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Exiled former Chulalongkorn University academic Giles Ji Ungpakorn (for some context, a New Mandala interview with him is available here and here) has written a provocative article about Thailand’s prospective king. Titled “Why Wachiralongkorn is not a suitable future Head of State”, the article is available here in English (and in French, as “Pourquoi Wachiralongkorn n’est pas un futur chef de l’├Йtat approprié”). It is also available in Thai at this website as “р╕Чр╕│р╣Др╕бр╕Щр╕▓р╕вр╕зр╕Кр╕┤р╕гр╕▓р╕ер╕Зр╕Бр╕гр╕Ур╣Мр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕кр╕бр╕Др╕зр╕гр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Ир╕░р╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕бр╕╕р╕В”.
Update: A New Mandala reader has let me know that from within Thailand the English language link is blocked. Attempts to access the site return the message: “р╕Вр╕нр╕нр╕ар╕▒р╕в р╕Чр╕▓р╕Зр╕кр╕│р╕Щр╕▒р╕Бр╕Зр╕▓р╕Щр╕Хр╕│р╕гр╕зр╕Ир╣Бр╕лр╣Ир╕Зр╕Кр╕▓р╕Хр╕┤р╕Вр╕нр╕гр╕░р╕Зр╕▒р╕Ър╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Ар╕Кр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕бр╕Хр╣Ир╕нр╕бр╕▓р╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╣Ар╕зр╕Ър╣Др╕Лр╕Хр╣Мр╕Щр╕╡р╣Й р╣Ар╕Щр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕Зр╕Ир╕▓р╕Бр╕бр╕╡р╕гр╕╣р╕Ыр╕ар╕▓р╕Ю р╕лр╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Вр╣Йр╕нр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Ар╕лр╕бр╕▓р╕░р╕кр╕б р╣Ар╕Кр╣Ир╕Щ р╕ер╕▓р╕бр╕Бр╕нр╕Щр╕▓р╕Ир╕▓р╕г р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Юр╕Щр╕▒р╕Щ”. My translation: “Apologies. The Office of the National Police has blocked access to this website due to its inappropriate images or articles; for instance pornography, gambling”.
1. I am unable to access the website without some proxy program.
2. I won’t comment on the contents of Giles’ article, but I’d just like to remark that, if Thailand were to become a Republic, i.e. if a large number of people were to support such a move, it probably would have been for a more ‘systemic’ reason, and probably would have requiered argumentation of a far more legal, political and structural nature.
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It looks like this is a summary of thoughts Giles shared with an interviewer at a specific US – based Redshirt website last Monday.
While for the time being he had only occasionally made contributions there, they advertise now that he will do this from now on a regular base.
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Um… it’s not blocked for me. I’m logging on from a Thai university.
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So who would Giles rather have as Head of State ?
Himself Giles perhaps ?
Being a Trotskyist a minimum requirement ?
Or Princess Sirindhorn ?
By the way, Giles – Thai taxes only apply to those earning over 16,000 baht per month. So the poor do not pay for the Royals.
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although they don’t pay taxes. The money that could have been used– to improve thai educational system, health care, etc.–was spent extravagantly by the royals
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Quite interesting. As well, I believe that another person had to use a mask to open the site.
As twisted as some personalities are, the culture that brings them forth is also something to be considered. This could very well explain why all those aliens inhabiting the universe are not dropping in very often for coffee.
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at least via ToT the article (as well as other blog entries) is accessible, not ji’s homepage though. on the content, i somehow agree with somsak that there should be more ‘systemic reasons’; then again, the ‘personal’ reasons given by ji are what counts for the general public, doesn’t it, and thus aren’t less important.
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Found the article here:
http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?page=article_impr&id_article=16180
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Throughout the grievous political events, Giles Ji turns out to be a virtuous man. For Giles Ji, it is easy to discern the difference between moral and immoral, he is impervious to any bad things. He has struggled to imbue the Thai society with decent values, a difficult task in this day and time. The audacious Giles Ji dared to think outside the box and lead the way. He talks about equality in a pre-modern feudalistic present day Thailand, he speaks for the weak and the working class people. Giles Ji is well known for having a judicious temperament. He is extremely articulate when it comes to expressing his political views; as a result, Giles Ji is respected among academics and intellectuals. Because of all of those, a stream of invectives pour from Giles Ji political opponents’ mouths as they attempt to block his rise to mission of serious purpose.
