I’m not quite sure why Thailand’s major oligarch is not mentioned in this article – the King and his family.
Why mention Thaksin but remain silent on the King?
After everything that has happened since 2006, and after everything that has been written, how is possible to write something about money, power and politics in Thailand on an academic blog and not mention the monarchy?
It is really a quandary and the debates among my circle of friends keep going maddingly nowhere. Their/our abhorrence of Thaksin and his servants is deep and no one in our group could tolerate another day of a Thaksin-servant in the PM chair.
But when I remind them of my suspicions that perhaps maybe indeed Suthep T. could be a lunatic because his proposal(s) to completely ignore the ‘majority’, to continue to make atrocious demands on Yingluck (who is still Thailand’s lawful PM btw) to abide by his ‘instructions’ just does not make any sense.
Ask me again in two or three days what to think about the dangerous madness of political intransigence in Bangkok. I am not hopeful sane minds will prevail. I am not hopeful at all.
The very assumption of this thing called ” the peace and democratization processes” would be funny if one does not live in Latpadaung. Then again there is no one who comes out to support these poor sods. May be the “democratization” does regularly require sacrificial throats. And how can one “backslide towards authoritarianism”? When did Burma come out of that thingy? These days one sees more people being SHOT on their OWN land every day in this wonderful and liberated MYANMAR!!!! Oh! Yes! Almost forgot! Any thing bad is due to the bogey man “Hardliners” and anything one wants to identify with, because it is HIP, is due to these “DEMOCRATIZING” forces carried out efficiently and astonishingly by people like Thein Sein, the epitome of democracy, who only a minute ago was thick in the inner circle of thugs busy clubbing monks right at the now superpopular (must see) Shwedagon Pagoda East Mote (as it is called in Burma). When it happened not that long ago it was rather like Norwegian sealing really with sound and visual effects in 3D and all!
The process happening now in Burma is as far away from the real democracy as possible. In fact if one spends some spare time looking at prevalent Burmese cartoons coming out every single day even without knowing the language (most so-called Burma experts do not speak or read a word- so that is OK) one can easily see that sizable and increasing number of the public of Burma do not buy into the sort of line people like Derek Tonkin takes that this wonderful, highly educated woman and numerous glassware holder says it is democracy, so this thingy that we are getting surely must be democracy.
China, as another commentator pointed out, is THE traditional enemy of the Burmese. Now they are the new superstar of the world holding global trade at ransom. As benefactor of the current and previous (one would think they are the same really, but if you insist…) power holders, they do enjoy enormous privilege in the country. But the “hate” felt by the thugs themselves to the Chinese is not necessarily less than that for the Indians (it is a misconception these Sit-tut thugs hate the Muslim, they hates all Kalars)contrary to Tocherian’s protestations. These rulers indeed are true and rabid nationalists on western “democracies” supplied steroid.
China, now flexing its muscle a touch too soon claiming airspace prematurely and Spatley’s and all that, simply unites its true enemies starting with the Vietnamese. And every one knows that Chinese will never let Nanking go un-avanged at the earliest opportunity. Arm producers’and brokers’ wildest dream really!
But back to Burma. Burmese will always regards the Thai’s as “Inferior” race. Yes, even on the face of total absurdity. And to that end they will acquire arms to intimidate them as soon as they can. Maung Aye’s Mig29 buying spree started when a couple of battalions of his terrified troops ran amok in response to a couple of low flying Thai fighter jets in their own territory. So regardless of any wish or writings of any Burma watchers whiling away their time in amusement, currently most buoyant military (with every one sucking them up, who could blame them ?) will buy, buy, buy more and more and more guns and wherewithals and will link up the Yanks- the very army bringing peace and prosperity to the people of the middle-east- (trying to replace the Thai’s, the inferiors) at the earliest opportunity.
Burma becoming like Cambodia??? That is the very idea! That is the best compliment to the policy makers!
The global business does demand efficient and ruthless as well as pliable rulers in all the territories of interest- ie. the globe. Please note Hunsen is a close friend of Than Shwe as much as Thaksin Shinawatra. They are like triplets really.
Burma going down the Cambodia way is the only way! That is where it is currently programmed to go and it is done deliberately and collectively with efficiency.
