Thai Statistic of the Day: Young People Don't Care About Politics!
Originally published on Siam Voices on September 18, 2010 Note: The following post contains satire!
Here are some numbers for you as seen in the Bangkok Post...
An opinion survey by Bangkok Poll at Bangkok University found that more than 60 per cent of young people pay little or no attention to politics.
The pollsters surveyed 1,159 people in Bangkok aged 15 to 25 years from Sept 10 to 12 asking them about politics, to mark National Youth Day on Sept 20.
Asked about their interest in politics, 30.5 per cent of the respondents said they had some interest and 7.4 per cent of them had a strong interest , Bangkok Poll reported on Thursday. But 54.0 per cent said they paid little attention to politics and 8.1 per cent said they gave it no attention at all.
"Most young people ignore politics", Bangkok Post, September 16, 2010
Well, that happens in the best democracies (*cough*) that young people have other things to worry about such as school, studies, fashion, video games, etc. But why would the Thai youth think so?
Asked about the current political outlook, 47.6 per cent said full of conflict and finding mistakes made by political rivals, 26.7 per cent said it gave them a headache, 11.5 per cent said it’s not democratic, 6.5 per cent said full of violence, 4.3 per cent saw a start of reconciliation, 1.2 per cent thought the situation has returned to normal, and 2.2 per cent said it was just a mirage.
"Most young people ignore politics", Bangkok Post, September 16, 2010
Ok, the current situation isn't really good at the moment and we haven't made much progress on reconciliation so far. But with the right people we can achieve something, right?
Asked about the attitudes of Thai politicians, 44.0 per cent of them said they thought only about their own self-interest, 16.2 per cent said politicians would do anything to hold power, 12.2 per cent said they were corrupted, 10.8 per said they good only for talking, 6.5 per cent said they had more privileges than ordinary people. Only 4.6 per cent said they were competent and suitable to be people’s representatives, 4.3 per cent thought politicians think of the country’s best interests, 0.6 per cent said they were honest, and 0.8 per cent had no opinion.
"Most young people ignore politics", Bangkok Post, September 16, 2010
Alright, our MPs are not the youngest bunch and admittedly many of them could be out of touch with the young, hip demographic. But they will soon retire and soon a new generation of politicians will sweep in. And isn't this the right opportunity to encourage young people to finally stand up and take a fresh approach in order for some changes in politics as politicians?
Asked whether they wanted to become a politician, 90.6 per cent said no, 9.4 per cent said yes.
"Most young people ignore politics", Bangkok Post, September 16, 2010
Nope!
Puea Thai Party's Flip-Flop Leadership
Originally published on Siam Voices on September 15, 2010. The opposition Puea Thai Party (PT) had some turbulent days in the past week with the sudden announcement of Yongyuth Wichaidit stepping down as the party's leader. But why?
Yongyuth has served for less than two years as an unhappy nominal Pheu Thai leader, whose job was exclusively to fulfil legal and constitutional requirements of a political party. It was no secret that he wanted out. It's unclear, though, whether yesterday's sudden announcement followed a long-distance request from Thaksin or Yongyuth simply felt he had had it with all the disrespect and knives in the back. [...]
"Party chief quits in mystery move", The Nation, September 10, 2010
Yongyuth himself said he wants to make room for the party to restructure itself for the next general election. "Today I tender my resignation in order to ensure my party's readiness for the next poll," he said.
The resigning of the party leader followed after the equally surprising announcement of a 'peace proposal' to the government earlier this month. The five-point-plan states that PT is ready to hold talks with "all parties in conflict" and "exchange opinions in a peaceful manner." Of course, like any plan, it had it's opponents from their own supporters and fiercest enemies and it had doubters.
What then followed were mixed signals. The party itself was at doubt on who will actually represent the party in the talks, then it suddenly has quit the reconciliation process and then it was reconsidering again which then the story, for the time being, peaked with Yongyuth's resignation.
The question of his successor flared up immediately and one name has been touted suspiciously often in the headlines.
A source in the opposition party said Pol Gen Kowit, who is well connected with leading bureaucrats, is expected to lead the party into a "reconciliation process". [...]
Pol Gen Kowit is tipped as the strongest candidate because of his clean image, seniority and respectful nature, the source said.
"He has no known affiliations with the Shinawatra family and he isn't afraid of a party dissolution and being stripped of voting rights," the source said.
"Yongyuth quits as Puea Thai leader, making way for Kowit", Bangkok Post, September 10, 2010
A clean politician? May be. Well connected? You bet! But some would be really surprised to hear how well connected Kowit is.
Pol Gen Kowit was in Class 6 of the pre-cadet school with Gen Sonthi. He was also a member of Council for National Security (CNS) set up immediately after the coup on Sept 19, 2006 military coup that removed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from power. [...]
"Coup leaders welcome Pol Gen Kowit", Bangkok Post, September 10, 2010
With these credentials, Kowit would make a definitely more 'agreeable' party leader for some. But with an endorsement by coup leader Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, it could have made Kowit unelectable for many party members (and certainly many red shirts) as PT leader. Also, Kowit has failed to publicly state any desire to succeed Yongyuth as the party leader and consequently ignored any formality in order to be nominated as the party leader.
This might explain what happened on Tuesday when the party was electing a 'new' leader.
Yongyuth Wichaidit was yesterday re-elected leader of the opposition Pheu Thai Party, with overwhelming support from party MPs just days after his resignation.
The party's general meeting held at its headquarters voted 267 to 6, with four abstentions, in support of Yongyuth as its new leader. The decision came after a heated debate between a small group of northeastern MPs and the rest of the party, particularly those from the North and Central region.
"Yongyuth returns as party leader amid turmoil", The Nation, September 15, 2010
So, we're back to square one again! Apparently better stick with the status quo for now instead of having a battle for the leadership.
Of course, with everything related to PTP, it didn't take long until somebody mentioned Thaksin's possible involvement. First, at the heels of Thaksin's recent visit to South Africa, there was an outpouring of tweets by him last week where we was extensively talking about his thoughts on the peace process (here's a sample tweet in Thai). Then there were news of Puea Thai MPs meeting Thaksin in Moscow, possibly to counsel with him over the upcoming changes - even though any involvement by Thaksin has been quickly denied before.
If Thaksin really has given his approval to possible structural changes in the party, the re-election of Yongyuth is a blow to Thaksin's influence over PT. Nevertheless, that still doesn't stop both The Nation and Bangkok Post stating that the Puea Thai Party is still listening to Thaksin's command.
What this (no-)show of this party reveals, is that it is still trying to find a new direction and with some MPs deflecting to the rival Bhumjaithai Party, it has real problems keeping itself together.
While the Puea Thai Party is struggling, the government will continue its 'reconciliation' efforts - no matter with whom.
Undelivered Ukrainian APCs and German Weapon Exports to Thailand
Originally published on Siam Voices on September 13, 2010. In 2007 the military interim government has announced the purchase of 96 BTR-3E1 armored personnel carriers (APCs) worth THB 4bn (about $117m). And how many have been delivered to Thailand until now? None! The reasons were supposedly that the engines by German manufacturers Deutz tend to overheat.
But apart from the technical problems made in Germany according to Thai news sources there were also political ones.
Army representatives told ministers that the German government decided not to sell Deutz engines to Ukraine for the APCs because of Berlin's policy of not selling armament to any country subject to political unrest, according to the source.
"Cabinet backs purchase of APCs from Ukraine", by Piyanart Srivalo, Satien Viriyapanpongsa & Samatcha Hoonsara, The Nation, September 8, 2010
However, the Thai government has cited additional reasons why the Germans refused to deliver the engines:
Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwannakiri said he had learned that a Muslim organisation had asked Germany not to sell the engines for the APCs because the vehicles could be used in suppression of Muslims in Thailand's deep South.
"Cabinet backs purchase of APCs from Ukraine", by Piyanart Srivalo, Satien Viriyapanpongsa & Samatcha Hoonsara, The Nation, September 8, 2010
The policy mentioned has been adopted by the whole European Union (EU), as it has been pointed out by the German government in an answer to a minor interpellation by opposition MPs (PDF here, it is a really interesting read for those who can read German), it states in particular:
1. Each Member State shall assess the export licence applications made to it for items on the EU Common Military List mentioned in Article 12 on a case-by-case basis against the criteria of Article 2. [...]
Article 2 - Criteria
2. Criterion Two: Respect for human rights in the country of final destination as well as respect by that country of international humanitarian law.
- Having assessed the recipient country’s attitude towards relevant principles established by international human rights instruments, Member States shall:
(a) deny an export licence if there is a clear risk that the military technology or equipment to be exported might be used for internal repression; [...]
- Having assessed the recipient country’s attitude towards relevant principles established by instruments of international humanitarian law, Member States shall:
(c) deny an export licence if there is a clear risk that the military technology or equipment to be exported might be used in the commission of serious violations of international humanitarian law.
3. Criterion Three: Internal situation in the country of final destination, as a function of the existence of tensions or armed conflicts.