Giles Ji’s father earned the respect of the entire country, the country simply loves his Dad. Giles Ji lives his life based on the axioms his parents have passed on to him. As Giles Ji rises to leadership, Thailand is bathed in luminous sunshine that warmed the heart and souls of people struggle for democracy.
The Thai democratization campaign is still in a nascent stage, leadership is thus crucial in leading the way. It is the Boy Scout’s ethos that one should always be prepared. The opponents will try to assail the Red Movement and their bases, but they will not be successful in their attack. With Giles Ji leadership, we will be prepared … we will be able to say … never, never, never again. Giles Ji Ungpakorn will unite the country and Thailand will become a modern country with justice for all.
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“Giles Ji Ungpakorn will unite the country and Thailand will become a modern country with justice for all.”
Would this sentence not have been sufficient for the purpose of sarcasm?
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RE: Chris Beale
We do pay tax. What about VAT and other indirect taxes? VAT alone represents a significant portion of government revenue in Thailand. It is too much that economists in Thailand Update seminar pointed it out. This means the poor are paying more tax than the rich.
BTW, I just wonder why the author misspelled many names, the name of the prince himself and “Taksin”.
Does he want to convey something else through this misspellings?
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i am in lao, yet i am getting the same MICT bullshit when i try to access the article 🙁
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@Chris (#4)
I wasn’t aware that there is a law in place in Thailand that forbids to use the revenue from the VAT for purposes connected with the royals. Maybe you could enlighten us.
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Chris, you are wrong. The poor do pay taxes in VAT, liquor tax, tobacco tax, taxes on imported goods, the vehicle taxes that the taxi driver recoups when he charges for a ride a share taxi, taxes passed on in the prices of goods that are transported, etc. So while the poor do not pay direct income taxes, they certainly do pay taxes.
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Not only in Thailand and Lao, soon in Australia you will have internet censorship too. Can I just say that Thailand and Lao are more advanced than Australia in this regard? 🙂
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Thai Tax Payer, I guess the author has one standard in name spelling regardless of the Thai social feudalistic class system (which was the product of Indianization of Southeast Asia during the colonial era). He intentionally spells it that way for equality intention. It simply reflects his ethical standard and belief that everyone is equal. I myself have been practicing in the same manner, i.e. Phumipon, Wachiralongkorn. I don’t think you can advocate equality when you have double standards of name spelling.
In addition, I suppose he would like to express that straightforward plain and simple can be elegant on its own in his translation of Thai words into English. Nowadays, Thais borrow words from Khmer, Indian’s Bali and Sansakrit and mixing them up to create names and last names, when in fact they ethnically are Chinese. It looks really funny (even though it was the legacy of the Thailandization during the Cold War). I think the rise of China in the 21st century would change those mistakes. If one does not respect one’s heritage, it’s hard for others to respect you. Lack of self confidence, when they translate the Thai words into English, they prefer to make them unnecessary complex English.
Don’t forget that the author is competent in Thai, English and French. He taught the brightest Thais in Thai at Chulalongkorn university. Also mind you that he comes from a very elite family in Thai social class who chooses to live humbly like an ordinary Thai people. He has an extremely elite educational background for Thailand, England and European standards. He is a confident person who said he’s a proud Chinese, English and Thai. All in all, I think Giles Ji just wants to say to Thais that be simple in form but be competent in substance is better and more respectable. This is where the line between educated and uneducated norms draw in most societies; it doesn’t matter what you have but it does matter who you are.
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Well now I’m glad I’ve successfully provoked the “but everyone pays VAT” response.
Was going to mention this caveat, but NM specifically calls for “pithy input”, so left it to others to make this point. “Short and sweet” is the requirement.
Sven – maybe you could enlightenment on which part or proportion of VAT goes to the Royals ?
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TTP,
You can say it. But if you can’t provide any evidence, or at very least a line of argument, don’t expect anyone to believe you.
If I am correct, Thailand has blocked hundreds, if not thousands of websites. A large number of people have been arrested and jailed for minor (or non-existent) offenses. The country has passed draconian laws that provide for jail just for using a proxy server.
So, what has Australia done that is worse?
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My earlier comments about nonsense and waste of time seem to have been further ignored by Thai Tax Paye: Same rationale, in fact, as barking dogs here in Thailand. When a neighbor makes a complaint about the barking dogs of another, the comeback is often “Dogs bark naturally.” If TTP does not see the nonsense in this kind of rationale then we can expect more…
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Suzie Wong – a good post re. Ji Ungkaporn’s good character.
