Ever wonder when you get into youtube and found so many abusing M112 Le Majeste against our king and queen plus the members of the royal family with names of animals used against our king and queen and profanity towards the royalty family. I am sure if this would have happened in U.K.; Spain; Holland and Denmark with monarchies still around, I am sure no governments of that particularly country can tolerate this magnitude of Le Majeste spreading around either as Thaksin and his cronies are the ones behind this magnitude of Le Majeste even to the extent of dissecting Thailand into 4 parts i.e. North as Lanna; Northeast using Udonthani; South using the Wadah who has connection with the separatist’s movement and finally Bangkok. Even with harsh law as being in place at moment there are still a lot of cronies of Thaksin who are paid by local influential politicians in respective regions supporting them monetarily to carry out the Le Majeste. Go and read what our King and Queen have done in the past to help elevate the living of the people in various parts of the country and you will understand that our Monarchy shouldn’t be treated as they are by all these villians.
Any competent academic or journalist knows that freedom of expression and freedom of thought are essential to allow us to do our jobs. Which means that every competent academic and journalist has to oppose Thailand’s lese majeste law. When I first started questioning my reporting as a Reuters journalist, back in 2010/11, and decided to become an exile from Thailand so I could publish the cables, New Mandala was a huge inspiration to me, and indeed I announced my intentions first on New Mandala. Back then, it was a hugely vibrant community for those of us who focus on Thailand. It was really invaluable. Nowadays, I rarely check New Mandala because the informed debate I used to find there is gone. Maybe I was part of the problem: I got involved in a lot of arguments with opponents of freedom of speech, and this must have been tedious for many readers. But I think the moderation policy at New Mandala was also to blame. A few years ago, the comments section was a wonderful and always enlightening forum. Now it’s mainly a venue for trolling and abuse. So that’s why I stopped checking New Mandala regularly. I think we all know the forum is a disaster these days, compared to a few years ago, at least for Thailand. I hope it becomes relevant again. The way forward would be to moderate more actively, allowing people to share views from across the political spectrum, but requiring their comments to be constructive and sensible.
Speaking of Burmese history, the Pyu civilisation, which is Hinduistic and predates Pagan by centuries, was quite wide-spread. Here is a report of a recent discovery of Pyu artifacts in Nan-Chao (or Yunnan as it is now called): http://globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/artifacts-reveal-pyu-civilization-in-china/
For more arhaelogical work about the early history of Burma and the link between the Pyu and the Dian civilisations, one can read works of Elizabeth Moore, such as: http://eprints.soas.ac.uk/18571/1/EHMoore_Tea-and-horses.pdf
Of course, Han Chinese has invaded and taken over Nan-Chao, more recently Tibet and soon Burma, Laos and Thailand.
as everything Chines is hip now from Bike-pu Buddha to Ah-thu-ba (no translation, sorry!) to weddings to clapping hands at the temples to all “celebrations” where Chinese fireworks ubiquitous “Red Lanterns” are main features.
The first word to be defined by Retired SG Than Swe et al. Hint:the most stringent and slow process ( 20 + years ) that is atleast 5 cycles of elections. One almost done, 4 more to go.
The 2nd word “freedom” is what will be the most important to the citizenry. Within that 4 cycles anything for more freedom is possible. The process envisioned by the west as well as the control (Disciplined) are irrelevant.
As for DASSK: Please refer to photo of visit to China where she has had an ear full of what is expected TO BE, by Uncle Xi.
One zear on, I stad by my recommendation:
“Hopefully, those being abused will eventually understand that change needs more than protest and criticism. What is needed is a broad societal alliance where pro-democratic actors can join forces to struggle together for a democratic polity.”
Without a new narrative, pro democracy actors will not be able to coopt the middle class into an alliance for change, and the alliance between military, traditional elites and established middle class can defend the status quo.
Yes, Sean Gleeson, I did. Win Htein should know better since he’s ex-military himself.
The NLD seem to have tried to say don’t panic to their own troops by downplaying the enormity of what just happened and later admitted this wasn’t just an internal affair – a purge in the top brass, but crossed a line even if to all intents and purposes the only difference between the USDP and the military is some of them are in mufti and no longer have troops under their command.