If one walks around town anywhere but especially in Rangoon, one can easily see that average people on the street are totally race-blind. This racial discrimination, and on top of that religious discrimination even in the same race, is PURE and creative invention of this very Sit-tut every one around the world is so desperately sucking up to. The crowd also includes all sorts of so-called oppositions and once-were dissidents. So racial division is pure indulgent invention as far as majority public of Burma is concerned even though it does not mean that such situation can not be manufactured as Khin Nyunt successfully demonstrated with Buddhist-Christian Karen division, the benefit of which they are still reaping.
Rest assured the government will always try to arm itself more and more. Please do not say “rearm”. They have never missed a chance so far. And changing the person on the chair as the world is howling now like swapping Aung San Suu Kyi for Thein Sein (the very reason to call for modifying the most despicable crap called constitution of Nargis reputation) will simply facilitate the global institutions’ and companies’ entry that much easier and people losing their land (this time according to the Rule of LAW and enforced by the newly trained and well armed police with the newly trained “media” sticking to the party line)and their own independence that much quicker. And the military? There will be even accelerated growth of arming linked to the Yanks.
The so-called opposition they are dealing with now are simply similarly structured arms and narcotic dealers. Those “Peace Deals” are indeed “Piece Deals”.
By the way, it is interesting no one is talking about the explosive narcotic trade, internal more so than external growth-wise nowadays, and immense future exponential increase.
Arms and narcotics- things that do make the world to go round. Can’t get better than that in Burma.
to identify oligarchs the Forbes list of rich in Thailand is a good place to start
the other interesting snippet is that Thaksin was never top of the list, in fact the word was that while he was prime minister he would have gained more by investing in bank shares than in telecommunications and several of his rich mates did
and by the way, tax is not payable on sales of shares (by anyone in Thailand) so the big “corruption” claim and confiscation by the criminal court was a case constructed by his enemy oligarchs
red bull, singha, chalern phochpan (so-called chicken people) are supposed to be some of those funding the 2013 protests
Btw, I am not Caucasian and the issue raised here is not about race or creed, it is about respect of a society that has taken you in and allowed you to live there. You neo-liberals are all the same, you stereotype too fast and always want to try and be morally superior by shouting about colour. My comment, opinion would have been the same had it been a horde of Caucasian Scottish immigrants trashing Perth.
The convenient fiction that these people are “idiots” must serve some psychological purpose for those who repeat it ad nauseum.
At minimum it would appear to assure someone like Mr. Rhoden that he is more intelligent than at least a couple of rich Thais.
How very satisfying that must be, because it certainly adds nothing to our understanding of how and why it is that in
Thailand as well as a number of other countries around the world “right wing” anti-democratic forces are gaining the support of their middle-class citizens.
We have reached a point in the developed world, former home of liberal democracies and liberal democratic citizenries, where instead of defending liberal democracy with argument and passion, lazy “liberals” like Mr Rhoden content themselves with pretending that liberal democratic principles represent a state of nature and a certain level of IQ or a form of mental health, and so act as if calling a royalist-fascist supporter “stupid” or a tea party conservative “brainwashed” is to somehow engage in politics or analysis.
Well, it isn’t. And the “idiots” running these quasi-fascist movements as well as significant numbers of their followers know it; it’s why they find such superficial “opposition” rather useful.
I think the term “useful idiot” might actually come in handy here, with just a bit of a twist, to describe Mr Rhoden and his ilk in their real relation to people like Suthep and Thaksin.
I am not so surprised that westerners do not understand Thai politics, or the situation in Thailand. I am more surprised, indeed dismayed, that there is such a great number of educated as well as less educated people in Thailand, who do not understand their own country’s political situation. On the other hand, to political scientists, this does not come as a surprise, because even in established democracies, interest in and knowledge of politics is dismally low. That is, political ignorance is a widespread phenomenon, whether in Thailand or in the West. That democracy can nevertheless somehow work in the west is due to its mostly rather stable institutional structures, first and foremost concerning the basic acceptance of the respective constitutions. This is lacking in Thailand, and one fundamental problem (besides many other problems of institutional development) is to make those who follow Suthep now accept Thailand’s constitutional order. Within–and only within–this constitutional order, dissent is possible, and, indeed, a key characteristic of democratic polities. It is called “pluralism.”
I passed on my ‘Ramkhamhaeng’ comments to my older cousin, who is a dedicated Red but vehemently against Thaksin, and she agreed with my nearly all my points except my observation (1). She pointed out that I was looking at the wrong Nostitz photo. The fourth photo shows a young Red, with a bandaged arm, pointing out the shooter.