I have a lot of respect for the man, despite strongly disagreeing
with his politics.
In particular, Ji’s elite background leads him to a revolutionary elite position, and his ignoring important aspects of self-identification proceeding among the grass-roots.
You talk a lot about Chinese – but huge numbers of Thaksin supporters identify themselves as LAO Isaarn, who form the bulk of poor and working class, both urban migrant and rural.
They only partly self-identify in class terms – they also strongly identify in regional terms. A nascent nationalism likely to inflame, if the elite simply rids itself of Thaksin, one way or another.
Frank – as you have self-identified as being in Thailand, be careful those dogs don’t bite !!!
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Chris Beale,
If being corrected whenever you are wrong makes you glad, it is no surprise that you seem to enjoy commenting on this blog so much.
Rather than waiting for Sven to enlighten you, I stuck the string “Thai Royal family budget” into Google and found lots of information.
http://historymcmu.blogspot.com/2008/03/expenditure-on-royal-family-for-2008.html
http://jotman.blogspot.com/2008/02/worlds-most-expensive-royal-family.html
Now if you Google Thai Vat receipts or income tax revenues and do some simple math, you’ll get your answers.
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Look at what John Brown said and read it carefully. Not just VAT. For a tidbit on taxpayer contributions to palace expenses, see http://thaipoliticalprisoners.wordpress.com/2009/09/10/new-royal-expenses/
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Giving the current rate of corruption among Aphisit’s cabinet, it seems any system is better. Recently, there was corruption cases every week about the government proposed project, “thai kamkang”. Today, a sister of Phumjaithai Party got appointed as deputy minister of health, simply to make sure that the Machima faction can maintain their slice of economic pie. They are not serious about solving the country problems.
Chris, in the context of corrupted Thailand, I think a Troyskyist will help get rid of corruption. By the way, Tryoskyist is so common in England and Europe, so why can’t it be in Thailand. Look at China for example, communism has made the country transforms to a market economy.
Srithanonchai, Giles Ji is accepted by the south, the north, the northeast, and Bangkok. It’s not an opinion, it’s the fact.
Lastly, Wachiralongkorn prefers to live in Germany, I think it’s good for him and also for the majority of Thai people. His family is the richest family in the world, he wants a comfortable life there and they can afford it. He’s very alienated and also not interested in developing country’s problems, Germany would be a good option for him.
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Giles is a socialist; that’s always going to be used against much of what he says, since modern politics is about tarring and ignoring information we don’t like. The majority of Thais will continue to reject socialism so long as it is within their culture to embrace elitism. Unfortunately the outright renouncement of communism/socialism is usually accompanied by a refusal to understand why people turn to socialism. No one’s born a communist; you have to believe the system is hopelessly stacked against you before you’re willing to burn it down. Poor Thais on the red side appear to have reached that point, and the ruling class knows the king is one of the few icons that has placated the poor in the past — it’s no coincidence that he’s portrayed in quasi-socialist, populist agrarian terms all the time (walking the fields, sweating, surveying, touching disabled children). The message has always been “No need for revolution because the Top Man is listening.”
Giles couldn’t have designed a better Crown Prince: the perfect regressive royal with his Mercedes fleet, indulgent vacations, serial concubines and jet fighter toys. Giles is reminding Thais of what they already whisper, that the Crown Prince is not one of them. The secondary message is that without the king as moral cover, the real emperor (generals, the other royals) will finally have no clothes.
I don’t know if he’s right but it’s a good move. If there’s one thing the average Bangkok elite has in common with the average Isaan farmer, it’s ownership of a CD of a certain birthday party.
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Suzie Wong brings up a good point that is rarely discussed: What does the prince think of all this? We always assume that he wants to be king — but isn’t is just as likely that he would like to live as a rich man in Germany without all the scrutiny? He’d have to give up the jet fighters but he could have as many women as he wanted and I do believe the Mercedes cars are a bargain there. The only question would be, if he abdicated, would he lose all the money?
Aha.
Maybe Giles should propose a more practical road map. Prince abdicates, gets 1% of Crown Property liquidation sale. That should be what, 350 million USD?
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Perhaps Chris Beale isn’t entirely convinced by the everyone-pays-VAT argument, which I guess is understandable as he (like many other people I’ve met) might be ignorant of just how much the Thai govt’s annual revenue is made up of indirect taxation.