As long as the country does not become politically mature – and it probably has to go through some kind of struggle -, progress is not likely on this issue. A part of the Thais live in a delusional world – where coups reinforce democracy and the voice of the majority is called dictatorship -, and delusion is one of the three sins in Buddhism.The passage in D. Streckfuss’s ‘Truth on Trial’ where he explained the huge and absurd increase of LM cases at the end of the German empire, and, then, its sudden collapse, is very instructive.
I doubt Win Thein was speaking without consulting the rest of the NLD’s executive on Thursday, so I wonder what made them contradict themselves 24 hours later?
Why isn’t the military prosecuted for lese-majeste on the basis that it has undermined the monarchy by irrational application of the lese-majeste legislation?
After a recent sentencing 30 years. The BBC reported about it and mentioned Thailand’s “Revered” monarch? Later I saw a friend skipping through posts on Facebook and was truly shocked. There was a photo of HM in his golden gown we see everywhere but his face obscured by a foot, not drawn but photographed. Seems the only reverence comes from the foreign press as one never hears it in day to day or even official conversations. Why do they not dare to ban Facebook? What would happen if the BBC reported on a much reviled monarch?
Hit it on the nail, why don’t you? Yeah, I’d love to read the interviews. At least Khin Nyunt might be obliging. The man can’t wait for a comeback, and so far he has proved to be unrepentant and arrogant like hell for a fallen despot, no common courtesy shown to any interlocutor in the language he employs.
In depth however seems a big ask. Evasiveness and disinformation more like from the psyops chief and the spy chief.
Remember Khin Nyunt was deemed a moderate and reformer even likely to go for power sharing with ASSK. The Western media talked up his chances of a comeback before Than Shwe carried out a pre-emptive strike in bringing in the democracy show, and there was talk of a “third force” too like Myanmar Egress. In fact Shwe Mann’s earlier prospects and subsequent unceremonious ouster are reminiscent of Khin Nyunt’s, but one a former general and the other a serving general (neither in command of troops under arms). Min Aung Hlaing would be well advised to take note of these precedents.
This has nothing to do with the king.This is the current government. They have had this law before but you had to go out of your way to get in trouble with this law. The couple that did they play about a stupid king were very happy after they got their sentencing which seems like they meant to poke fun at the king. The king and most of his family handles themselves with dignity. The only thing that bothers me is the recent arrest of people talking bad about the prince. It is difficult to find anything good to say about him. So i worry the prisons will be overcrowded if they arrest everyone who says anything bad about him.
My humble suggestion to Nicholas Farrelly is to do an “in-depth” interview with Than Shwe (still the real boss of Burma?) or at least with Khin Nyunt (the disgruntled intelligence man?) before they die (Ne Win is already dead!) They might not tell you the whole truth, but at least they know a lot more about what’s going on (and what really happened) in Burma than all these naive journos, NGO’s, graduate students, “Burma-experts” and the like.
I would really like to find out what these “secretive” guys have to say to a “foreign” journalist.
Use of the lèse-majesté law has become progressively more ruthlessly applied as the King’s health has declined. It is used by the military to protect its own legitimacy, which is lent by the institution of the monarchy.
ASSK has asserted her overbearing control over the NLD with zero political skill. She has created dangerous new enemies who will come back to haunt her.
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Code REDD+ in Cambodia
i translated ur artice here http://terresottovento.altervista.org/?analisi=redd-ad-oddar-meanchey-cambogia
Hope it is ok
Lèse-majesté today
Ever wonder when you get into youtube and found so many abusing M112 Le Majeste against our king and queen plus the members of the royal family with names of animals used against our king and queen and profanity towards the royalty family. I am sure if this would have happened in U.K.; Spain; Holland and Denmark with monarchies still around, I am sure no governments of that particularly country can tolerate this magnitude of Le Majeste spreading around either as Thaksin and his cronies are the ones behind this magnitude of Le Majeste even to the extent of dissecting Thailand into 4 parts i.e. North as Lanna; Northeast using Udonthani; South using the Wadah who has connection with the separatist’s movement and finally Bangkok. Even with harsh law as being in place at moment there are still a lot of cronies of Thaksin who are paid by local influential politicians in respective regions supporting them monetarily to carry out the Le Majeste. Go and read what our King and Queen have done in the past to help elevate the living of the people in various parts of the country and you will understand that our Monarchy shouldn’t be treated as they are by all these villians.