I stand corrected. The shooter shot at a young Red, wearing Red (not black) shirt. I take back my allegation that the shooter could have been shooting at an RU student mistakenly.
Tocharian, I am not entirely sure what you are asking. Nonetheless, do allow me to explain my comment. There is a difference between nationality and race. And I believe that this distinction is important. I am a Singaporean Chinese. My ethnic group would be classified as Chinese, however my nationality will be that of a Singaporean Citizen. Likewise, we have Singaporean Malays, Singaporean Indians & Singaporean Eurasians. Each ethnic group in Singapore have their own traditional and religious practices. To state that there are racial tensions would mean that there are issues within Singaporean citizens. However to say that there is xenophobia/disgruntlement to foreigners would just mean a “us Singaporeans vs a them (fill in country’s name” mentality. As such, I disagree that there is racial tension, but more of the latter. Just because the riots were carried out by a race which is different from the general racial demographics of Singapore does not necessarily mean that there are racial tensions.
The distinction between nationalities and race is important as it also links to the point whereby the article has argued for better living conditions for the migrant workers. Everyone will more or less agree that better working conditions would be ideal. But the more difficult question is who is to pay for it? Migrant workers, be it from China, India, Bangladesh, etc, while we may share common ancestors, are not of the same nationality. If the country’s coffers are to be used, there is bound to be a fair bit of opposition as we are talking about different nationalities here. If however, we are talking about a discriminatory use of the nation’s coffers on segments of Singapore’s citizens based on race, then that is abhorrent and unjustifiable. However we are now talking about the former scenario, and I think most people, Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans may understand why this question will be fraught with differing opinions. After all there are the poor in Singapore. It is ironical if we took care of foreigners first rather than help our fellow citizens, notwithstanding the good and hard work which the migrant workers have done.
My knowledge of the Rohingyas are limited. Accordingly, on the assumption that Rohingyas are Burmese but just happen to practice a different religion, I would say that that the latter example of Turkish nationals in Germany is a more apt description of the Sun riots. This is not to say that Turkish nationals are facing issues in Germany; I have no concrete evidence on that, however I am merely aware that there are many Turkish nationals in Germany when I was staying there.
At this point in time, I am very upset over Suthep’s ridiculous decree.
Why is that not Les Majeste? Khun Abhisit: whence thy vow to protect the monarchy?
As a female and a mother, I am most affected by the demand for the public to keep close watch on YL family movements. This is tantamount to sponsored stalking and harressment. There are children, young ones, no less. We all know what kind of persons are most likely to respond to things like these.
Surely, though our opinions may differ, we are all Thais, and we can do better than using, bullying, and harressing women and children?
On whether you are alone re the importance of the oligarchy, well, the mentioned Sondhi Limthongkul referred to Thai politics as being dominated by various elements of the capitalist oligarchy, and predicted that this would have to lead to “banditcracy” (chonathipattai), meaning the “politics of the bandits” (Manager Weekend, April 2-8, 2011:6).
So, you are not alone in having noticed this. Sondhi Lim is with you!
Insightful article. I think what’s infuriating Bangkok taxpayers is that people who are paying for mass protests and vote buying are not spending their own money, but rather money that they have looted from the public purse. There isn’t much information on this, for obvious reasons, but some credible reports are available: http://robinlea.com/changnoi2/billions.htm (15 May 2006).
Actually Khun Vichai, its the redshirts who were haressed by alleged Ram students this time.
It was not difficult to wear a pastel yellow shirt and stroll through that area to see for oneself. We did and we saw. But I shall not comment any further on that night.
I shall add a few words re: the Ram students. Some ARE students, but I will not go so far as to say the instgators arestudents. Ram Uni has its own groups and gangs with their own ‘territories’, not necessary spatial.
Finally, I will only give credence and consideration to any current Suthep supporter IF and ONLY IF he or she has don a red shirt and walk through the Anti-government protest sites.
Seriously, you are obviously very articulate, can you say you agree with what Suthep is doing? To have to harress Yingluck and her family? To commit Les Majeste on so many counts, demanding our King do what his majesty already said is irrational, undemocratic, and ‘mua’?