Member States shall deny an export licence for military technology or equipment which would provoke or prolong armed conflicts or aggravate existing tensions or conflicts in the country of final destination.Source: "COUNCIL COMMON POSITION 2008/944/CFSP of 8 December 2008: defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment" (PDF)
Taking the criteria into consideration any EU member country would find a case against Thailand and looking into the arms export reports of the German government, there were indeed rejected requests of arms exports to Ukraine in 2006 (PDF, page 23), 2007 (PDF, page 21) and 2008 (PDF, page 18), but no details were given about what was rejected and how much it was worth.
Additionally in 2007, the German government has also rejected requested exports to Thailand - again, it is unknown what was rejected and how much it was worth it.
However, despite all the political doubts and delivery delays, it did not stop the current government to make the sensible decision to order more - 121 additional APCs to be precise. But there'll be some changes made from the original order:
The head of the Army's ordnance department told Cabinet a recent test showed the MTU engine was of better quality than the Deutz unit. He also said a contract term allowed the Thai side to cancel the deal if any of the delivered vehicles did not meet standard requirements.
"Cabinet backs purchase of APCs from Ukraine", by Piyanart Srivalo, Satien Viriyapanpongsa & Samatcha Hoonsara, The Nation, September 8, 2010
The Thais want the better MTU engines in their new APCs, even though MTU is a German company. What is even more stunning is that during the weekend the Ukrainian ambassador to Thailand came out and gave an exact delivery date for the first units, which is this Friday. Also:
"The Thai military, in conjunction with us, selected the MTU Mercedes," [Ambassador] Chuchuk said. "It has better specifications than the original engine - better speed and acceleration - and we conducted tests and trials witnessed by the Thai military, and they were satisfied."
"First Ukrainian APCs here on Friday", Bangkok Post, September 12, 2010
Just to recap, the original Deutz engine, made in Germany, were not delivered because of political concerns by the German government. The new engines are by MTU, also made in Germany. What's the difference here?
When the first APCs will arrive in Thailand, a small chapter in the ongoing secret stories of arms procurement will be closed for now. But it is accompanied by other dubious army purchases such as grounded airships, jet fighters and the classic bogus GT200 device.
One last question: Why is the Thai army in a rush to buy over 100 more APCs with the first batch barely delivered? Possible answer:
The source said [Commander-in-chief] Gen Anupong wanted to push through the purchase of the additional 121 APCs before he retires in September.
"Army wants more APCs from Ukraine", by Wassana Nanuam, Bangkok Post, July 27, 2010
Announcing: Siam Voices - Thailand's Collaborative Blog
This week AsianCorrespondent has launched the new Thailand-centered blog "Siam Voices - Thailand's Collaborative Blog". The short description pretty much sums everything up:
Siam Voices is a collaborative blog aimed at providing AsianCorrespondent's readers with a unique insight into the social, political and economic realities in Thailand. Like many great things, Siam Voices was born out of necessity. When prolific and respected Thailand blogger Bangkok Pundit took a hiatus following the violent Red Shirt protests of 2010, AsianCorrespondent recruited a number of top journalists and academics to fill the gap. Following Bangkok Pundit's return to full-time blogging in September, the collective needed a new home. That home is Siam Voices.
I'm happy to announce that yours truly is part of this fine ensemble of writers that includes my blogger colleagues Newley Purnell and Panuwat Panduprasert (aka Tumbler) and academics such as Pokpong Lawansiri, Thorn Pitodol and Prach Panchakunathorn (short bios of the writers can be read here). The guest gig for Bangkok Pundit was a great and rewarding experience and I want to thank AsianCorrespondent that we can continue to write at a new place.
What does it mean for this blog? Not much! Like previously at Bangkok Pundit, all my articles for Siam Voices will appear in their entirety (except for slight modifications) on this blog the day after the original publication.
All in all I'm very looking forward to this new opportunity and keep sure to check us out at Siam Voices.
EXCLUSIVE: Did Thaksin Really Meet Nelson Mandela? (UPDATE)
There was some buzz in the Thai media early this week when pictures of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra depicting him shaking hands with former South African president Nelson Mandela and meeting Mandela's ex-wife Winne Mandela.
The pictures were circulated by his lawyer and former foreign minister Noppadon Pattama (who is these days busy acting as his lobbyist). The resurface of Thaksin comes after over a month of silence with no tweets, no phone-in or any other public announcement. This has lead to the repeated speculation over his health or some even guessing to be plotting something.
The authenticity of the pictures are debatable and at this time no high resolution versions were published yet (with the exception of the news outlets), so of course many questioned if the the whole meeting actually took place. For example, the two head honchos at The Nation, Suthichai Yoon and Tulsathit Taptim, were musing over this extensively in their daily video, especially when Suthichai was concluding:
"We don't know why he [Thaksin] met Nelson Mandela. Whether he was invited, whether he asked to see Nelson Mandela and what was the whole purpose behind that - that is the mystery that a whole lot of people will try to solve in the next few days."
Suthichai Yoon, editor-in-chief Nation Group, in "From the newsroom", August 31, 2010
Apparently NOBODY from the Thai media has so far put some effort to solve this mystery. Has anyone actually tried to reach Mandela's office for confirmation or dismiss the visit? Well, I contacted Mandela's office and asked them 1) if there was a meeting between Thaksin and Mandela, 2) if there are any pictures or other documents made by Mandela's staff of the this meeting, 3) what the nature of the meeting was.
Here's what they answered:
Dear Mr Saksith Saiyasombut,
There was no official meeting between Mr Thaksin and Mr Mandela. Mr Thaksin paid Mr Mandela a courtesy call when he was visiting the country.We do not have photographs or documents as no business was discussed and the courtesy call was during Mr Mandela’s private time. The Foundation did not take any photographs.Yes it was a private courtesy call.
Regards,
Sello Hatang, Manager: Information Communications, Nelson Mandela Foundation
So, there we have it. Thaksin has actually met Mandela! Nevertheless the authenticity of the pictures is still unsolved.
P.S.: Dear Thai colleagues, it was not that difficult to contact Mandela's office!
UPDATE:The Canadian Press has some more details on the visit.
Emerging from weeks of silence, fugitive former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has appeared in Africa, where he says he is dealing in diamonds and visiting Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nelson Mandela.
A photo of his meeting with the former South African president was released in Thailand by Thaksin's lawyer in an apparent move to quash rumours that the divisive ex-prime minister is ill — and to advertise that he's rubbing shoulders with VIPs abroad.
"I travel all the time. Currently, I'm in Africa for diamond mining," Thaksin told the Thai Rath newspaper in an interview published Thursday. He did not specify if he was still in South Africa. He said rumours of his failing health were "lies."
The Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg confirmed that the visit took place last Friday [August 27, 2010].
"It was not a meeting, it was a courtesy call," spokesman Sello Hatang said. He said he did not know what they discussed.
"Fugitive former Thai leader visits Africa, meets Nelson Mandela, deals in diamonds", by Jocelyn Gecker, The Canadian Press, September 2, 2010
The said interview with Thai Rath can be read here (in Thai), where also said why he quit as economical adviser to Cambodian PM Hun Sen ("I was annoyed!").
The Department of Sluggish Investigation's Probe Into Protests' Deaths
Note: This post has been originally published on August 25, 2010 in series of guest blogger posts for Bangkok Pundit at AsianCorrespondent. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) held a press conference on Monday to inform about the progress of the inquiry of the 91 deaths during the anti-government protests. What they have announced though leaves much to be desired.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) says it cannot at this stage reach a finding in its investigation into the deaths of 91 people killed in the violence between April 10 and May 21 during the street protests by the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).
This was announced at a press conference on Monday by Col Fuangwich Anirutthewa, secretary to the justice minister, and Pol Col Narat Savetnant, deputy director-general of the DSI.
Pol Col Narat said the DSI has so far received 266 cases from police involving the violence between April 10 and May 21.
From its preliminary investigation into the 91 people who died it could be concluded at this stage only that the deaths were unnatural and caused by other persons under Article 148 of the Criminal Procedures Code.
The DSI knew only what caused their death and types of weapons used, but could not yet say who killed them.
"Little progress in red probe", Bangkok Post, August 23, 2010
First of there's the question on how they come up with the figure of 91 deaths during the protests. Looking at the official figures form the Bangkok Emergency Medical Service indicate that according to this list (PDF) published on May 23, 86 people have were killed. But this document show 87 names of the dead with the last victim being dated on May 14, five days before the last day of the protests and of the street battles. It appears that not included are the six people killed inside Wat Pathum, a designated safe zone many protesters fled to after the red shirts dispersed on May 19, but were still shot inside the temple. So how do these numbers all add up to 91?
And then there was this very interesting detail made during the announcement:
Autopsies on 89 Thais, including 11 policemen and soldiers, confirmed that all had died from bullet wounds.
"Investigators fail to identify killers of foreign journalists", Deutsche Presse Agentur via The Nation, August 23
Again a considerably spectacular claim by the authorities, if you think about that various sources claim different causes in various cases such as the death of Col. Romklao Thuwatham during the clashes on April 10, as he was reportedly killed by a bomb. On the other hand though other news sources have reported that the DSI "had received only 42 autopsy results from officials in each jurisdiction," (Source) so it is highly possible that all the 42 autopsies report that they all have died from bullet wounds and the rest might have from other causes as well.
