There is always an alternative to revolution: “Give me 250 seats and just see what I can do.”
Abhisit’s forlorn plea before the last election. Unfortunately, Thaksin commands the lions share of the ‘buffalo vote’ and so controls parliament. IMO decentralization is the key concept, not federaalism, and elected provincial governors with their own political mandate is the most practical way forward.
To the best of my recollection, in my 30+ years here, the King has approved or at least given lip service to EVERY political ‘fait accomplis’ at the top – even those by Thaksin.
It’s called a ‘modus vivendi’.
1. Everyone is greatly influenced by their own myths.
2. Sustained through persuasion more than force IMO.
3. Force of persuasion per-se is legitimate, otherwise democracy couldn’t function.
The reality is that Thailand (unlike Britain)is only semi-democratic and at this stage in its development the Monarchy (particularly the King) legitimately IMO plays a ‘guiding hand’ role in politics. The Reds are so scared of the basic soundness of Abhisit’s necessarily evolutionary approach (witness his huge emphasis on real education reform)that they have created a witch-hunt as a diversion from Thaksin’s pathetic lack of interest in this “B-grade” ministry.
This is not a Hollywood movie. This is a real life social mass movement with many factions and groups – some violent, some peaceful, some purely intellectual academic, all with mostly similar goals on changes in Thai society and politics, but quite widely differing strategies and tactics.
It is not my job to justify or condemn. I am not a self-appointed court of law. It is my job to witness, report and to research facts.
And that is where your statement that there was no Red Shirt artists and artistic expression forced me to point out that this is simply not factual. There are Red Shirt artists. And yes – there are violent Red Shirts as well. Just like in real life – a reflection of humanity.
Samai Wongsuwan was a Red Shirt, we all agree. He lived by terror, profited from terror, and, thankfully death by his own error-terror that too we could agree.
Was Samai Wongsuwan’s (Red) cause noble or execrable? Now Mr. Nick Nostitz we can agree to disagree. But could Nick Nostitz justify or countenance bombings, indiscriminate shootings, arson by the Red Shirts (or Black Shirts) as noble?
When you want to understand the Red Shirt movement then i would suggest to go to the events of the many different Red Shirt groups, and speak with both leaders and common protesters yourself.
And if you want to understand what escalated the 2010 protests, i would suggest to also look into the violence by the state in both 2009 and 2010. Not to speak of the military coup and the 2008 events that have created a strong perception of injustice and being victimized.
Let’s keep it short and sweet. Regardless of what they are or what they are perceived to be or labelled as, MUSLIMS in Yakhine Pyi have been in the country, legally or illegaly, from at least 5 years to more than 900 years, since the days of Arab sail ship spice traders. There are solid and irrefuteable historical, structural, architechtural evidences to support the claim. Most of the developed and first world, free and democratic countries, pardon and allow illegal immigrants and overstayers after certain period of time and their children born in that country to go through and complete that country’s immigration and legal proceedings and are awarded citizenship. Why not Burma do the same if the new “civilian” government considers itself as “democratic”, “forward looking” and “progressive”?
So far as the unfounded fear of economic dominance by Muslims and population explosion (i.e. Islam will wipe out Buddhism) is concerned, I have this to say: Economic Dominance: You work hard, you earn the bread, you raise your social and financial/economic status yourself; expelling and exterminating the enterprising people from around you is not the solution. It is not just and fair either. This is a competitive world we live in. First deserve by hard work and then desire wealth. Indolence does not deserve any reward on a silver plate. Secondly, Muslims in Burma have been 3-4 percent of the whole population. It is ludicrous and lunatic to even think that their religion will overrun Buddhism in Burma. Not one in a million chance. If you wanna keep and preserve your religion, keep practising it in your daily life; massacring people of other faiths around you is not the Buddhist way to keep your own faith. Besides, in a truly “demoractic” society, everybody – ethnic or non-ethnic, has the right and freedom to practice his/her faith freely and without any fear of persecution, murder, burning, isolation and trade/business boycott. Oh my Burmese Brothers and Sisters, rise to the occasion as true and peace loving Buddhists, be tolerant, get rid of imaginary fears, don’t allow mad monks, politicians, military and their cronies poison your Golden Hearts and Peaceful Minds. Work hard, be diligent, co-exist in peace and harmony, love and be loved, share, shun unfounded and fabricated reasons and speeches of hatred….and let the Golden Land shine once again in the face of the World. Myitta. Burmeseblood.