So let me provide you with some data. In the 2008 fiscal year, the total tax revenue of the government was Bht 1,276,247.896, of which 503,483.553 was from VAT. That is 39.45% of total tax revenue. Certainly not an insignificant amount.
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I’m sorry. I forgot to provide the link to my data source. The link is http://www.rd.go.th/publish/40189.0.html
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I think Thai Tax Payer was making a joke. Same as “some developing countries have a thing or two to learn from the west about eficient ways to crap up the environment.”
Per Giles- absolutely agree with Susie about the style of the article- the first thing struck me about the article was how simple and unaffected its word choice was, versus the ore academic tone he is both capable of, and normally employs, in his writing. Viewing that as intentional is important to understanding the point of the piece, as a whole.
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Suzie,
I rather hear that even the Reds consider Giles a politically confused extremist, and do not take him serously. Now, is this also “a fact”?
On lese majeste, there was an interesting article on this subject in the BP of Jan. 19, written by the Dutch Ambassador (who was recently treated to lunch by Gen Prem and some fellow high-ranking monarchists). At the end of the article, he states:
“Through Article 94 of the Dutch Constitution, the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of 1954 has become part of Dutch law.
Since that time, Article 10 of this European law that deals with the freedom of expression has had its own calming effect on the actual application of lese majeste laws in the country.
However, it was not until 1994 in a lese majeste case brought before it that the Supreme Court of the Netherlands explicitly carried out what henceforth has become known as the “necessity test” when determining whether a penalty in light of a particular publication is necessary and appropriate. Criticism about the Dutch monarch or her heir-apparent that is considered “a contribution to the public debate” enjoys protection under European and Dutch law, and Dutch courts have applied this criterion faithfully and judiciously ever since, in the interest of freedom of expression in the country.”
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ModDaeng – I never mind being corrected.
There are infinite enlightenments before Nirvana – that highest consciousness you obviously think you’ve now attained !
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WLH – where can I get this CD ?
In all my time in Thailand, I’ve never come across an actual copy – despite meeting some who say they’ve seen it.
Re. the CP abdicating for a less stressful, more enjoyable life in Germany.
It would be a pity – especially if he could no longer fly planes, which he obviously enjoys, for charity.
Abdication may well be Prem’s trump card, proving the old general still has it in him to rescue irons from the fire.
Of course it’s no secret Princess Sirindhorn is hugely popular, including in Isaarn – there’d be little sentiment for separation there if she were Queen, especially if there is no bloodbath coup attempt to crush the Red-shirts.
Such a bloodbath is the only thing I fear may trigger now nascent Isaarn nationalism into full-blown separatism. And of course, the Princess is also very well-liked in the Lao PDR.
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Instead of discussing the issues, Giles Ji’s political opponent decided the best way to stop Giles Ji is to tear him down. When a virtuous person Giles Ji sees injustice in front of his eyes, his clear conscience dictates him to speak out. It is just plain and simple as that with no confusion.
Here’s the fact with no propaganda from Bangkok Pundit (Jan 18th, 2010).
1. Thailand’s violation:
“Thailand’s lese majeste law goes beyond the permissible restrictions on freedom of expression provided for under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Thailand is a state party.
Many people charged under the lese majeste law, have also been charged under the 2007 Computer-related Crimes Act. This Act has led to a sharp increase in monitoring of the internet for lese majeste content: tens of thousands of websites have been blocked by the government in Thailand. This broad-ranging censorship of websites in itself constitutes a violation of the ICCPR.
Amnesty International is also concerned with the characterization of the lese majeste law by the Minister of Justice as a matter of national security, and the subsequent decision in June 2009 to hold Darunee Chanchoengsilapakul’s trial behind closed doors on that basis. National security is indeed one of the grounds set out in the ICCPR on which a state may impose limitations on freedom of expression, but it may do so only pursuant to a publicly-proclaimed state of emergency which threatens the life of the nation. This has not been done – and is not the case – in Thailand.”
2. Thailand required to do the following:
Amnesty International has requested Thailand “to amend the lese majeste law so that it complies with international law and standards.
Specifically, the government should abolish the law’s provision allowing any citizen to report another for alleged violation of the law. Pending this and all other necessary legislative changes, the government should suspend the use of the lese majeste law.
The government should also cease censorship of websites on the grounds of upholding the lese majeste law.”