Another focus of the announcement were the deaths of the two foreign reporters, Japanese Reuters cameraman Hiro Muramoto and Italian photographer Fabio Polenghi.
In the deaths of two foreign journalists, Reuters Japanese cameraman Hiro Muramoto, 43, and independent Italian press photographer Fabio Polenghi, 45, Pol Col Narat said investigators could only conclude they were killed by high-velocity bullets. They have not been able to identify their killers.
However, it could not yet conclude who fired the weapons due to lack of witnesses at the scene, and some of their belongings such as mobile phones and digital cameras had disappeared. [...]
He said the DSI had paid special attention to the two cases since they were delicate and could affect Thailand's relations with Japan and Italy.
"Little progress in red probe", Bangkok Post, August 23, 2010
It is delicate indeed, as on the same day the Japanese foreign minister was on a visit to Thailand and also visited the site Muramoto died.
He was shot in the chest during the clashes on April 10, at Khok Wua intersection, not far from the Democracy Monument as the last pictures on his camera filmed the carnage between soldiers and red shirts.
Fabio Polenghi was killed during the final push of the military onto the red shirts protest site at Rajaprasong on May 19. German journalist Thilo Thielke has published his and his colleagues' investigation into the death of the Italian at New Mandala. Key excerpts of this very detailed account include...
On 21 May, two days after the Fabio’s death, the Police Forensic Institute did a forensic examination. The day after, Fabio Polenghi’s body was cremated in a simple and emotional ceremony attended by his younger sister Isabella, his friends, and his colleagues. Three months later, the Department of Special Investigations (DSI) – the “Thai FBI” – which is in charge of the investigation of Fabio’s killing, still refuses to publish the forensic report. “The investigation is not finished yet”, says Colonel Naras Savestanan, the deputy-director general of DSI. He says he cannot answer basic and crucial questions such as those about the kind of bullet which killed Fabio, the angle and distance of shooting and the location of the killer. Other important questions deal with the location of military sharpshooters who killed many demonstrators on that day as well as the location of the mysterious Black shirts – the armed wing of the Red movement. But also here, the questions find no answers. Or only very vague ones. (...)
“It is more likely that the Italian journalist has been hit by fire from advancing soldiers at the ground level, on Rajdamri road. I cannot see clearly why sharp shooters would particularly target him”, says a journalist who was on the military side on Rajdamri on 19 May. The type of bullet which killed Fabio, if it is revealed publicly someday, is not the most crucial element as Black shirts and military personnel have used some similar weapons. The most important elements are the entry point of the bullet, the description of the wound and the shooting angle, which could cast some light about the location of the shooter. Without these data, there will be no certainty on the identity of who killed the Italian journalist.
"Who killed Italian photographer Fabio Polenghi?", by Thilo Thielke, New Mandala, August 17, 2010
There's still much yet to be investigated and there's still much unknown about the circumstances of the victims. But initially the DSI announcement revealed basically nothing new. We already knew that the two foreign journalists were shot, we already knew that nearly all of the victims died unnaturally and we also already knew that the authorities' inquiry into the deaths will be sluggish at best and will have to do much more in order to convince us that, as they said it, "truth will be established" - but will the public also fully know about it once the investigations have concluded?
Thailand Joins The Anti-BlackBerry Ban(d)wagon - Or Does It?
Note: This post has been originally published on August 20, 2010 in series of guest blogger posts for Bangkok Pundit at AsianCorrespondent. The Thai government's ongoing battle over control of the information technology has made headlines yet again in the last few days over the attempts to block access to the whistleblower site WikiLeaks that have spectacularly backfired on Thursday with the people behind the site setting up a dedicated page displaying all Thailand related documents and adding more fuel to the fire by publishing a deliberately provocative open letter to the Thai government.
This considerable brouhaha over WikiLeaks has partly overshadowed another story also involving communication technology and in this case the consideration of control over its contents.
Col. Nathee Suklarath of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has revealed that today's meeting (Aug 18) has raised the issue whether the usage of the BlackBerry telephone devices (BB) comply with Computer Crime Act of 2007, which states that data files have to be stored for 90 days in order to allow authorities to scrutinize. But BB devices are storing their data abroad, which makes Thailand not able to look into it. This has led into an inquiry to Juti Krai-rirk, Minister of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) to determine whether it complies with the Computer Crime Act or not. [...]
"บอร์ด กทช.จุดประเด็นการใช้งาน “บีบี” หวั่นเข้าข่ายผิด กม.กระทำความผิดทางคอมพิวเตอร์", MCOT, August 18, 2010 (translation by me)
This move comes after the manufactures of the popular BlackBerry devices, Canadian Research in Motion (RIM), has come under increasing pressure by various countries to either let authorities have access to the data (some stating security reasons for the demand) or face a suspension of it's email and web browsing services. The data on BlackBerry devices are being encrypted and routed over RIM's serves in Canada. RIM has eventually complied in some cases and agree to install local servers such as in Saudi Arabia.
The NTC has cited the Computer Crime Act of 2007 and it indeed states that:
Section 26. A service provider must store computer traffic data for at least ninety days from the date on which the data is input into a computer system. However, if necessary, a relevant competent official may instruct a service provider to store data for a period of longer than ninety days but not exceeding one year on a special case by case basis or on a temporary basis.
The service provider must keep the necessary information of the service user in order to be able to identify the service user from the beginning of the service provision, and such information must be kept for a further period not exceeding ninety days after the service agreement has been terminated.
The types of service provider to whom the provisions under paragraph one shall apply and the timing of this application shall be established by a Minister and published in the Government Gazette.
A service provider who fails to comply with this Section must be subject to a fine of not more than five hundred thousand baht.
"An unofficial translation of the Computer Crime Act", Prachatai, July 24, 2007
One can say that the NTC has now at least considered to jump on the worldwide bandwagon to pressure RIM. This can be interpreted as a further sign of the government's attempt to control the flow of information under the excuse of national security, which many other countries have cited. On the other hand it is yet another country RIM has now to either appease or could it be the first country the company might afford to lose. Given their most recent statements on its growth potential in the region it is very unlikely though.
On Friday morning Thairath reports under the title "BlackBerry users can be relieved, [usage] does not contradict of Computer Crime Act, [says] MICT", but...
However, offenders can still be tracked. But in cases that require to look into the data that has been communicated through BB that is potentially illegal or not, [the authorities] would then have to ask the firm Research in Motion in Canada for assistance. [Also] the security authorities have to determine whether the security rulings [?] do sufficiently cover or not even though the Computer Crime Act of 2007 cannot enforce services that are based abroad as seen in the case of material offending to the Monarchy being uploaded to YouTube. [click here for background]
"คนใช้ 'บีบี' สบายใจได้ ไอซีทีชี้ไม่ขัดพรบ. คอมฯ", Thairath, August 20, 2010 (translation by me, via Thai Netizen Network)
So, even though the MICT has given some clarity in this case, does it mean it will still nonetheless try to force ask RIM for assistance the next time there's a potential case of illegal activity?
Confusion Before Saturday's Protests over Preah Vihear
Note: This post has been originally published on August 7, 2010 in series of guest blogger posts forBangkok Pundit at AsianCorrespondent.
Veera Somkwamkid, leader of the Thailand Patriot Network (photo courtesy of Eric Seldin aka @thaicam, click here to see the rest of his gallery)
As previously blogged here, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), by the time you read this, are now on the streets again to protest in front of Government House over the ongoing Preah Vihear temple issue, despite the emergency decree - or are they?
Over the course of Friday, developments changed rapidly over the legality of the protests, the venue and in the end who's actually in charge of the protests that have witnessed a fallout between different fraction of the protesters. On Friday morning this was the status quo:
PAD to gather in front of the Govt House starting 8AM tomorrow, to pressure the Govt to cancel MOU43 http://bit.ly/9vptQH
Tweet by @TAN_Network (TAN News Network) on Friday, Aug 06, 2010 at 05:31:44
(Note: TAN News Network is the English language sister channel of ASTV, the PAD's news outlet)
But there were still questions about the legality of the protests, since we still have a state of emergency ever since the anti-government protests some months ago. On this issue, the first conflicting reports appeared. First it was reported the Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) has issued that the rally "does not violate the emergency decree". In a way the CRES would legitimize the protester's claim why they don't violate against the state of emergency. Last week, when the same protesters were rallying in front of the Bangkok bureau of UNESCO, many were claiming to "protect the country" so they would not violate the emergency decree.
But then the local police has announced the area around Government House is a no-go area. So, the police disagrees with the army. Well, that's not the first that has ever happened.
Short time later though, ASTV reported that the CRES has done a complete 180 degree turn of its earlier decision and also banned protesters from the site. Later that day, CRES has announced more details on the ruling:
CRES announces Government House 'off limits'; four roads around complex closed from 8pm, violators face two years imprisonment,Bt40,000 fine
Tweet by @MCOTEnglishnews (MCOT English News) on Friday, Aug 06, 2010 at 13:08:52
With the legality dealt there were still confusions on who actually are protesting on Saturday and where to go now since Government House was declared off-limits.