I distrust the Red Shirts period. I seek to understand what drove them to near anarchy and rampage of indiscriminate shootings and bombings and arson. Thus I challenge the Red sympathizer at New Mandala to articulate their both their inspiration and their fears that provoked their insane protests of violence and vile. I want to believe that Red inspiration and Red art is not only about raising huge photos of Beloved Leader Thaksin . . .
Yes, it is just you. I guess hatred makes blind indeed.
Many Chiangmai artists are now allied with the Red Shirt movement, Wana – a young painter and a group of friends made in late 2010/2011 large paintings exhibited in Red Shirt protests, many musicians are part of the Red Shirt movement – for the more intellectual tastes i would suggest Jin Gamachon (especially his well known and very powerful ‘nacsuu turidin’, or the quite outrageous group “Fai Yen” whose members are a mix of student activists from the 70’s and young students. You have also countless poets who hold readings of their art in university symposiums and regularly on stages of free red shirt groups, especially groups that advocate the abolition of the 112 laws.
On analysis of GE13 results,it is shown that Malaysians in general reject extremism and racism. The defeat of Ibrahim Ail, Zul Nordin and ex-Melaka CM are cases in point.
Najib himself is a closet “ultra Malay”. One has just to look back at is career and his speeches to come to that conclusion (Speeches written for Western audiences by his PR firm notwithstanding) So Najib is not pandering to the “right” wing. He is the right wing, only not extreme. Otherwise he could easily use the defeat of the trio above to impose his claim to moderation and inclusiveness on UMNO. Furthermore, the defeat of Mahathir’s charges despite his overactive campaigning simply shows that Mahathir’s great influence is more wishful thinking than reality.
I see the election result of the 13th Malaysian GE as an endorsement of the initial breakup of the old style politics of UMNO/BN during GE12. GE12 has certainly opened the eyes of many Malaysians to the possibility of opening up the country’s politics to move in on a new direction.
The popular vote is proof that that critical mass for change has been breached. And had it not been for an electoral system and set-up that is stacked against the Opposition, the UMNO/BN government of the day would have been toppled.
The current form of the Opposition will not be the panacea to the ills afflicting Malaysian politics and Malaysian society. But it probably presents the best combination; under the current socio-economic,religio-cultural and racial atmosphere and realities; for it to achieve a breakthrough to upend the hold the current UMNO/BN has on the politics of Malaya and thence Malaysia,since the independence of Malaysa in 1957.
Should the Opposition, even in its current form and combination, manage to finally achieve its objective of ousting a clearly diminished UMNO/BN come the next GE, it would only be a transitional one. There will be much to be shaken and simmered before Malaysians can actually see what actually lies ahead,into the 2020s and beyond. Malaysian politics remaining status-quo is not an option.
But the Red Shirts will bore me silly at their yearly May memorials to the Red fallen. The Reds (from the North) are at their ‘democracy memorial’ march again, and, I am still waiting for some real Red fanatic, but aesthetically inclined of course, to channel the Red angst and distress and boil, into art . . . very expressive art, please?
Will the Reds remember their heroic (but dumb) fallen (I think he eviscerated himself for the cause . . . and that is dedication, yes?)Samai Wongsuwan (he could the first Thai suicide bomber, yes?). Now that is a thought … some kind of art for a Red suicide bomber.
What does “Buddhism” as practiced in SE Asia have to do with “actual Buddhism” is always an interesting question, despite many Thai Buddhists having no time nor inclination to confront this question in any serious way.
If much of SE Asia Buddhism as actually practiced has to do with worshiping supposed relics of the actual Buddha, what about the endless bowing, praying and chanting before Buddha statues, most of which not only have no resemblance whatsoever to the historical South Asian Buddha but were fabricated by sculpture artisans who used Southeast Asian females as their “models”, thus the very feminine features of many of the Buddha statues throughout Southeast Asia, including the wonderful examples from ancient Sukothai.
also I may add, the author of this article is using cambodian canon? why not the sri lankan canon? also why not author use his good knowledge to find something that has philosophical interest
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Why Thailand needs its king
There is always an alternative to revolution: “Give me 250 seats and just see what I can do.”
Abhisit’s forlorn plea before the last election. Unfortunately, Thaksin commands the lions share of the ‘buffalo vote’ and so controls parliament. IMO decentralization is the key concept, not federaalism, and elected provincial governors with their own political mandate is the most practical way forward.
Why Thailand needs its king
To the best of my recollection, in my 30+ years here, the King has approved or at least given lip service to EVERY political ‘fait accomplis’ at the top – even those by Thaksin.
It’s called a ‘modus vivendi’.
