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Frank G Anderson á¿Ã§¤ì ¨Õ á͹à´ÍÊѹ
745/1 Seubsiri Soi 3/13 (Taptim), Muang, Nakhonratchasima 30000 745/1 ¶. ÊÖÈÔÃÔ £Í 3/13 (·Ñº·ÔÁ) Í. àÁ×ͧ ¹¤ÃÃÒªÊÕÁÒ 30000 Tel/Fax. 044-274972, 03-1002277 e-mail: ethics@loxinfo.co.th
Editorial Archives
Editorials
23 March 2007
Sulak fails to show in lese majesty charge
Sulak Sivaraksa
According to reports, social critic and another Buddhism scholar and nemesis of Thaksin Shinawatra Sulak Sivaraksa (photos) (website )has failed to show up at a police station to respond to charges of lese majesty over an article he did in English some two years ago. Sulak has demonstrated that his a a no-nonsense person, a social academic who isn't faking it like many of his peers are, and has already three times successfully fought lese majesty charges. I have commented previously on lese majesty charges here in Thailand, but perhaps it’s time for a reminder on the charge and what it means in the Land of Smiles. Generally lese majesty is associated with insulting the monarchy or any of its members, or other high-ranking officials close to the monarchy, such as the Supreme Patriarch, a temple abbot, etc. Many Thais elect to use the lese majesty charge as a huge hammer to whittle down political and personal opponents who they desire to be harassed ad infinitum and using the lese majesty technique is one sure way to undercut the person’s reputation and cause it to appear as if the person alleged to have committed lese majesty is the one in the wrong rather than the person making the charge. In a deep general sense, this use of the lese majesty accusation is itself a form of insulting the monarchy, because it pretends to defend the monarchy while in fact using the monarchy as a weapon of mass destruction, so to speak. After all, insulting the monarchy is an absolute no-no in Thailand, and knowing this, many Thais prefer to use the monarchy as a symbol to represent their vested interests, albeit incognito. Papatchanan Chingin has done this in relation to Watpa Salawan, filing fraudulent lese majesty charges against this editor because her interests – as well as those of the current abbot - at the temple were threatened, or perceived to be under threat by me and my Thai wife. The lese majesty charge in Thailand is in dire need of reform. Currently almost anyone can make such an allegation – against Thais but foreigners are a favorite target - and if one lying witness is brave enough to stand up and give false testimony, again such as with Watpa Salawan, then the police are lawfully bound to process the charge and send it to Bangkok for central authorities to ascertain whether the lese majesty charge should be prosecuted or not. In my case, local police indicated that the report came back from Bangkok that there was not enough evidence to charge me (being fabricated it should have been constructed better than it was), and that I did not need to worry. However, when I specifically asked police exactly what words I was supposed to have said, my request was ignored. Papatchanan Chingin, however, herself indicated what they were on the radio. She and accomplices took a sentence, reconstructed it for their own purposes, and then publicly lied while fraudulently filing the charge with police. This is the kind of character that hosts FM 104.5 Sabai Sabai Aah Daeng program. Someone without ethics, not afraid to commit criminal acts, even violence inside Watpa Salawan. As to Sulak, he may be pushing the issue in not showing up at the police station by hoping that authorities will ratchet up the charge and he can get some publicity in the name of justice. Let’s see…
22 March 2007
The Real Coup Makers
Talk among the Thai public has been rife for some time now about who the real 10 September 2006 coup makers were – the name Prem Tinsulanonda keeps popping up among circles who are understandably not willing to have suspicions made public, given the retired general and former premier’s direct connection with the Thai Royal Household as Privy Council President. Prior to the coup last year, there were various and divergent interest groups pushing for two main objectives – the removal of Thaksin Shinawatra from the government, and installation of real democracy through the existing Constitution. The first objective was reached, the second never had a chance. Observers state that real democracy for Thailand would mean a diminishing role for the monarchy in terms of signing laws and regulations, as well as a perceived loss of status should the country adopt a truly democratic system of government. The coveted power of the police and military would also be swept away, and new power centers would be established at the expense of the old. Sensing their potential losses, then, the old power centers worked together in typical Thai style to say one thing and do quite another. The coup leaders cited four major crimes or transgressions Thaksin had committed, including corruption and lese majesty. Now, however, six months into the post-coup period, it seems as if Thaksin is likely to get off the hook on any serious charges. There are three indicators that this will be the case. First is a meeting held some time ago, late October a little over a month after the coup, between General Prem and the woman known as Khun Ying Pojamarn, or Thaksin’s mia luang. Apparently, the meeting was agreed to so that Thaksin could touch base once again to make sure that bets were still on and he would be isolated from any real charges or punishment, and perhaps his party, Thai Rak Thai, would be allowed to remain as an entity. But it was most likely that the family’s financial assets were the primary concern, with assurances some say given by Prem that those assets would not be squandered openly but a few may have to face the axe for the sake of public appearances. As well, who wants to be identified as being a crook? So perhaps assurances were given that once the dust settled, most of Thaksin’s assets would be there for him to use and that even at the present time he could shift some of them from Thailand if needed. Secondly, Thailand’s official coup leader (not the REAL one) met with Thaksin a while back outside Thailand ostensibly to assure him that while things were a bit bumpy they were still on the right road. Third, Thai society itself cannot come to grips with wrong-doing. Almost no matter who does what to whom – as long as the BIG GUYS are not affected – people will continually get off the hook. The latest tragedy being played out on this theme is the horrible bus accident two days ago when a passenger transport bus from Ubol to Bangkok caught fire outside of Pakchong and led to the deaths of some thirty passengers. The Land Transport department is true to form blaming the driver. But passengers’ relatives are suing the bus company involved. Promises are being made left and right by Thai officials about clampdowns against transportation companies and safety violations, etc. Ho hum! There is one essential thing to understand in all of these apparent contradictory machinations – to wit, replete unethical and illegal agreements, understandings, promises, trades, tradeoffs, commitments and “wear blinders” are engineered and agreed to that should any of it really be uncovered, then the whole can of worms that is known as Thai society would be tipped into the open where the public could see all the dirt and who the worms really are. Ethics mean very little to people in a society that does not hold much value in ethics. As a consequence, the law also means little. It becomes a simple matter to evade the law, avoid the law, twist the law, misquote the law, to save not face as is commonly misunderstood but to save vested interests. Face is just a surface value, erected to protect the real concerns. There is no real concern about face, then, so much as there is about losing confidentiality while one’s sins are spread before the public media. Those who have been in Thailand long enough know that Thais are much more concerned about being discovered doing things they should be ashamed of – in fear of rightful punishment – rather than they are about actually doing things they should be, but are not, ashamed of – up to and including taking over a democracy-inspired movement or killing a large group of Muslims in the south, or holding back from punishing Sangha members at a temple in Korat who demonstrated clear criminal prejudice toward those seeking the truth. There is a saying in Thailand “Len karn meung,” meaning to get into politics, but the word “len” means to play. Thais are aware of this use of the work, admitting pretension and illusion in politics. They might as well apply the same to society as a whole, since there is so much pretension and illusion there.
Soros Gets It Right - Sort of...
and problems with drug boycott
20 March 2007
The Korat Post Online
Occasionally an American Jew, or an American who is a Jew, does something right, comes out of the closet and says, not "I'm gay!" but more or less "I don't agree with 1001% of what Israel does." George Soros did this recently in his coming out criticism of Israeli policies in the Middle East. Said Soros on 15 March 2007, (full text link here). Part of his speech contained a bit of perplexing lack of logic. Soros: “Anticipating attacks, I should like to emphasize that I do not subscribe to the myths propagated by enemies of Israel and I am not blaming Jews for anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitism predates the birth of Israel. Neither Israel's policies nor the critics of those policies should be held responsible for anti-Semitism. At the same time, I do believe that attitudes toward Israel are influenced by Israel's policies, and attitudes toward the Jewish community are influenced by the pro-Israel lobby's success in suppressing divergent views.” In short then, Soros proposes reason prior to assuming prejudice, but then contradicts himself in the next sentence. First Soros says Israel’s policies should not be held to be responsible for anti-Semitism. Then he says that “attitudes toward Israel are influenced by Israel’s policies…” Well, Mr. Soros, you can’t have your cake and eat it, too. You can’t state something is and then is not. Attitudes toward Israel include anti-Semitism (which, by the way, Jews and Israel have tried to isolate into meaning anti-Zionism or anti-Judaism but which must also include being anti-Arab as Arabs are also Semites. For my part as a non-Jew American having lived most of my life overseas, I find apologizes for Israel’s malicious attitude toward Arabs, and Palestinians in particular as unacceptable in the extreme. We do not need anyone to minimize the hatred that most Israelis and Zionists have for Palestinians, or for that matter, most Palestinians for Israelis and Jews – and thanks to American and Israeli policies – towards Americans. We have given Israel all the tools, including blind stupidity on our own part, to keep the State of Palestine from becoming a reality, and have reaped the consequences of many years of doing so. September 11, 2001, was only one of those consequences. Denying it is futile and in itself destructive to peace in the Middle East and around the globe. Whatever Israel does, wants, says or thinks is echoed in the houses of Congress in vote after vote after vote. It is kowtowed to by men of great power who fear election failure. All it takes is for AIPAC or JDL or others to orchestrate a poison pen type of phone call campaign and your political career is dead – period! This is the freedom in America that our brave servicemen and women are protecting with their lives, their blood, their limbs and their souls. It is the freedom we willfully deny others as we steadfastly support all of Israel’s causes and back away from a brave and honorable commitment to the declaration of the State of Palestine.
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Thai interest groups are pushing for global boycott of Abbot Laboratories because the firm does not like its patented drugs to be manufactured with internationally recognized royalty payments being made. Activists pushing for this boycott, many of them, have the interests of their fellow man at heart, but most also ignore the preponderance of risk behavior that has made AIDS the scourge that it is. No one is advocating boycotting sex, homosexual or heterosexual. Importantly no one is advocating reduction of risky sexual behavior. It seems that society is saying to itself, "Hey, if I want to risk my life (and yours) in unprotected sex or homosexual/heterosexual activities, that's my decision and your risk! And to top it off, when something bad does happen (HIV/AIDS) then those infected want free drugs or miracle treatment that solves their imminent death or debilitating sickness. Thailand has made several important points of wanting to protect Thai Jasmine rice with global patents and boycotts of companies that try to "steal" the Jasmine patents, but remains one of the world's most prolific patent violators relating to computer software and other electronic media. You don't hear Thai society, interest groups and the government shouting about these violations because the violations are convenient to a lazy society having a good time at the expense of others. It's harsh to apply such a concept to the treatment of AIDS, but Thai society in general does not cope well with obeying laws of any kind, or regulations - including simple traffic safety regulations. Thus, these threats to boycott Abbot and any other drug company for holding to copyright laws is merely another reflection of those who want things the easy way and who demand that foreign companies go along with their self-gratifying demands.