To understand who were are dealing with, it has to be noted that it is not actually the PAD (the yellow shirts) that are leading the latest Preah Vihear protests, but the Thailand Patriot Network (TPN) of Veera Somkwamkid. More on him later, but it can be already said that these two groups are affiliated with each other. Officially, the PAD (especially with Chamlong Srimuang being present all the time) are there just to support this campaign.
The more surprising (or not) was the announcement in the early evening that the PAD would move its protest somewhere else:
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Friday said that yellow shirts have agreed to move their rally from the Government House to Kilawes Stadium in Din Daeng area. The decision to move the rally site came after two-hour-and-a-half meeting between Abhisit and representatives of yellow shirts network.
"Yellow rally to move from Government House to a Din Daeng stadium PM", The Nation, August 2010
The Kilawes Stadium is located in the Thai-Japanese Sports Complex in Din Daeng, a Bangkok district that has been constantly the scene of street riots between protesters and soldiers in the past years. It was also reported that the protest has been 'downgraded' to a 'forum' to 'discuss' about this matter. Later, Bangkok Post reported that TPN also agrees to move.
But then in the evening, things have changed again!
Veera's group - Network of Preah Vihear Protectors - is determined to gather outside the PM's office in Government House today as planned. "We don't acknowledge the deal between the prime minister and the other group," Veera declared on television yesterday. [...]
PAD leaders were initially planning to rally in front of Government House to demand that Abhisit revoke the 2000 memorandum of understanding on boundary demarcation with Cambodia as well as voice their opposition to Preah Vihear's inscription as a World Heritage Site.
The Dharma Army Foundation, led by Chamlong Srimuang, later agreed to gather at the Thai-Japanese Stadium in Din Daeng today to express their views, concerns and visions with respect to Preah Vihear. Abhisit was to join the forum later in the day.
However, Veera refused to compromise and continued calling on people to join his protest.
"Defiant PAD group to go ahead with rally", The Nation, August 7, 2010
Evidently, Veera and his group have deflected from the PAD to stage their on protest at Government House, despite the area being sealed off. This apparent split between him and the PAD goes back on a series of incidents and partly some mudslinging between the two. Last year, Veera has led a group of 4,000 protesters under the PAD banner to the Thai-Cambodian border to protest about this very Preah Vihear issue that ended in riots with locals. The following day, the PAD leaders in Bangkok have denied any connections or endorsement to this group and their actions.
Then, earlier this year in June, Veera and the PAD were reported to have fallen out with each other. Matichon has obtained email exchanges between the PAD leaders with the PAD supporter's group in the US and Veera answering questions to someone. In the first mail, the PAD leaders have responded and denied to accusations made by Veera, an anti-corruption activist and until recently host of his own show on ASTV. The accusations includes being overcharged by ASTV to hold his own show, in which as a consequence Veera pulled it off the air and offered it to For Humankind TV (FMTV), that belongs to the religious buddhist sect Santi Asoke, of which PAD leader Chamlong is a devotee. I will not further go into the details of the two mails, as they go too deep to be relevant to this topic.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how and if at all the security authorities will deal with the two protests, especially the one in front of Government House. If the UNESCO protest of last week is anything to go by, it can be expected that the security forces will be far more lenient to the PAD and their affiliated groups than they were with the red shirts. Let alone the fact that prime minister Abhisit has met with these group for talks (again) shows that the what influence they still have over the government and also one must not forget that the yellow shirt leaders still have not been charged for the seizure of Government House and the Bangkok airports in 2008, as they indictments have been repeatedly postponed just as recently as last week.
We can also expect that both these groups will further push their nationalistic agenda under the pretext of 'protecting' the country. Whether the government will give in to the protesters (in a way they already did) or not, this will further complicates the already tense relations between Thailand and Cambodia.
Thailand's Generals Play Musical Chairs - Part 2
Note: This post has been originally published on August 3, 2010 in series of guest blogger posts for Bangkok Pundit at AsianCorrespondent. This is the second part in a two-part series on the upcoming military command reshuffle. In part one, James Harriman has reflected on the new ranks below the commander-in-chief. Today, this post highlights the aspirants on the top army post.
Every September is the time where the Thai military faces the annual game of musical chairs, where the many high-ranking generals are eager for a promotion. With the upcoming retirement of the current commander-in-chief Gen Anupong Paochinda, the question of the successor reveals the still substantial political weight of the kingdom's highest ranking soldier.
But this year though, September can't come fast enough for some.
In fact, Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has already set July 20 as the deadline for commanders of the armed forces to send in their reshuffle lists to the defence permanent secretary, Gen Apichart Penkitti. These lists could even be in Gen Prawit's hands before the month ends. According to the schedule, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva should be able to send the names for royal endorsement within August.
"Democrats In A Rush To Anoint Prayuth", by Wassana Nanuam, Bangkok Post, July 15, 2010
The government's favorite candidate for the top post is Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, currently deputy commander-in-chief and a graduate of class 12 of the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School - this is where all future top commanders go through.
Like in many aspects in Thai society, interpersonal relationships and affiliation play a big role in determining the status of a person and his or her chances of being promoted.
To understand the importance of personal relationships and the graduation years inside the army to ascend through the ranks, I recommend reading Paul Chamber's lengthy, but in-depth essay on New Mandala. It also contains a handy list of all the current top army officers.
As Chambers has pointed out, Gen Anupong and Gen Prayuth were ex-commanders of the 21st Infranty Batallion of the Second Army Division, more commonly known as the "Queen's Guard" - a highly influential military unit that also have played a decisive part in the military crackdown against the anti-government red shirt protesters on May 19. This unit has also over the decades been actively supported by Privy Council president Gen Prem Tinsulanond.
Getting back to the government's intentions, one has to look back at the most recent red shirts protests. It is reported that the relationship between prime minister Abhisit had its rough patches since Gen Anupong has shown some hesitation to move against the protesters, while Gen Prayuth has maintained and even improved his ties to the government during the protests, so a promotion to the top rank can be seen as a reward for him.
With the potential appointment of Gen Prayuth comes also a long list of aspirants that are expected to take the seats below him. James Harriman has reflected on that aspect yesterday.
Even though the promotion for Gen Prayuth is almost certain, there are some musings that he might face some competition. Gen Piroon Phaeopolsong, currently army chief-of-staff, is considered to be the dark horse in the race for the next commander-in-chief.
In late July, Matichon Weekly has listed three reasons that could favor him for the top spot: Firstly, Gen Piroon hails from the same cavalry unit as Gen Prem, who himself would like to see one his of kind becoming commander-in-chief (แถมทั้งมีแรงดันจากบ้านสี่เสาเทเวศร์ ที่อยากให้ พล.อ.พิรุณ ซึ่งเป็นทหารม้าลูกป๋า ขึ้นเป็น ผบ.ทบ. สร้างประวัติศาสตร์ให้ทหารม้า มาเป็น ผบ.ทบ. อีกสักคน หลังจากที่ทหารม้าซบเซามาตั้งแต่หมดยุคป๋าเปรม). Also, as both Matichon Weekly and the Bangkok Post (already last year) have pointed out:
Another advantage of Gen Piroon, who has advanced in his career from the cavalry, is that he is regarded as one of Gen Prem Tinsulanonda's proteges. The president of the Privy Council banked on Gen Piroon to make his dream of seeing the set-up of the new 3rd Cavalry Division in Khon Kaen come true. Gen Prem had reportedly made a remark to leading soldiers that, "If I see the 3rd Cavalry Division before I die, I will die peacefully.''
"PM Abhisit, Gen Prayuth and their common future", by Wassana Nanuam, Bangkok Post, December 12, 2009
Secondly, the 2nd Cavalry Division is regarded as one of the leading forces behind the storm on the red shirt protest site from the Sala Daeng area (the Silom intersection) and Gen Piroon, because of his role as army chief-of-staff and his cavalry origins, is regarded as one of the masterminds (กำลังทหารม้าจากกองพลทหารม้าที่ 2 รักษาพระองค์ (พล.ม.2 รอ.) ก็กลายเป็นพระเอก เพราะเป็นกำลังหลักในการบุกเข้ากระชับพื้นที่ด่านศาลาแดง ด่านใหญ่ที่สุดของคนเสื้อแดงที่เชื่อว่าอันตรายที่สุด ซึ่งก็มี พล.อ.พิรุณ ซึ่งเป็นทหารม้าในฐานะ เสธ.ทบ. ก็มีส่วนร่วมวางแผน ).
