Is there anything to read about how Thailand reacted to Vietnamese, Lao and Khmer nationalism during in the late thirties, forties, and early fifties and what happened to people who were supporters of those movements?
I agree with much of the comments above, but think it na├пve to believe that the young people growing up now will be demanding transparency and lowered levels of corruption. I live in Laos, and young people are happy to get on the corruption gravy train at the earliest opportunity. One Lao friend in his late 20s got a job with the ministry of education through a high-up family member – he goes round inspecting schools, and takes sums of money from each headmaster to report that each school is meeting standards, even if the teachers are absent most days, playing cards and drinking laolao at home.
My neighbour is about 30 and works for the roads section of the Ministry of Works – he has 2 cars already, paid for with money he takes from roading contractors to sign off on poor works that do not meet the contract Specs. These are just 2 examples but it is rife amongst young people.
In a country where you have to pay thousands of dollars to get a job with the police, the chances of breaking the corruption cycle through educating youth are a way off yet.
We must remember that the aggressive response towards foreigners only demonstrates just how big of an impact foreign criticism can make. Like the people of most (if not all) other nations, the Thais and the Thai state(s) are are sensitive to the world’s perceptions and opinions.
The Thaksin Government is pure bluff, and deceit, and corruption. This is about avoiding a coo*p. All I hope is that our King will live to see the end of this magalomaniacs Government and to see real reconciliation and peace. Long live our King If not you will see Thaksin thugs back here organising the republic.
Thank you so much for your kind support , miles away in Holland! Welcome to Bukit Kiara where its beautiful famed trails await you to explore the wonderful nature.
Thank you very much for your keen interest in the cause to save Bukit Kiara. Please contact Henry Goh of Malaysia Nature Society, Scott Roberts of TRAKS or Friends of Bukit Kiara (FoBK)
Thailand is one of the top rate example for “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”.
Ask majority of Thai how many coup it had, they might be able to answer. Ask what were those coup for, cause-effect, and how many players are still actually alive today and it’s a blank look.
So in a sense, Thai formal education had both succeed and fail.
Don’t want to quote Napoleon, but sometime it’s not malice.
Thai Elite shows no “understanding” of foreign journalists way of thinking and even expects foreign reporters and their relatives to submissively accept when they were targeted and shot by the army.
It is unfortunate then that academics like Chris Baker and journalists like Mr Rivers get accused of being bought or biased when they have spent a good chunk of their lives studying the country. One could argue that their credentials as historian and journalist far surpass those of an architect or a composer/science fiction writer.
*thunderous applause*
Though, I must say I am a fan of said writer’s sci-fi. The architect, on the other hand, can draw up the blueprints for the short pier I hope he takes a long walk off of.
I wrote quite a lot on the ajarn forum in the lead up to the 2010 events.
My personal beliefs were that I was pretty much pro-Democrat party until the period immediately after the coup. I saw the Democrats as slightly less corrupt than most political parties (about even with TRT), both incorporated the local godfathers, I personally liked Chun Leepai, I detested Thaksin especially how he could have the parliament change a law on Friday and Shin Corp could benefit the next Monday.
However I clearly noted that the TRT did more in the way of programs, and had a grander and more inclusive vision for the future for Thailand.
The singular event that turned me against supporting the Democrat party was their refusal to contest the elections in 2005 mor 6. I felt that that made them ilrelevant. Then after the Coup, the party did not reject the coup. The events that followed–the judical coup, the barring form politics of the TRT leaders, the barracks installation of a Prime Minister without and electoral mandate made be bitter against them.
When I would comment, on the board, other forum members actually accused me of being paid by Thaksin.
How laughable, just a school teacher sorry.
But it was sad how the the ‘establishment’ attacked Dan (whose CNN coverage was avidly watched by a lot of my Thai friends in my apartment since it seemed to be presenting accurate accounts.
I consider myself a redshirt now. But I don’t like Thaksin, I don’t like how Pua Thai threw Jutaporn under the bus, either.
I do think the PM should attend Parlimentary sessions, but with the Democrat party carrying on tantrums rather than presenting a good position and trying to create a electoral program so that they do better at the next ballot (something that they now seem to fear), perhaps it’s better to avoid attending.
I think the only way forward for the Democrat Party is to purge its ranks of the godfathers and those who tarnished the meaning of Democracy. Sadly, what remains of the party is no longer salvageable in my opinion.