Watch the enemies from your own side
Bravo!!!
Lèse-majesté today
Any competent academic or journalist knows that freedom of expression and freedom of thought are essential to allow us to do our jobs. Which means that every competent academic and journalist has to oppose Thailand’s lese majeste law. When I first started questioning my reporting as a Reuters journalist, back in 2010/11, and decided to become an exile from Thailand so I could publish the cables, New Mandala was a huge inspiration to me, and indeed I announced my intentions first on New Mandala. Back then, it was a hugely vibrant community for those of us who focus on Thailand. It was really invaluable. Nowadays, I rarely check New Mandala because the informed debate I used to find there is gone. Maybe I was part of the problem: I got involved in a lot of arguments with opponents of freedom of speech, and this must have been tedious for many readers. But I think the moderation policy at New Mandala was also to blame. A few years ago, the comments section was a wonderful and always enlightening forum. Now it’s mainly a venue for trolling and abuse. So that’s why I stopped checking New Mandala regularly. I think we all know the forum is a disaster these days, compared to a few years ago, at least for Thailand. I hope it becomes relevant again. The way forward would be to moderate more actively, allowing people to share views from across the political spectrum, but requiring their comments to be constructive and sensible.
Review of The Wheel-Turner and His House
Speaking of Burmese history, the Pyu civilisation, which is Hinduistic and predates Pagan by centuries, was quite wide-spread. Here is a report of a recent discovery of Pyu artifacts in Nan-Chao (or Yunnan as it is now called): http://globalnewlightofmyanmar.com/artifacts-reveal-pyu-civilization-in-china/
For more arhaelogical work about the early history of Burma and the link between the Pyu and the Dian civilisations, one can read works of Elizabeth Moore, such as:
http://eprints.soas.ac.uk/18571/1/EHMoore_Tea-and-horses.pdf
Of course, Han Chinese has invaded and taken over Nan-Chao, more recently Tibet and soon Burma, Laos and Thailand.
Review of The Wheel-Turner and His House
Timely fodder for your denigrating Tayoke theme.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/asia/71151432/live-whale-shark-hacked-into-pieces-on-video
Shame as we in Burma are actively trying to copy those live fried delicacies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9ltd3Ik9Ks
as everything Chines is hip now from Bike-pu Buddha to Ah-thu-ba (no translation, sorry!) to weddings to clapping hands at the temples to all “celebrations” where Chinese fireworks ubiquitous “Red Lanterns” are main features.
In Chinese we trust!
Watch the enemies from your own side
“Disciplined Democracy”
The first word to be defined by Retired SG Than Swe et al. Hint:the most stringent and slow process ( 20 + years ) that is atleast 5 cycles of elections. One almost done, 4 more to go.
The 2nd word “freedom” is what will be the most important to the citizenry. Within that 4 cycles anything for more freedom is possible. The process envisioned by the west as well as the control (Disciplined) are irrelevant.
As for DASSK: Please refer to photo of visit to China where she has had an ear full of what is expected TO BE, by Uncle Xi.
Lèse-majesté today
Delusion, indeed.
Middle class rage threatens democracy
One zear on, I stad by my recommendation:
“Hopefully, those being abused will eventually understand that change needs more than protest and criticism. What is needed is a broad societal alliance where pro-democratic actors can join forces to struggle together for a democratic polity.”
Without a new narrative, pro democracy actors will not be able to coopt the middle class into an alliance for change, and the alliance between military, traditional elites and established middle class can defend the status quo.
The taming of the NLD… by the NLD
Yes, Sean Gleeson, I did. Win Htein should know better since he’s ex-military himself.