And lastly, Matichon names the 'Buriram connection' as a factor favoring Piroon, since he hails from the north-eastern province - same as influential and powerful politicians like Newin Chinchob, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party (key coalition partner of the government) and whose relatives are regional power brokers. (สิ่งที่ทำให้ พล.อ.พิรุณ ถูกจับตามองขึ้นมา ทั้งๆ ที่แรงแผ่ว ก็คือ "บุรีรัมย์ คอนเน็กชั่น" ด้วยเพราะเหตุที่เป็นคนบุรีรัมย์ เช่นเดียวกับนักการเมืองคนสำคัญ และฮ็อตที่สุด มีเพาเวอร์ที่สุดในยุคนี้ อย่าง นายเนวิน ชิดชอบ แกนนำพรรคภูมิใจไทย แถมซ้ำมีเครือญาติที่เป็นกำลังหลักในพื้นที่ของนายเนวิน).
Out of all three factors, the 'Buriram connection' appears to be weakest argument, since no political party has a say in military issues except the Democrat Party. Nevertheless, Piroon's Isaan origin could make him a more 'agreeable' candidate among all political factions in contrast to Gen Prayuth, who has not made big efforts to hide his opposition to Thaksin.
Also, Gen Piroon is a graduate of class 10, same as current commander-in-chief Gen Anupong - who is actually reported to favor Piroon to become his successor (ตัว พล.อ.อนุพงษ์ เองก็ไม่ขัดข้องหากเพื่อนรักที่เขาขุนมากับมือ จะขึ้นมาเป็น ผบ.ทบ. ก่อนปีหนึ่ง).
One factor that speaks in favor of Prayuth is that, since he is a class 12 graduate, his retirement will be in 2014. Piroon on the other hand, can only be commander-in-chief for one year. So, it is more likely that he will be pushed to be chairman of the Royal Army Advisory Board, a position that has little influence in the ranks.
So, in the more than likely event that Gen Prayuth becomes commander-in-chief, it will be seen as a further attempt to strengthen the ties between the Democrat-led government and the armed forces. The irony is though that with the impending dissolution case of Democrat Party, the next commander-in-chief will survive the current government and with a new one, the game of musical chairs starts anew.
Further reading & sources:
- Bangkok Post: Democrats in a rush to anoint Prayuth
- Bangkok Post: PM Abhisit, Gen Prayuth and their common future
- Bangkok Post: There's no sitting on the fence for Class 10 alumni
- Bangkok Post: Two key units tighten grip on armed forces
- Matichon Weekly: "ประยุทธ์" ยึด ผบ.ทบ. โผทหารฉบับ "เสือตะวันออก" จับตา "ป๋าป๊อก" กับความฝันหลังเกษียณ (paywall alert!)
- Paul Chambers: The challenges for Thailand’s arch-royalist military
Pongpat's Acceptance Speech - A Lèse Majesté Case?
Note: This article was originally published on July 31, 2010 in a series of guest blogger posts for Bangkok Pundit at AsianCorrespondent.
On May 16, when the street battles between the soldiers and the anti-government protestors were bringing large parts of Bangkok to a grinding halt for days already, elsewhere life went on as nothing has happened as for example the Nataraj Awards, the national television and radio awards, took place that evening.
The most notable moment during the award ceremony was the acceptance speech of actor Pongpat Wachirabanjong for best supporting actor. Here's the video with English subtitles.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/6xYfbUIGqW4&w=600&h=360]
The speech has, as evidently seen in the video, touched many Thais and hit a nerve among a certain people. It was forwarded via email, Twitter and heralded as the 'best speech ever' or 'or true patriotic act of loyalty'.
Last week, the very same actor has been hit with a legal charge for lèse majesté...
Actor Pongpat Wachirabanjong will be summoned to hear his lese majeste charges on July 29, and if he fails to show up after two summons have been issued, police will seek an arrest warrant for the man, Deputy Bangkok Police Chief Pol MajGeneral Amnuay Nimmano said yesterday.
The police are also planning to invite witnesses, lawyers and Thai language experts to listen to the actor's acceptance speech at this year's Nataraj Awards as part of the investigation. Amnuay said the case should be concluded within a month.
Despite media and social networks describing Pongpat's speech as a moving declaration of his love for His Majesty, singer Phumpat Wongyachavalit filed a lese majeste complaint against the actor on June 23, accusing him of using inappropriate words.
"Pongpat summoned to hear charges", The Nation, July 22, 2010
Police Wednesday summoned Pongpat to surrender to face lese majesty charge after a singer filed complaint with police, alleging Pongpat had insulted His Majesty the King by simply calling His Majesty as "father".
"PM says police should consult special advisory panel on Pongpat's case", The Nation, July 22, 2010
This is certainly a very odd case, since the use of the word "father" (or more correctly "Father") in connection to HM the King is widely used in Thai language.
Even the prime minister got involved in this case and has suggested that the police should contact a recently set-up advisory board that deals with these kind of cases. The result came back very quick and the case against Pongpat has now been (unsurprisingly) dropped.
Nevertheless this whole strange act again shows the discrepancies of the authorities dealing with lèse majesté cases. (I'm NOT discussing the law itself!) One can be amazed by the speed the police has dealt with this charge - from filing until the dismissal it took only just more than a month. Also, no efforts have been wasted, language experts have been invited by the police to determine whether the use of word in this context was illegal or not. There are other more obvious cases that are still lingering in legal limbo.
The other point is Pongpat's speech itself. The key phrase "If you hate our Father, if you don't love our Father anymore, then you should get out of here!", which was followed by the audience cheering and applauding enthusiastically, sets a worrying subtext of "if you're not for us, you're against us" - and even more scarier was the reaction by the crowd.
Why Was The 'Sorry Thailand' TV Ad Banned?
Note: This article has been originally published on July 22, 2010 in a series of guest blogger posts for Bangkok Pundit at AsianCorrespondent. Earlier this week we have reported on the banned TV commercial "ขอโทษประเทศไทย" (Sorry Thailand). For those, who haven't seen it yet, here's the video with English subtitles:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dNIu8_-iU8&w=600&h=360]
The ban has created some considerably public uproar and the censorship board, which consists of representatives of the free-TV channels and other 'experts', has gotten itself into the crossfire of criticism.
The ad was made by a group called "Positive Network", which is made up by "people from many professions such as advertising, PR, event, regional community representatives, [corporate] companies, government officials and academics from all across the country." During the launch event on June 16, the group states that their main goal is to "terminate the divisions in society". One of the executives of the network has mentioned the launch of an advertising campaign, even though this one was called "ต่อไปนี้ถ้าเธอพูด ฉันจะฟัง" ("From now on when you talk, I will listen"). Daily News has more about the launch of the group (article in Thai).
The founder of the "Positive Network", Bhanu Inkawat, appeared on ThaiPBS recently to talk about the ad and his reaction on the ban.
Mr Bhanu Inkawat [...] said that the purpose of the advertisement is "to let the Thai people realize what problems Thailand has right now, which are not just only the protests and the burning of buildings, but many more that have their roots. So [if] we don't go to the bottom of the problem, we'll only be able to solve the problem in the short term and it will come back."
Translated from: "แจงสาเหตุแบนโฆษณา"ขอโทษประเทศไทย", ThaiPBS, July 18, 2010
The TV programme also had Kiatisuk Wattanasak, a member of the censorship committee board, to give his point of view on the issue:
"After we have [initially] watched it, we all liked this ad. However, there are a few things that are not conform with the rules [...]. [They] have not sent us any documents, nothing for us for consideration. We don't know if they had permission for [certain] footages [in the ad], even if it's news footage we have to ask if they have permission to re-air it in this ad. [...] So [without any documents proving it] how can we possibly let this through?"
Translated from: "แจงสาเหตุแบนโฆษณา"ขอโทษประเทศไทย", ThaiPBS, July 18, 2010
He also goes on to give other reasons for the ban that were reflected in a statement later this week after the board has met once again, subsequently defending it's decision to withhold the ad from airing but not banning it altogether.
The censorship board has denied banning the controversial TV commercial "Thailand, We Apologise", saying it was in the process of correcting the advert before allowing it to be aired.
Certain scenes in the commercial, lasting about 20 seconds, would be cut because they were deemed to be inappropriate and could be against the law, the board said in a statement released yesterday.The producers of the advert submitted it to the board for approval on June 21 and on June 28 they reported to the board about changes they had made to to correct some parts that the board had said were against the law.
The board said the producers were now in the process of correcting the problematic parts of the commercial and would then resubmit it for approval.
Scenes to be removed include those of protesters torching public property [on May 19], security officers holding weapons and getting ready to fire them, some pornographic images, some deemed offensive to religious institutions, images of protesters [both yellow shirts and red shirts] gathering in political rallies in a way that might trigger a state of unrest or affect national unity or internal security.
"Controversial ad 'not banned'", Bangkok Post, July 21, 2010
Taking the objected scenes out of the ad, there wouldn't be much left of it. Also, if you remove the footage of the red and yellow protests, that will totally miss the point. But looking at a statement from another board member, little does surprise me here:
The manager of Channel 7's censorship division Sneh Hongsuwan, also a member of the committee, said the panel agreed to ban the commercial because it felt the images could cause rifts in society.
"Instead of giving positive messages, it will only remind viewers about the conflict. We believe that the clashes are in the past, and we should let bygones be bygones and think about positive things. If this commercial was put on air, some images would have to be cut out," Sneh said.