Mr. Anderson, could you clarify what you mean regarding your second point?
Such as, what are the nature and content of the “ignorant” reports and observations, and who are creating these reports and observations? What are you referring as the “general sameness”?
While many Thais, especially of the PAD/Yellow/Royalist variety, often whine about “Farangs Who Know Too Much” and how they are not only pesky but downright annoying, I think there is tremendous value in the informed Outsider’s point of view. The Outsider brings a fresh perspective to the entrenched and assumed cultural/political/social/economic context of any country, including, alas, Thailand Despite all the kerfluffle about “Thainess” which ironically often comes out of the mouths of 2nd or 3rd generation Chinese rather than “genetic” Thais (however vague and confused the genetic/DNA mapping of SE Asia and Thailand might be).
An important element of the Wonder and Richness of Thailand and SE Asia is that for thousands of years, people of all stripes, shades, religions, size, skin color, economic status, sexual leanings, and all around general virtue have been arriving, leaving, staying, having sex, doing business, making things and chipping in their two bits. The result being that Thailand and SE Asia have become one of the world’s vortex points, nexus, crossroads, cultural/social/economic/political interchanges. Not something to be sniffed at, whether you are Chinese, Isan, Khmer, Mon, Malay, Persian, Indian, Japanese, Farang or from Africa.
I’ve posted two in a series I am working on regarding Thainess, but perhaps the real problem with Thainess per se is that it is a replica of “We are Siamese if you please, we are Siamese if you don’t please,” in the old Walt Disney movie Lady and the Tramp.
As to the general sameness of foreign reports and observations, while many of them sound detailed and knowledgeable at first glance, underneath most are ignorant rehashes of history in the making that would be more predictable if it were reported honestly.
[…] such the ultra-royalist multi-colored shirts, the short-lived Pitak Siam and the recently emerged ‘White masks’ have shown. What all these groups have in common – apart from near-facist political leanings […]
Exactly my point. Losing part of their culture to adopt Islam is unthinkable in the Chinese context. For example, ancestral worshiping. Some considered it cultural or spiritual and NON-religious. JAKIM probably won’t agree. (Chinese Catholics in Sabah christianise it, lighting white candles, singing hymns, etc.) This TOP the long list why Islam has no mass appeal to Chinese, as well as Japanese and Koreans.
With regards to my pretense politeness, I believe that it is possible to be civil in a conversation despite having a different opinions. If you don’t believe so, then it is up to you.
Attempting to browbeat interlocutors out of discussing a germane topic that you happen to find “contentious” is not civility.
In the context of Malaysia, I have to ask you with evidence that Malaysia burns down places of worship for minorities. That is a serious accusation that should not be thrown lightly.
Are you serious? Here are just two examples: 1, 2.
So, why is it derogatory? Pray explain.
You are either being obstinate or are ignorant of the second-class treatment of non-Muslims that is mandated by Sharia. I suggest you reread Sura 9:29 of the Qu’ran and the related commentary and hadith. Yes, non-Muslims would be free to practice their religion, within limits, but this price comes not only with the jizya tax (a tax that Muslims do not have to pay), but institutionalized humiliation that specifically denies equal rights and dignity.
Even more importantly, it is a word not currently in use, as we are adopting the Western ideas of state and citizenship instead of the Islamic model.
So, at present, no Buddhists or Hindus in Malaysia are dhimmis. We don’t use the term at all. So, why are we talking about dhimmis at all?
Are you speaking for all Muslims or just all Malays? Where do you get the knowledge that one doesn’t use the word at all? Just because you slept through your Arabic classes, doesn’t mean is as ignorant of the term as you. Furthermore, The statement that Malaysia is moving more toward a “Western” model is ludicrous, just as your statement that Buddhists and Hindus aren’t “dhimmah,” the spirit of the law.
The reason we are discussing dhimmitude is that the Bumiputra system is a quasi-secular, ethno-religious manifestation of the institutionalized humiliation, infliction of hardship, and threat of physical violence that is mandated by Sharia. The impetus for this humiliation is to provide incentive for non-Muslims to convert to Islam, upon which the humiliation of dhimmitude would cease. It is extremely perverse that in Malaysian bumiputra-tude that the ethnically Chinese Muslim doesn’t even have this opportunity; forever relegated to the status of second-class citizen due to his ethnic and linguistic heritage; in complete opposition to the strong anti-racist message of Islam, which argues against distinctions between believers.
