were unable to really go after the Thaksinites in this last coup.
As for corrupt politicians: I’ll never trust them, there is a lot of political reform that still needs to be done in Thailand. I have major qualms about the Senate in this constitution. I’ve still never understood why the masses need to go back to their villages so far away to vote. Can’t they just vote in absenteeism or be registered to vote where they live and work? For example, why does the truck driver who lives and has a family in the outskirt of Bangkok have to go back to Surin to cast his ballot? Just because he has a plot of land there where he is still registered? He has an apartment here where he rents, why shouldn’t he just vote where he is?
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“Internal and external destructionists”
I think the protest will continue to be peaceful in it’s current form. What is going on is an encouragement for the people to stand up. And with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi clearly still the model patron for a free and democratic society, nonviolent protest will be the form of expression for this movement. I also don’t think retribution by the junta is an immediate threat. However, as each day passes the situation becomes more and more unpredictable.
I was telling a friend of mine, that I think it will be during the next year that we will see darker times with more opportunities for the military to strike or repress the peaceful movement through more harsh forms than placing fake distruptive monks in the crowd. But as of this moment, right now is not the time for the junta to strike. Depending on where this goes, mass arrest are possible, but with so many people involved in the marchs, the chances of the junta maintaining a wanted list are unlikely.
Free Burma
The vote of the poor
“Dictatorship of the Proletariat results in abuses far worse than corrupt politicians and repressive royalists.”
I can’t think of a dictatorship of the proletariat that has lasted more than five minutes. They nearly all ended up being subverted, as in the case of COMMUNIST Russia. In contrast, I can think of endless numbers of corrupt politicians, repressive royalists and even deluded semi-divine constitutional monarchs who have badly abused their fellow citizens. The left-wing threat is largely a ‘bogeyman’ myth. The right-wing threat is a daily reality.
I would settle for a strong opposition with a few mildly socialist ideas. But of course that is all too much for the hardline fundamentalist free-marketers, intelligent designers and neocons.
“Internal and external destructionists”
What on earth are you saying Vichai? It takes so little to provoke the repressed people? It’s years of repression since the last uprising. The beginning of the ugly generals? They’ve been there since 1962! I’m sure I’ve misunderstood your post. I wonder what Sonthi B. is saying now that his buddies in Burma are facing an uprising?
“Internal and external destructionists”
The protests, led by Burmese monks, now on its 8th day will culminate in violence. It takes only so little to provoke the repressed oppressed people of Burma to scream out their anger at the junta . . . after decades of reign of fear.
I am not sure whether this is the beginning of the end of Myanmar\’s ugly generals.
The vote of the poor
Well you can believe in that self-sufficient shit if you want to. Personally, I think it’s all bollocks.
I threw socialism in as a bit of a bogey word. You soon get to find out what people really think when you mention the unmentionable.
Have fun academics!
New Mandala’s election watch
Just saw a report on Prachatai about what appears to be a very large rally by Phalang Prachachon in Buriram today[http://www.prachatai.com/webboard/topic.php?id=469267]. The poster reckoned 200 000. From the pics I don’t think it was that many but it does appear quite a large crowd.
New Mandala’s election watch
Republican, is Prachai Leopairatana a complicating factor? To which camp does he belong? He hates Supachai and the Democrats, but is also a violent antagonist of Thaksin and the “Thaksin system.” Finally, he also thinks that the election date was set by PM Surayudh after Thaksin ordered him to do so; he accuses Surayudh of being part of the “Thaksin system.” Readings Prachai’s interviews in Post Today and Matichon makes me shiver. After Thaksin and Sonthi L., Thailand might fall into the hands of yet another megalomaniac Sino-Thai businessman.
Youtube’s privy politics
Re: Sidh> Lleij Samuel Schwartz, I gather you must own an export business in Bangkok. If so, I extend my sympathies.
Huh? I don’t know where you came up with that conclusion. I’m actually a linguist and language educator by trade, specializing in socio-pedagogy and intercultural pragmatics.
