If he has a Master Degree from a US university, I believe he does speak English, but he refuses to do so in public because he doesn’t want to look stupid like Yingluck.
To be frank your comments rather reinforce the point that Nigel has made above.Some of those holding a particular point of view have lost their perspective.A prestigious education has nothing to do with a person’s morality and it certainly has nothing to do with electability.The only point I’m making is that someone with that educational background has no need to fake it.
Incidentally over the years in Thailand my own Cambridge M.A
degree has often been misrepresented in biodata, usually by the attribution of a genuine Masters which I do not in fact possess.
This is from his Facebook page I just saw it this morning. But in Thai Version (I hope everyone can find the way to translate in case if you cannot read Thai.)
“It would seem to be another example of the deep status insecurity that drives the Yellow side in Thai politics.”
Yes. And this would seem to be another example of a sweeping, unsubstantiated conclusion, which may speak more to the prejudices of the writer than anything else. If this really is an example of someone falsely exaggerating their academic credentials rather than a clumsy clerical error, I don’t really see how we can therefore arrive at a conclusion concerning the general evils of the Democrats/Yellow Shirts/ “royalist elites”: It may simply tell us something about the particular individual involved, or perhaps it may relate to Thai culture more generally.
Isn’t there a real danger that NM is losing objectivity and taking sides here? Many people appear to view the Thai crisis as a clash of ideologies: Everything must be explained in terms of an ideological battle between “royalist elites” (read the anti-government PDRC, the Yellowshirts or the Democrat Party) on the one hand, and the rural poor (represented by the Shinawatra family, the Red Shirts and the ruling Phuea Thai Party) on the other. The writer of this piece appears to be involved in a crusade against one of these sides rather than analysis that might take the conversation forward. I realize that sites such as NM function to put views out there for discussion, but would it hurt to air reasoned argument critical of the Shinawatras and their admirers from time to time?
The problem really, in my humble opinion, is this: the crisis in Thailand is not an ideological one, and dividing the opposing camps on the basis of left (Red Shirts) versus right (“royalist elites”, the Democrats, the judiciary etc) politics, as many seem to do implicitly at least, leads to absurdity: Thaksin, a billionaire, representing the rural poor, for example. The core support of the Red Shirts and the anti-government protesters would, if you sat them down in a room and stripped away the baggage that the last few years have heaped on them, probably agree on most issues. The phony war at the heart of Thai politics is not, I repeat, an ideological one; rather, it has been cooked up by the wealthy and powerful jockeying for position as the reign of King Bumpiphol comes to an end. The only viable solution is for a true grassroots politics to emerge and pull the rug from under the feet of the squabbling oligarchs, on both sides, who would be the first to flee Thailand if the civil war they have nurtured over the past few years kicks off.
The tide rises and the tide falls. During the countless millennia, Mother Nature just took her course. Kingdoms rose and after a few thousand years they were reduced to dust.
People behind the ostentatious roadshows have egos either equal to or larger than the sizes of the structures they build.
The show will go on till the folly of their actions gradually dawn on them – which I believe will be ‘never’.
And, in the mean time, the ‘well-meaning’ crowd will continue their side show, not caring about being recognised or acknowledged.
Well, in the past week, Suthep has been laying out his reform principles and framework, and very laudable points they are too.
But it’s the how that’s missing – yes, I know it’s early days – so I wonder if centuries of feudalism, patronage, not forgetting kreng jai, will succumb that easily to any proposed changes.
“That war-mongering Aung Ze Ya had the gall to name himself Alaungpaya (Future Buddha) after razing many cities in Burma and Siam (the old Thailand) to the ground and bloodletting of biblical proportion. ”
Thank you U Sann Myint.
Until the Burmese, one and all, has the wisdom to see it and courage to rectify it and strive for the true deliverance, simply free of Lawba, Dawtha, Mawha, Burmese, one and all, will simply be easy prey to any opportunists (eg. continue to believe Sasakawa- sorry Nippon Deliverance- is their father or Clinton is their benefactor or IMF/ Soros/ CIA/ Hollande/ Abbott is desperate to help him or her or building ASEAN Lan MA Gyi for his/ her benefit or Greater Mekong Committee is to help his mother or being in that sort of sick, sad, beggar-like state) in all guises and shapes and forms to their own cesspool in the abyss. And soon!