Letter to President Bush
19 March 2007
President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500 United States of America Phone Numbers Comments: 202-456-1111 Switchboard: 202-456-1414 FAX: 202-456-2461
Mr. President:
I am not sure whether you or Vice President Cheney are aware, or capable of awareness, of the intense disgust that many Americans feel now toward their own country’s policies, and the current Administration, and you, largely as a result of the illegal invasion of Iraq that you ordered. Despite having been told by experts many times your better that such an invasion would destabilize the Middle East as well as western interests, you still went ahead with this unwarranted military action. As the ultimate authority for the invasion, you are, of course, responsible - morally and legally - for the tens of thousands of Iraqi deaths and now thousands of American and allied deaths that have occurred from first invading and then having to police a nation that had no need for an invasion of the sort you carried out. As barbaric as Saddam Hussein was, he did not trigger today’s global reactions your Administration seems oblivious of, reactions ranging from growing southern Thailand Muslim insurgency to worldwide concerted efforts to strike at any and all American targets, military or civilian. Your actions in Iraq have directly led to escalation of hostilities against the United States, and against the American people. There is no need in defense to cite the horrible events of 11 September 2001, in part undeniably connected with biased American policies in the Middle East from the early part of the last century to now. We are at war today, on a scale never before imaginable. One can argue that history may unfurl the ultimate odious intent of Muslim fanatics and that this will then absolve the Administration of the Iraq question. Perhaps. But we could have and should have pursued this global war differently, better, with much less loss of life, with less squandering of our national resources and of our Constitutional heritage, with fewer casualties and with less hatred at our nation, toward our way of life, eating our very soul. Instead, a horribly unwise decision, certainly in part ego-related, was made that has led our country and our people into a deepening morass, even dangerously perching on a non-democratic martial law possibly being contemplated in the name of national security by your advisers. Election 2008 is not really a valid argument anymore in determining who should run for office. What is important is that you realize the folly of your ways.
Sincerely and sadly,
Frank G Anderson American Citizens Abroad (ACA) Representative, Thailand
www.thekoratpost.com
Aging King Tiring of Southern Violence
16 March 2007
His Majesty king Bhumibol Adulyadej, this December 5th celebrating his 80th birthday, has seen and felt many of the stirrings in Thai society that have brought one coup after another. A nation priding itself on tolerance and love of peace is continually faced with growing dissent and unease to a point where the military "has" to take over the government. It's no wonder those who wish well for this country are tiring. There is a lot to cause one to be weary. Almost unparalleled corruption, greed unknown to most, selfishness in the face of daily teachings to the otherwise, apathy to an extent envied by princes of apathy, ... is it any wonder that Thai society is in a fix and that the nation's survival is uncertain at best?
If the cause of the problems were isolated to Thailand it would be bad enough. But the ill that strikes at the heart of Thai goodness, or anyone else's goodness, is a global ailment, a disease that has been feeding on itself for a long, long time. Today more people are being born and brought up sans morals and ethics than those with - the cumulative effects of this can't be ignored, as they are daily making themselves more and more evident. I used to be an optimist. Today I imagine myself to be a realist. Thank God I am not a pessimist.
Thailand and its FDI policies
15 March 2007
Thailand can easily be perceived as seesawing, back and forth, back and forth, in its policies relating to foreign direct investment. Where things were relatively quiet in the past and conducive to massive foreign investment, local interests became greedy and overly nationalistic and began a series of inroads into foreign investment confidence that has now backfired but which is being dealt with deftly in the traditional Thai way of maintaining unfair advantages and shutting of dissenting voices. The most recent problems were a 30% automatic deduction as sort of a guarantee from foreign investment coming into the country. Obviously this means that project investment costs rise by more than 30% to cover this deduction. Instead of needing, for example, $10 million for a given investment, now $13 is needed, or the investment has to be scaled back to $7 million. Another problem has been the traditional laissez-faire treatment by Thai authorities to foreign investors who entered the country and with Thai partners, often their spouses, set up Thai companies that had more than 50% foreign ownership. As well, Thai law allowed companies where voting shares were also held by foreigners. So while in principle the company was Thai, in fact foreigners were running it. A third problem is that traditionally Thais have been very reluctant to compete on an even playing field with foreign companies. Protectionism has its place, but as more than one foreign chamber of commerce representative here in Thailand has asked, just how long is Thailand going to have unfair protectionist measures in place when some have been there for decades? The answer is, if pressures against Thai policies are not brought to bear, forever. Thai businessmen are as natural as anyone else – they want to make money. However, in Thailand they don’t want to do it via a one-on-one basis. They want all the advantages, fair or otherwise, they can have, especially in the area of government protection and social nationalist bias against foreign business operations in Thailand. Thus, Thai foot-dragging over the decades that is perceived as procrastination is not really that but rather an intrinsic character of the Thai businessman and government protectionist agent – keep things unfair and to the advantage of Thai businesses. The latter objective is fine, but not using the former method. If one were to give investment advice at the moment, it would be for foreigners to begin long-range plans to invest elsewhere, and for Thais to accept this will happen or to make badly needed in-country forms to smooth out a rough surface that can only keep harming the country’s overall interests.
Letter to the Thai Ambassador in Washington, D.C.
Today I wrote to the Thai ambassador in Washington asking for justice relating to Watpa Salawan. Here is the letter. Any responses received will also be posted online when they are received – if they are received. 15 March 2007 His Excellency Mr. Virasakdi Futrakul Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand to the United States of America 1024 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Suite 401 Washington, D.C. 20007 Tel : (202) 944-3600 Fax : (202) 944-3611 URL : http://www.thaiembdc.org E-mail : info@thaiembdc.org Copy: Editor, Washington Post; Editor, New York Times; Editor, Buffalo News, AHRC, online Korat Post. Human Rights Violations in Nakhonratchasima, Thailand Watpa Salawan - Luang Pho Pherm, Papatchanan Chingin, FM 104.5 Your Excellency: Sadly, the violence now taking place in southern Thailand is understandable. Despite Thailand’s official representation of itself as a tolerant society, many Thais who call themselves Buddhists – and more shockingly – those who claim to represent Buddhism in an official capacity, often engage in hateful incitement that breeds further hatred and loathing. Those who engage in these acts are generally rewarded by official apathy, even sympathy, and aided by widespread efforts to sweep the proverbial problems under the carpet. I know this from direct experience. Although I served Thailand as a Peace Corps volunteer from 1966-67 in the northeast province of Buriram, and have visited and lived in the Kingdom over a forty-year period, my Korat-born Thai wife (and her Thai/India-ethnic minority family members) and I have been incited against because of race, creed, color, national origin and religion. We have been harassed, falsely accused, been quoted directly over Korat FM 104.5 community radio as saying things we never said, have been exposed to a public campaign to elicit 50,000 signatures to throw both of us out of Thailand, been called foreigners damaging the monarchy, the religion, damaging the state and a local Buddhist temple in our neighborhood, Watpa Salawan. To top it off, the persons making and/or supporting these accusations (the current abbot of Watpa Salawan Luang Pho Pherm and his chief agent Papatchanan Chingin), have gone unscathed from this criminal conspiracy. Thailand’s current permanent secretary of the Interior Pongpayome Wasaputi, governor of Nakhonratchasima province while events at Watpa Salawan were happening (2004-2006) is an example of Thai bureaucracy at work. When I personally asked him during a 10 March 2005 press conference to kindly prevent further unethical and criminal incitement over the said radio station, instead of considering that I did not make the accusations lightly, he replied, “Take it to court.” In addition, although the abbot’s chief agent Papatchanan Chingin had demonstrated criminal activity and committed assault in the temple on 12 February 2005 against me, my wife and her 59 year-old female assistant and monks, nothing was ever done by authorities to prevent Chingin from further interference in temple affairs. On the contrary, she used the temple loudspeakers, with the abbot’s permission and knowledge, to broadcast through the local neighborhood that if she ran into my wife, she would slash my wife’s face. Despite this, despite evidence and formal declared testimony given to police, then governor Wasaputi instructed me and my wife to find another temple to worship in. This advice was deplorable and irresponsible in the extreme. In the press conference, Wasaputi said, “Hey, I can’t stop everyone from swearing at each other.” Now some two years after these sad and inciteful events have passed, Thai authorities, especially the Ministries of Interior and Education, and the Sangha, have refused to address the issues or remained indifferent to the serious human and civil rights violations committed inside Watpa Salawan temple here in Korat to protect the interests of the abbot. As well, Thai police accepted a fraudulent charge of lese majesty against me filed by Papatchanan Chingin, without then reverting to charge her for false accusations involving the revered Thai monarchy. Even during civil trials during the end of December 2005, Chingin shouted out in court during testimony by a monk against Chingin “Your honor, he’s lying! He’s lying.” The judge did not admonish her. Yet, the same judge, when Chingin wrongly accused me (a foreigner) of calling her stupid, then admonished us both in court. There are double standards in Thailand in the extreme. Authorities are wont to cover things up without addressing the underlying and basic issues; they only want to get things over with and move on to new problems created by the same issues. When I first complained to the United States Embassy here in Thailand, I was told that we should take the matters to court. The Embassy refused to involve itself in human rights violations matters in this case because they were not serious enough. The apathetic attitude toward human rights violations is nation-wide and affects social relationships in all parts of the country, whether in the south or in the northeast where we are. My Thai-born wife did not deserve to be called a foreigner or to be accused over the radio of harming the monarchy and religion, or to be subject to public incitement to have her thrown out of her own country. She did not deserve to listen to a radio personality tell the public that she is not a real Thai because her father was born in India. Her family members were called Muslims and because of that, further isolated from wrongly-perceived Thainess. These things happened. They happened because Thai authorities allowed them to happen on the one hand, and later refused to act responsibly on the other. If Thai people, including monks, are not safe inside temples from fellow Buddhists, where can they be safe? That Thailand’s southern region is embroiled with hatred and violence is not a testament to only racial and religious differences, but it reflects some of the hatred bred by those who claim tolerance and desire for understanding but who steadfastly remain indifferent from vital underlying issues, such as human rights violations, that go on and on and on without society and authorities caring enough to prevent them. What do we want? We want the current abbot of Watpa Salawan – Luang Pho Pherm - to be hed accountable properly and in a timely manner for his actions and those of his subordinates, and the same for Chingin and other Thai authorities. We want Thai authorities to start paying attention to underlying issues and to stop sweeping important matters under the carpet to preserve an artificial national image. We want Thai authorities to protect human rights before they are violated, not offer senseless advice to take matters to court afterwards. If authorities and society begin to do these things, then there is hope. But from demonstrated long-term lack of willingness over the four decades I have been an active participant in Thai society, the future appears dark in the extreme. Sincerely, Frank G Anderson Former Peace Corps Volunteer, Thailand Community Development Group 12, 1965-67. American Citizens Abroad (ACA) Representative, Thailand (written on a personal level)
Procrastination?