Saving BK = saving civilisation: from Holland I wish to send you my mental support!!
In October I will be near BK for a few weeks and I am looking forward to walking there and admiring the wonderful nature there!
To clarify a point made by Martin, Souvanna Phouma was indeed a nationalist. He was also, in fact, a member of the early “revolutionary movement” (the Lao Isala), but as Martin has correctly pointed out, he was not a member of the movement once it was taken over by the Communists. Therefore, he is not going to be promoted by the Party.
Also, some people might be interested to know that I have recently been working with some Thai academics to get the famous “Ban Chaiyo” house next to the Hualamphong train station listed as a heritage building in Thailand. I have heard that the Thai government has recently agreed to register the building as an historic building. This is the main building where the early Lao Isala stayed and met in 1946 after they were attacked by the French and forced to flee to from Laos to Thailand. The house was actually given to Chao Sakpraseuth Na Champassak (a brother of the Champassak king, Chao Rasadanai) by the Thai government over a decade earlier. Katai Don Sasorith, one of the early Lao Isala leaders, was his son-in-law, so it is no surprise that it became a key location for the Lao Isala. Phaya Khammao, another key leader, also stayed there. Amazingly, the house is still in reasonable shape (it was built with teak).
Update from Vientiane Times, 25 March 2013:
“Revolutionary fighters’ remains reinterred at National Cemetery
The remains of 11 leading officials and members of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party were relocated from their previous resting places to the National Cemetery in Xaythany district, Vientiane, yesterday.
The 11 officials were named as Mr Souk Vongsak, Mr Ma Khaikhamphithoun, Mr Meun Somvichith, Mr Siphone Phalikhane, Mr Khamsouk Sayaseng, Mr Khamphouang Chanthaphomma, Mr Khampha Chaleunphonvixay, Mr Thonglai Kommasith, Mr Sithon Manola, Mr Singapore Sikhotchounlamany and Mr Somsak Saysongkham.
In his keynote address at the ceremony, Party Politburo member Dr Bounpone Bouttanavong said the Party, army and all Lao people acknowledged that the 11 revolutionary fighters were brave men with a strong sense of patriotism who tirelessly devoted themselves to the fight for national independence, freedom, democracy and the prosperity of the Lao people.
The relocation of their remains reflects the great importance the Party and government attaches to the brave fighters of the past and shows the respect and the gratitude that the Party, the Army and the people have for the virtue and devotion of these 11 comrades, Dr Bounpone said.
A ritual ceremony was later conducted by monks according to religious custom to make this event truly auspicious before the remains of the officials were placed inside stupas.
The relocation of the revolutionary fighters’ remains takes place after the first relocation in March last year when the remains of the country’s first generation of revolutionary leaders, who were the six members of the Party’s first Politburo, were placed in the newly-opened National Cemetery.
The six deceased leaders were the late President Kaysone Phomvihane, President Souphanouvong, former President Nouhak Phoumsavanh, former Acting President Phoumy Vongvichit, Mr Phoun Sipaseuth, and Mr Sisomphone Lorvanxay who, along with former President Khamtay Siphandone who is still alive, bring the number of the first generation of revolutionary leaders to seven.
On the same occasion, the remains of a later generation of leaders, namely Mr Saly Vongkhamxao, Mr Maychantan Sengmany, Mr Oudom Khatthiya, Mr Somlath Chanthamath, Mr Osakan Thammatheva, Mr Khambou Sounixay, Mr Sompheth Thipmala and Mr Vaenthong Luangvilay were also moved to the National Cemetery. The main purpose of the relocation of the remains of the country’s top leaders and revolutionary fighters is to keep them all together in the same place.
Dr Bounpone headed the hundreds of Party and government officials, relatives, friends and colleagues of the 11 comrades who attended the ceremony yesterday.”
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Revolutionary remains
Is there anything to read about how Thailand reacted to Vietnamese, Lao and Khmer nationalism during in the late thirties, forties, and early fifties and what happened to people who were supporters of those movements?