"Ban of 'apology' advert puzzles PM", The Nation, July 20, 2010
Oh, how convenient! Let's forget about the past and look forward without actually considering why we're in this mess in the first place! This is a bad case of 'mai pen rai' ('no big deal') where people tend to forget about a certain issue if it is out of sight. It fits the current trend of suppressing of what happened that lead to the lastest escalation of the political crisis in some parts of society. Again, some people try to put a blanket over the ever-increasing rift and wonder in hindsight why we don't make it over to the other side. A solution cannot take place if there's not a confrontation of the problems and it's effects. But, and I realize I'm going out on a limb, part of Thai culture is to avoid confrontation and uncomfortableness with everyone at all costs.
On the other hand it is to be questioned if the ad, if it gets ever aired, would have any effect in making a change? As mentioned above, the ad is just one of many campaigns the group will do in the future. Nonetheless, the controversy can be counted as a win-win situation, since it got a certain portion of people talking about it, the original uploaded YouTube video got over half a million views and also got many people asking themselves what on earth the censorship committee was thinking.
Censorship on TV in Thailand has always been a delicate matter and, as 2Bangkok.com shows with examples of censoring smoking on 'The Simpsons', it is also pretty inconsistent. Many measures appear to many just downright absurd and this case shows yet again how outlandish and outdated the rules are. Speaking of outlandish, have you spotted the larkorn (soap opera) scene in the ad? Yeah, that kind of nonsense of women slapping each other is the norm! Hypocrisy in Thai lakorns - that's a whole double standard case in itself!
Was There An Anti-Thai 'Day of Anger' in Cambodia?
Note: This post was originally published on July 18, 2010 (in a slightly shorter form) in a series of guest blogger post for Bangkok Pundit at AsianCorrespondent. Until recently, Cambodians remembered the gruesome atrocities of the Khmer Rouges on the so-called "Day of Anger" every year on May 20. A few weeks ago there was some buzz over a different "Day of Anger" planned in Cambodia:
Cambodian NGOs plan to organize a meeting to commemorate and to express the anger against the 2nd anniversary of the Thai invasion of Cambodia along the border near Preah Vihear temple which took place on 15 July 2008. One high-ranking government official welcomed the plan to hold the “Anger Day” against Thai invasion on Cambodia on 15 July. However, this government official also warned the NGOs not to profit from this occasion to serve the interest of Cambodia’s opposition party. Rong Chhun, representative of the Cambodia Watchdog Council (CWC) and President of the Cambodia Independent Teachers’ Association (CITA), announced that 15 July is the date for the Anger Day against the Thai invasion of Cambodia and that it will be held in front of the public park located in front of the old building of the National Assembly which now houses the Supreme Court. Rong Chhun said that at the beginning of July 2010, he will send a letter to the Phnom Penh city authority to inform about them on the commemoration of this date, although, this is not to ask for an authorization from the city.
"Plan to hold an “Anger Day” against Thai invasion", by Everyday.com.kh, translated by KI-Media, June 29, 2010
This "Day of Anger" was supposed to mark the two-year anniversary of an incident when several dozens of Thai soldiers have reportedly crossed the border after three Thais were arrested, who illegally crossed the border in order to plant a Thai flag on the disputed Preah Vihear temple grounds.
The reactions from Thai officials were either unexcited, uninterested or unworried. Nevertheless there was some speculation why this event was to take place:
The event this time is planned by the Teacher's Association of Cambodia, which had carried out activities against the government of Hun Sen and also had its leaders imprisoned. This is a strange occurrence since the government has a strict ruling over various public gatherings. But this time the government has not shown any signs of interference.
(การจัดงานครั้งนี้จัดขึ้นโดยสมาคมครูแห่งชาติ ซึ่งเป็นกลุ่มที่มีบทบาทต่อต้านรัฐบาลฮุนเซน และแกนนำกลุ่มก็เคยถูกฮุนเซนจับขังคุกมาแล้ว ซึ่งเป็นเรื่องน่าแปลกที่ปกติรัฐบาลจะควบคุมเข้มงวดในการจัดงานชุมนุมต่างๆ แต่ครั้งนี้รัฐบาลไม่ได้มีการส่งสัญญาณห้ามปรามแต่อย่างใด)
Mr Surapong Jayanama, former [Thai] ambassador, says that there are two noteworthy aspects: "This event normally takes place in every May, but this time it's in July and in the past it is organized by Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party. This time it is an organization that is not related to the government and even if Hun Sen does not endorse them, but also does not stop them. [...] Since this is being held in July it also coincides with the meeting of the World Heritage Committee on July 25 in Brazil."
(นายสุรพงษ์ ชัยนาม อดีตเอกอัครราชทูต กล่าวว่า มีข้อสังเกตุ 2 ประการ คือ ทุกปีจัดในเดือนพ.ค. แต่ทำไมครั้งนี้จัดในเดือน ก.ค. และในอดีตจะจัดโดยพรรคประชาชนกัมพูชาของฮุนเซน แต่ครั้งนี้เปลี่ยนเป็นกลุ่มที่ไม่เกี่ยวกับรัฐบาล ถึงแม้ฮุนเซนจะบอกว่าไม่สนับสนุนแต่ก็ไม่ขัดขวาง [...] โดยการที่จัดงานในเดือนก.ค.นี้ เนื่องจากใกล้กับการประชุมคณะกรรมการมรดกโลกที่ประเทศบราซิลในวันที่ 25 ก.ค.นี้)
"Cambodia wants the seven [committee] countries of the UNESCO to see that not only Hun Sen is rallying for the world heritage status but also the people, because [they say] the Thais are exploiting [the Preah Vihear issue]. Apart from that it should show that the government of Hun Sen is democratic, open and is willing to let this event take place even if it is agains the will of the government. About the relations with Thailand, it is not a top priority. But the top priority is to get the world heirtage status for Preah Vihear. [...]
(ทางกัมพูชาต้องการให้ประชาคมระหว่างประเทศ 7 ประเทศจากยูเนสโกได้เห็นว่า ไม่ใช่เพียงนายฮุนเซนที่เรียกร้องเรื่องมรดกโลก ชาวกัมพูชาก็ออกมาเคลื่อนไหวเรียกร้องเพราะรู้สึกว่าถูกไทยเอาเปรียบ [เรื่องเขาพระวิหารเป็นมรดกโลก] นอกจากนี้ก็แสดงให้เห็นว่ารัฐบาลนายฮุนเซนมีความเป็นประชาธิปไตย ใจกว้าง ยินยอมให้จัดงานได้แม้จะเป็นฝ่ายตรงข้ามรัฐบาลก็ตาม ส่วนจะกระทบความสัมพันธ์กับไทย นายสุรพงษ์กล่าวว่าขณะนี้วาระเร่งด่วนของรัฐบาลฮุนเซนคือต้องการขึ้นทะเบียนมรดกโลกเขาพระวิหาร ส่วนเรื่องความสัมพันธ์กับไทยถือเป็นเรื่องสำคัญรองลงไป [...])
"เขมร จัด "วันโกรธแค้น" หวังสร้างภาพฟ้องประชาคมโลก", Manager.co.th, July 15, 2010
So, was there an anti-Thai "Day of Anger" in Cambodia? Well, sort of...
AROUND 150 armed security forces were deployed by Phnom Penh Municipal authorities yesterday to prevent a ceremony “expressing hate and demanding that Thai soldiers withdraw” from Preah Vihear temple. [...]
The ceremony, organised by the Cambodian Watchdog Council, was to take place outside the old National Assembly building near Wat Botum and mark the anniversary of the “Thai invasion” by demanding the withdrawal of Thai troops still stationed near the temple.
However, 150 soldiers and police – outnumbering the protesters – forced the gathering to disburse and relocate.
CWC President Rong Chhun expressed disappointment that authorities prevented the ceremony from going ahead as planned.
“The supporters and I wanted to hold a ceremony to remember the anniversary of the Thai invasion, but we are disappointed that local authorities prevented the gathering,” he said. “The deployment of armed forces is threatening and frightening to the patriotism of Cambodia’s children.”
He said the ceremony was moved to his office in Chamkarmon district, but remained under heavy police guard.
"Police quash anti-Thai gathering", by Kim Yuthana and Thet Sambath, The Phnom Penh Post, July 16, 2010
KI-Media has video of the protest, that shows the quite small turnout and also mentions a similar protest in 2009 that was violently dispersed by police.
P.S.: Thanks to Cambodia-based bloggers Andy Brouwer and Tharum Bun for providing help on this story.
„Der Spiegel“ Interviews Foreign Minister Kasit
NOTE: This post was originally published on July 16, 2010 in a series of guest blogger posts for Bangkok Pundit at AsianCorrespondent. During his diplomatic tour through Europe (previously mentioned here), foreign minister Kasit Piromya gave an interview to the German weekly news magazine Der Spiegel. Some lines are familiar to observers of him like these:
SPIEGEL: What is your explanation for the protests?