You must be more advanced in your practice. I certainly don’t claim to be an arhant; (Besides, I’ve already pledged myself to the Bodhisvatta vows.) however, I could be more advanced in my practice than you, or I could not. I’d rather not discuss that subject in a public forum; if you’d like, I’d be more than happy to continue that discussion by e-mail.
“Just as it’s simplistic and convenient to blame the West/America/et al. for all of Thailand’s ills, as you do.” Do tell where I did that or please read my post more carefully
I read your posts most carefully, and where you say that is when you state: This is the context that I view Paul Handey’s book – the aim is neo-colonialism which is to ‘civilize’, ’sterilize’ the Thais. It want [sic] to convert the Mahidols into the Windsors, it want [sic] to convert the animist Thais from their magical mumbo-jumbo, the idolatory, the Jatukam Ramathep, Palad Khik and Buddhist amulet nonsense. It [Western “neo-colonialism”] wants to do that through belittlement – to make Thais a global laughing stock for worshipping a ‘false god’ (and by extension all false gods/spirits). It is clearly uncomfortable with Thai culture and identity and its long historical links to the monarchy. It can’t wait for Thai society to become ‘modern’ and ‘developed’ to become like ‘us’ in the West.
However, I do duly note you comment in #4
And where have I wrote the monarchy is above criticism?
I never claimed you wrote that. I merely stated that criticism of the monarchy is problematic for someone of your religious creed. Noteing that, I think we agree on more that we disagree. I wholeheartedly agree with you when you write:There were so many figures and agents as influential and critical, for better and for worse, particularly at the pinnacle of their careers (AjarnPridi Bhanomyong, FM P.Pibulsongkram, Sarit and a very long line of generals up to the present GenSonthi; the many godfathers and tycoons whether in the city or provinces up to the present PMThaksin…etc…etc…). We have to clearly diffentiate here – HM the King is not running the country (he never did) – at any time, a large ‘alliance of interests’ is. However, unlike you, I think the cult of personality that formulates your religion supports the tyranny of the stratocracy rather than tempers it. (For it combines both the first and last refuge of scoundrels: patriotism and religion). Indeed, if the Chakris were seen as more like the Windors, then these “scoundrels” [i.e. Pridi, Pibulsongkram, Sarit, et al.] wouldn’t be able to use the karmaphala generated by the good deeds of His Majesty, the King, to obfuscate their own nefarious deeds.
With metta,
Lleij
P.S. Thailand is not ” a global laughing stock for worshipping a ‘false god'” Thailand is a global laughing stock due to its unconscionable refusal to seriously combat the human trafficking and child sexual exploitation that occurs inside its borders.
New Mandala’s election watch
Further to Srithanonchai’s post (#3) on how “elites” are siding in the current war of position between network monarchy and Thai Rak Thai (put very crudely – it’s obviously more complicated than this): I noticed the other night Thanin Chearavanont giving a speech to a military audience (I only caught a short part of it) on Sufficiency Economy.
An interesting study to do – I’m not sure if anyone has already done it – would be to identify the business groups that are firmly allied to network monarchy, and those groups that are allied with, or have the potential to ally themselves with, Thaksin and Thai Rak Thai. This is would presumably be an important factor in the outcome of the coming political battle.
Interview with Paul Handley
Sidh’s could as well reject a book written by, say, Pasuk, “reasoning” that he did not like her hair style. As if such a thing had anything to do with the product. Trying to limit one’s reading to books of authors with whose intentions during the production process one agrees could prove a very difficult approach.
The vote of the poor
Yes gardening takes time to master! It has been one year since I moved into my new sufficient village and yet it seems as though I’ve been there forever. My neighbors and I are real pals. Over this last year we have sufficiently exerted ourselves. However, much to my shock, when I strolled off the veranda the nettles had grown! I was appalled. How could this happen? We act sufficiently! Everything should be OK.