Come on, we can beat Thaksin at his game. Arent the yellow shirts more educated? Thaksin is afterall only what number 9 ? richest in Thailand. There are 8 others who can help. And there is the 46bn confiscated from Thaksin: those can be used for PR, to buy votes. Surely he is but one man?
I’m afraid that many westerners do not understand thailand context and our situation. First of all, the protestors are not elite only, they come from many walks of life i.e. taxi driver, employees, students etc. Most westerners compare this situationa as if they do not have enough information about our last election. Many urban people got money from village representative for voting the some political party and while vote counting after that the mistake about number made Ms.Rangsima, one of democrat, asked for recounting so that she could win. If she did not stand there, her vote was less than actual. This is one of the corruption for the election.
The protestors can not accept the corruption even from the majority like in Italy, Philippines or even Hitler. They all came from majority vote right!
Most of urban are under educated. That’s big problem in thailand or every part of the world.
I think you might be right. But I’m not sure which comes first. To me glorifying violence was already in place and then it gets passed on.
I guess if Thai Tradies are generally paid well enough, then there wouldn’t be such a disparity among graduates from mainstream education institution and graduates from Technical school.
It would be a sensible question, cardero, if the Democrats were a political party in the sense you seem to think they might be.
But they aren’t.
As a “front” organization that provides the hands-on control of parliamentary government for their masters in the “rear”, they couldn’t possibly represent the interests of the people their masters wish to subjugate eternally.
Whenever you see Abhisit’s “face”, you really should think of his “rear” as well. As I’m sure Prem and various other of his mentors do.
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Thailand’s oligarchs are fighting
A piece that confirms for all what many among us have long known about the study of SE Asian politics at NIU. Very useful in that regard!
Thailand’s oligarchs are fighting
I’m not quite sure why Thailand’s major oligarch is not mentioned in this article – the King and his family.
Why mention Thaksin but remain silent on the King?
After everything that has happened since 2006, and after everything that has been written, how is possible to write something about money, power and politics in Thailand on an academic blog and not mention the monarchy?
Thailand’s stark choice
It is really a quandary and the debates among my circle of friends keep going maddingly nowhere. Their/our abhorrence of Thaksin and his servants is deep and no one in our group could tolerate another day of a Thaksin-servant in the PM chair.
But when I remind them of my suspicions that perhaps maybe indeed Suthep T. could be a lunatic because his proposal(s) to completely ignore the ‘majority’, to continue to make atrocious demands on Yingluck (who is still Thailand’s lawful PM btw) to abide by his ‘instructions’ just does not make any sense.
Ask me again in two or three days what to think about the dangerous madness of political intransigence in Bangkok. I am not hopeful sane minds will prevail. I am not hopeful at all.
The king’s birthday speech
All this about Suthep. But who are the backers behind Suthep? He’s not a one man band, just the front-man. Who are the puppeteers?
Myanmar’s arms purchases are a problem
Hard to know it is funny or tragic this article.
The very assumption of this thing called ” the peace and democratization processes” would be funny if one does not live in Latpadaung. Then again there is no one who comes out to support these poor sods. May be the “democratization” does regularly require sacrificial throats. And how can one “backslide towards authoritarianism”? When did Burma come out of that thingy? These days one sees more people being SHOT on their OWN land every day in this wonderful and liberated MYANMAR!!!! Oh! Yes! Almost forgot! Any thing bad is due to the bogey man “Hardliners” and anything one wants to identify with, because it is HIP, is due to these “DEMOCRATIZING” forces carried out efficiently and astonishingly by people like Thein Sein, the epitome of democracy, who only a minute ago was thick in the inner circle of thugs busy clubbing monks right at the now superpopular (must see) Shwedagon Pagoda East Mote (as it is called in Burma). When it happened not that long ago it was rather like Norwegian sealing really with sound and visual effects in 3D and all!
The process happening now in Burma is as far away from the real democracy as possible. In fact if one spends some spare time looking at prevalent Burmese cartoons coming out every single day even without knowing the language (most so-called Burma experts do not speak or read a word- so that is OK) one can easily see that sizable and increasing number of the public of Burma do not buy into the sort of line people like Derek Tonkin takes that this wonderful, highly educated woman and numerous glassware holder says it is democracy, so this thingy that we are getting surely must be democracy.