That official page was posted almost 3 years ago. Any sensible person should have checked his/her own profile and corrected those mistakes long time ago.
“It wouldn’t really make much sense to do so since they both have impeccable educational credentials – academically and socially.”
Abhisit couldn’t even remember what nationality he was when he went to Oxford so this idea that the man is somehow the paragon of social and educational impeccability is laughable.
And that’s before we get on to that nice pile of corpses in 2010 that he helped create.
In your world being born into complete privilege and attending Eton and Oxford might mean that someone like Abhisit would then be entirely innocent of any misdemeanour but, thankfully, enough of the rest of the world isn’t as obsequious. The Thai population are also bright enough to realise that Abhisit and Akanat’s privilege has nothing to do with their electability.
Thanks for this, Bunyanuch. The problem is that what Milburn points out cannot be a problem with the media, as it appears not in the press but on the parliament’s own web-site. As for lying, hasn’t Akanat already lied so often and about so many things that he is way beyond fearing shame. What we really need is for Akanat to post an explanation here on New Mandala, to clear this confusion up.
Jayboy, I wonder if you don’t underestimate the insecurity of Thailand’s foreign-educated “elite” and the lengths it drives them to go to in their pretensions. Just a thought.
The giant statues at Naypyidaw, the Ananda replicas and Shwedagon replica, all the ostentatious pretensions and conspicuous opulence, white elephants aplenty literal and metaphorical. Definitely a great tradition. Defender of the Faith and Controller of the Clergy.
Fits in so well with the New World Order based on endless consumption and expanding market share (for some) with moralistic pretensions. Besides they have already made a good start by wholesale land grabbing.
The future is bright. The future is Orange? Not only will it purge itself, Saffron hand in hand with varsity, hammer and sickle, some of the battle green on side, will in the end put paid to the status quo.
р╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕зр╕▒р╕Хр╕┤р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕ир╕╢р╕Бр╕йр╕▓
р╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Цр╕бр╕ир╕╢р╕Бр╕йр╕▓: р╣Вр╕гр╕Зр╣Ар╕гр╕╡р╕вр╕Щр╣Ар╕Лр╕Щр╕Хр╣Мр╕Др╕▓р╣Ар╕Ър╕гр╕╡р╕вр╕е р╕Бр╕гр╕╕р╕Зр╣Ар╕Чр╕Юр╕бр╕лр╕▓р╕Щр╕Др╕г
р╕бр╕▒р╕Шр╕вр╕бр╕ир╕╢р╕Бр╕йр╕▓: Charterhouse School , Godalming , Surrey р╕кр╕лр╕гр╕▓р╕Кр╕нр╕▓р╕Ур╕▓р╕Ир╕▒р╕Бр╕г
р╕Ыр╕гр╕┤р╕Нр╕Нр╕▓р╕Хр╕гр╕╡: р╕кр╕▓р╕Вр╕▓р╕зр╕┤р╕ир╕зр╕░р╣Ар╕ир╕гр╕йр╕Рр╕ир╕▓р╕кр╕Хр╕гр╣Мр╕Ър╕гр╕┤р╕лр╕▓р╕г р╕бр╕лр╕▓р╕зр╕┤р╕Чр╕вр╕▓р╕ер╕▒р╕в
р╕нр╣Кр╕нр╕Бр╕Лр╣Мр╕Яр╕нр╕гр╣Мр╕Ф (р╣Ар╕Бр╕╡р╕вр╕гр╕Хр╕┤р╕Щр╕┤р╕вр╕б) a BSc in Engineering.