As I said earlier, luckily Big Brother saved me from the overgrown weeds in his giant butterfly net. If he did not we could not manage considering we have all forgotten how to garden. My daughter got some very important information for me somehow; she said that I should stay in the countryside and not come to Bangkok to see her because their way is too complicated and I would get lost. For some reason she started to cry?
Lucky Big Brother Bhumibol stands in Bangkok as a blinding, virtuous light amongst fuming devils who will try to pray on my beautiful daughter. If BB were not there, I may have to get off my veranda and go get her! This would take a lot of effort which could be used more effectively for our sufficiency choice. Ah. Everything will take its course. I am just a small piece of BB’s jigsaw yet he spends so much of his time on me. I don’t want him to be lost in time with all of us here in the countryside trying to be complicated! Plus if I stay I get to be with nature and keep Bee’s like BB taught me. I am going to start a honey farm for him!
So surely serf, you will agree now that you can see; that it is better to inhale the fresh air from Big Brother and float free in on a lovely teak seat!?!
Interview with Paul Handley
Sidh S, when you say you accept Teth’s critique, does that include the third paragraph in Teth’s #30?
If you do, then the debate’s over, because the third paragraph is the central thesis of Handley’s book.
p.s. your attempt to discredit Handley’s intentions and methods smacks of someone who doesn’t like the book but can’t refute its contents, so he/she attacks the author instead. Very Thai.
The vote of the poor
[…] Comment on The vote of the poor by Dickie Simpkins and strife in Indonesia and East Timor. Not to say that Thailand is perfect (by any means […]
Interview with Paul Handley
Sidh S.: If your view is that facts and content are unimportant to your analysis but that it is intent that is important, then I suggest that you refrain from comments that suggest that Handley is “prepetuating [sic.] what is at most ‘quarter-truths’ – not even ‘half-truths’…” and from allegedly factual statements that themselves may be no more than “quarter-truths” (e.g. that when other “groups of people mess up and the King is drawn into the fray – to give guidance as best as he could.”) Your statement that “Thai people … know that the King, whether they agree or not with his decisions, always had the very best interests of the Thai people…” is a statement of belief and this kind of blanket speaking for all Thais as if you know them all and their opinions is insulting, elitist, unenlightening and orientalist.
The vote of the poor
I also suspect that any grassroots activism (which could potentially colasce into grassroots politics that could challenge special interests political parties) are often cut down at by the mafia-types, local or national – such as the case of Khun Charoen Wat-aksorn… There are laws in both the 1997 and new 2007 constitutions that protect local rights to manage their resouces – but there are interest groups (often urban-based) and businesses always looking to undermine/manipulate those laws/rights (leading to a ‘divide and rule’ of the poor?)…
Security in the Deep South
Thank you for the account of conditions in the Narathiwat and Pattani. My thoughts are with the local inhabitants of the affected Southern provinces and hope that things can and will get better. Unfortunately there is no quick fix and, unlike the broader Thai political divide, will take years to redress (as long as a series of ‘cool heads’ take the lead in drawing up and implementing policies with full participation of the locals it is hoped)…
Interview with Paul Handley
Restorationist, I have already stated, I am not interested to discuss the contents of the book but to analyse Paul Handey’s intent, the context he wrote the book and the audiences it is aimed for.
The job is probably more suited to a non-Thai and would require a very large research grant over many years. On the other hand, it is probably not suited to an academic – bounded by ‘research ethics’ (we have to reveal our intents upfront for one), but another journalist like Paul, who can afford to be more ruthless and underhanded in collecting ‘data’ (or ‘rumours’) – and, I must add, bias in interpreting those data/rumours (Fox news is pretty adept at that). The ‘fieldwork’ required will be very difficult and the original ‘sources’ (from the high echelons – nobility, bureaucrats, academics etc. – to the common people – taxi-drivers, hairdressers, market stall owners etc.) will be extremely difficult to track down and will likely distance themselves from the book.