China, as another commentator pointed out, is THE traditional enemy of the Burmese. Now they are the new superstar of the world holding global trade at ransom. As benefactor of the current and previous (one would think they are the same really, but if you insist…) power holders, they do enjoy enormous privilege in the country. But the “hate” felt by the thugs themselves to the Chinese is not necessarily less than that for the Indians (it is a misconception these Sit-tut thugs hate the Muslim, they hates all Kalars)contrary to Tocherian’s protestations. These rulers indeed are true and rabid nationalists on western “democracies” supplied steroid.
China, now flexing its muscle a touch too soon claiming airspace prematurely and Spatley’s and all that, simply unites its true enemies starting with the Vietnamese. And every one knows that Chinese will never let Nanking go un-avanged at the earliest opportunity. Arm producers’and brokers’ wildest dream really!
But back to Burma. Burmese will always regards the Thai’s as “Inferior” race. Yes, even on the face of total absurdity. And to that end they will acquire arms to intimidate them as soon as they can. Maung Aye’s Mig29 buying spree started when a couple of battalions of his terrified troops ran amok in response to a couple of low flying Thai fighter jets in their own territory. So regardless of any wish or writings of any Burma watchers whiling away their time in amusement, currently most buoyant military (with every one sucking them up, who could blame them ?) will buy, buy, buy more and more and more guns and wherewithals and will link up the Yanks- the very army bringing peace and prosperity to the people of the middle-east- (trying to replace the Thai’s, the inferiors) at the earliest opportunity.
Burma becoming like Cambodia??? That is the very idea! That is the best compliment to the policy makers!
The global business does demand efficient and ruthless as well as pliable rulers in all the territories of interest- ie. the globe. Please note Hunsen is a close friend of Than Shwe as much as Thaksin Shinawatra. They are like triplets really.
Burma going down the Cambodia way is the only way! That is where it is currently programmed to go and it is done deliberately and collectively with efficiency.
If one walks around town anywhere but especially in Rangoon, one can easily see that average people on the street are totally race-blind. This racial discrimination, and on top of that religious discrimination even in the same race, is PURE and creative invention of this very Sit-tut every one around the world is so desperately sucking up to. The crowd also includes all sorts of so-called oppositions and once-were dissidents. So racial division is pure indulgent invention as far as majority public of Burma is concerned even though it does not mean that such situation can not be manufactured as Khin Nyunt successfully demonstrated with Buddhist-Christian Karen division, the benefit of which they are still reaping.
Rest assured the government will always try to arm itself more and more. Please do not say “rearm”. They have never missed a chance so far. And changing the person on the chair as the world is howling now like swapping Aung San Suu Kyi for Thein Sein (the very reason to call for modifying the most despicable crap called constitution of Nargis reputation) will simply facilitate the global institutions’ and companies’ entry that much easier and people losing their land (this time according to the Rule of LAW and enforced by the newly trained and well armed police with the newly trained “media” sticking to the party line)and their own independence that much quicker. And the military? There will be even accelerated growth of arming linked to the Yanks.
The so-called opposition they are dealing with now are simply similarly structured arms and narcotic dealers. Those “Peace Deals” are indeed “Piece Deals”.
By the way, it is interesting no one is talking about the explosive narcotic trade, internal more so than external growth-wise nowadays, and immense future exponential increase.
Arms and narcotics- things that do make the world to go round. Can’t get better than that in Burma.
Thailand’s oligarchs are fighting
to identify oligarchs the Forbes list of rich in Thailand is a good place to start
the other interesting snippet is that Thaksin was never top of the list, in fact the word was that while he was prime minister he would have gained more by investing in bank shares than in telecommunications and several of his rich mates did
and by the way, tax is not payable on sales of shares (by anyone in Thailand) so the big “corruption” claim and confiscation by the criminal court was a case constructed by his enemy oligarchs
red bull, singha, chalern phochpan (so-called chicken people) are supposed to be some of those funding the 2013 protests
Stop and think: Lessons from Little India
Btw, I am not Caucasian and the issue raised here is not about race or creed, it is about respect of a society that has taken you in and allowed you to live there. You neo-liberals are all the same, you stereotype too fast and always want to try and be morally superior by shouting about colour. My comment, opinion would have been the same had it been a horde of Caucasian Scottish immigrants trashing Perth.
Thailand’s oligarchs are fighting
The convenient fiction that these people are “idiots” must serve some psychological purpose for those who repeat it ad nauseum.