Why Thailand needs its king
1. Everyone is greatly influenced by their own myths.
2. Sustained through persuasion more than force IMO.
3. Force of persuasion per-se is legitimate, otherwise democracy couldn’t function.
Why Thailand needs its king
The reality is that Thailand (unlike Britain)is only semi-democratic and at this stage in its development the Monarchy (particularly the King) legitimately IMO plays a ‘guiding hand’ role in politics. The Reds are so scared of the basic soundness of Abhisit’s necessarily evolutionary approach (witness his huge emphasis on real education reform)that they have created a witch-hunt as a diversion from Thaksin’s pathetic lack of interest in this “B-grade” ministry.
Why Thailand needs its king
Fact Check: Voranai has consistently argued that Thaksin is the lesser of two evils.
Triumph of the machine
Thanks for very penetrating observation and analysis. I suspect money politics works more extensively in rural Sarawak.
Red art: Democracy Monument April 12 2010
This is not a Hollywood movie. This is a real life social mass movement with many factions and groups – some violent, some peaceful, some purely intellectual academic, all with mostly similar goals on changes in Thai society and politics, but quite widely differing strategies and tactics.
It is not my job to justify or condemn. I am not a self-appointed court of law. It is my job to witness, report and to research facts.
And that is where your statement that there was no Red Shirt artists and artistic expression forced me to point out that this is simply not factual. There are Red Shirt artists. And yes – there are violent Red Shirts as well. Just like in real life – a reflection of humanity.
Red art: Democracy Monument April 12 2010
Samai Wongsuwan was a Red Shirt, we all agree. He lived by terror, profited from terror, and, thankfully death by his own error-terror that too we could agree.
Was Samai Wongsuwan’s (Red) cause noble or execrable? Now Mr. Nick Nostitz we can agree to disagree. But could Nick Nostitz justify or countenance bombings, indiscriminate shootings, arson by the Red Shirts (or Black Shirts) as noble?
Red art: Democracy Monument April 12 2010
When you want to understand the Red Shirt movement then i would suggest to go to the events of the many different Red Shirt groups, and speak with both leaders and common protesters yourself.
And if you want to understand what escalated the 2010 protests, i would suggest to also look into the violence by the state in both 2009 and 2010. Not to speak of the military coup and the 2008 events that have created a strong perception of injustice and being victimized.
Intolerance, Islam and the Internet in Burma
Let’s keep it short and sweet. Regardless of what they are or what they are perceived to be or labelled as, MUSLIMS in Yakhine Pyi have been in the country, legally or illegaly, from at least 5 years to more than 900 years, since the days of Arab sail ship spice traders. There are solid and irrefuteable historical, structural, architechtural evidences to support the claim. Most of the developed and first world, free and democratic countries, pardon and allow illegal immigrants and overstayers after certain period of time and their children born in that country to go through and complete that country’s immigration and legal proceedings and are awarded citizenship. Why not Burma do the same if the new “civilian” government considers itself as “democratic”, “forward looking” and “progressive”?
So far as the unfounded fear of economic dominance by Muslims and population explosion (i.e. Islam will wipe out Buddhism) is concerned, I have this to say: Economic Dominance: You work hard, you earn the bread, you raise your social and financial/economic status yourself; expelling and exterminating the enterprising people from around you is not the solution. It is not just and fair either. This is a competitive world we live in. First deserve by hard work and then desire wealth. Indolence does not deserve any reward on a silver plate. Secondly, Muslims in Burma have been 3-4 percent of the whole population. It is ludicrous and lunatic to even think that their religion will overrun Buddhism in Burma. Not one in a million chance. If you wanna keep and preserve your religion, keep practising it in your daily life; massacring people of other faiths around you is not the Buddhist way to keep your own faith. Besides, in a truly “demoractic” society, everybody – ethnic or non-ethnic, has the right and freedom to practice his/her faith freely and without any fear of persecution, murder, burning, isolation and trade/business boycott. Oh my Burmese Brothers and Sisters, rise to the occasion as true and peace loving Buddhists, be tolerant, get rid of imaginary fears, don’t allow mad monks, politicians, military and their cronies poison your Golden Hearts and Peaceful Minds. Work hard, be diligent, co-exist in peace and harmony, love and be loved, share, shun unfounded and fabricated reasons and speeches of hatred….and let the Golden Land shine once again in the face of the World. Myitta. Burmeseblood.
