Bangkok Post : PM refuses challenge by Hun Sen
Just more political grandstanding by the PM. When is he going to take the high road in this election instead of trying to appeal to a fringe element that will not support him anyway.
Showing posts with label Thailand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thailand. Show all posts
30 June 2011
Bangkok Post : The real meaning of reconciliation
Bangkok Post : The real meaning of reconciliation
At last a real discussion on what it will take to move forward. Let us hope that those that are running for office are listening.
At last a real discussion on what it will take to move forward. Let us hope that those that are running for office are listening.
How to interpret the ‘no vote’ in the Thai election? | Asian Correspondent
How to interpret the ‘no vote’ in the Thai election? | Asian Correspondent
This campaign by PAD is more evidence that they have migrated to the fringe of the political discourse. How can they be taken seriously? They have even abandoned their own political party, reasoning that anyone involved in the political process in corrupt.
This campaign by PAD is more evidence that they have migrated to the fringe of the political discourse. How can they be taken seriously? They have even abandoned their own political party, reasoning that anyone involved in the political process in corrupt.
PM blames Thaksin, Hun Sen for conflict
PM blames Thaksin, Hun Sen for conflict
Is the PM so fearful of losing and desperate that he needs to resort to such tactics. This is such a wildly ridiculous accusation that it will be surprising if anyone takes him seriously.
Is the PM so fearful of losing and desperate that he needs to resort to such tactics. This is such a wildly ridiculous accusation that it will be surprising if anyone takes him seriously.
Move to quit UN panel stalled
Move to quit UN panel stalled
This hasty decision has a way of being rectified. Further proof that this is part of a larger political debate not a cultural issue like it should be.
Govt urged to delist World Heritage site
Govt urged to delist World Heritage site
Cooler heads need to prevail on this situation. This is not about money or tourism but the cultural preservation of heritage sites. It is also not a political situation and has no effect on the border dispute which is being handled by the International Court. Besides as it turns out, the WHC and UNESCO never agree to any management plan and where willing to hold off on any decision.
NYT op-ed: Election is about Thailand’s failure to agree on what constitutes democracy | Asian Correspondent
NYT op-ed: Election is about Thailand’s failure to agree on what constitutes democracy | Asian Correspondent
As a follow up to the links in the last two posts here is an editorial from the New York Times on a similar subject.
As a follow up to the links in the last two posts here is an editorial from the New York Times on a similar subject.
Middle Class, Inequality, and Democracy – Part II | Asian Correspondent
Middle Class, Inequality, and Democracy – Part II | Asian Correspondent
This article is in two parts and gives a very accurate representation of the state of Thai politics.
This article is in two parts and gives a very accurate representation of the state of Thai politics.
Election outlook in the deep South
Election outlook in the deep South
What is more interesting is what happens after the election and on a grassroots level, what can they expect from their representatives.
28 June 2011
Siam Voices by Siam Voices | Asian Correspondent
Siam Voices by Siam Voices | Asian Correspondent
It is clear that not much is being done and accusations are being thrown about by both sides. It could be the findings could well destroy lives on both sides and that maybe to seek justice may not be in the best interest in reconciliation but only if it is about moving forward and healing the divide rather than protecting the guilty.
27 June 2011
Lucas in transit
My associate on this exploration of Thailand and democracy, Lucas, is on his way to Thailand. While he was enduring a long layover in KL, he sent me a few of the thoughts he was having about this journey to post on our blog:
Day 0 – in transit
A quick math has revealed that I am going to be spending twice as long waiting in airports as I am going to be in flight. I am now pointlessly debating whether an extra couple of hundred dollars was really worth losing a day to transit. Ever the optimist though I’m convincing myself that an overnight stop in Kuala Lumpur might just be what I need before taking on Bangkok in the full swing of yet another controversial election.
To pass the time I guess I’d like to give you little background about myself and the situation. I was born in Thailand but have spent the last 20 years of my life in Australia. I’m on a tourist visa, my Thai vocabulary is the equivalent of a seven year old’s, same goes for my tolerance for chillies and right now I’m trying to remember all the customs and traditions taken very seriously by all true Thais.
Foremost amongst the faux pas foreigners are prone to making is to insult the king or the royal institution. Stepping on Money, showing the bottom of your feet to his image and speaking ill of him could land you 15 years behind bars. Heck, just me writing about it could get me in trouble.
So let me just clarify my position that I love the King and what he represents, and right now, just as it has been for all my life, he is the stabilising factors in Thailand. Foreigners have a hard time understanding why Thais revered his Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. They are more accustom to the tabloid scandals of the British royal family and the constant barrage of jokes directed at them. Things are different in Thailand though, a combination of propaganda, punitive laws and the fact that he is actually a good guy (he even played the sax with Bill Clinton once) means that he is practically a living saint.
For all his popularity though, it is fair to questions just how much power he actually has to influence the squabbling politicians and there remains the issue of his age and health. Few Thais are willing to contemplate a country without him, but as Buddhist we must be prepared to face this inescapable eventuality.
Like me, Thailand is in transit. Change is coming and no matter how strongly the old institutions will strive to stem it, it is inevitable. For the gloss and postcard images, Thailand is a developing country, and right now we are reaching a crucial turning point. The exploited masses are rising up, they need a voice, maybe they’ll find it in the exiled Prime Minister, or his younger sister who is currently the favourite to win the election. Maybe the current ruling government will stay in power by winning them over. No matter what happens, it would be interesting to see if they would really be listened to this time.