12 March 2007
The proverbial "got a tiger by the tail" has proven itself time and time again, apparently with still many reformers unable to recognize the inherent difficulties in making huge changes to their political or social environment. Thai authorities are now at the crossroads of wondering just what they can do to rectify things that were haywire while Thaksin was still premier, and other things that went haywire after Thaksin was ousted. Bush is undoubtedly feeling something akind to this in both Iraq and Afghanistan (presumedly wishing he had more military to invade Iran). But Thai authorities have their own unique situation to deal with, and the evidence seems to be now barelling in that they don't know how to handle things on the one hand, and had their own vested interests (and certainly not democracy) for the coup on the other. First lambasting Thaksin with various charges, including corruption and lese majesty, coup leaders and supporters are wading through drilling mud trying to slosh past imperceptible obstacles that they didn't count on. One, of course, was lack of imagination.
Imagine, for example, what might happen if we don't appear to be forceful and fair at the same time.
Imagine, for example, what the people may think if we don't run the country at least as well as Thaksin claimed he was doing.
Imagine, for example, if a whole lot more issues popped up that we did not count on, in addition to the old ones that we said we were going to rectify but which we obviously are not equipped to do.
Imagine, for example, if this new constitution drafting exercise we are performing ends up with significant undemocratic elements, such as is now being rumored, that results in another people's attempt to overthrow either us or the subsequent government.
All of these imaginings must be giving the Sonthi/Surayut-led government a big headache, as well as to the powers behind the coup. People must be wondering why all these social protests and academic criticisms being directed at the interim government are growing louder and louder, and why people just don't sit back and accept the wisdom of their elders - lilterally - and wait for the outcome. Ah, if flying were that simple! But it's not. What was needed in the coup apparently hasn't happened yet because there were non-democratic vested interests at the helm who wanted to restore stability, but who have traditionally not wanted democracy to really take hold in Thailand. Real democracy threatens the Thai patronage structure.
America & War
8 March 2007
Listening to Jordan's King Abdullah at the moment on C-Span radio, thanks to Real Player, I feel the oft-cited futility of peaceful communication between men on the one hand, and a resultant world peace that so many of us pursue either individually or as an integral part of a nation, organization or group. Speaking to fellow Americans yesterday, for example, who have had military service experience, I was exposed to the frequent emotionalism that permeates those who "serve their country." Lest this and the following be misinterpreted or misunderstood, let me first say that service to country comes in many guises. The gentlemen that I spoke to yesterday, for example, blatantly called Jane Fonda a traitor who should have been tried and imprisoned - if not executed. When I brought up the pretext that was used to cause the Gulf of Tonkin incident, asking whether that also did not reflect a traitorous action against our nation, the issue was not even discussed. That well over a million Vietnamese died in the war, over and above the 58,000 American servicemen killed and thousands of others tortured, was also not accepted for discussion. The conversation later ended with the postulation (by the two ex-military) that the military of the United States actually created and preserved democracy. When statements like this are made, it is automatically difficult to carry on a meaningful logical discussion because already any argument has been clouded over with the horribly potted road of invalid syllogisms. That is, an invalid premise is used to justify an invalid conclusion. The issue of whether the US military is the progenitor of democracy in America certainly seems to have much more argument against it than in support, but getting ex-military personnel who have in uniform served their country and been there where fellow servicemen have been maimed and killed is a huge task. There are also, more alarmingly, those in and out of the military who openly advocate killing everyone in the way and letting God sort them out. In a Pentagon study some time ago, for example, American military planners who were engaged in simulated theater wars, were surprised to see how quickly field commanders turned to the use of nuclear weapons. If there is one thing that King Abdulla’s speech on the need for peace and equality in the Middle East emphasized, it is that mankind is far too often willing to act violently that it is to act preventively, that we, as cultures, as nations, as governments, are often prone to taking violent actions against those with whom we have deep cultural, religious or social differences. The Middle East situation is only one, albeit a blatant one, example of this reality. Thailand’s southern region is also rife with those who willfully commit violence against others, usually against totally innocent people. King Abdullah spoke wisely that there are really no people anymore who are not in some way subject to the inequalities that exist, and many of which are enforced and promoted, by one group against another. Such are those defenseless villagers in southern Thailand who fall victim to Islamic fascists. The world today is at another crossroads – a crossroads that is not singular or uncommon, but that shifts in similar fashion to a tangent along the line of a huge circle of history. This crossroads is important for us to recognized, because it is always there, always occurring, always affecting what we are, who we are, and what we do. We always have a choice when interacting with others – even interacting with ourselves internally. We can choose to do or not to do. We can choose to believe or not to believe. But important in today’s world it is perhaps that “choose to do” aspect that is most important. We can choose to listen and learn, to come to grips with our own shortfalls and to recognize that we can indeed learn new important things if we open our minds and our hearts. Opening our minds and hearts is not always an easy task. We have friends who do not want us to do so on the one hand, and we often attempt to make sure that others do not do so. We malign our principles with corrupt interests and implement wrongful policies while helping to spread more and more wrong policies and wrongful actions. Each of us – diplomat, academic, professional, extremist, people of faith – must begin, now and today, to make differences in what people do, what they say, and what they teach others to say and do. The spread of ignorance is most efficient when enlightenment is absent. Buddhism teaches us about enlightenment, about being receptive to reality, to be able to control wrongful thoughts and feelings that interfere with our ability to seek, and find, the truth.
Fox News- More like Fox "views"
6 March 2007
Bill O'Reilly, perhaps Fox News' most senior anchor as Larry King is for CNN, reflects much of what is right about America on the one hand (he can be analytical, open to alternatives) and what is most wrong (working as a media mouthpiece for an orgnization that can't take or promote criticism of American government policies or actions). In a recent Talking Points video memo online, he spke about what he views as Americans who want to harm our country.
Well, here we go again with accusations against critics - much like Republicans automatically criticize Democrats - accusations not based on fact but feeling, based not on reality but illusion. America's War Against Terror could very well be conducted insided the United States not so strenuously against our perceived enemies as is now the case, but against those of our own kind who are harming America's interests globally and for decades to come.
Most of us recall something about the 1948 UN Resolution that recognized the nation of Israel, like most of those who live today know very little about the Palestinian resistance and what brought it to the fore. Few people know the history of the Midde East and of Arab lands taken from them by Zionists. Few people will admit that there was any connection between 911 and the Palestinian problem or Zionism - and so many people could not be so wrong.
Those who dare to attempt to make a connection between Israeli extremist policies in the Middle East, supported by the United States over the decades, and the outcome of history that is currently shaping today's world are decried as anti-Semites and declared personna non-grata without their own society. They are shunned and punished through an ugly network of cowardly supporters of Israel's hegemony that seems to know no limits. These Americans face some of the most vitriolic hatred one can imagine, they and their families subject to odious telephone calls and ugly media mistepresentation.
Americans that know better have a great task before us - to right many wrongs our country and our satellite (Israel) have garnered and committed over the past century. Restore the Palestinian state, and release the Arabs from Israeli bondage. Letters and telephone calls make a difference. Added together, one becomes two become ten become a thousand become a million. An avalance is needed, and not writing, not calling, aids further errors our nation makes. Write. Call. Your Congressional representatives and media, local, regional, and national, need your input.
No Mafia? - No Information!
2 March 2007
Political niceties (not really THE word) may be bottlenecking timely Internet and other media PR on SEA Games 2007. Try to find SEA Games on TAT's website, for example. Although the games are scheduled to be held in Korat this December, virtually nothing is found - unless you get lucky. Even the Thai Cycling Association at least has references, with dates, to the 2007 SEA Games and a biking tour of Thailand that follows. So what's the problem? As to Korat's own SEA Games 2007 website Koratseagames.com - (http://www.koratseagames.com/web/main.php?pack=info&menusub_id=4), there is still litle going for it. the current (2 March 2007) page latest reference is to a 19 August 2006 meeting on the event held at Provincial Hall, all Thai language. The English language link through the British flag gif only takes you to undescipherable other links, the first of which seems to be a list of links where drugs can be purchased - great for athletes! The Korat Post has almost begged local authorities to coordinate. But the word is out - local business and political interests don't like an independant publication that prints the truth, so they won't work with it. Better to print a glowing report of an incompetant business oeprator who is robbing the state blind than to uncover his bank accounts and transfers to the wrong places.
Political niceties are indeed to blame. Korat is in the grasp of a Continuum (causing former governor Pongpayome comments about no Mafia existing here as amusing in the extreme) a loosely federated group of local business interests and political heavyweights who are not going to let go. This includes not tolerating anything that could possibly undermine their ability to remain the Continuum - certainly meaning passing of information. Unless it comes from where it is supposed to come from, it won't come. This is one of the greatest inhibiting factors that keeps most people in Thailand in the dark about anything and everything. Lack of transparency and unwillingness to divest of vested interests. Empowerment, where others are given authority, information and responsibility for making decisions, is not an accepted practice in Thailand because it undermines the privilege of patrons to continue their rule.
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Was it a big screwup?
1 March 2007
At the risk of being accused of having said, "I thought something was rotten in Denmark," a few comments on the apparent disarray among the hallowed halls of the Thai interim cabinet.
There have been a few questions as to why the coup of 19 September 2006, which ousted Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, took place. Some have questioned not just its veracity but have expressed some interest into who was really behind the coup to start with, and why. There are some who now say that the coup was effected because of unreconciliable differences between the former premier and the royal household. This is not our allegation. It was confided to us in private by two or three local Thai observers, and a couple of expatriates, so not everyone thinks that Thaksin was ousted just because he was corrupt. OK, if we accept the premise, then what is the solution? Apparently, Thaksin is not prepared to come around to offering the kind of apology that he may have been hinted is needed. After all, he didn't listen to good advice from the nation's revered monarch in the past, so why would he consider doing so now? It isn't just a matter of pride. Thaksin is one of those individuals who is not only gifted, but who considers his gifts somewhat more than they are. In short, he has overestimated himself. No unique error there.
The other fly in the highball is that the interim government has all along struggled with trying to get things done but not really getting them done. More than one observer has claled the coup leadership a bunch of old fogies and military strongment - sort of like Burma (we were told). On top of running a government, they are also faced with protests from various interest groups who have been shortchanged by Thai Rak Thai and are now protesting. Why don't the farmers and workers and iTV employees protest against their former elected MPs?
On the main burner, of course, is finding a new finance minister. The one mentioned as a primary candidate, however, is also a former Thaksin confidente, and if he gets appointed, then there may be more popular protests against him.
All of this, of course, does not bode well for FDI (foreign direct investment) or for Thailand's demmocracy which has always been close to the axe anyhow. Let's see what happens between now and Monday.
Why pay to promote Isaan - if TAT doesn't pay?
25 February 2007
In what many may easily view as another incredidle TAT announcement, the organization's Khon Kaen office has announced a new Isaan promotion effort where fifteen Thai-foreign couples in Isaan will be "invited" [at their own cost!] to take a tourism trip organized by TAT through part of Isaan. The TAT states that its objective is to inculcate fond feelings in the expatriates so that they will spread the word and bring more tourists [i.e., MONEY] into Isaan. With TAT statistics themselves citing some 95% of the tourists visiting Isaan to be Thai, one wonders jsut how effective this new campaign might be. To be sure, some time ago when the Roiet governor had his own idea about "Mia Farang" it was quickly seen as a thinly-veiled attempt to make more money from the foreigners in Isaan. We sent the following letter to TAT offices today, and anxiously awat a reply. Readers who agree or disagree, or who wish to comment, plese write to us.