3. Is the Thai monarchy a hindrance to modernization and the desire of the Thai people’s for democracy, freedom and liberty?
2006: New Cases Sent to Trial: 30 / Cases Adjudicated: 21
2007: New Cases Sent to Trial: 126 / Cases Adjudicated: 48
2008: New Cases Sent to Trial: 77 / Cases Adjudicated: 62
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Not to be dismissive of someone else’s hard and productive work but that last part that shows cases for each year – do you have exact references? I am putting together a book and there is a large section that references lese majeste cases here in Thailand. The actual published hardcopy version will be shorter than an online addendum. Title: Thailand’s WMD.
Please provide what you can in terms of specifics, and many thanks in advance.
FGA
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WLH, you have a good point! By the way, it has not been decided yet if it would be Sirinthorn or Wachiralongkorn or a new presidential system altogether. The country is in transition with many serious problems that were kept under the rug for a long time. In my opinion, the inaccurate history of the Thai politics reflects major shortcomings on the issue of epistemology and integrity of the academics in the past. This incorrect Thai political history has serious implications to the regional security issue affecting every countries in the region. I spot your creativity and wit, so I wonder if I could request you to dwell on it and write some scholarly work on Siam. I hope you agree with my request because new blood is urgently needed in the studies of Thai politics.
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I think Giles expects a bit too much from the future King – care about this, know about that.
They are all desirable qualities but they are not requirements.
It would become a problem if such “unqualified” king started messing with politics or the government, but it’s not supposed to happen. Just imagine the public backlash.
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You just cannot have a head of state that the majority of people do not respect nor trust. Of course, one can rule with force but at what costs and for what. As for the elites, whoever Phumipon would propose, it still has to go through Privy Council which I don’t think will approve of Wachiralongkorn. Almost all of the top military men and police men do not respect nor trust Wachiralongkorn, but they cannot speak out.
Furthermore, he could not go out to visit anywhere in Thailand due to his health. With the kind of sickness he has, his exposure could mean life or death to him. He is at the serious stage of his illness.
In addition, his father is even afraid to go back home so he makes the hospital as the lodging. Can you imagine how many lese majeste case would be with Wachiralongkorn? It’s not about expecting, it’s about discussing facts. With Wachiralongkorn, the land will turn into fire throughout the south, the north, the northeast. At the moment, soldiers are being killed every day and schools are being burned down because the monarchy, Aphisit and the Thai State are repressive and cunning. Aphisit put the good Thais in jails, chased patriot Thais out of Thailand with lese majeste law, punished Police Chief and high ranking policemen who simply carried out their duties. Aphisit is abusing his power and the longer he is in power the deeper the conflict. With Phumipon it is already this much, with Wachiralongkorn, it will be worsen. Thailand will be governed in a harsh authoritarian manner and people will revolt. It is not an opinion, this is the fact about how majority of Thai people feel about Wachiralongkorn. That’s why I suggest a referendum option or he goes to live in Europe. Wachiralongkorn himself also doesn’t like living in Thailand, he would like to live in Germany. I write in a straightforward manner because I mean well for him and for the country.
I genuinely would like to emphasize again here that Giles Ji’s father represent what a true Thai means. He is loved and really earned the respect of the entire country and I mean the entire country. The country is proud and respect Dr. Puey Unphakorn, they like his values, what he stood for, and what he had sacrificed and done for the country. This is the kind of leader majority of Thais prefer and desire to have. One cannot force respect, respect has to be earned.
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perhaps susie would like to pull her head out of the sand. just a little over the top even for a thai. giles should be commended on one thing at least and that is his fight for principles and what he feels is correct. that is something which is sorely missing from thailand at the moment. while he be going over the top in his critiques he is a perhaps the only light that thailand has currently for needed social change. as long as things are currently there is no room for discussion, debate, reform, change, progress, civility due to the fact that all commentary (not even criticism) is banned legally and socially. this does not bode well for country in the midst of change as crystallization and decadence of the countries institutions will have to face down change eventually. how that change takes place is the crux of what ajarn ji is alluding to. keep up the fight ajarn, your not the only voice just the only voice with a guts to use your voice.
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I think Giles expects too much of Heads of State.
Idi Amin for example – set a new standard. Mobuto of Zaire also.
The list goes on.
The CP should not be picked on because of a bit of skinny-dipping in a pool !!
And so what about that Japanese plane business – it’s about time somebody stood up to Japanese domineering attitudes towards South-East Asians. I commend HRH for his bravery, determination and nationalism.