Kasit: The Marxist-Leninist interpretation was used by some protest leaders to paint a picture of disparity in Thai society -- between the rich and poor, rural and urban areas -- to attract supporters. This notion has also been accepted by the leftist media around the world. (...)
SPIEGEL: How have the leaders succeeded in gaining so much support?
Kasit: The protest is coordinated, organized and financed by Mr. Thaksin and his people. It is not something that happened naturally like in other countries, where demonstrations are spontaneous, like in Greece.
"Interview With Thai Foreign Minister - 'I'm Not Going to Run Like Mr. Thaksin'", Der Spiegel, July 15, 2010
Kasit actually made some solid remarks about the lèse majesté law ("Of course it has been abused! (...) I must now go to court!") and also named "Ethics, and good governance issues" to be the problems of Thai politics, but on the other hand he blames Thaksin in every second answer, whether it's about the failed November 14 election date proposal by the government during the protests ("Mr. Thaksin refused it. And then he started to have this armed insurrection."), the alleged main cause of the red shirts ("to support [him], to bring him back to Thailand without having him serve the jail sentence he has received for corruption and conflict of interest while in office.") - Kasit apparently can not let go of the idea that Thaksin is the ultimate root of all things evil. He also took a jab at German history:
SPIEGEL: What do you think? Who shot the people, if not the army?
Kasit: Look at German history: What happened when Joschka Fischer was on the streets in Frankfurt? Wasn't there shooting at that time? It is also possible that the Red Shirts were shooting among themselves in order to pass the blame to the government.
Former German foreign minister Joschka Fischer was involved in the student movement of the 1960s that was protesting against the conservatism and ignorance towards its past of post-war Germany. The government at that time tried to counter this movement i.e. by using the media to form a public opinion against the students. Due to the over-reaction by the police the protests escalated and turned violent. Even though it initially failed to cause any short-term results, it had long-lasting effects and influence on German society and culture.
In the 1970s the remains of the students movements either disappeared or have taken a radical route that also partly resulted in the formation of the Red Army Fraction that took out several armed assaults and was known as the first domestic terrorist group. During the same time frame Fischer was a leading member of the radical "Putzgruppe" (cleaning squad) that took on the police in several street battles. In 2001, when Fischer just became foreign minster, pictures dating back to 1973 were published, which shows him clubbing a policeman. Fischer later regretted this but also denied claims that he endorsed the use of molotov cocktails against the police. (More in this NYT article)
Getting back to Kasit's original claim: Neither sides, the "Putzgruppe" or the police, have used firearms during the street battles. All in all this historic comparison seems odd to me, but this is not the first time he has shown his selective historical knowledge. Talking about German history, Kasit once more came up with another comparison:
SPIEGEL: There have been 18 military coups since 1932. Can you really call Thailand a democracy?
Kasit: That is a very unfair question. It takes a lot of time to become a full-fledged democratic society. We are struggling with ourselves. Having said that, despite the challenges we have faced, we have never deviated far from the road to democracy which is what the Thai people want. Look at Germany: How did you end up with Hitler?
There we have it, Godwin's law has been used here in full effect! It seems to me that for one reasonable statement and he is spilling at least two or three ill-advised rants that ruin everything, as previously witnessed at an event in the US earlier this year.
By the way, since he mentioned the criminal past of a foreign minister, what about Kasit's past? Oh, yeah right!
Mr. Noppadon Goes to Washington
NOTE: This post was originally published on 8 July 2010 in a series of guest blogger posts for Bangkok Pundit at AsianCorrespondent. Ever since the red shirt protests ended, the government is keen to tell the world it's side of the story and that things have turned back to normal again in the Kingdom. In order to ensure this, they have, for instance, sent a special envoy to the US (with a little help from friends over there) for set the public agenda for Thailand (and also to prevent the US from intervention). Also, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya was travelling around Europe the last few weeks starting with a visit to the European Union in Brussels, where he gave this astonishing statement while meeting an EU diplomat:
Kasit was quoted as telling Commissioner Georgieva that the recent red-shirt protests were engineered primarily by a combination of 'Marxist-Leninist' elements from the old Thai communist party, disaffected military men and 'slum-dwellers', all funded and inspired by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, sources said.
However, he did not pressure the EU to extradite fugitive Thaksin since his ministry has earlier sought consultations from the EU diplomats in Bangkok on the process of Montenegro’s quest for EU membership. (...)
According to the EU press release, Commissioner Georgieva expressed her concerns about the victims of the recent political turmoil and hoped for a meaningful internal political dialogue to address the divisions in Thai society.
"EU concerns about Thailand's reconciliation", Bangkok Post, June 23, 2010 (emphasis by me)
I would like to have seen her face expression upon hearing Kasit's statement. The quote also reflects the the observations of US Senator Jim Webb when he met the Thai special envoy in Washington as Webb "agreed that aspects of the Red Shirts were 'classic Marxist.'" (Source)
Shortly after that the opposition camp has sent out their envoy around the world to counter the Thai government's media offense.
A close aide to Thailand's ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is seeking US help to resolve the kingdom's turmoil as he tries to soften the image of the "Red Shirt" protest movement.
Noppadon Pattama, a former foreign minister, is on a mission to Washington that comes as a sharp challenge to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who has won US backing for his reconciliation plan and opposes outside mediation.
"We hope that the US administration will be more engaged about the situation in Thailand. They can use diplomatic channels to encourage the government to look at our proposal," Noppadon, a legal adviser to Thaksin, told AFP in an interview Tuesday.
"It doesn't mean they interfere with Thai politics. You can give friendly advice to your friend -- it's just natural," he said. "US-Thai relations are very important and if your friend is weak or is divided, your friend may not fulfill the potential that it has."(...)
Noppadon accused the government of misrepresenting the Red Shirts, saying: "I don't want the United States or the US population to misunderstand that the Red Shirts are terrorists. They are just farmers, they are just democracy lovers, they are people who dislike double standards,"
Noppadon declined to specify whom he was meeting in Washington, saying it could lead to repercussions. Diplomats said he would meet with staff members at Congress. (...)
"Thaksin Shinawatra aide seeks US role in Thailand", AFP via The Times of India, June 30, 2010
The Nation claims to know who Noppadon has met in Washington:
Noppadon will meet with Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell at the State Department, a political source said, adding that he had also sought meetings with ranking senators, including John Kerry, Joe Lieberman, Howard Burman and Richard Lucas.
"Noppadon is believed to rely on Ed Rogers, a lobbyist working in the law firm of former US secretary of state James Baker," the source said.
"Wooing Washington", The Nation, July 1, 2010
Also, on a possible involvement by Thaksin, Bangkok Post had this:
Mr Noppadon said Thaksin knew about his trip to the US but gave no particular instructions, adding that the fugitive former prime minister was now in eastern Europe. (...) [Noppadon] had nothing to do with Robert Amsterdam, a foreign lawyer working for Thaksin.
"Thaksin's lawyers at work", Bangkok Post, June 30, 2010
Ed Rogers is vice-president for the lobby firm BGR Holdings LLC, which had Thaksin as a client back in 2008. Also:
Thaksin Shinawatra [...] has hired BGR Government Affairs, Amsterdam & Peroff and Kobre & Kim to lobby federal policymakers.
BGR, according to the firm’s lobbying registration for Thaksin, will “provide strategic counsel on U.S. government policy and assist with advancing individual’s desire to promote democracy in Thailand.”
At BGR, Thaksin will be represented by Stephen Rademaker, former national security policy director for then-Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.); Jonathan Mantz, the national finance director for then-Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s (D-N.Y.) 2008 presidential campaign; and Walker Roberts, an ex-deputy staff director for the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Loren Monroe, a BGR principal, declined to comment for this piece, saying the firm does not discuss client matters.
"Former prime minister of Thailand hires trio of lobby and law firms", by Kevin Bogardus, The Hill, July 1, 2010
The time of Noppadon's PR-tour in DC was not accidental as he was in the week before the US Congress votes on whether to back Prime Minister Abhisit's reconciliation roadmap or not. The vote went 411 - 1 in favor of the bill officially titled "Affirming the support of the United States for a strong and vital alliance with Thailand" (the full text of the bill is in the link).
Of course, the Thai government is delighted with the decision from Washington as they have encouraged Abhisit to stay the course and carry on with the roadmap. This episode was also a show of whose side has done better lobbying on Capitol Hill, since the Thai government has also hired a lobbying firm. Looks like Noppadon or Thaksin will have more work to do to convince DC for their side of the political conflict.
Housekeeping: Panel, Berlin & Guest-Blogging
Got some housekeeping announcements here for you: First off, the panel discussion we have hosted here in Hamburg last Monday went really well! I will write a round-up about this event (and the academic conference in Trier as well) soon, because secondly...
I'll be on the road again for the next few days, this time to a workshop at Humboldt University in Berlin about the Thai political crisis (they even have the same title "Thailand am Scheideweg" as ours!). They don't have a website for this event but you can read the programme here (PDF). I'll also give a little talk about myself and about the panel in Hamburg.