р╕Ыр╕гр╕┤р╕Нр╕Нр╕▓р╣Вр╕Ч: р╕кр╕▓р╕Вр╕▓р╕зр╕┤р╕ир╕зр╕░р╣Ар╕ир╕гр╕йр╕Рр╕ир╕▓р╕кр╕Хр╕гр╣Мр╕Ър╕гр╕┤р╕лр╕▓р╕г р╕бр╕лр╕▓р╕зр╕┤р╕Чр╕вр╕▓р╕ер╕▒р╕в р╕нр╣Кр╕нр╕Бр╕Лр╣Мр╕Яр╕нр╕гр╣Мр╕Ф (р╣Ар╕Бр╕╡р╕вр╕гр╕Хр╕┤р╕Щр╕┤р╕вр╕б) M.Sc., Honors (Engineer), University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
I think might be a mistake or error in some point with the media. If he claims 6 degrees and people find out it’s not true people will attack him for sure about his lying. especially you think about it a few people from Democrat Party also graduate from Oxford if Akanat claims 6 degrees they will have to audit to make sure is true. Absolute they don’t want to shame themselves.
I have read it (agreed truly dreadful)but I don’t think Abhisit distorts his academic background in it.In both his case and that of Akanat it wouldn’t really make much sense to do so since they both have impeccable educational credentials – academically and socially.
I’d love to be able to join in the mockery but there isn’t really a case – apart of course from the weird multiple Oxford CV.But I sense there’s less here than meets the eye.
You should have a read of Abhisit Vejjajiva’s ludicrous book “The Simple Truth”, Jayboy, if you don’t think people who went to English public school and Oxford would ever sign off on clumsy fakery.
Meanwhile, call me a conspiracy theorist, but I am intrigued by the fact that two people are now blaming the secretary and absolving Akanat, on the basis of very flimsy reasoning. Seems like a clumsy attempt to whitewash a clumsy deception.
Sooner rather than later, there will be a ‘self purging’ of the order. This is the beauty “tissah”(faihfulness) of this religion. Even during the BSPP era.
The excesses under way due to years of useless careless deprivation, not witness in Thailand must speak volume.
As many are self serving, more especially in the most rural where the most deprived are well served by their learned Sayadaw.
I’m sure Egg is correct.Like him or not the background of a smart English public school and a genuine Oxford B.A (which trumps most other degrees even at a higher level) doesn’t suggest he would sign off on this ludicrous CV.
Akanat “six degrees” Promphan
If he has a Master Degree from a US university, I believe he does speak English, but he refuses to do so in public because he doesn’t want to look stupid like Yingluck.
Akanat “six degrees” Promphan
To be frank your comments rather reinforce the point that Nigel has made above.Some of those holding a particular point of view have lost their perspective.A prestigious education has nothing to do with a person’s morality and it certainly has nothing to do with electability.The only point I’m making is that someone with that educational background has no need to fake it.
Incidentally over the years in Thailand my own Cambridge M.A
degree has often been misrepresented in biodata, usually by the attribution of a genuine Masters which I do not in fact possess.
Akanat “six degrees” Promphan
This is from his Facebook page I just saw it this morning. But in Thai Version (I hope everyone can find the way to translate in case if you cannot read Thai.)