As for that dog walking on foreign diplomat’s table, it shows two things :
1) HRH is a modern Royal who supports Animal Liberation.
2) He refuses to be intimidated by those diplomats from foreign powers who have been trying to intimidate Thailand right back to the Bowring Treaty !
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How many Susie Wong do we have here?
Susie Wong VS Suzie Wong?
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It is universal human rights for citizens to overthrow tyrannical regime and supplant it with a democratic government that respect God-given rights of its citizens to pursue happiness.
I can write in the fashion of denial and deceive like yours, Woo and Chris, but what’s the point? I am writing here with the purpose to see a way out for peaceful transformation. But apparently that option is not available because instead of having a frank talk, you are playing a psychological operation.
There is nothing wrong to have the system like Indonesia with the direct election of its leader. The current system in Thailand doesn’t work, it is tearing the whole fabric of society apart simply just to maintain Phumipon’s family?
Phumipon’s family is too much a burden. The south burns the school down because they don’t want Phumipon’s picture hanging in the classroom and teaching their kids to worship him like a God. The northeast wants their son Suwicha Takor, an engineer to be released from jail. The north wants their hero back. Bangkok wants Da Torpedo to be released. None of these people did anything wrong. I have the rights to respect or not to respect someone. It’s wrong to have a law to force its citizens to respect Phumipon’s family.
People have reasons when they do not respect Phumipon, Wachiralongkorn, and the monarchy. No country should have the rights to put anyone in jail if they don’t respect the head of state. President Bush or President Obama would not put anyone in jail for not respecting them. So if presidential system would solve the Thai lese majeste problem, why not?
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@Chris Beale #30
I can’t really back up the statement “The CD is everywhere” since it’s based on personal experience only. Thai friends I knew had it, made copies, passed them out. People I asked at work had all seen it. One executive said her driver obtained a copy for her, suggesting that it crossed classes. My anecdotal experience suggests that it is widely available but that no one wants to be too public about it.
@ Suzie Wong 33
Thanks but I’m not qualified to write scholarly on Thailand. Just an interested layperson like you. That’s why I come to NM, to read posts and discussion by those who have more information than I and are willing to share it.
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Chris Beale — Are you serious about wanting a copy of the CD? It’s about 28 minutes long.
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I don’t know what CD you guys are talking about. But, to Chris Beale, just because you haven’t seen it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. It just means that you are not trusted enough by your friends on some sensitive issues – and just that they don’t want to hurt your feelings telling you so. Surely you have been in Thailand long enough to recognize this culture now.
I’m not even sure if Chris Beale is a part of the 2.4 operation. Going through his past comments sometimes I can’t help feeling he is fishing for information and just baiting for the next victim of a certain draconian law? Sorry, it’s just an impression.
Superanonymous, you should be careful.
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[…] Opprinnelig skrevet av Phayam Kan du ta med teksten som du linker til, og poste den her? Giles Ji Ungpakorn on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn […]
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Thanks for publishing this notice about Ji’s article which I have read earlier.
I certainly had a hearty laugh when I read the very apt message from the censor:
“The Office of the National Police has blocked access to this website due to its inappropriate images or articles; for instance pornography, gambling”
Made me think of the Birthday Party video.
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“#9 on #8 Srithanonchai // Jan 16, 2010 at 7:21 pm
“Giles Ji Ungpakorn will unite the country and Thailand will become a modern country with justice for all.”
Would this sentence not have been sufficient for the purpose of sarcasm?”
Indeed, it is the stuff of uncritical hero worship. I respect the subject man for his constancy, but could do without the adoring fanclub. Not so much because of aversion to what cloys, but because more factually-inclined histories suggest that this sort of nonsense only encourage megalomania. And this is a country long plagued by monomaniacs, megalomaniacs and blowhard hoodlums.
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Srithanonchai // Jan 16, 2010 at 7:21 pm
“Giles Ji Ungpakorn will unite the country and Thailand will become a modern country with justice for all.”
Srithanonchai, wake up, mate. Though Puay Ungpakorn, Gile’s dad, has been acknowledged as a democratic fighter since the 1970’s, Gile is just a rouge lecturer in the same camp of Thongchai of Wisonsin and Somsak of Thammasat. Gile is just the one-sided who cannot see himself in the Thai mirror.
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Sattahibo:
Before you write a comment, read the target post properly.
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