At minimum it would appear to assure someone like Mr. Rhoden that he is more intelligent than at least a couple of rich Thais.
How very satisfying that must be, because it certainly adds nothing to our understanding of how and why it is that in
Thailand as well as a number of other countries around the world “right wing” anti-democratic forces are gaining the support of their middle-class citizens.
We have reached a point in the developed world, former home of liberal democracies and liberal democratic citizenries, where instead of defending liberal democracy with argument and passion, lazy “liberals” like Mr Rhoden content themselves with pretending that liberal democratic principles represent a state of nature and a certain level of IQ or a form of mental health, and so act as if calling a royalist-fascist supporter “stupid” or a tea party conservative “brainwashed” is to somehow engage in politics or analysis.
Well, it isn’t. And the “idiots” running these quasi-fascist movements as well as significant numbers of their followers know it; it’s why they find such superficial “opposition” rather useful.
I think the term “useful idiot” might actually come in handy here, with just a bit of a twist, to describe Mr Rhoden and his ilk in their real relation to people like Suthep and Thaksin.
Thailand’s oligarchs are fighting
You are not the only one!
I have been saying this for ages, but rather than using the word ‘oligarch’, I simply refer to them as ‘rich bastards’.
Thailand’s 2013 protests in comparison
I am not so surprised that westerners do not understand Thai politics, or the situation in Thailand. I am more surprised, indeed dismayed, that there is such a great number of educated as well as less educated people in Thailand, who do not understand their own country’s political situation. On the other hand, to political scientists, this does not come as a surprise, because even in established democracies, interest in and knowledge of politics is dismally low. That is, political ignorance is a widespread phenomenon, whether in Thailand or in the West. That democracy can nevertheless somehow work in the west is due to its mostly rather stable institutional structures, first and foremost concerning the basic acceptance of the respective constitutions. This is lacking in Thailand, and one fundamental problem (besides many other problems of institutional development) is to make those who follow Suthep now accept Thailand’s constitutional order. Within–and only within–this constitutional order, dissent is possible, and, indeed, a key characteristic of democratic polities. It is called “pluralism.”
Ramkhamhaeng: A view from inside the stadium
I passed on my ‘Ramkhamhaeng’ comments to my older cousin, who is a dedicated Red but vehemently against Thaksin, and she agreed with my nearly all my points except my observation (1). She pointed out that I was looking at the wrong Nostitz photo. The fourth photo shows a young Red, with a bandaged arm, pointing out the shooter.
I stand corrected. The shooter shot at a young Red, wearing Red (not black) shirt. I take back my allegation that the shooter could have been shooting at an RU student mistakenly.
Stop and think: Lessons from Little India
Tocharian, I am not entirely sure what you are asking. Nonetheless, do allow me to explain my comment. There is a difference between nationality and race. And I believe that this distinction is important. I am a Singaporean Chinese. My ethnic group would be classified as Chinese, however my nationality will be that of a Singaporean Citizen. Likewise, we have Singaporean Malays, Singaporean Indians & Singaporean Eurasians. Each ethnic group in Singapore have their own traditional and religious practices. To state that there are racial tensions would mean that there are issues within Singaporean citizens. However to say that there is xenophobia/disgruntlement to foreigners would just mean a “us Singaporeans vs a them (fill in country’s name” mentality. As such, I disagree that there is racial tension, but more of the latter. Just because the riots were carried out by a race which is different from the general racial demographics of Singapore does not necessarily mean that there are racial tensions.
The distinction between nationalities and race is important as it also links to the point whereby the article has argued for better living conditions for the migrant workers. Everyone will more or less agree that better working conditions would be ideal. But the more difficult question is who is to pay for it? Migrant workers, be it from China, India, Bangladesh, etc, while we may share common ancestors, are not of the same nationality. If the country’s coffers are to be used, there is bound to be a fair bit of opposition as we are talking about different nationalities here. If however, we are talking about a discriminatory use of the nation’s coffers on segments of Singapore’s citizens based on race, then that is abhorrent and unjustifiable. However we are now talking about the former scenario, and I think most people, Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans may understand why this question will be fraught with differing opinions. After all there are the poor in Singapore. It is ironical if we took care of foreigners first rather than help our fellow citizens, notwithstanding the good and hard work which the migrant workers have done.