“р╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕Ир╕гр╕┤р╕Зр╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕кр╕┤р╣Ир╕Зр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕Хр╕▓р╕в”
р╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕Ир╕гр╕┤р╕Зр╣Бр╕ер╣Йр╕з р╕Ьр╕бр╕зр╣Ир╕▓р╣Ар╕гр╕▓р╕Ир╕░р╕Ир╕Ър╕Ир╕▓р╕Бр╕кр╕Цр╕▓р╕Ър╕▒р╕Щр╣Др╕лр╕Щ р╕гр╕░р╕Фр╕▒р╕Ър╕нр╕░р╣Др╕г р╕кр╕▓р╕Вр╕▓р╕зр╕┤р╕Кр╕▓р╣Др╕лр╕Щ р╕Бр╣Зр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Др╕Фр╣Йр╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Хр╕▒р╕зр╕Кр╕╡р╣Йр╕зр╕▒р╕Фр╣Ар╕кр╕бр╕н р╕кр╕┤р╣Ир╕Зр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕кр╕│р╕Др╕▒р╕Нр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Хр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╕Др╕│р╕Щр╕╢р╕Зр╕Цр╕╢р╕Зр╕Др╕╖р╕нр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕Фр╕╡р╕Лр╕╢р╣Ир╕Зр╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Др╕╕р╕Ур╕кр╕бр╕Ър╕▒р╕Хр╕┤р╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕кр╕│р╕Др╕▒р╕Н р╕Ьр╕бр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Ар╕Др╕вр╣Др╕Ыр╕Ыр╣Ир╕▓р╕зр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Бр╕▓р╕ир╣Вр╕нр╣Йр╕нр╕зр╕Фр╕зр╣Ир╕▓р╕Ир╕Ър╕Ир╕▓р╕Бр╣Др╕лр╕Щ р╕Лр╕╢р╣Ир╕Зр╕Др╕Щр╕кр╣Ир╕зр╕Щр╣Гр╕лр╕Нр╣Ир╕Бр╣Зр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕гр╕╣р╣Йр╕Фр╣Йр╕зр╕вр╕Лр╣Йр╕│
р╣Бр╕Хр╣Ир╣Ар╕Щр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕Зр╕Ир╕▓р╕Бр╣Гр╕Щр╕Вр╕Ур╕░р╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Ьр╕бр╕кр╕╣р╣Йр╣Ар╕Юр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕Кр╕▓р╕Хр╕┤ р╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕Ър╣Йр╕▓р╕Щр╕Бр╣Зр╣Вр╕Фр╕Щ M79р╕вр╕┤р╕З р╕Бр╣Зр╕Хр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╕бр╕▓р╕Кр╕╡р╣Йр╣Бр╕Ир╕Зр╣Ар╕гр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕Зр╣Др╕гр╣Йр╕кр╕▓р╕гр╕░р╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Цр╕╣р╕Бр╣Бр╕Кр╕гр╣Мр╣Вр╕Фр╕вр╕Щр╕▒р╕Бр╕Вр╣Ир╕▓р╕зр╕Хр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╕Кр╕▓р╕Хр╕┤р╕кр╕▓р╕вр╣Бр╕Фр╕Зр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕бр╕╡р╕Юр╕др╕Хр╕┤р╕Бр╕гр╕гр╕бр╕лр╕бр╕┤р╣Ир╕Щр╕кр╕Цр╕▓р╕Ър╕▒р╕Щр╣Бр╕ер╕░р╣Ар╕Юр╕Ир╣Вр╕Бр╕лр╕Бр╕Ър╕▓р╕Зр╣Ар╕Юр╕И р╣Др╕Фр╣Йр╣Др╕Ыр╣Ар╕нр╕▓р╕Вр╣Йр╕нр╕бр╕╣р╕ер╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕ир╕╢р╕Бр╕йр╕▓р╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕Ьр╕бр╕Ир╕▓р╕Бр╣Ар╕зр╕Ыр╣Др╕Лр╕Фр╣Мр╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕гр╕▒р╕Рр╕кр╕ар╕▓ р╕Лр╕╢р╣Ир╕Зр╕ер╕Зр╕Вр╣Йр╕нр╕бр╕╣р╕ер╕Ьр╕┤р╕Фр╣Бр╕Ыр╕ер╕Ьр╕┤р╕Фр╕бр╕▓р╕Вр╕вр╕▓р╕вр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕б (р╕Ьр╕бр╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕Чр╕╡р╕бр╕Зр╕▓р╕Щр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Др╕Фр╣Йр╕ер╕Зр╣Ар╕нр╕Зр╣Бр╕ер╕░р╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Ар╕Др╕вр╣Ар╕лр╣Зр╕Щр╕бр╕▓р╕Бр╣Ир╕нр╕Щ) р╕Лр╕╢р╣Ир╕Зр╕Вр╣Йр╕нр╕бр╕╣р╕ер╕нр╕╖р╣Ир╕Щр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Ьр╕бр╣Ар╕Вр╕╡р╕вр╕Щр╣Бр╕ер╕░р╣Ар╕Ьр╕вр╣Бр╕Юр╕гр╣Ир╕Ьр╣Ир╕▓р╕Щр╕кр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕пр╕Хр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╕Бр╣Зр╕Кр╕▒р╕Фр╣Ар╕Ир╕Щр╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕Хр╕гр╕Зр╕Бр╕▒р╕Щр╕бр╕▓р╣Вр╕Фр╕вр╕Хр╕ер╕нр╕Ф р╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Др╕Фр╣Йр╕Хр╕▒р╣Йр╕Зр╣Гр╕Ир╕Чр╕│р╣Вр╕Бр╣Йр╕бр╕▓р╣Ар╕Вр╕╡р╕вр╕Щр╕Вр╣Йр╕нр╕бр╕╣р╕ер╕Ьр╕┤р╕Фр╣Жр╕лр╕ер╕╕р╕Фр╣Вр╕ер╕Бр╣Бр╕Ър╕Ър╕Щр╕╡р╣Й р╕нр╕▒р╕Щр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Ир╕гр╕┤р╕Зр╕Бр╣Зр╕Др╕╖р╕нр╕Ьр╕бр╣Ар╕гр╕╡р╕вр╕Щр╕Ир╕Ър╕Ыр╕гр╕┤р╕Нр╕Нр╕▓р╕Хр╕гр╕╡р╕Юр╕гр╣Йр╕нр╕бр╕Ыр╕гр╕┤р╕Нр╕Нр╕▓р╣Вр╕Чр╣Гр╕Щ 3 р╕кр╕▓р╕Вр╕▓ р╕Др╕╖р╕н р╕зр╕┤р╕ир╕зр╣Ар╕ир╕гр╕йр╕Рр╕ир╕▓р╕кр╕Хр╕гр╣Мр╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕Ър╕гр╕┤р╕лр╕▓р╕г (р╣Ар╕Бр╕╡р╕вр╕гр╕Хр╕┤р╕Щр╕┤р╕вр╕б) р╕лр╕ер╕▒р╕Бр╕кр╕╣р╕Хр╕г 4 р╕Ыр╕╡ р╕Ир╕▓р╕Бр╕бр╕лр╕▓р╕зр╕┤р╕Чр╕вр╕▓р╕ер╕▒р╕вр╕нр╕нр╕Бр╕Лр╣Мр╕Яр╕нр╕гр╣Мр╕Ф р╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╣Ар╕Чр╕ир╕нр╕▒р╕Зр╕Бр╕др╕й р╕Ыр╕гр╕┤р╕Нр╕Нр╕▓р╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Ьр╕бр╣Др╕Фр╣Йр╕бр╕▓р╕Фр╣Йр╕зр╕вр╕Хр╕▒р╕зр╣Ар╕нр╕Зр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Др╕Фр╣Йр╣Вр╕Бр╕Зр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Др╕Фр╣Йр╕Лр╕╖р╣Йр╕нр╣Бр╕ер╕░р╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Др╕Фр╣Йр╕ер╕нр╕Бр╣Гр╕Др╕г р╕Ир╕░р╕Цр╕╣р╕Бр╣Гр╕Ир╣Гр╕Др╕гр╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕нр╕вр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╣Др╕гр╕Бр╣Зр╕кр╕╕р╕Фр╣Бр╕ер╣Йр╕зр╣Бр╕Хр╣Ир╕Ир╕░р╕Др╕┤р╕Фр╕Др╕гр╕▒р╕Ъ
р╕Лр╕╢р╣Ир╕Зр╣Ар╕гр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕Зр╕Щр╕╡р╣Йр╕Ьр╕бр╣Ар╕лр╣Зр╕Щр╕зр╣Ир╕▓р╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕бр╕╡р╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╣Ар╕Фр╣Зр╕Щр╕нр╕░р╣Др╕гр╕кр╕│р╕Др╕▒р╕Н р╣Бр╕Др╣Ир╕Чр╕▓р╕Зр╣Ар╕Ир╣Йр╕▓р╕лр╕Щр╣Йр╕▓р╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕гр╕▒р╕Рр╕кр╕ар╕▓р╣Бр╕Ыр╕ер╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕лр╕бр╕▓р╕вр╣Бр╕ер╕░р╣Гр╕кр╣Ир╕Вр╣Йр╕нр╕бр╕╣р╕ер╕Ьр╕┤р╕Фр╕Юр╕ер╕▓р╕Фр╕Бр╣Зр╣Ар╕Чр╣Ир╕▓р╕Щр╕▒р╣Йр╕Щ р╕Лр╕╢р╣Ир╕Зр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕зр╕▒р╕Хр╕┤р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕ир╕╢р╕Бр╕йр╕▓р╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕Ьр╕бр╕Ир╕гр╕┤р╕Зр╣Ж р╕Чр╕╕р╕Бр╕Чр╣Ир╕▓р╕Щр╕Бр╣Зр╕кр╕▓р╕бр╕▓р╕гр╕Цр╕лр╕▓р╣Др╕Фр╣Йр╕Хр╕▓р╕бр╣Ар╕зр╕Ыр╣Др╕Лр╕Хр╣Мр╕Хр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╣Жр╣Др╕Фр╣Йр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕вр╕▓р╕Б (р╣Бр╕Щр╕Ър╕Фр╣Йр╕▓р╕Щр╕ер╣Ир╕▓р╕З) р╕Лр╕╢р╣Ир╕Зр╕Бр╣Зр╣Ар╕Вр╕╡р╕вр╕Щр╕Хр╕гр╕Зр╕Бр╕▒р╕Щр╕лр╕бр╕Ф р╕нр╕вр╣Ир╕▓р╕бр╕▒р╕зр╕бр╕▓р╣Ар╕кр╕╡р╕вр╣Ар╕зр╕ер╕▓р╕Щр╕▒р╣Ир╕Зр╕Ир╕▒р╕Ър╕Ьр╕┤р╕Фр╣Ар╕гр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕Зр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╣Вр╕вр╕Кр╕Щр╣Мр╕Бр╕▒р╕Щр╕Фр╕╡р╕Бр╕зр╣Ир╕▓ р╕Чр╕▒р╣Йр╕Зр╣Жр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Вр╣Йр╕нр╕бр╕╣р╕ер╕бр╕▒р╕Щр╕Бр╣Зр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕Ир╕гр╕┤р╕Зр╣Ар╕ер╕в