Red art: Democracy Monument April 12 2010
I distrust the Red Shirts period. I seek to understand what drove them to near anarchy and rampage of indiscriminate shootings and bombings and arson. Thus I challenge the Red sympathizer at New Mandala to articulate their both their inspiration and their fears that provoked their insane protests of violence and vile. I want to believe that Red inspiration and Red art is not only about raising huge photos of Beloved Leader Thaksin . . .
Why Thailand needs its king
And another thing,
How DARE you say bollocks on an article
entitled Why Thailand Needs its King.
Red art: Democracy Monument April 12 2010
Yes, it is just you. I guess hatred makes blind indeed.
Many Chiangmai artists are now allied with the Red Shirt movement, Wana – a young painter and a group of friends made in late 2010/2011 large paintings exhibited in Red Shirt protests, many musicians are part of the Red Shirt movement – for the more intellectual tastes i would suggest Jin Gamachon (especially his well known and very powerful ‘nacsuu turidin’, or the quite outrageous group “Fai Yen” whose members are a mix of student activists from the 70’s and young students. You have also countless poets who hold readings of their art in university symposiums and regularly on stages of free red shirt groups, especially groups that advocate the abolition of the 112 laws.
Najib’s tightrope act
On analysis of GE13 results,it is shown that Malaysians in general reject extremism and racism. The defeat of Ibrahim Ail, Zul Nordin and ex-Melaka CM are cases in point.
Najib himself is a closet “ultra Malay”. One has just to look back at is career and his speeches to come to that conclusion (Speeches written for Western audiences by his PR firm notwithstanding) So Najib is not pandering to the “right” wing. He is the right wing, only not extreme. Otherwise he could easily use the defeat of the trio above to impose his claim to moderation and inclusiveness on UMNO. Furthermore, the defeat of Mahathir’s charges despite his overactive campaigning simply shows that Mahathir’s great influence is more wishful thinking than reality.
Thailand’s knights of the realm
Paul, can you list the chapter headings?
Malaysian PM should resign, says expert
[…] troubles and by extension, most of the problems in Malaysia, is structural and replacing one or two individuals won’t produce anything […]
GE13 Malaysia – Kikue Hamayotsu
I see the election result of the 13th Malaysian GE as an endorsement of the initial breakup of the old style politics of UMNO/BN during GE12. GE12 has certainly opened the eyes of many Malaysians to the possibility of opening up the country’s politics to move in on a new direction.
The popular vote is proof that that critical mass for change has been breached. And had it not been for an electoral system and set-up that is stacked against the Opposition, the UMNO/BN government of the day would have been toppled.
The current form of the Opposition will not be the panacea to the ills afflicting Malaysian politics and Malaysian society. But it probably presents the best combination; under the current socio-economic,religio-cultural and racial atmosphere and realities; for it to achieve a breakthrough to upend the hold the current UMNO/BN has on the politics of Malaya and thence Malaysia,since the independence of Malaysa in 1957.
Should the Opposition, even in its current form and combination, manage to finally achieve its objective of ousting a clearly diminished UMNO/BN come the next GE, it would only be a transitional one. There will be much to be shaken and simmered before Malaysians can actually see what actually lies ahead,into the 2020s and beyond. Malaysian politics remaining status-quo is not an option.
Red art: Democracy Monument April 12 2010
Again it is just me . . .
But the Red Shirts will bore me silly at their yearly May memorials to the Red fallen. The Reds (from the North) are at their ‘democracy memorial’ march again, and, I am still waiting for some real Red fanatic, but aesthetically inclined of course, to channel the Red angst and distress and boil, into art . . . very expressive art, please?
Will the Reds remember their heroic (but dumb) fallen (I think he eviscerated himself for the cause . . . and that is dedication, yes?)Samai Wongsuwan (he could the first Thai suicide bomber, yes?). Now that is a thought … some kind of art for a Red suicide bomber.
The Buddha was bald
What does “Buddhism” as practiced in SE Asia have to do with “actual Buddhism” is always an interesting question, despite many Thai Buddhists having no time nor inclination to confront this question in any serious way.
If much of SE Asia Buddhism as actually practiced has to do with worshiping supposed relics of the actual Buddha, what about the endless bowing, praying and chanting before Buddha statues, most of which not only have no resemblance whatsoever to the historical South Asian Buddha but were fabricated by sculpture artisans who used Southeast Asian females as their “models”, thus the very feminine features of many of the Buddha statues throughout Southeast Asia, including the wonderful examples from ancient Sukothai.
The Buddha was bald
also I may add, the author of this article is using cambodian canon? why not the sri lankan canon? also why not author use his good knowledge to find something that has philosophical interest