The NLD seem to have tried to say don’t panic to their own troops by downplaying the enormity of what just happened and later admitted this wasn’t just an internal affair – a purge in the top brass, but crossed a line even if to all intents and purposes the only difference between the USDP and the military is some of them are in mufti and no longer have troops under their command.
Lèse-majesté today
As long as the country does not become politically mature – and it probably has to go through some kind of struggle -, progress is not likely on this issue. A part of the Thais live in a delusional world – where coups reinforce democracy and the voice of the majority is called dictatorship -, and delusion is one of the three sins in Buddhism.The passage in D. Streckfuss’s ‘Truth on Trial’ where he explained the huge and absurd increase of LM cases at the end of the German empire, and, then, its sudden collapse, is very instructive.
The taming of the NLD… by the NLD
By the way Moe Aung, not sure if you saw it, but the NLD changed their tune on Friday.
I doubt Win Thein was speaking without consulting the rest of the NLD’s executive on Thursday, so I wonder what made them contradict themselves 24 hours later?
Lèse-majesté today
Why isn’t the military prosecuted for lese-majeste on the basis that it has undermined the monarchy by irrational application of the lese-majeste legislation?
Lèse-majesté today
After a recent sentencing 30 years. The BBC reported about it and mentioned Thailand’s “Revered” monarch? Later I saw a friend skipping through posts on Facebook and was truly shocked. There was a photo of HM in his golden gown we see everywhere but his face obscured by a foot, not drawn but photographed. Seems the only reverence comes from the foreign press as one never hears it in day to day or even official conversations. Why do they not dare to ban Facebook? What would happen if the BBC reported on a much reviled monarch?
Watch the enemies from your own side
Hit it on the nail, why don’t you? Yeah, I’d love to read the interviews. At least Khin Nyunt might be obliging. The man can’t wait for a comeback, and so far he has proved to be unrepentant and arrogant like hell for a fallen despot, no common courtesy shown to any interlocutor in the language he employs.
In depth however seems a big ask. Evasiveness and disinformation more like from the psyops chief and the spy chief.
Remember Khin Nyunt was deemed a moderate and reformer even likely to go for power sharing with ASSK. The Western media talked up his chances of a comeback before Than Shwe carried out a pre-emptive strike in bringing in the democracy show, and there was talk of a “third force” too like Myanmar Egress. In fact Shwe Mann’s earlier prospects and subsequent unceremonious ouster are reminiscent of Khin Nyunt’s, but one a former general and the other a serving general (neither in command of troops under arms). Min Aung Hlaing would be well advised to take note of these precedents.
Lèse-majesté today
The only REALISTIC way to end this LM tyranny is to break apart this artificial military construct called “Thailand”, and reconstruct it as Siam.
Lèse-majesté today
This has nothing to do with the king.This is the current government. They have had this law before but you had to go out of your way to get in trouble with this law. The couple that did they play about a stupid king were very happy after they got their sentencing which seems like they meant to poke fun at the king. The king and most of his family handles themselves with dignity. The only thing that bothers me is the recent arrest of people talking bad about the prince. It is difficult to find anything good to say about him. So i worry the prisons will be overcrowded if they arrest everyone who says anything bad about him.
Watch the enemies from your own side
My humble suggestion to Nicholas Farrelly is to do an “in-depth” interview with Than Shwe (still the real boss of Burma?) or at least with Khin Nyunt (the disgruntled intelligence man?) before they die (Ne Win is already dead!) They might not tell you the whole truth, but at least they know a lot more about what’s going on (and what really happened) in Burma than all these naive journos, NGO’s, graduate students, “Burma-experts” and the like.
I would really like to find out what these “secretive” guys have to say to a “foreign” journalist.
Lèse-majesté today
Use of the lèse-majesté law has become progressively more ruthlessly applied as the King’s health has declined. It is used by the military to protect its own legitimacy, which is lent by the institution of the monarchy.
The taming of the NLD… by the NLD
ASSK has asserted her overbearing control over the NLD with zero political skill. She has created dangerous new enemies who will come back to haunt her.