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=717911401593443&set=a.605462549504996.1073741899.177948972256358&type=1&theater
Akanat “six degrees” Promphan
“It would seem to be another example of the deep status insecurity that drives the Yellow side in Thai politics.”
Yes. And this would seem to be another example of a sweeping, unsubstantiated conclusion, which may speak more to the prejudices of the writer than anything else. If this really is an example of someone falsely exaggerating their academic credentials rather than a clumsy clerical error, I don’t really see how we can therefore arrive at a conclusion concerning the general evils of the Democrats/Yellow Shirts/ “royalist elites”: It may simply tell us something about the particular individual involved, or perhaps it may relate to Thai culture more generally.
Isn’t there a real danger that NM is losing objectivity and taking sides here? Many people appear to view the Thai crisis as a clash of ideologies: Everything must be explained in terms of an ideological battle between “royalist elites” (read the anti-government PDRC, the Yellowshirts or the Democrat Party) on the one hand, and the rural poor (represented by the Shinawatra family, the Red Shirts and the ruling Phuea Thai Party) on the other. The writer of this piece appears to be involved in a crusade against one of these sides rather than analysis that might take the conversation forward. I realize that sites such as NM function to put views out there for discussion, but would it hurt to air reasoned argument critical of the Shinawatras and their admirers from time to time?
The problem really, in my humble opinion, is this: the crisis in Thailand is not an ideological one, and dividing the opposing camps on the basis of left (Red Shirts) versus right (“royalist elites”, the Democrats, the judiciary etc) politics, as many seem to do implicitly at least, leads to absurdity: Thaksin, a billionaire, representing the rural poor, for example. The core support of the Red Shirts and the anti-government protesters would, if you sat them down in a room and stripped away the baggage that the last few years have heaped on them, probably agree on most issues. The phony war at the heart of Thai politics is not, I repeat, an ideological one; rather, it has been cooked up by the wealthy and powerful jockeying for position as the reign of King Bumpiphol comes to an end. The only viable solution is for a true grassroots politics to emerge and pull the rug from under the feet of the squabbling oligarchs, on both sides, who would be the first to flee Thailand if the civil war they have nurtured over the past few years kicks off.
Review of Buddhist Fury
The tide rises and the tide falls. During the countless millennia, Mother Nature just took her course. Kingdoms rose and after a few thousand years they were reduced to dust.
People behind the ostentatious roadshows have egos either equal to or larger than the sizes of the structures they build.
The show will go on till the folly of their actions gradually dawn on them – which I believe will be ‘never’.