25 February 2007
Director TAT Northeastern office : Region 3 Areas of Responsibility : Khon Kaen, Roi Et and Maha Sarakham 15/5 Prachasamosorn Rd.,Tambon Naimuang, Amphoe Muang, Khon Kaen 40000 Tel. 0 4324 4498-9 Fax. 0 4324 4417 E-mail Address : tatkhkn@tat.or.th
Copy: TAT Central Region office : Region 1 Areas of Responsibility : Kanchanburi, Nakhon Pathom,Ratcha Buri Suphan Buri Saengchuto Rd., Tambon Bannua,Amphoe Muang, Kanchanaburi 71000 Tel. 0 3451 1200,0 3451 2500 Fax. 0 3451 1200 E-mail Address :tatkan@tat.or.th
Dear TAT: This is in regard to your recent announcement in the Bangkok Post where you are going to charge fifteen Thai-foreign couples that accept your invitation for a promotional tour of Isaan. Reference http://www.bangkokpost.net/topstories/topstories.php?id=117018. Over the last eight years, the TAT has never - not once - contacted me or my Korat Thai wife [38 years marriage] to organize any promotion of Isaan, despite us having provided the TAT and other organizations in Thailand with tens of thousands of free copies of the Korat Post, the only local English language newspaper in Isaan [www.thekoratpost.com]. The TAT has never once offered to advertise with us, or to work with us, or to welcome us in helping TAT promote Isaan. The Korat Post was founded in 1999 – this oversight has been going on for more than eight years.
1.The question then becomes, since we already spent some three million Baht trying to promote Korat and Isaan without any TAT assistance, offer of assistance, advertising or coordination, why is TAT now going to charge more foreigners to take a tour of Isaan at TAT invitation?
2. What is the point of charging the foreign-Thai couples to take an invited trip anyhow? There are only fifteen couples according to the TAT announcement, that will be invited to spend their own money. Surely the TAT can afford to sponsor this trip! It is in the interest of TAT and not necessarily of the couples being considered. Charging them is a very poor idea.
3. Knowing that Thais and foreigners are different and may have different marketing concepts, why does TAT seemingly not ever bother consulting with foreigners about such promotions? Surely input by foreigners is important in TAT planning activities aimed at foreigners. Or is it? 4. TAT is also often seen as working hand-in-hand [or at best, turning a blind eye] with unscrupulous tourism operators who charge foreigners often double, triple, or even a factor of ten or one hundred for prices of tours, food, telephone services, etc. If TAT cannot work with the Thai government to stop these harmful charges, how can TAT expect to effectively promote Thailand? Of course many people, Thais and expatriates, want to promote Isaan and see more money reach the area. But unfortunately, one of the problems in the Isaan region is political, where poor people have had their money taken from them in one way or another by local politicians who promise much but deliver little and they are now left with very little. Foreigners living in Isaan have witnessed this over the years and are not likely to tell their friends or family members only nice things or only good news. They are likely to describe things in general.
This charging of foreigners by TAT to help promote TAT interests is a poorly conceived idea and I imagine that many foreigners are shaking their heads saying, “Here we go again.” That is, this repeated attempt to garner more money from foreigners disguised as appreciation for their contribution to Isaan is recognized for what it is. If TAT wishes to look through the www.thekoratpost.com website to see how we have already promoted Isaan over the last eight years, it is welcome to do so. But once again, we remind you that this was all done without any offer of assistance or cooperation from TAT, and that yet, we published many tourism articles, took the trouble to translate TAT notices into English and publish them, to help promote the region. We did this without any desire for any personal return. One of the most attractive things about Isaan that brings foreigners here is the very low cost of living, even compared with the rest of Thailand. That, and the affable Isaan culture that makes having an Isaan wife a comfort. Yet, over the last eight years we have been publishing the Korat Post, we notice that still some 95% of the tourists in Isaan are Thai. Without foreign involvement in tourism development in Isaan, it is not likely that your program will succeed in a timely fashion. This is also to bring to your attention a couple of recent reports of unscrupulous overcharging by a local five star during the 2007 Cope Tiger exercises. Although we are not direct witnesses, we were told by one retailer who the US military had complained to that several US military personnel were charged by their hotel tens of thousands of Baht for both international and local calls when the charges should have been a very small fraction of what they were first represented as. This is not the first time that the hotel has faced such charges. This time, the Thai police were called to the scene and it was reported that the hotel reduced the bills from, for example, 17,000 Baht to less than 2,000. Again, these are verbal reports and we are not sure of the actual details. The important point is that the local hotel did this and that it is not the first time. It creates a poor image of TAT, of Korat, and of Thailand. Not locally, of course, but foreigners will talk to one another. Cobra Gold exercises have been announced, and thousands of foreign military personnel are going to visit Korat for the duration. We hope that the Thai government, including TAT, does not allow these personnel to be cheated or otherwise taken advantage of, and that indeed, the government develops an enforced policy of fair play. We are posting this letter online in our editorial pages, and will be pleased to post your response, if we receive one this time. Sincerely, Frank G Anderson Founder, the Korat Post
Resignation - Paradigm Shift Coming?
22 February 2007
Now that former Thaksin close aide and deputy prime minister and finance minister Somkid Jatusripitak has resigned from his recent appointment as Ambassador of Explanation, the dust is waiting to settle, but there are signs that it may not. Why?
Thailand appears to be in the midst of a paradigm shift, where patronage, a long-established social more, is being not just questioned but turned down outright when it is seen to be the wrong thing to do. In a nation that has been playing follow the leader for centuries, groups and individuals who challenge decisions made by their social and political heavyweights is hard medicine to swallow for most. They are rightly asking when this will stop. And they should. The fear, that is, THEIR fear, is that almost any decision they make will be protested and social divisiveness will force them to back down time and time again without any ending. The solution to this is a simplistic "Well, don't keep making wrong decisions." But although the advice is simplistic in itself, it is also fundamental to Thailand's political and social structure and to its future.
Over the many many years, Thailand/Siam has been able to make decisions with a relatively compliant population. Although the unrest in the southern region of the country is violent and unfair to innocent victims, it is also a symptom of people reacting to unfair and unjust rule, a rule that is not likely to get any better, beinging us to the eventual question as to whether the unrest in the Muslim dominated provinces will ever let up. Given the global Muslim terrorism movement, Thailand's southern region can only be expected to face more and more serious attacks against state and private enterprises and against innocent civilians, but targeting religious and educational facilities deemed to be anti-Islamic.
The examples shown in the south, and the uncovering of corruption there and elsewhere in the country during PAD and political opposition party protests, as well as by others, are repeatedly being opened for criticism in other regions of the country, including Isaan whwere dozens of school fires have occurred and police have compliantly assigned them to electrical short circuits for the most part. Credibility? One Thai reader wrote into Manager Online website webboard that mice must like to chew through new electrical wires, or wires that are not found in the homes of police officials.
Target...Iran?
21 February 2007
With the American military spending in the war in Iraq already heading to the $1 Trillion mark, expenses in world military ventures - and misadventures - do not seem to be bothering the Bush Administration very much. Mention national security and all the worries go away. Now another war front, the third (Afghanistan, Iraq) seems nearly ready to begin - Iran.
That American foreign policy has been a wreck since the beginning of the nation is another realizatino beginning to dawn on the landscape of common sense among those who have open minds and are wondering when the US is going to back off. But now earlier strategic security issues, mostly centered around nuclear proliferation, are clouding the landscape with reactionary knee-jerk preparations despite the negative analyses warning the US not to attack Iran.
Looking back seems not to be an option in Washington war rooms. Back to the Palestinian issue, back to one-sided support of Israel over the decades, back to the illegal Israeli takeover of Arab lands after the Balfour Declaration. Looking forward also seems not to be an option in Washington war rooms. Forward to just how close the United States is, as a result of its lopsided foreign policies, in becoming another Israel, constantly subject to bombings, attacks, terrorism and confusion from the radical left and right. Erosion of American interrests around the world has been occurring for some time, despite our diplomatic corps not being able to either recognize it or to effectively communicate it back to the State Department and policy planners in the Capitol and the Pentagon. Although some may be watching, others are not listening.
The US government needs to reevaluate its options on the one hand and its premises on the other, something it has not appeared very willing to do over the two centuries the United States has been here. Our assumptions, our military interventions, our blinding of our own citizenty to keep them from knowing even a smattering of what has been going on is criminal in the extreme. We ignore our failings but use them to punish those of others.
Thalaind's Intidada
Intifada is defined as a mass or popular uprising or rebellion against an occupation force, specifically by the Palestinians against Israeli troops occupying the Palestinian homeland. The original term originates from Gaza Strip and West Bank Palestinian territories occupied by Israel that experienced the first mass uprising against Israeli occupation after 9 December 1987 after Israel had bombed southern Lebanon and Beirut. It would be only one of many Israel military misadventures, paid for and sponsored by the United States, that would eventually lead to the events of 11 September 2001. But few people were paying attention, and those public personalities who were faced allegations of being anti-Semitic, similar to the McCarthy-era charge of being a communist – sometimes there is no fighting the charge. In a much wider and now necessary to comprehend sense, however, intifada is linked to jihad. Both movements are unique unto themselves, and often highly debated as to exact definitions and scope of activities, as well as being under-appreciated by most analysts and certainly b y the global general public as to where they start and where they are going to stop. For example, after independence is achieved, are armed forces and political machinery going to disband and rest in peace after? Or are these forces even now coalescing into a global entity that means to take over the entire world?