And finally, political blogger Bangkok Pundit has announced that he'll take some time off during the next few weeks. I'm happy to announce that I will be guest blogging for him during his break alongside other well-known bloggers. I want to thank Bangkok Pundit and his blogging platform AsianCorrespondent (AC) for this opportunity! Naturally, there'll be some slight chances. During the time of my guest blogging, most articles will be published on AC first and then on this blog one or two days later. Certain topics such as academia and general housekeeping will stay here.
Make sure to follow me on Twitter (@Saksith) for all the latest posts (and rants).
Talk on Thai Politics and Military at Payap University, Chiang Mai
The Thai and Southeast Asian Studies Program at Payap University is proud to announce the following special lecture as part of "PAYAP PRESENTS," a regular lecture series (in English) featuring scholars working on Southeast Asia. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
"Thailand in Crisis: Resurgent Military, Diminished Democracy, and Future Possibilities"
Speaker: Paul Chambers, Ph.D.
One of the foremost experts on civil-military relations in Southeast Asia, Dr. Chambers is concurrently Senior Research Fellow, Politics Institute, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany, and Senior Researcher, the Thai and Southeast Asian Studies Program, Payap University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
When: Thursday, 8 July 2010
Time: 5pm to 6pm
Room 317, Pentecost Building (formerly the Graduate and International Studies Building), Mae Khao Campus (behind Carrefour), Payap University
Overview of talk:
Thailand's political winds are blowing ever stronger as forces either defending the status quo or seeking change brace themselves for an imminent critical juncture. The growing partisan divide has facilitated greater military incisions over civilian decision-making domains, bestowing a preponderance of power upon soldiers as opposed to elected representatives. The result has been an erosion of democracy amidst already-intensified political instability. Though the military is not monolithically supportive of either side, the far majority of soldiers (especially those in positions of power) are inclined toward the status quo. In this presentation, Dr. Chambers examines contemporary civil-military relations in Thailand, the state of unity in the Thai armed forces, and potential political outcomes. He argues that, with enhanced uncertainty hanging in the air, Thai politics remain extremely fluid, the only surety being a heightened political role for Thailand's military.
Please note that there is a new PAYAP PRESENTS website where you can find more information about this talk as well as past and future talks: http://ic.payap.ac.th/pp
Is “Bringing Thaksin Back” Puea Thai's Key Policy?
Bringing back former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to Thailand and reinstatement of the 2007 Constitution would be two main key policies for next election campaign of Puea Thai Party, MPs chairman Chalerm Yubamrung said on Saturday.
Mr Chalerm said the opposition camp will also inform voters that it would move ahead with the populist policy initiated by the now defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, such as 30 baht for curing all diseases and village fund.
The veteran politician said his party will also come up with a law to grant amnesty to yellow and red-shirt protesters facing criminal and political charges after the September 19, 2006 military coup.
He was confident that Puea Thai party’s MP candidate, Korkaew Pikulthong, would win the July 25 by election in Bangkok’s constituency 6. Mr Korkaew, being detained in prison on charge of terrorism, is a co-leader of the pro-Thaksin United front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).
"PT: “Bring Thaksin back” is a key policy", Bangkok Post, July 3, 2010
This will not sit well with the yellow shirts and other anti-Thaksin advocates, but may be the prospect of amnesty for both yellow and red shirts may offer some room for compromise - nah! As long as Thaksin is mentioned there's no chance in hell the Puea Thai Party will get through with this!
Short Notice: Academic Conference on Thai Politics in Trier
Short notice: I'll be gone during this weekend to Trier for an academic conference on Thai politics. Their website is www.thailand-tagung2010.de Hope it will be interesting and the topics and discussions will surely result in a blog post or two.
Have a nice weekend!
UPDATE: Venue Changed! – Announcing: Panel on the Thai Political Crisis at the University of Hamburg
Note: Official announcement in German language below.
I'm happy to announce one of the reasons why I have been very busy the last few weeks: The student body of the faculty of Thai Studies at the University Hamburg, Germany (which I'm a member of) are hosting a panel discussion on the ongoing political crisis in Thailand. Since events of this kind about this topic on an academic level are rare in Germany, this is a great opportunity to fill this void.
We have invited, in my opinion, the best German-speaking experts on Thailand to discuss the causes, the protagonists, the issues of the political situation and are also trying to answer the question, if there is a way out of it.
The speakers are Dr. Wolfram Schaffar, political scientist at the University of Hildesheim and Dr. Marco Bünte, research fellow with the GIGA Institute of Asian Studies. Oh, and some Thai blogger is also on the panel...
Prof. Volker Grabowsky, head of the department of Southeast Asian Studies, will give an introductory essay.
The title of the event is "Thailand am Scheideweg?" ("Thailand at the Crossroads?") and takes place on Monday, 5 July 2010 at 18.30h at lecture room C in the main building at the University of Hamburg. Note: this event is in German.
If you know anybody in or near Hamburg, please pass this on to them!
------------------------Official German announcement------------------------
Der Fachschaftsrat der Thaiistik an der Universität Hamburg lädt ein:
"Thailand am Scheideweg?" Podiumsdiskussion zur politischen Krise in Thailand
Diskussionsteilnehmer: Dr. Wolfram Schaffar, Universität Hildesheim Dr. Marco Bünte, GIGA-Institut für Asienstudien Saksith Saiyasombut, Student und Blogger
Einleitender Vortrag: Prof. Dr. Volker Grabowsky, Leiter der Abteilung Südostasien, Universität Hamburg
Für zwei Monate waren große Teile Bangkoks von den größten politischen Demonstrationen des Landes lahm gelegt worden. Die so genannte „Vereinigte Front für Demokratie und gegen Diktatur“ (UDD), auch bekannt als die „Rothemden“, protestierte gegen die Regierung von Premierminister Abhisit Veijajiva und forderte diese auf, das Parlament aufzulösen und Neuwahlen auszurufen. Die Proteste wurden am 19. Mai 2010 nach einer mehrtägigen militärischen Operation aufgelöst. Insgesamt kamen bei gewaltsamen Ausschreitungen in den zwei Monaten über 85 Menschen ums Leben, über 2000 wurden verletzt. Seit dem Militärputsch gegen den damaligen Premierminister Thaksin Shinawatra im Jahr 2006 befindet sich das Königreich Thailand in einer politischen Krise, die das Land immer mehr in zwei politische Lager spaltet.
Die Abteilung Sprachen und Kulturen Südostasiens und der Fachschaftsrat Thaiistik an der Universität Hamburg lädt zu einer Podiumsdiskussion mit Thailand-Experten ein, um zu ergründen, wie es weiter in Thailand gehen soll. Wie konnte es zu dieser politischen Krise kommen? Wer sind diese politischen Fronten und was sind ihre Positionen? Hat die Demokratie in Thailand noch eine Chance?
Zeit: Montag, 5. Juli 2010, 18.30 Uhr bis 20.30 Uhr Ort: Hörsaal C, Hauptgebäude, Universität Hamburg, Edmund-Siemers-Allee 1, 20146 Hamburg
:)
The Unbelievable Rise of Col. Sansern's Popularity
Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd at work (Screenshot from CRES announcement, May 16)
Let's make this short: there are many things that I cannot simply understand! This is one of them.
For some incomprehensible reason Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd, military spokesperson and as seen on dozens of CRES TV announcements during the red shirt riots in earlier this year, has become a darling of the local Thai media.
It all begun late last month when The Nation ran a series of high-praising articles of him including this journalistic gem:
He's been on primetime television every other day recently. He's that guy in uniform who catches every woman's eye. He makes viewers giggle despite the tension, and has a smile to melt the coldest heart. With his winning personality, he has to be a strong contender for Man of the Year award. (...)
However, since the red-shirt protests began in March, he has become a favourite across the whole country - and many women's secret crush. Right now, he's even beating big-screen heartthrob Theeradej "Ken" Wongpuapan in the popularity stakes.
As one of his avid supporters, I've joined every fan club for Sansern on Facebook, watched every video clip of him posted on YouTube and even looked up his profile through Google. And yes, when I met him, I was star-struck! The chance to meet my hero came when a senior reporter I am shadowing at The Nation said she was going to interview the colonel. I begged to tag along.
"Saluting the kingdom's coolest colonel", The Nation, May 30, 2010
Why are you so admired for your role as CRES spokesman? / You got higher votes than popular actor Ken Thiradej in a recent poll. Why could that be? / Has Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva persuaded you to enter politics? / Has your wife teased you about your fan club? / Given the fan club and the popularity you have as CRES spokesman, do you think your job is successful? / What makes you good-humoured?
Taken from: "Staying cool under fire", by Budsarakham Sinlapalavan & Nathapat Promkaew, The Nation, June 28, 2010
To top it off there is this exclusive video showing the contents of his bag. Notice the lady reporters reaction when he pulls something specific out...
But that is still not the end of his media tour de force. In the last days and weeks, Col. Sansern did appears on not one, not two, but three frigging high-gloss magazine covers (or cover stories)!
Seriously ladies, what is it with this guy and the sudden popularity? Is it because he appeared more often on TV than Abhisit did in recent times? This is one of the stories that truly deserve the "WTF?!"-tag...