And, in the mean time, the ‘well-meaning’ crowd will continue their side show, not caring about being recognised or acknowledged.
Suthep’s romantic tale
Well, in the past week, Suthep has been laying out his reform principles and framework, and very laudable points they are too.
But it’s the how that’s missing – yes, I know it’s early days – so I wonder if centuries of feudalism, patronage, not forgetting kreng jai, will succumb that easily to any proposed changes.
Or, will any reform measures be like this?
http://notthenation.com/2014/01/suthep-demands-35-compromise/
In other words, will things be repackaged and tarted up, but essentially remain the same?
I think I know the answer to this question…
Review of Buddhist Fury
“That war-mongering Aung Ze Ya had the gall to name himself Alaungpaya (Future Buddha) after razing many cities in Burma and Siam (the old Thailand) to the ground and bloodletting of biblical proportion. ”
Thank you U Sann Myint.
Until the Burmese, one and all, has the wisdom to see it and courage to rectify it and strive for the true deliverance, simply free of Lawba, Dawtha, Mawha, Burmese, one and all, will simply be easy prey to any opportunists (eg. continue to believe Sasakawa- sorry Nippon Deliverance- is their father or Clinton is their benefactor or IMF/ Soros/ CIA/ Hollande/ Abbott is desperate to help him or her or building ASEAN Lan MA Gyi for his/ her benefit or Greater Mekong Committee is to help his mother or being in that sort of sick, sad, beggar-like state) in all guises and shapes and forms to their own cesspool in the abyss. And soon!
Akanat “six degrees” Promphan
The Democrat Party don’t want to shame themselves?
Seriously?
It’s what they do best.
Akanat “six degrees” Promphan
That official page was posted almost 3 years ago. Any sensible person should have checked his/her own profile and corrected those mistakes long time ago.
Akanat “six degrees” Promphan
Should also point out that at Oxford they spell it “honours” not “honors”.
But someone with Akanat’s impeccable education would know that, wouldn’t he?
Akanat “six degrees” Promphan
Jayboy
“It wouldn’t really make much sense to do so since they both have impeccable educational credentials – academically and socially.”
Abhisit couldn’t even remember what nationality he was when he went to Oxford so this idea that the man is somehow the paragon of social and educational impeccability is laughable.
And that’s before we get on to that nice pile of corpses in 2010 that he helped create.
In your world being born into complete privilege and attending Eton and Oxford might mean that someone like Abhisit would then be entirely innocent of any misdemeanour but, thankfully, enough of the rest of the world isn’t as obsequious. The Thai population are also bright enough to realise that Abhisit and Akanat’s privilege has nothing to do with their electability.
Akanat “six degrees” Promphan
Thanks for this, Bunyanuch. The problem is that what Milburn points out cannot be a problem with the media, as it appears not in the press but on the parliament’s own web-site. As for lying, hasn’t Akanat already lied so often and about so many things that he is way beyond fearing shame. What we really need is for Akanat to post an explanation here on New Mandala, to clear this confusion up.
Akanat “six degrees” Promphan
Jayboy, I wonder if you don’t underestimate the insecurity of Thailand’s foreign-educated “elite” and the lengths it drives them to go to in their pretensions. Just a thought.
Review of Buddhist Fury
The giant statues at Naypyidaw, the Ananda replicas and Shwedagon replica, all the ostentatious pretensions and conspicuous opulence, white elephants aplenty literal and metaphorical. Definitely a great tradition. Defender of the Faith and Controller of the Clergy.
Fits in so well with the New World Order based on endless consumption and expanding market share (for some) with moralistic pretensions. Besides they have already made a good start by wholesale land grabbing.
The future is bright. The future is Orange? Not only will it purge itself, Saffron hand in hand with varsity, hammer and sickle, some of the battle green on side, will in the end put paid to the status quo.