This writer is of a mind to view the latter possibility as more likely, given the global events were are now experiencing and sources of extreme violence currently wrecking havoc on innocent civilian populations, including here in Thailand. Thus, there is now a Thai Intifada in effect. The Thai government has not formally recognized this, and indeed, is hoping that the unrest in the southern provinces is able to be quelled and will dissipate on its own with mutual understandings reached and agreements made. The hope, it is believed, is forlorn as insurgents in southern Thailand are not only upset and seeking revenge, but they are now (1) bent on setting up an independent southern Muslim Union, and (2) have the assistance of various local and global resources, including political and financial, to make their grievances even more effective and their aim even more possible. Jihad, according to Britannica, means an active struggle using armed force whenever necessary. Thus the two, jihad and intifada, must be seen to be related in a larger strategic global sense as one either gives rise to or compliments the other. One is a local struggle, the other a wider principle. In Islam today, the two are now being merged into a strategic game plan for first, independence and autonomy, and secondly for victory and domination. One religion’s will has been interpreted as God’s Will, and today tens of thousands of advocates of Islam’s Eventual Victory are sympathizing, planning, executing and supporting the new gestalt, if you will, of railroading the rest of us with Islamic law, beliefs and perhaps most important to understand, compliance. Under the global strategy, non-compliance will mean death. There is no compromise. This is the new intifada, the new jihad. It is very likely now being implemented in southern Thailand. For those who need to be reminded of the objectives of Muslim extremists in Thailand, they intend to: 1. continue violent campaigns against non-Muslims and sympathizers of non-Muslims in the south; 2. increase the capabilities of local insurgents to cause more death and destruction, with the eventual aim of driving all security forces out of the region and setting up an independent Muslim state. 3. continue and increase cooperation with global insurgents and sponsors of Islamic rule, to the extent that their local objectives will become more viable. The conclusion that can be reached from the above postulations is that the status of southern Thailand is in extreme doubt as to whether it will remain part of the Kingdom of Thailand, and just how long the violence in the south will last and to what extent it needs to be increased before national authorities grant independence and/or recognize the region as an autonomous entity. It is now 2007. With growing insurgency in the south, coupled with increased foreign financial and political assistance, it is likely that by 2015 southern Thailand will once again be an independent nation, as it was prior to Siam taking it over. That’s only eight years from now. Predictions are easy to make, but difficult to make accurately. The forecasting of the future is no one’s particular skill area, but it does need to be given a look at from time to time outside the confines of current policy makers and military strategists who are viewing things from a nationalistic and prejudicial viewpoint of preserving the union, so to speak. If the 2015 estimate is even remotely close, what can be expected in the near future in southern Thailand? Besides points 1-3 above, there will be more bombings, killings, beheadings and facility destruction. Tit-for-tat activities will likely lead to even large-scoped violence against government facilities such as main office buildings and larger public buildings such as shopping centers, theaters, cultural facilities, etc. As to terrorist attacks in Bangkok and other regions of Thailand by Muslim insurgents, one has to first weigh what would be achieved versus what would be lost. This is the crux of the matter, a crux that perhaps Thai military and political planners may not fully comprehend. Nationalist Thai forces – military, political, cultural – see the southern violence as something that can be dealt with. A good attitude but one that may not be practical anymore. If, for example, we accept the surmise that local insurgents do have help and support from abroad – and they do in one form or another – then they are not likely to have limited scope objectives anymore. Hoping that they don’t won’t affect their strategies or methodologies. They may sing to the same music but they won’t dance. That is, they will pretend to be cooperative but their sighs have already been set on a much larger objective – first autonomy for southern Thailand, and secondly, for the longer term, a wider global Islamic empire not unlike that of Mohammed. An Islamic Empire that has nuclear weapons at its disposal and that can now dictate terms to what was before a relatively omnipotent Western civilization. Thai military planners are not yet ready to accept this postulation. They are hoping for something that will not happen – reconciliation. The current Thai prime minister is a Muslim himself, and should understand the depth of commitment in the Thai Intifada. See Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Siamese_Treaty_of_1909
Also note that the 100th anniversary of the Siamese Annexation of the southern province falls on 2009. This date may be ominous.
19 February 2007
Sima Thani Hotel Gets Bad Reports
With the 2007 Cobra Gold exercises now officially announced in the Thai press, one wonders what the fallout will be for foreign visitors coming to Korat this time. In recently-completed Cope Tiger exercises, for example, there were several serious allegations of criminal usury by the Sima Thani hotel. According to one report, a G.I., who made a total of some 25 minutes' calls abroad was charged 17,000 Baht! Another was charged, according to reports, over 6,500 Baht for a very brief call. Of course, the police were called in, and the charges were dropped in both directions, with what one report said was a factor of one in 100! This is not the first time the Sima Thani Hotel, Korat's flagship five star hotel, has been reported to have ripped off foreign military here in Korat. The question is, when will this stop? Or will it?
Our advice to anyone IF this happens at any hotel in Korat - call the police tel. 191. Politely and firmly insist they come over, and call us to come over to take a photo for the headlines.
Chinese New Year
Cherdchai Group of Companies sign near main railway crossing in Korat, 2/17/07. Sign says, "If you possess
little, use little; if you possess a lot, know how to save." A very Chinese proverb about being frugal.
18 February 2007
That the Chinese culture has obtained a dominant foothold in Thailand is a given, and has been for a long time. Ethnic Chinese are no longer a minority in Thailand, but have taken control of government, institutions and cultural organizations across the nation. In Korat, for example, the local business community "is over 96% Chinese." So cultural celebrations that are Chinese in origin are not unusual.
One wonders, however, whether this time in Korat things have gone too far, when large Chinese dragons are placed before Lady Mo monument, virtually obsctructing her from being viewed except through the cultural icons. To this writer's memory, the dragons have not been there before. That they appeared this year seems to be a statement that Chinese is the flavor these days. Nothing wrong with that per se, except if it makes unfair inroads into more traditional local culture that deserves better protection. Just a comment...
Globalization Bottleneck - finally?
17 February 2007
US Recognizing Downside of Globalization Where once before company executives were gloating over how much of an inroad they were making into local markets around the world, these corporate leaders are now beginning to adjust their tune, if not change it, given the backwash of nationalistic and downright unfriendly political reactions by host country nationals who have been watching local mom and pop operations dry up quickly accompanied by an influx of foreign products that have generally replaced local agricultural produce, among much more. A very small local example might illustrate the issue – here in Korat, gateway to northeast Thailand (Isaan) there are plenty of apples on the local market and in supermarkets. Apples from France, from China, America, etc. These apples used to cost, before globalization made itself felt locally, on average fifty Baht each. They now run an average of 50 Baht for 4-6 apples, depending on type and origin. It’s great for the consumer who has the financial means to cope with higher prices and doesn’t depend on a local economy income. But for local producers, especially in the agricultural sector, it’s a death knoll for financial security. If anyone doubts the impact of globalization and higher fuel prices, just look around at the number of customized shipping methods Thais are now using to transport goods from one area to another. Pickup trucks have been outfitted with extensions that permit stacking to ten foot high or more, and well over 3-5 feet beyond the back of the truck. Tapioca shippers have modified their trucks to carry well over 2-3 times what they were originally designed for. Although the political impact of globalization is finally making itself felt in ways that once-deaf and blind free economy radicals ignored, the recognition is perhaps muted at best and even blind-sided by traditional cultural bottlenecks. Paul Kasiriel, Chicago-based Northwest Trust Company economist, was quoted in the 17 February 2007 issue of the Christian Science Monitor as saying, in regard to adjustments that the west needs to make, “The real key is to take advantage of our educational system to acquire higher-value skills” and the jobs that go with them. This solution is not the solution, however. Thailand’s monarch King Bhumibol Adulyadej several years ago advocated an ages-old idea that the native American Indian advocated – sufficient economy, and associated closely with it, sufficient living. The problem with what has been generally viewed as western consumerism but which is really only one of thousands of global consumer syndromes is that it depends on constant and growing demand for more services and more products, ignoring the need to balance global resources and to preserve them, as well as to safely and efficiently recycle them. This is not a western phenomenon. It is not privy to the United States or to the United Kingdom or to Saudi Arabia, Thailand or Laos, etc. The principle that has been wrongly adapted by most of the world’s movers and shakers, and its consumers, is that the world has to keep consuming and even increasing consumption. It has been stated that this is for the cause of growth and prosperity, but of whose? The endless cycle of producing and consuming more and more does good only for those who benefit from it, not to those in general who suffer from its consequences. Yet, it is the former who have political and economic clout, who are able to guide our societies into wars and ventures where our feet do not belong, such as the current US imbroglio in Iraq. Dwight D. Eisenhower, World War 2 Allied Commander and later president of the United States, warned an unheeding corporate and government union that the military-industrial complex was an enemy that could put us to ruin if we were not wary. He might have also included the political complex that rides the same horse as the other two.
Thalaind's Intidada
Intifada is defined as a mass or popular uprising or rebellion against an occupation force, specifically by the Palestinians against Israeli troops occupying the Palestinian homeland. The original term originates from Gaza Strip and West Bank Palestinian territories occupied by Israel that experienced the first mass uprising against Israeli occupation after 9 December 1987 after Israel had bombed southern Lebanon and Beirut. It would be only one of many Israel military misadventures, paid for and sponsored by the United States, that would eventually lead to the events of 11 September 2001. But few people were paying attention, and those public personalities who were faced allegations of being anti-Semitic, similar to the McCarthy-era charge of being a communist – sometimes there is no fighting the charge. In a much wider and now necessary to comprehend sense, however, intifada is linked to jihad. Both movements are unique unto themselves, and often highly debated as to exact definitions and scope of activities, as well as being under-appreciated by most analysts and certainly b y the global general public as to where they start and where they are going to stop. For example, after independence is achieved, are armed forces and political machinery going to disband and rest in peace after? Or are these forces even now coalescing into a global entity that means to take over the entire world? This writer is of a mind to view the latter possibility as more likely, given the global events were are now experiencing and sources of extreme violence currently wrecking havoc on innocent civilian populations, including here in Thailand. Thus, there is now a Thai Intifada in effect. The Thai government has not formally recognized this, and indeed, is hoping that the unrest in the southern provinces is able to be quelled and will dissipate on its own with mutual understandings reached and agreements made. The hope, it is believed, is forlorn as insurgents in southern Thailand are not only upset and seeking revenge, but they are now (1) bent on setting up an independent southern Muslim Union, and (2) have the assistance of various local and global resources, including political and financial, to make their grievances even more effective and their aim even more possible. Jihad, according to Britannica, means an active struggle using armed force whenever necessary. Thus the two, jihad and intifada, must be seen to be related in a larger strategic global sense as one either gives rise to or compliments the other. One is a local struggle, the other a wider principle. In Islam today, the two are now being merged into a strategic game plan for first, independence and autonomy, and secondly for victory and domination. One religion’s will has been interpreted as God’s Will, and today tens of thousands of advocates of Islam’s Eventual Victory are sympathizing, planning, executing and supporting the new gestalt, if you will, of railroading the rest of us with Islamic law, beliefs and perhaps most important to understand, compliance. Under the global strategy, non-compliance will mean death. There is no compromise. This is the new intifada, the new jihad. It is very likely now being implemented in southern Thailand. For those who need to be reminded of the objectives of Muslim extremists in Thailand, they intend to: 1. continue violent campaigns against non-Muslims and sympathizers of non-Muslims in the south; 2. increase the capabilities of local insurgents to cause more death and destruction, with the eventual aim of driving all security forces out of the region and setting up an independent Muslim state. 3. continue and increase cooperation with global insurgents and sponsors of Islamic rule, to the extent that their local objectives will become more viable. The conclusion that can be reached from the above postulations is that the status of southern Thailand is in extreme doubt as to whether it will remain part of the Kingdom of Thailand, and just how long the violence in the south will last and to what extent it needs to be increased before national authorities grant independence and/or recognize the region as an autonomous entity. It is now 2007. With growing insurgency in the south, coupled with increased foreign financial and political assistance, it is likely that by 2015 southern Thailand will once again be an independent nation, as it was prior to Siam taking it over. That’s only eight years from now. Predictions are easy to make, but difficult to make accurately. The forecasting of the future is no one’s particular skill area, but it does need to be given a look at from time to time outside the confines of current policy makers and military strategists who are viewing things from a nationalistic and prejudicial viewpoint of preserving the union, so to speak. If the 2015 estimate is even remotely close, what can be expected in the near future in southern Thailand? Besides points 1-3 above, there will be more bombings, killings, beheadings and facility destruction. Tit-for-tat activities will likely lead to even large-scoped violence against government facilities such as main office buildings and larger public buildings such as shopping centers, theaters, cultural facilities, etc. As to terrorist attacks in Bangkok and other regions of Thailand by Muslim insurgents, one has to first weigh what would be achieved versus what would be lost. This is the crux of the matter, a crux that perhaps Thai military and political planners may not fully comprehend. Nationalist Thai forces – military, political, cultural – see the southern violence as something that can be dealt with. A good attitude but one that may not be practical anymore. If, for example, we accept the surmise that local insurgents do have help and support from abroad – and they do in one form or another – then they are not likely to have limited scope objectives anymore. Hoping that they don’t won’t affect their strategies or methodologies. They may sing to the same music but they won’t dance. That is, they will pretend to be cooperative but their sighs have already been set on a much larger objective – first autonomy for southern Thailand, and secondly, for the longer term, a wider global Islamic empire not unlike that of Mohammed. An Islamic Empire that has nuclear weapons at its disposal and that can now dictate terms to what was before a relatively omnipotent Western civilization. Thai military planners are not yet ready to accept this postulation. They are hoping for something that will not happen – reconciliation. The current Thai prime minister is a Muslim himself, and should understand the depth of commitment in the Thai Intifada. See Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Siamese_Treaty_of_1909
19 February 2007
Sima Thani Hotel Gets Bad Reports
With the 2007 Cobra Gold exercises now officially announced in the Thai press, one wonders what the fallout will be for foreign visitors coming to Korat this time. In recently-completed Cope Tiger exercises, for example, there were several serious allegations of criminal usury by the Sima Thani hotel. According to one report, a G.I., who made a total of some 25 minutes' calls abroad was charged 17,000 Baht! Another was charged, according to reports, over 6,500 Baht for a very brief call. Of course, the police were called in, and the charges were dropped in both directions, with what one report said was a factor of one in 100! This is not the first time the Sima Thani Hotel, Korat's flagship five star hotel, has been reported to have ripped off foreign military here in Korat. The question is, when will this stop? Or will it?