Day 0 – in transit
A quick math has revealed that I am going to be spending twice as long waiting in airports as I am going to be in flight. I am now pointlessly debating whether an extra couple of hundred dollars was really worth losing a day to transit. Ever the optimist though I’m convincing myself that an overnight stop in Kuala Lumpur might just be what I need before taking on Bangkok in the full swing of yet another controversial election.
To pass the time I guess I’d like to give you little background about myself and the situation. I was born in Thailand but have spent the last 20 years of my life in Australia. I’m on a tourist visa, my Thai vocabulary is the equivalent of a seven year old’s, same goes for my tolerance for chillies and right now I’m trying to remember all the customs and traditions taken very seriously by all true Thais.
Foremost amongst the faux pas foreigners are prone to making is to insult the king or the royal institution. Stepping on Money, showing the bottom of your feet to his image and speaking ill of him could land you 15 years behind bars. Heck, just me writing about it could get me in trouble.
So let me just clarify my position that I love the King and what he represents, and right now, just as it has been for all my life, he is the stabilising factors in Thailand. Foreigners have a hard time understanding why Thais revered his Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. They are more accustom to the tabloid scandals of the British royal family and the constant barrage of jokes directed at them. Things are different in Thailand though, a combination of propaganda, punitive laws and the fact that he is actually a good guy (he even played the sax with Bill Clinton once) means that he is practically a living saint.
For all his popularity though, it is fair to questions just how much power he actually has to influence the squabbling politicians and there remains the issue of his age and health. Few Thais are willing to contemplate a country without him, but as Buddhist we must be prepared to face this inescapable eventuality.
Like me, Thailand is in transit. Change is coming and no matter how strongly the old institutions will strive to stem it, it is inevitable. For the gloss and postcard images, Thailand is a developing country, and right now we are reaching a crucial turning point. The exploited masses are rising up, they need a voice, maybe they’ll find it in the exiled Prime Minister, or his younger sister who is currently the favourite to win the election. Maybe the current ruling government will stay in power by winning them over. No matter what happens, it would be interesting to see if they would really be listened to this time.
Temple to remain time bomb
Temple to remain time bomb
Another issue that will complicate any move taken by the new government.
Another issue that will complicate any move taken by the new government.
Bangkok Post : Government to pull out of WHC
Bangkok Post : Government to pull out of WHC
It seems as though Thailand could have gotten the delay it was asking for if their representatives were not hung up on semantics of the WHC proposal. Their ultimatum forced the hand of the WHC into excepting the Cambodian proposal. This decision to pull out of the WHC will ultimately have a detrimental affect on the preservation of Thailand's own history and culture.
It seems as though Thailand could have gotten the delay it was asking for if their representatives were not hung up on semantics of the WHC proposal. Their ultimatum forced the hand of the WHC into excepting the Cambodian proposal. This decision to pull out of the WHC will ultimately have a detrimental affect on the preservation of Thailand's own history and culture.
Bangkok Post : PAD supports Suwit's decision
Bangkok Post : PAD supports Suwit's decision
Any decision that gains the support of PAD has got to be suspect. Given their history of xenophobia and extreme nationalism, this move could ultimately hurt moves to preserve heritage sites within Thailand. The border dispute not withstanding, this political and provocative move was one that required more diplomacy and being less reactive.
Any decision that gains the support of PAD has got to be suspect. Given their history of xenophobia and extreme nationalism, this move could ultimately hurt moves to preserve heritage sites within Thailand. The border dispute not withstanding, this political and provocative move was one that required more diplomacy and being less reactive.
Bangkok Post : Democrats offer amnesty plan
Bangkok Post : Democrats offer amnesty plan
Another party jumps on the amnesty bandwagon but this should do little to heal the on-going divisions in Thai society given the provocative nature of the rest of their campaign.
Another party jumps on the amnesty bandwagon but this should do little to heal the on-going divisions in Thai society given the provocative nature of the rest of their campaign.
Bangkok Post : Bombs, gunmen kill and maim in South
Bangkok Post : Bombs, gunmen kill and maim in South
So far other than a cursory trip to campaign in the South, none of the parties have address the recent violence in this region.
So far other than a cursory trip to campaign in the South, none of the parties have address the recent violence in this region.
Abhisit's 'special treatment' at forum upsets other participants
Abhisit's 'special treatment' at forum upsets other participants
This was a good opportunity to address issues and discern the differences among the parties but because of arrogance and lack of respect that the Democrats show for other parties, coupled with the petty bickering and whinging displayed by the other parties in response, here was another fail attempt at open political discussion.
This was a good opportunity to address issues and discern the differences among the parties but because of arrogance and lack of respect that the Democrats show for other parties, coupled with the petty bickering and whinging displayed by the other parties in response, here was another fail attempt at open political discussion.
'No policy to give Thaksin amnesty'
'No policy to give Thaksin amnesty'
Maybe Thaksin doesn't have such a firm handle on his sister.
Maybe Thaksin doesn't have such a firm handle on his sister.
Bangkok Post : Parties dismiss Democrat 'revelations'
Bangkok Post : Parties dismiss Democrat 'revelations'
This hardly constitutes a move toward reconciliation. Just more political grandstanding and provocations by the major parties.
This hardly constitutes a move toward reconciliation. Just more political grandstanding and provocations by the major parties.
24 June 2011
Helping the South doesn't help those in power
Helping the South doesn't help those in power
There are many good points raised in this article and maybe a key to finding a solution, but are the politicians willing to take the necessary steps to addressing the real issues here.
There are many good points raised in this article and maybe a key to finding a solution, but are the politicians willing to take the necessary steps to addressing the real issues here.
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