Akanat “six degrees” Promphan
Regarding of his education profile from the below website (Democrat Party web-site)
http://democrat.a.hosting.7republic.com/node/1626
He only claims 2 degrees
р╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕зр╕▒р╕Хр╕┤р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕ир╕╢р╕Бр╕йр╕▓
р╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Цр╕бр╕ир╕╢р╕Бр╕йр╕▓: р╣Вр╕гр╕Зр╣Ар╕гр╕╡р╕вр╕Щр╣Ар╕Лр╕Щр╕Хр╣Мр╕Др╕▓р╣Ар╕Ър╕гр╕╡р╕вр╕е р╕Бр╕гр╕╕р╕Зр╣Ар╕Чр╕Юр╕бр╕лр╕▓р╕Щр╕Др╕г
р╕бр╕▒р╕Шр╕вр╕бр╕ир╕╢р╕Бр╕йр╕▓: Charterhouse School , Godalming , Surrey р╕кр╕лр╕гр╕▓р╕Кр╕нр╕▓р╕Ур╕▓р╕Ир╕▒р╕Бр╕г
р╕Ыр╕гр╕┤р╕Нр╕Нр╕▓р╕Хр╕гр╕╡: р╕кр╕▓р╕Вр╕▓р╕зр╕┤р╕ир╕зр╕░р╣Ар╕ир╕гр╕йр╕Рр╕ир╕▓р╕кр╕Хр╕гр╣Мр╕Ър╕гр╕┤р╕лр╕▓р╕г р╕бр╕лр╕▓р╕зр╕┤р╕Чр╕вр╕▓р╕ер╕▒р╕в
р╕нр╣Кр╕нр╕Бр╕Лр╣Мр╕Яр╕нр╕гр╣Мр╕Ф (р╣Ар╕Бр╕╡р╕вр╕гр╕Хр╕┤р╕Щр╕┤р╕вр╕б) a BSc in Engineering.
р╕Ыр╕гр╕┤р╕Нр╕Нр╕▓р╣Вр╕Ч: р╕кр╕▓р╕Вр╕▓р╕зр╕┤р╕ир╕зр╕░р╣Ар╕ир╕гр╕йр╕Рр╕ир╕▓р╕кр╕Хр╕гр╣Мр╕Ър╕гр╕┤р╕лр╕▓р╕г р╕бр╕лр╕▓р╕зр╕┤р╕Чр╕вр╕▓р╕ер╕▒р╕в р╕нр╣Кр╕нр╕Бр╕Лр╣Мр╕Яр╕нр╕гр╣Мр╕Ф (р╣Ар╕Бр╕╡р╕вр╕гр╕Хр╕┤р╕Щр╕┤р╕вр╕б) M.Sc., Honors (Engineer), University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
I think might be a mistake or error in some point with the media. If he claims 6 degrees and people find out it’s not true people will attack him for sure about his lying. especially you think about it a few people from Democrat Party also graduate from Oxford if Akanat claims 6 degrees they will have to audit to make sure is true. Absolute they don’t want to shame themselves.
Akanat “six degrees” Promphan
I have read it (agreed truly dreadful)but I don’t think Abhisit distorts his academic background in it.In both his case and that of Akanat it wouldn’t really make much sense to do so since they both have impeccable educational credentials – academically and socially.
I’d love to be able to join in the mockery but there isn’t really a case – apart of course from the weird multiple Oxford CV.But I sense there’s less here than meets the eye.
Akanat “six degrees” Promphan
Jayboy
In the UK the privileged get lampooned mercilessly for their supposed “better education”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC0IJQ_s7No
Akanat “six degrees” Promphan
You should have a read of Abhisit Vejjajiva’s ludicrous book “The Simple Truth”, Jayboy, if you don’t think people who went to English public school and Oxford would ever sign off on clumsy fakery.
Meanwhile, call me a conspiracy theorist, but I am intrigued by the fact that two people are now blaming the secretary and absolving Akanat, on the basis of very flimsy reasoning. Seems like a clumsy attempt to whitewash a clumsy deception.
Review of Buddhist Fury
Sooner rather than later, there will be a ‘self purging’ of the order. This is the beauty “tissah”(faihfulness) of this religion. Even during the BSPP era.
The excesses under way due to years of useless careless deprivation, not witness in Thailand must speak volume.
As many are self serving, more especially in the most rural where the most deprived are well served by their learned Sayadaw.
Akanat “six degrees” Promphan
I’m sure Egg is correct.Like him or not the background of a smart English public school and a genuine Oxford B.A (which trumps most other degrees even at a higher level) doesn’t suggest he would sign off on this ludicrous CV.