Our advice to anyone IF this happens at any hotel in Korat - call the police tel. 191. Politely and firmly insist they come over, and call us to come over to take a photo for the headlines.
Chinese New Year
Cherdchai Group of Companies sign near main railway crossing in Korat, 2/17/07. Sign says, "If you possess
little, use little; if you possess a lot, know how to save." A very Chinese proverb about being frugal.
18 February 2007
That the Chinese culture has obtained a dominant foothold in Thailand is a given, and has been for a long time. Ethnic Chinese are no longer a minority in Thailand, but have taken control of government, institutions and cultural organizations across the nation. In Korat, for example, the local business community "is over 96% Chinese." So cultural celebrations that are Chinese in origin are not unusual.
One wonders, however, whether this time in Korat things have gone too far, when large Chinese dragons are placed before Lady Mo monument, virtually obsctructing her from being viewed except through the cultural icons. To this writer's memory, the dragons have not been there before. That they appeared this year seems to be a statement that Chinese is the flavor these days. Nothing wrong with that per se, except if it makes unfair inroads into more traditional local culture that deserves better protection. Just a comment...
Globalization Bottleneck - finally?
17 February 2007
US Recognizing Downside of Globalization Where once before company executives were gloating over how much of an inroad they were making into local markets around the world, these corporate leaders are now beginning to adjust their tune, if not change it, given the backwash of nationalistic and downright unfriendly political reactions by host country nationals who have been watching local mom and pop operations dry up quickly accompanied by an influx of foreign products that have generally replaced local agricultural produce, among much more. A very small local example might illustrate the issue – here in Korat, gateway to northeast Thailand (Isaan) there are plenty of apples on the local market and in supermarkets. Apples from France, from China, America, etc. These apples used to cost, before globalization made itself felt locally, on average fifty Baht each. They now run an average of 50 Baht for 4-6 apples, depending on type and origin. It’s great for the consumer who has the financial means to cope with higher prices and doesn’t depend on a local economy income. But for local producers, especially in the agricultural sector, it’s a death knoll for financial security. If anyone doubts the impact of globalization and higher fuel prices, just look around at the number of customized shipping methods Thais are now using to transport goods from one area to another. Pickup trucks have been outfitted with extensions that permit stacking to ten foot high or more, and well over 3-5 feet beyond the back of the truck. Tapioca shippers have modified their trucks to carry well over 2-3 times what they were originally designed for. Although the political impact of globalization is finally making itself felt in ways that once-deaf and blind free economy radicals ignored, the recognition is perhaps muted at best and even blind-sided by traditional cultural bottlenecks. Paul Kasiriel, Chicago-based Northwest Trust Company economist, was quoted in the 17 February 2007 issue of the Christian Science Monitor as saying, in regard to adjustments that the west needs to make, “The real key is to take advantage of our educational system to acquire higher-value skills” and the jobs that go with them. This solution is not the solution, however. Thailand’s monarch King Bhumibol Adulyadej several years ago advocated an ages-old idea that the native American Indian advocated – sufficient economy, and associated closely with it, sufficient living. The problem with what has been generally viewed as western consumerism but which is really only one of thousands of global consumer syndromes is that it depends on constant and growing demand for more services and more products, ignoring the need to balance global resources and to preserve them, as well as to safely and efficiently recycle them. This is not a western phenomenon. It is not privy to the United States or to the United Kingdom or to Saudi Arabia, Thailand or Laos, etc. The principle that has been wrongly adapted by most of the world’s movers and shakers, and its consumers, is that the world has to keep consuming and even increasing consumption. It has been stated that this is for the cause of growth and prosperity, but of whose? The endless cycle of producing and consuming more and more does good only for those who benefit from it, not to those in general who suffer from its consequences. Yet, it is the former who have political and economic clout, who are able to guide our societies into wars and ventures where our feet do not belong, such as the current US imbroglio in Iraq. Dwight D. Eisenhower, World War 2 Allied Commander and later president of the United States, warned an unheeding corporate and government union that the military-industrial complex was an enemy that could put us to ruin if we were not wary. He might have also included the political complex that rides the same horse as the other two.
Real Democratic Change in Thailand?
15 February 2007
Those who watch Thai language TV were suprised yesterday to see Channel 11, MCOT (Thailand's Public Relations Department TV) co-broadcasting Sondhi Limthongkul's ASTV Channel 1 political commentary at the same time it was being aired on ASTV. What was going on? Opposition political comments here in Thailand while a sitting government was standing by listening? Under Thaksin, this would have been totally unheard of, of course. In a sense that was what precipitated Sondhi's rise to national media fame - Thaksin's clamping down on Sondhi's TV broadcasts back then on Channel 9. When Sondhi was taken off the national airwaves, he began beaming from a Hong Kong satellite hookup.
Expatriates have been complaining and complaining about elected Thaksin being removed from power because he was supposedly elected democratically. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Rather than a democratic election, Thaksin's victory was an exercise in vote buying, cheating, incitement and cowering of ignorant and gullible people who knew almost nothing about any of the important issues that would later bring them ruin out of Thaksin's machinations. And as to we Americans who complain about Thaksin being ousted, look what our own democratic ally elected setup has gotten us - a warmongering idiot who will not listen not reason.
Global Power Shift Underway
12 February 2007
Russia's Putin has put it straight to the liar's face - use of force is going out of fashion. Of course, coming from a national leader whose own use of force in his own region was certainly as lethal as anything Bush has handed out is to be understood as hardly more than hyocrisy at best.
Letter to the US Senate
5 February 2007
Senator John McCain241 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-2235Fax: (202) 228-2862 Cc: Senator Joseph Lieberman706 Hart Office Building Washington, DC 20510(202) 224-4041 Voice(202) 224-9750 Fax
Dear United States Senators:
Sadly, your resolution to continue the fight in Iraq is a blindsided effort to continue in the guise of our 60’s and 70’s errors in Vietnam – the wrong place, the wrong mission, the wrong results. Even before illegally invading Iraq, President Bush Jr./the Administration were warned over and over again that such an invasion was not only unjustified, but that it would destabilize the Middle East and even beyond. Sadly, this prediction has come to pass. The entire world is now a hotbed of destabilization, and the extent and scope of threats – imminent and long-term – that the United States and its allies face around the world is a panoply of world reaction to United States’ misadventures, this time initiated and prolonged by the Bush Administration. Despite our previous efforts in Vietnam to prolong an artificial French separation of a once-monolithic nation, the country today has proven not to have weakened regional or world stability. Yet, it was a target of US interference, bombing and yes, even war crimes in the guise of Agent Orange and other actions. Despite the efforts by Americans living abroad who are outside the diplomatic corps and who not only are much more willing to voice concerns and to recognize dangers than their diplomatic and political counterparts, the United States Congress continues to carry on with rationale and box-office style patriotic appeals to fight on in Iraq. Our nation’s original mission in Iraq – to stop imminent threats to the United States (which did not exist) and to locate and destroy weapons of mass destruction (some which we produced and sold to Iraq!) – is a failure. In addition, it is a criminal act. The United States did not have authority for the invasion, nor did it have justification for it. That our nation has once again wronged another is undeniable. And now that a gross miscalculation was carried out, and we are now on our way to at least 4,000 American troops dying in Iraq, we still cite patriotism as reasons for continuing this farce. Patriotism has nothing to do with Iraq. Sending of patriotic men and women there in uniform to fight a wrongful battle is a moral and strategic error. The problem now, of course, is that the destabilization predicted before Bush invaded Iraq has now taken place and if we pull out of Iraq, there is a strong possibility of even Iran taking over much of the control there and of the birth of a nuclear Islamic state happening. Despite Ward Churchill’s many inaccuracies, none have so wronged our young men and women as sending them into a Hell created by Washington political expediencies that have now become almost necessities. Vietnam was an expensive failure, and Iraq is an expensive failure. Not only expensive financially, but expensive in the misery caused, lives lost, societies destabilized and misdirected militant rationale of those many of whom really have no idea how the other half of the world lives. The solution to Iraq is now much more unpleasant than it was when we still had the option of Leaving Saddam Hussein in power. Now we can continue fighting a losing battle or pull out. If we continue, where do we draw the line? If we pull out, the vacuum we leave will be filled probably by Islamic fascists. This is not the fault of Saddam Hussein, but of President George W. Bush. Senators, with the deepest respect and sincerest hope for peace in Iraq, I urge you, rather than citing support for US troops in Iraq, that you come out and say it like it is – the resolution you propose is not to support the troops but to side with the Administration in pursuing a wrongful Iraq policy. What is the solution in Iraq? Reinstate Saddam’s former political/military base leadership and have them retake control of their own county with US/allied oversight. This solution may seem initially unpleasant, but given the extent of opposition to the war that is certain to snowball now, and given the weak disposition of our “dream team” type reformers inside Iraq, we really have no choice. The solution to a wrongful action necessarily bypasses the prevention-cure argument, nor must we adopt a “Let the chips fall where they may” rationale. Getting the former Iraqi political machinery back up and running in coordination with the current government is the only solution, it appears, for a stable Iraq not in the hands of an Islamic fascism. In summary, there are two main solutions to the war in Iraq: first, restore the political machinery that was there before we entered; secondly, in 2008, to elect a different president for our country and to punish the one who erred so grievously on a wide variety of fronts.