Corruption and media exposure in Laos
I agree with much of the comments above, but think it na├пve to believe that the young people growing up now will be demanding transparency and lowered levels of corruption. I live in Laos, and young people are happy to get on the corruption gravy train at the earliest opportunity. One Lao friend in his late 20s got a job with the ministry of education through a high-up family member – he goes round inspecting schools, and takes sums of money from each headmaster to report that each school is meeting standards, even if the teachers are absent most days, playing cards and drinking laolao at home.
My neighbour is about 30 and works for the roads section of the Ministry of Works – he has 2 cars already, paid for with money he takes from roading contractors to sign off on poor works that do not meet the contract Specs. These are just 2 examples but it is rife amongst young people.
In a country where you have to pay thousands of dollars to get a job with the police, the chances of breaking the corruption cycle through educating youth are a way off yet.
Review of Buddhist Fury
This was a really interesting review. Clearly the book, if it’s as controversial as this review, will be a hit.
Pesky foreigners
We must remember that the aggressive response towards foreigners only demonstrates just how big of an impact foreign criticism can make. Like the people of most (if not all) other nations, the Thais and the Thai state(s) are are sensitive to the world’s perceptions and opinions.
Defending the monarchy
The Thaksin Government is pure bluff, and deceit, and corruption. This is about avoiding a coo*p. All I hope is that our King will live to see the end of this magalomaniacs Government and to see real reconciliation and peace. Long live our King If not you will see Thaksin thugs back here organising the republic.
Saving Bukit Kiara
Hi Paul,
Thank you so much for your kind support , miles away in Holland! Welcome to Bukit Kiara where its beautiful famed trails await you to explore the wonderful nature.
Saving Bukit Kiara
Hi Suzianna,
Thank you very much for your keen interest in the cause to save Bukit Kiara. Please contact Henry Goh of Malaysia Nature Society, Scott Roberts of TRAKS or Friends of Bukit Kiara (FoBK)
Pesky foreigners
Thailand is one of the top rate example for “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”.
Ask majority of Thai how many coup it had, they might be able to answer. Ask what were those coup for, cause-effect, and how many players are still actually alive today and it’s a blank look.
So in a sense, Thai formal education had both succeed and fail.
Don’t want to quote Napoleon, but sometime it’s not malice.
Pesky foreigners
Thai Elite shows no “understanding” of foreign journalists way of thinking and even expects foreign reporters and their relatives to submissively accept when they were targeted and shot by the army.
Pesky foreigners
It is unfortunate then that academics like Chris Baker and journalists like Mr Rivers get accused of being bought or biased when they have spent a good chunk of their lives studying the country. One could argue that their credentials as historian and journalist far surpass those of an architect or a composer/science fiction writer.
*thunderous applause*
Though, I must say I am a fan of said writer’s sci-fi. The architect, on the other hand, can draw up the blueprints for the short pier I hope he takes a long walk off of.
Pesky foreigners
I wrote quite a lot on the ajarn forum in the lead up to the 2010 events.
My personal beliefs were that I was pretty much pro-Democrat party until the period immediately after the coup. I saw the Democrats as slightly less corrupt than most political parties (about even with TRT), both incorporated the local godfathers, I personally liked Chun Leepai, I detested Thaksin especially how he could have the parliament change a law on Friday and Shin Corp could benefit the next Monday.
However I clearly noted that the TRT did more in the way of programs, and had a grander and more inclusive vision for the future for Thailand.
The singular event that turned me against supporting the Democrat party was their refusal to contest the elections in 2005 mor 6. I felt that that made them ilrelevant. Then after the Coup, the party did not reject the coup. The events that followed–the judical coup, the barring form politics of the TRT leaders, the barracks installation of a Prime Minister without and electoral mandate made be bitter against them.
When I would comment, on the board, other forum members actually accused me of being paid by Thaksin.
How laughable, just a school teacher sorry.
But it was sad how the the ‘establishment’ attacked Dan (whose CNN coverage was avidly watched by a lot of my Thai friends in my apartment since it seemed to be presenting accurate accounts.
I consider myself a redshirt now. But I don’t like Thaksin, I don’t like how Pua Thai threw Jutaporn under the bus, either.
I do think the PM should attend Parlimentary sessions, but with the Democrat party carrying on tantrums rather than presenting a good position and trying to create a electoral program so that they do better at the next ballot (something that they now seem to fear), perhaps it’s better to avoid attending.