My knowledge of the Rohingyas are limited. Accordingly, on the assumption that Rohingyas are Burmese but just happen to practice a different religion, I would say that that the latter example of Turkish nationals in Germany is a more apt description of the Sun riots. This is not to say that Turkish nationals are facing issues in Germany; I have no concrete evidence on that, however I am merely aware that there are many Turkish nationals in Germany when I was staying there.
Thailand’s 2013 protests in comparison
At this point in time, I am very upset over Suthep’s ridiculous decree.
Why is that not Les Majeste? Khun Abhisit: whence thy vow to protect the monarchy?
As a female and a mother, I am most affected by the demand for the public to keep close watch on YL family movements. This is tantamount to sponsored stalking and harressment. There are children, young ones, no less. We all know what kind of persons are most likely to respond to things like these.
Surely, though our opinions may differ, we are all Thais, and we can do better than using, bullying, and harressing women and children?
Ramkhamhaeng: A view from inside the stadium
Great writing and reporting from the perspective of these pawns. Their struggle
Is real to them.
But please keep in mind that if TS didn’t send them busses and 500 THB a day they would not be there.
Thailand’s oligarchs are fighting
On whether you are alone re the importance of the oligarchy, well, the mentioned Sondhi Limthongkul referred to Thai politics as being dominated by various elements of the capitalist oligarchy, and predicted that this would have to lead to “banditcracy” (chonathipattai), meaning the “politics of the bandits” (Manager Weekend, April 2-8, 2011:6).
So, you are not alone in having noticed this. Sondhi Lim is with you!
Thailand’s oligarchs are fighting
Insightful article. I think what’s infuriating Bangkok taxpayers is that people who are paying for mass protests and vote buying are not spending their own money, but rather money that they have looted from the public purse. There isn’t much information on this, for obvious reasons, but some credible reports are available: http://robinlea.com/changnoi2/billions.htm (15 May 2006).
Thailand’s 2013 protests in comparison
Actually Khun Vichai, its the redshirts who were haressed by alleged Ram students this time.
It was not difficult to wear a pastel yellow shirt and stroll through that area to see for oneself. We did and we saw. But I shall not comment any further on that night.
I shall add a few words re: the Ram students. Some ARE students, but I will not go so far as to say the instgators arestudents. Ram Uni has its own groups and gangs with their own ‘territories’, not necessary spatial.
Finally, I will only give credence and consideration to any current Suthep supporter IF and ONLY IF he or she has don a red shirt and walk through the Anti-government protest sites.
Seriously, you are obviously very articulate, can you say you agree with what Suthep is doing? To have to harress Yingluck and her family? To commit Les Majeste on so many counts, demanding our King do what his majesty already said is irrational, undemocratic, and ‘mua’?
Come on, we can beat Thaksin at his game. Arent the yellow shirts more educated? Thaksin is afterall only what number 9 ? richest in Thailand. There are 8 others who can help. And there is the 46bn confiscated from Thaksin: those can be used for PR, to buy votes. Surely he is but one man?
Thailand’s 2013 protests in comparison
I’m afraid that many westerners do not understand thailand context and our situation. First of all, the protestors are not elite only, they come from many walks of life i.e. taxi driver, employees, students etc. Most westerners compare this situationa as if they do not have enough information about our last election. Many urban people got money from village representative for voting the some political party and while vote counting after that the mistake about number made Ms.Rangsima, one of democrat, asked for recounting so that she could win. If she did not stand there, her vote was less than actual. This is one of the corruption for the election.
The protestors can not accept the corruption even from the majority like in Italy, Philippines or even Hitler. They all came from majority vote right!
Most of urban are under educated. That’s big problem in thailand or every part of the world.
Ramkhamhaeng: A view from inside the stadium
I think you might be right. But I’m not sure which comes first. To me glorifying violence was already in place and then it gets passed on.
I guess if Thai Tradies are generally paid well enough, then there wouldn’t be such a disparity among graduates from mainstream education institution and graduates from Technical school.
Thailand’s 2013 protests in comparison
It would be a sensible question, cardero, if the Democrats were a political party in the sense you seem to think they might be.
But they aren’t.
As a “front” organization that provides the hands-on control of parliamentary government for their masters in the “rear”, they couldn’t possibly represent the interests of the people their masters wish to subjugate eternally.
Whenever you see Abhisit’s “face”, you really should think of his “rear” as well. As I’m sure Prem and various other of his mentors do.