Sincerely, Frank G Anderson
Will he be back?
4 February 2007
If former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has underscored anything since his ouster on 19 September 2006, it's that in Thailand things seem not about to change - ever. With increasing talk of the former premier returning, and quipping in a Time Magazine interview that he would call his new party the "Enjoy Life Party," Thaksin has been very public about his confidence level that he and his ilk might return to power in the kingdom. According to Thaksin - and anyone else who has experienced Thailand below the illusionary surface - corruption is part of the system and will always be here. Thaksin might just as well have admitted to being unethical and having no interest in ethics or morality - that is, unless they get him a bad press. But then instead of reforming his behavior and that of his subordinates, Thaksin goes on witch hunts and makes sure that the press keeps its mouth shut. Under his rule, here in Korat region three police commissioner Sataphorn Laowthong sent the local gendarmes into the Mall's Se-Ed bookstore to track down anti-Thaksin CDs marketed by Thaiday.com, owned by media magnate Sondhi Limthongkul. Thaksin is very much like Nixon - don't the names have a ring to them? - whereby they use(d) state authority to hunt down perceived and real enemies of their policies or practices. Cheney in the US is allegedly keeping "pro vs. con" lists of media to help the Bush PR effort. Thaksin has been cited as having done considerable good for the poor, or at least having given many of them something they never had before - money. But hand-outs are much more expensive than a dime a dozen: most of us are aware that without earning something, when you get it there is a high likelihood of it going to waste. This is basically what happened to the village one million Baht funds. That the 30 Baht health care system is popular and is still being retained is not so much a testament to Thaksin’s overall performance as it is of his ability to convince the majority – using minority actions – that he is the best man for the job. In fact, it seems as if Thailand does not have a best man for the job. Why are good men here so difficult to find? And why are honest men near impossible to find?
2 February 2007
The shocking beheading of an ice cream vendor in Pattani province, in a so-called red zone where Islamic fascism/insurgency is very active bespeaks of a horrible darkness in many hearts. That someone so innocent could be so easily killed by those so blatantly professing belief in a merciful God and simultaneously violating His commandment "Do not kill" is a testiment to the separation of mankind from any god if there is one. That people could be so fundamenetally violent, and to adhere to the psyche of this religious movement, is beyond comprehension. Barbaric? It is beyond that. Atavastic? Beyond even that. Evil? Perhaps. Perhaps it is Evil loosened, and we just have not admitted it. The question is, however, who is Evil and who not? That, and where is God?
2001's events underscored existing conditions and relationships that were, perhaps, no longer going to be tolerated. The balance of power that was may becokme a thing of the past. Globally, nations over the next fifty years are likely to fall and change greatly, under pressure from vilence and from rot within. Thailand is currently facing such changes.
1February 2007
Sufficient economy, or in phonetics ‘setakit phopieng,’ is a system of economy first attributed to Thailand’s monarch H.M. Bhumibol Adulyadej, who on 4 December 1997 gave a birthday speech using the concept whereby (see this link - http://chaipat.or.th/chaipat/journal/aug99/eng/self.html) people could be comfortable and have enough without falling into destitution or bad times where they would not have enough to eat, a place to live, etc. However, whether the Thai people can ever adhere to the principles is another major issue well worthy of contention.
For example, the first of the five principles His Majesty cited was to live a frugal lifestyle. This is always wise advice, but in Thai society, frugality is not an honored tradition – despite what appearances may seem. Those without money are likely to remain without it because of lack of discipline in personal habits. Rather than do without so that money can be accumulated, they would rather get as much as t hey can and try to borrow to get the rest. Thailand’s post-Thaksinomics, however, may mandate by default the practice of frugality if only for the reason that there is just nothing left there not to be frugal with – that is, resources have been squandered to the extent where there is not enough left for anyone. The second principle, to be true to yourself and to be honest, is an almost impossible ideal for Thai society as a whole. This sounds harsh and even close-by prejudiced, but ask yourself just how many honest Thai people you know. I have a conversation earlier with the power-that-is AT HOME and brought up the idea that the reason most Thai actors are pretty bad (direction also plays a part) is that to be a good actor you have to have a basic regard for truth and honesty, to know what they are, and to emphasize them. When you don’t know what they are, and when you don’t care for them, it then becomes difficult on-screen for you to cause others to believe that you are indeed the person you are pretending to be – because you don’t know how to pretend to be true to yourself, even if ‘yourself’ is a fictional character you are trying to play. The third principle His Majesty advocated, to stop selfish competition and taking advantage of others, is again a wise and sage piece of advice, but it asks people who’s primary mission in life seems to be to take advantage of others. The fourth principle was to not give up attempting to find ways to pull oneself out of hardship conditions. This is an echo of our own earlier experience. We fell into very hard times – no job, nothing to eat, no money, no friends….but in keeping faith and working together, despite being poor and destitute, we stuck with it and eventually came out of the pitfall that we had in life and made good later. This is not an easy task to accomplish, but if you go to the temple to make merit, and the first things you are for are riches – and this is usually what people ask for here in Thailand – then you can not expect the principle of standing on your own honestly to be employed. The fifth principle was to refrain from being greedy and to act with morality. Again, a dead-end in Thailand. Society has become so engrained with short-term personal gain and to heck with others in the process that refraining from greed cannot even be recognized anymore – the line between greed and basic survival, even, has been eroded. In the past, Thailand has been on the precipice of becoming extremely rich and an economic powerhouse. But greed, lack of morality, giving up and expecting someone else to pull you out, taking advantage of others and other things, not being true to oneself or honest, and living a frugal lifestyle just are not part and parcel of the Thai ethic. There is also a fundamental absence of ability in society to learn these ethics and to spread them. The old adage about leading a horse to water but not being able to make him drink applies so much to Thailand…
30 January 2007
Wasaputi smiles at his going away party in Korat. Someone there said, "He's a good
friend of the Sangha."
Despite not having been in Korat during 2006, and despite not remembering (according to his own words to the press) what he did in Phuket as governor there for three years), Korat's most recent former governor Pongpayome Wasaputi, now Ministry of Interior Permanent Secretary (palat krasuang), now finds himself elected by a local media group as Man of the Year 2006. A party scheduled to go through media fanfare on 28 February 2007 will highlight Wasaputi's contributions to Korat and to Thai society as a whole.
Before he left Korat to take up his new post, Wasaputi was called "a friend of the Sangha." This was reportedly because of events that transpired at Watpa Salawan between 24 October 2004 and the remainer of 2005. During this time, Wasaputi 'stayed away' from the human rights violations taking place at the temple and even had the temerity to suggest to the owners of this newspaper that instead of being protected from violence and intimidation and incitement, they find another temple to worship at.
So much for Man of the Year 2006!
In a country so occupied with favorable self-imagery and lauding of one honor after another on people of supposed rank and prestige - despite underlying absence of ethical behavior or firm beliefs in the dignity of all,it may not be much of an issue to consider human rights violations. After all, they happen all the time, around the world, t here are a lot worse things happening in that regard than just a few people being maltreated by Sangha-supported agents. But this isn't around the world - it's Korat, and you would think that with a claimed reputation for tolerance and understanding and belief in human dignity, Thai officials would take special steps to safeguard human rights when violations become obvious. But this is not the case.
Pongpayome Wasaputi is a government official who is typical of the Thai motif. Welcomed at social gatherings and ceremonies, even begged to preside over them, he may represent a Thai shortcoming insofar as knowing where to draw the ethical line goes. Rather than address the issue head-on when it arises, he can be deemed to avoid it. After all, it's not what's important that's important, but what is being done at the moment (which will passs quickly) that's important. That is to say, don't really commit yourself to righting wrongs, but gloss over them and get them out of the discussion so the next topic can also become subject to useless fanagling.
Should anyone expect Thailand to pull out of its ethical morass, even after the 19 September 2006 coup, some mental readjustment is necessary? Although partly caught up in a global erosion of moral and ethical values, Thailand has succeeded on its own quite well in quelling reform needed in society to bring about needed changes in ethical outlook and moral approach to one situatino after another. In a sense, one could then argue that it's not the fault of a single individual, but because he or she is a product of society, then all of us need to be more forgiving and forgetful. This works in Thailand, socially. But it is wreaking havoc on society and on the country at large. There are few ethicists who would argue, for example, that Suwat Liptapanlop should be welcomed open arms back into the political fold. But that's what is certain to occur. By now TRT and its former officials have likely assessed the current climate and determined that much more feet dragging and enough public confidence will have eroded for TRT to make a comeback, either as TRT or a disguised clone. The same people, the same problems.