I think the only way forward for the Democrat Party is to purge its ranks of the godfathers and those who tarnished the meaning of Democracy. Sadly, what remains of the party is no longer salvageable in my opinion.
Pesky foreigners
Mr. Anderson, could you clarify what you mean regarding your second point?
Such as, what are the nature and content of the “ignorant” reports and observations, and who are creating these reports and observations? What are you referring as the “general sameness”?
Pesky foreigners
While many Thais, especially of the PAD/Yellow/Royalist variety, often whine about “Farangs Who Know Too Much” and how they are not only pesky but downright annoying, I think there is tremendous value in the informed Outsider’s point of view. The Outsider brings a fresh perspective to the entrenched and assumed cultural/political/social/economic context of any country, including, alas, Thailand Despite all the kerfluffle about “Thainess” which ironically often comes out of the mouths of 2nd or 3rd generation Chinese rather than “genetic” Thais (however vague and confused the genetic/DNA mapping of SE Asia and Thailand might be).
An important element of the Wonder and Richness of Thailand and SE Asia is that for thousands of years, people of all stripes, shades, religions, size, skin color, economic status, sexual leanings, and all around general virtue have been arriving, leaving, staying, having sex, doing business, making things and chipping in their two bits. The result being that Thailand and SE Asia have become one of the world’s vortex points, nexus, crossroads, cultural/social/economic/political interchanges. Not something to be sniffed at, whether you are Chinese, Isan, Khmer, Mon, Malay, Persian, Indian, Japanese, Farang or from Africa.
Pesky foreigners
I’ve posted two in a series I am working on regarding Thainess, but perhaps the real problem with Thainess per se is that it is a replica of “We are Siamese if you please, we are Siamese if you don’t please,” in the old Walt Disney movie Lady and the Tramp.
As to the general sameness of foreign reports and observations, while many of them sound detailed and knowledgeable at first glance, underneath most are ignorant rehashes of history in the making that would be more predictable if it were reported honestly.
A sign of progress?
[…] such the ultra-royalist multi-colored shirts, the short-lived Pitak Siam and the recently emerged ‘White masks’ have shown. What all these groups have in common – apart from near-facist political leanings […]
Universalising Islam in Malaysia
Exactly my point. Losing part of their culture to adopt Islam is unthinkable in the Chinese context. For example, ancestral worshiping. Some considered it cultural or spiritual and NON-religious. JAKIM probably won’t agree. (Chinese Catholics in Sabah christianise it, lighting white candles, singing hymns, etc.) This TOP the long list why Islam has no mass appeal to Chinese, as well as Japanese and Koreans.
Universalising Islam in Malaysia
With regards to my pretense politeness, I believe that it is possible to be civil in a conversation despite having a different opinions. If you don’t believe so, then it is up to you.
Attempting to browbeat interlocutors out of discussing a germane topic that you happen to find “contentious” is not civility.
In the context of Malaysia, I have to ask you with evidence that Malaysia burns down places of worship for minorities. That is a serious accusation that should not be thrown lightly.
Are you serious? Here are just two examples: 1, 2.
So, why is it derogatory? Pray explain.
You are either being obstinate or are ignorant of the second-class treatment of non-Muslims that is mandated by Sharia. I suggest you reread Sura 9:29 of the Qu’ran and the related commentary and hadith. Yes, non-Muslims would be free to practice their religion, within limits, but this price comes not only with the jizya tax (a tax that Muslims do not have to pay), but institutionalized humiliation that specifically denies equal rights and dignity.
Even more importantly, it is a word not currently in use, as we are adopting the Western ideas of state and citizenship instead of the Islamic model.
So, at present, no Buddhists or Hindus in Malaysia are dhimmis. We don’t use the term at all. So, why are we talking about dhimmis at all?
Are you speaking for all Muslims or just all Malays? Where do you get the knowledge that one doesn’t use the word at all? Just because you slept through your Arabic classes, doesn’t mean is as ignorant of the term as you. Furthermore, The statement that Malaysia is moving more toward a “Western” model is ludicrous, just as your statement that Buddhists and Hindus aren’t “dhimmah,” the spirit of the law.