As I mentioned, I am much more interested in a more comprehensive, even-handed treatment that considers all players/institutions specific historical and cultural contexts – and here, I accept Teth’s critique. Although I won’t compare Spain’s with Thailand’s case as the historical, cultural, socio-economic contexts are significantly different (there might be a bit more similarity if only FM P.Pibulsongkram ruled to the end of the 70s like Franco). I also find Grasshopper’s (#22) take on the Thai socio-cultural framework very interesting.
Youtube’s privy politics
Lleij Samuel Schwartz, I gather you must own an export business in Bangkok. If so, I extend my sympathies.
Also thanks for identifying my schizophrenia! You must be more advanced in your practice (maybe an arahant?) – while my ‘vessel’ towards Buddhist nirvana is, as you put it, schizoprenic.
“Just as it’s simplistic and convenient to blame the West/America/et al. for all of Thailand’s ills, as you do.” Do tell where I did that or please read my post more carefully (note that in #4 I also wrote “…We all are and we are all accountable for the problems of the world today”).
And where have I wrote the monarchy is above criticism? I merely called for a more comprehensve, evenhanded and careful treatment that considers historical and cultural contexts. Besides, my position has been clear in a previous post – good karma has to be earned.
With an attitude that puts down “Pious devaracha-worshiping animist” could be a possible reason you are “suffering” in Thailand mate. Move to Australia!
New Mandala’s election watch
Yet another meeting of Chachoengsao’s provincial election commission, and again nothing much yet on the national election in December. Rather, the PEC was concerned with determining the constituencies in a Tambon Administrative Organization that had been up-graded to a tambon municipality; a complaint regarding a local election that unusually many people had moved in a number of houses in the area; distributing supervisory duties amongst the members of the PEC in the TAO elections this coming Sunday; the confirmation of a previous set of local election commissioners in a local by-election; the approval of time-periods to be used for sending the ballot boxes to the counting stations in a municipality; and the approval of the date of another by-election.
Such are the bread-and-butter issues dealt with in PECs all over Thailand.
At the end of the hour-long meeting, however, the national election was briefly touched. An inspector from the ECT will visit the PEC for an hour to inquire about the preparations re the TAO elections. But he might also ask about the redrawing of the MP election constituencies. Thus, the chairman asked the secretary of the meeting what had been done so far in this respect. Well, the director of the PEC’s office had used the pre-2001 constituencies as a template for drawing up provisional maps dividing the province into two constituencies. However, they had to wait for the organic laws to be passed by the National Legislative Assembly at the end of September, and for the criteria subsequently to be set by the ECT. Generally, things such as the geographical settings and the number of voters will have to be considered. Also, they will have to take into account that MP candidates would not suffer disadvantages.
The vote of the poor
Grasshopper:
EH? Bumble Bee’s, Big Brothers, Yellow Daisies… what have you been smokin?
Serf:
Politics is always about the worse choice. Socialism has also shown that in the long run, Dictatorshit of the Proletariat results in abuses far worse than corrupt politicians and repressive royalists.
I actually am a big fan of Constitutional Monarchy, and believe that Thailand has by far one of the most open societies in Southeast Asia. Especially when you compare to the lack of freedoms in Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia and the uncertainty and strife in Indonesia and East Timor.
Not to say that Thailand is perfect (by any means it is not) but at least the ‘Royalists’ here are obsessed with their face and image; it is difficult to wannabe Godly and then do blatant ungodly things (ie: they too are controlled by their own portrayed image). That is why they were unable to really go after the Thaksinites in this last coup.
As for corrupt politicians: I’ll never trust them, there is a lot of political reform that still needs to be done in Thailand. I have major qualms about the Senate in this constitution. I’ve still never understood why the masses need to go back to their villages so far away to vote. Can’t they just vote in absenteeism or be registered to vote where they live and work? For example, why does the truck driver who lives and has a family in the outskirt of Bangkok have to go back to Surin to cast his ballot? Just because he has a plot of land there where he is still registered? He has an apartment here where he rents, why shouldn’t he just vote where he is?
any ideas?