27 January 2007
During a conversation with fellow expatriates yesterday, the comment was made by one that “The king liked Thaksin.” Countered to that were several allegations, first made by Sondhi Limthongkul, Thaksin’s former business partner, media tycoon and Thaksin’s worst nightmare, that Thaksin was insulting the monarchy and even trying to get rid of any power or authority it had, hoping to replace it totally with a parliamentarian form of government. Still other conversations ensued, some claiming that both the king and the Chairman of the Privy Council were behind the 19 September 2006 military-led coup that ousted Thaksin from power. It is certain that only a very few people really know what was what when the Army took control last year. Others might be so-called 100% sure but don’t have access to the Inner Circles that possibly brought about the coup in the first place. As we have said earlier, expatriates who do not read Thai or who are not otherwise fluent enough to listen to Thai news broadcasts and analysis, as well as everyone who does not have access to non-government controlled media such as ASTV – owned and operated by Sondhi Limthongkul – are not privy to important information, opinions, facts, analyses and developments that are on the news almost every day. Our English language confinement means that despite what we hear and talk about, we are missing much more than what we see or hear. Based on this lack of information, it then behooves us to consider that perhaps those expatriates who are versed in the Thai language on the one hand, but equally important, who have access to non-government information sources and who use that access are likely to have a more comprehensive opinion regarding political and other developments in Thailand. Current United States Ambassador to Thailand Ralph Boyce is one of these people with multilingual and very good capabilities in Thai language (although he was never with the Peace Corps), who can assess local developments and understand more involved assessments in Thai language. This capability makes huge differences in perception of events that many expatriates may be interested in but who perhaps lack sufficient language capability to fully comprehend or follow. Summarizing the 19 September 2006 coup: 1. It was carried out by the Thai Army, with close coordination with the powerful national police – the latter still closely attached with the former prime minister. 2. It was prompted by several developments, not all of them coordinated. For example, perhaps the earliest effort was made by Sondhi Limthongkul. The pressures then gathered steam when the TRT government maintained its hugely expensive and wasteful populist policies on the one hand, and subverted human and civil rights on the other – as well as other subterfuges of the spirit and letter of the 1997 Thai Constitution. 3. Other groups then joined the anti-Thaksin movement, not only because of ASTV and Sondhi Limthongkul, but because of facts that became ever more apparent through constantly increasing release of information that Thaksin was trying to keep quiet. The current horror of the Suvannabhumi airport – which may or may not have to be shut down – is only one example. 4. There are strong rumors [and even “It is fact.”] amongst the Thai public that the nation’s monarch and the President of the Privy Council were behind the coup. This is strictly a conjecture. In Thailand such an allegation possibly would be itself grounds for charges because it would place the revered monarchy in contention with the government per se. In fact, it was this point that the Thaksin-led government used to prosecute two Far Eastern Economic Report reporters/editors who several years ago wrote in an article alleging tension between the Royal Household and Thaksin. Subsequent developments have, of course, certainly revealed that Thaksin was overstepping the line on several occasions – not even addressing the corruption issues – and that like other demagogues who came before had to be dealt with. 5. As to the upcoming new Constitution to replace with abrogated 1997 model, most democracy-leaning expatriates will cite the inappropriateness of giving up the Constitution with the 2006 coup. Some light needs to be shed on this. That the former Constitution was perhaps the best one that Thailand had come up with over the country’s history is widely accepted as fact. That there were so many loopholes that were used by the TRT government to gain unscrupulous vested interests on an unprecedented scale is also widely accepted, and was a reason that the 1997 Constitution in and of itself was insufficient to safeguard democracy in Thailand. Reviewing the complaints of the minor political parties in Thailand, especially the highly-respected Democrat Party, will reveal this. The question then arose as to how to amend the existing constitution to provide such rights and protections, while at the same time putting brakes on super-levels of corruption and wasteful populist governance in Thailand. If the Constitution had not been abrogated, it would have thus still been in effect and measures determined by the NSC to make needed changes in the nation’s legal system would not have been possible as one legal suit against another would have impeded necessary changes. Thaksin was already demonstrating this during his incumbency by throwing or arranging for throwing one hugely expensive suit after another against his opponents. 6. The other aspect which has perhaps not yet been made overly clear in Thailand is that for the foreseeable future – at least 50-100 years – Thailand’s system of governance is not likely to be amended to be truly democratic, unless – and it is a bit unless – there is enough benevolence in circles of the powers-that-be and the powers-behind-them to allow democracy to really flourish in Thailand. In western aspects, this would mean that the new Constitution of 2007 would have to underwrite some provision that the military must remain separate from government. And this is not likely to happen. The military has always been seen as an extension of the monarchy to protect the monarchy and the people. This is one of the aspects that led to the 19 September 2006 coup – the monarchy and the people were both viewed (and were) under threat. 7. Western governments and others that sponsor democracy have expressed dismay at developments in Thailand that led to the September 2006 coup. Strictly in terms of democracy, yes, there are huge and justified misgivings. But the question is what would anyone else do? Thailand is not the United States nor is it Burma. It has a unique socio-cultural matrix that produces its political makeup. Understanding all aspects of what occurred and why, and options to prevent it again, is essential and difficult for those who are not versed in the local language.
22 January 2007
The following letter was sent today in response to an "I don't care" letter from a lady in Atlanta who, like many Americans, has missed the point about Iraq - we should not be there. The original incoming email is included.
22 January 2007 There was an email in my box this morning quoting a letter re. Iraq attributed to you. I have posted my reply to the sender, and wish to copy you on it as well. If you did not originate the said letter, my deepest apologies. Sincerely, Frank G Anderson Thailand 22 January 2007 Lack of tolerance and lack of respect for each other - and each other's values - is what it's all about. When you cease caring, no matter who you are, you have lost perspective and the ability to think - and act - rationally. This is one reason Bush went into Iraq. It was irrational, he didn't care, and now thousands of Americans have died because of this intolerant approach to foreign policy. Bin Laden also didn't care. Rather than not caring, we should ask whether Iraq was the right place at the right time. The answer is clear. Bush got his revenge. All it took was three thousand American lives, and yes, tens and tens of thousands of dead Iraqis. But does anyone care? Apparently one person does not, and our government continues with this horrible farce. Feelings like this need direction - toward Congress, toward the White House, toward the media, to extricate our brave soldiers from an event that had nothing to do with 9/11. Laying it on the line is one thing - being appropriate and fair is sometimes another. FGA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- Original Message ----- From: : WOW ........ is this laying it on the line or what? WOW ........ is this laying it on the line or what? The lady who wrote this letter is Pam Foster of Pamela Foster and Associates in Atlanta . She's been in business since 1980 doing interior design and home planning. She recently wrote a letter to a family member serving in Iraq ....... Read it! "Are we fighting a war on terror or aren't we? Was it or was it not started by Islamic people who brought it to our shores on September 11, 2001 ? Were people from all over the world, mostly Americans, not brutally murdered that day, in downtown Manhattan , across the Potomac from our nation's capitol and in a field in Pennsylvania ? Did nearly three thousand men, women and children die a horrible, burning or crushing death that day, or didn't they? And I'm supposed to care that a copy of the Koran was "desecrated" when an overworked American soldier kicked it or got it wet? Well, I don't. I don't care at all. I'll start caring when Osama bin Laden turns himself in and repents for incinerating all those innocent people on 9/11. I'll care about the Koran when the fanatics in the Middle East start caring about the Holy Bible, the mere possession of which is a crime in Saudi Arabia I'll care when Abu Musab al-Zarqawi tells the world he is sorry for hacking off Nick Berg's head while Berg screamed through his gurgling slashed throat. I'll care when the cowardly so-called "insurgents" in Iraq come out and fight like men instead of disrespecting their own religion by hiding in mosques. I'll care when the mindless zealots who blow themselves up in search of nirvana care about the innocent children within range of their suicide bombs. I'll care when the American media stops pretending that their First Amendment liberties are somehow derived from international law instead of the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights. In the meantime, when I hear a story about a brave marine roughing up an Iraqi terrorist to obtain information, know this: I don't care. When I see a fuzzy photo of a pile of naked Iraqi prisoners who have been humiliated in what amounts to a college-hazing incident, rest assured that I don't care. When I hear that a prisoner, who was issued a Koran and a prayer mat, and fed "special" food that is paid for by my tax dollars, is complaining that his holy book is being "mishandled," you can absolutely believe in your heart of hearts that I don't care. And oh, by the way, I've noticed that sometimes it's spelled "Koran" and other times "Quran." Well, Jimmy Crack Corn and ---- you guessed it - - I don't care ! ! ! ! ! If you agree with this viewpoint, pass this on to all your e-mail friends. Sooner or later, it'll get to the people responsible for this ridiculous behavior! If you don't agree, then by all means hit the delete button. Should you choose the latter, then please don't complain when more atrocities committed by radical Muslims happen here in our great country. I am not deleting this, I am sending it on, but only after I add: --"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." -- Ronald Reagan I have another quote that I would like to add AND....... I hope you forward this such as I have. "If we ever forget that we're One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under." also by... Ronald Reagan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Need a quick answer? Get one in minutes from people who know. Ask your question on Yahoo! Answers. Make hay while the sun shines! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Looking for earth-friendly autos? Browse Top Cars by "Green Rating" at Yahoo! Autos' Green Center.
18 January 2007
"Lady" Potchaman seen on 18 January 2007, with local government officials fawning over her.
Photo from Manager Online.
The Lady and the Tramp?
Thaksin Shinawatra's wife Lady Potchaman braved Korat waters today with a visit to Chokechai district ostensibly to pay respect to a statue of King Naresuan the Great in a victory commemoration ceremony. Thousands of locals and of course, government officials, waded in together to see the former prime minister's wife do the honors. She apparently did not give an interview and thus no one was able to ask, "Where's your husband?"
Thaksin gave an interview on CNN recently - an interview that Thailand's military censors seemed to have weaseled UBC into overwriting with a separate broadcast - where he swore before the world that he only had Thailand's best interests at heart and that he only wanted to do good for the country. With a litany of gullible people listening to this diatribe, it is no wonder that his wife was brave enough to drop into Chokechai district today possibly to let it be known that local election candidates to be elected during the next parliamentary elections should be those that the TRT machinery - even if it is supposedly disassembled - chooses. The message is not likely to be lost to blind eyes or deaf ears. With Khunying Potchaman also facing criminal charges, one yet wonders just how far this group of zealous greedmeisters can once again make inroads into a weak political infrastructure nearly destroyed by TRT machinations. Time will tell. But anyone who naievely expected Thailand to undergo democratic transformation once Thaksin left within a reasonable time period will be disappointed. However,let's see what the new charter drafters come up with and what kind of loopholes later develop when the constitution is formally promulgated.
15 January 2007
More Political Upheaval Coming to the Land of Smiles
"They just don't get it." might explain, simplistically, why political clouds now gathering momentum in Thailand are at once unwelcome but inevitable. Just as US President Bush barged into Iraq with military might to first become victorious and then to meet head-on opposition that can’t be crushed, Thailand’s military junta stepped in to remove an elected-if-highly corrupt government on 19 September 2006, perhaps expecting that things would not be too difficult to handle and that “proper” changes could be effected. Like Bush, they may have miscalculated completely, despite good intentions. That old saying, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” applies in Thailand today like no other phrase applies. As hinted in these pages in the past, it is Thai society and the lack of ethics in Thai culture in general that acts as a bottleneck for genuine democratic development in the country. There are just too many crooks, opportunists, ignorant and greedy people, selfish as well, to allow needed changes to become reality. Too many people with selfish interests are involved in stopping criticism, change and reform before they are given a fair chance. Of course there are sincere efforts to bring about certain types of reform, but the fundamental problems of the country, that arose from society itself, are not likely to be resolved by this government, just as they were not resolved by the government before it or the one before that, et. al. Does this mean that Thai society is doomed? For the short-term (50 years +/-), yet. One a micro-social level, positive changes and temporary fixes may become evident, but on the macro-social level, these will conflict with forces that demand part of the action at the expense of benefit to overall society. Those forces, generally from military, technocratic, political and even religious sectors, will likely all combine in various ways to cancel or impede badly needed social reform in the Land of Smiles. So what about the near future? The coup leaders we see today are going to have to exert greater muscle in clamping down on corruption and the corrupt. But they are not likely to do so effectively, with allegedly some of the same corrupt officials in the former TRT government sitting on the CNS panel. Police General Kowit is one. More locally in Korat, Police Region 3 commissioner Gen. Sataporn Laothong has been identified as a Thaksin-wife appointee and has, in the past, done a great deal to support TRT oppression in Korat by ordering in-store raids for CDs unfriendly to Thaksin, as a single example. In exerting greater muscle, they will, of course, produce more violations against civil and human rights. Is there an acceptable alternative to what is going on now? Yet, but it won’t come without a price. Those now protesting about the way the new constitution is being drafted will have to take to the streets, and in the past when this happened in Thailand bloodletting followed. That is one lesson that the Thai military and police | | |