The reason we are discussing dhimmitude is that the Bumiputra system is a quasi-secular, ethno-religious manifestation of the institutionalized humiliation, infliction of hardship, and threat of physical violence that is mandated by Sharia. The impetus for this humiliation is to provide incentive for non-Muslims to convert to Islam, upon which the humiliation of dhimmitude would cease. It is extremely perverse that in Malaysian bumiputra-tude that the ethnically Chinese Muslim doesn’t even have this opportunity; forever relegated to the status of second-class citizen due to his ethnic and linguistic heritage; in complete opposition to the strong anti-racist message of Islam, which argues against distinctions between believers.
Saving Bukit Kiara
Saving BK = saving civilisation: from Holland I wish to send you my mental support!!
In October I will be near BK for a few weeks and I am looking forward to walking there and admiring the wonderful nature there!
Revolutionary remains
To clarify a point made by Martin, Souvanna Phouma was indeed a nationalist. He was also, in fact, a member of the early “revolutionary movement” (the Lao Isala), but as Martin has correctly pointed out, he was not a member of the movement once it was taken over by the Communists. Therefore, he is not going to be promoted by the Party.
Also, some people might be interested to know that I have recently been working with some Thai academics to get the famous “Ban Chaiyo” house next to the Hualamphong train station listed as a heritage building in Thailand. I have heard that the Thai government has recently agreed to register the building as an historic building. This is the main building where the early Lao Isala stayed and met in 1946 after they were attacked by the French and forced to flee to from Laos to Thailand. The house was actually given to Chao Sakpraseuth Na Champassak (a brother of the Champassak king, Chao Rasadanai) by the Thai government over a decade earlier. Katai Don Sasorith, one of the early Lao Isala leaders, was his son-in-law, so it is no surprise that it became a key location for the Lao Isala. Phaya Khammao, another key leader, also stayed there. Amazingly, the house is still in reasonable shape (it was built with teak).
Revolutionary remains
Update from Vientiane Times, 25 March 2013:
“Revolutionary fighters’ remains reinterred at National Cemetery
The remains of 11 leading officials and members of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party were relocated from their previous resting places to the National Cemetery in Xaythany district, Vientiane, yesterday.
The 11 officials were named as Mr Souk Vongsak, Mr Ma Khaikhamphithoun, Mr Meun Somvichith, Mr Siphone Phalikhane, Mr Khamsouk Sayaseng, Mr Khamphouang Chanthaphomma, Mr Khampha Chaleunphonvixay, Mr Thonglai Kommasith, Mr Sithon Manola, Mr Singapore Sikhotchounlamany and Mr Somsak Saysongkham.
In his keynote address at the ceremony, Party Politburo member Dr Bounpone Bouttanavong said the Party, army and all Lao people acknowledged that the 11 revolutionary fighters were brave men with a strong sense of patriotism who tirelessly devoted themselves to the fight for national independence, freedom, democracy and the prosperity of the Lao people.
The relocation of their remains reflects the great importance the Party and government attaches to the brave fighters of the past and shows the respect and the gratitude that the Party, the Army and the people have for the virtue and devotion of these 11 comrades, Dr Bounpone said.
A ritual ceremony was later conducted by monks according to religious custom to make this event truly auspicious before the remains of the officials were placed inside stupas.
The relocation of the revolutionary fighters’ remains takes place after the first relocation in March last year when the remains of the country’s first generation of revolutionary leaders, who were the six members of the Party’s first Politburo, were placed in the newly-opened National Cemetery.
The six deceased leaders were the late President Kaysone Phomvihane, President Souphanouvong, former President Nouhak Phoumsavanh, former Acting President Phoumy Vongvichit, Mr Phoun Sipaseuth, and Mr Sisomphone Lorvanxay who, along with former President Khamtay Siphandone who is still alive, bring the number of the first generation of revolutionary leaders to seven.
On the same occasion, the remains of a later generation of leaders, namely Mr Saly Vongkhamxao, Mr Maychantan Sengmany, Mr Oudom Khatthiya, Mr Somlath Chanthamath, Mr Osakan Thammatheva, Mr Khambou Sounixay, Mr Sompheth Thipmala and Mr Vaenthong Luangvilay were also moved to the National Cemetery. The main purpose of the relocation of the remains of the country’s top leaders and revolutionary fighters is to keep them all together in the same place.
Dr Bounpone headed the hundreds of Party and government officials, relatives, friends and colleagues of the 11 comrades who attended the ceremony yesterday.”