State Of Emergency Announced In Bangkok

[blaze]

extracted from the bkk post.

THE MIRROR HAS 60 MILLION FACES

What a sensible and honest post. When we- Thais and foreigners alike- feel most cynical about the ability of Thais to forge a better world for themselves, it would help us all to revisit it.

[AlKing]

From my observation, there are 2 things that Thai really like. Market (ตราดนัด) & Fun fair (งานวัด). So the PM office is now converted into a Market. Next will be the arrival of Ferris Wheel and Merry Go Round. Perhaps TAT should use this opportunity to capture more foreign tourist to visit Thailand.

[ubonjoe]

^Are you using a French-German dictionary?!

putsch also Putsch �� (pch) KEY �

NOUN:

A sudden attempt by a group to overthrow a government. ETYMOLOGY:

German, from German dialectal, from Middle High German, thrust, of imitative origin

OTHER FORMS:

putschist (Noun)

How would you like to be called a putsch'ist.

[sriracha john]

Oriental feels pinch

Thailand's political turmoil is taking a toll on Bangkok's most famous hotel, with only half of its 393 luxurious rooms rooms filled in the next two months and the potential of 120 million baht in revenue losses. The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, as the hotel is now known following a recent rebranding, is looking at 50% occupancy for September and October, against 70% projected earlier, according to general manager Kurt Wachtveitl. The 130 year-old-hotel, managed by Hong Kong-based Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (MOHG), also reports many cancellations of corporate meetings, local parties, and banquets in the two-month period. The current political tension is expected to depress the hotel's occupancy for all of 2008 to 67% from more than 70% originally expected, the veteran hotelier said. "Thailand's current political conflict has of course affected most markets especially Asia, Japan and Australia where the developments here made headline news," he said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/080908_Business...p2008_biz38.php

[Journalist]

^So let them move the functions of Government House. Far from impossible.

The premises are symbolic, but its just bricks and mortar.

Let them have their market garden as a farcical sideshow.

The nation is bigger than the building.

[h90]

^Are you using a French-German dictionary?!

coup seems to be english....at least my english dictionary recognize it (but seems to be french origin (but I am by no means a specialist for either french or english))

[Journalist]

^yes, 'coup d'etat' is a Froggie phrase . Hon hi Hon.

!

[h90]

^Are you using a French-German dictionary?!

putsch also Putsch �� (pch) KEY �

NOUN:

A sudden attempt by a group to overthrow a government. ETYMOLOGY:

German, from German dialectal, from Middle High German, thrust, of imitative origin

OTHER FORMS:

putschist (Noun)

How would you like to be called a putsch'ist.

The man who make the coup. But in my opinion you would write "putschist" and not "putsch'ist". But not really Thailand related.

[ubonjoe]

Anti-government demonstrators plant rice inside the Government House compound in Bangkok September 6, 2008. Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is facing a three-month-old campaign to drive him from power as thousands of anti-government activists have barricaded themselves in his official compound for the past 12 days and refuse to move until he quits.REUTERS/Stringer (THAILAND)

[sriracha john]

Thai PM faces court battle over cooking show

BANGKOK, Thailand — Thailand's embattled prime minister appeared in court Monday to defend himself against accusations he violated the constitution by hosting a televised cooking show while in office.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej would be forced to resign if found guilty by the Constitutional Court. The court hearing compounded his troubles as anti-government protesters occupied the grounds of his office complex for a second week.

Before taking office seven months ago, Samak had hosted a popular TV cooking show called "Tasting and Complaining," a mix of traditional Thai cooking and rants on the subjects of Samak's choice.

- Associated Press (9/7/2008)

[sriracha john]

Samak testifies to Constitution Court

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej appeared in good mood when he arrived at the Constitution Court Monday morning to testify in a case against him.

Samak arrived at the court at 9 am and was smiling, but he refused to speak to reporters.

A group of senators asked the court to disqualified him on allegations that he violated the Constitution by hosting the Chim Pai Bon Pai TV programme of a private firm.

The senators alleged that Samak was hired by the firm to host the programme in defiance of the charter which prohibits Cabinet members from being employees of private firms.

- The Nation (today)

[Plus]

More about Hong Kong system, it's relevant to "new politics" that everyone mentions in every other post, so it's not totally off topic.

First direct elections were held in 1991, but only 30% of the Legislative Council. It's not like China abolished universal suffrage there.

Now 50% of the council is directly elected.

Hong Kong has long been a darling of Asian democracy, though situation has obviously deteriorated after Chinese takeover. Still, in 2005 Hong Kong was listed No 2 in Asia after Japan. Thailand was 6th.

People here are missing the principal fact - unelected legislature in itself does not mean the end of democracy, Hong Kong might have it under Chinese influence and still be more democratic than any other country in the region.

>>>

One poster said that Hong Kong history is different from Thai. Yeah, but since iThai history has nothing in common with Europe or the US, the western democratic model shouldn't even be considered here. Different history, different solutions, right?

>>>

New politics is not "codified" - it's just a starting point for a wider discussion on political reform, reform that should be enacted by civil society, not PAD itself.

>>>

Fresh elections without meaningful reform will not solve the underlying problem - Thai politics has been taken over by greedy, corrupt thieves who don't leave any space for the genuine democracy to grow. "New politics" is just one idea how to exclude these leeches from governing process altogether and give the power to the people.

[ding]

Samak testifies to Constitution Court

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej appeared in good mood when he arrived at the Constitution Court Monday morning to testify in a case against him.

Samak arrived at the court at 9 am and was smiling, but he refused to speak to reporters.

A group of senators asked the court to disqualified him on allegations that he violated the Constitution by hosting the Chim Pai Bon Pai TV programme of a private firm.

The senators alleged that Samak was hired by the firm to host the programme in defiance of the charter which prohibits Cabinet members from being employees of private firms.

- The Nation (today)

He refuses to answer questions about his public office but he uses the show to propagandize, ei: his opinions are aired unchallenged and unquestioned.

Not the first time this has happened, nor Thailand the only place for it.

[sriracha john]

AP article Post #2082 has been expanded...

Thai PM faces court battle over cooking show

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — Thailand's embattled prime minister appeared in court Monday to defend himself against accusations he violated the constitution by hosting a televised cooking show while in office.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej would be forced to resign if found guilty by the Constitutional Court. The court hearing compounded his troubles as anti-government protesters occupied the grounds of his office complex for a second week.

Before taking office seven months ago, Samak had hosted a popular TV cooking show called "Tasting and Complaining," a mix of traditional Thai cooking and rants on the subjects of Samak's choice.

Samak made a few appearances on the show after becoming prime minister, prompting a group of senators to petition the court on grounds that an acting prime minister is not allowed under the constitution to work with private companies.

The case is the latest embarrassment for Samak, who has not been able to enter his office, the Government House, since protesters stormed the compound Aug. 26. They have refused to leave until he resigns.

A new mediation effort by Parliament was due to start Monday, offering a glimmer of hope for ending the country's political crisis.

Senate speaker Prasopsuk Boondet, who was appointed mediator by Parliament last week, was to meet with Thailand's opposition leader and the heads of the six political parties that make up Samak's ruling coalition government.

"I am optimistic that there is still a way out of the ongoing stalemate," Prasopsuk told reporters ahead of the meeting.

The possibility of a true breakthrough was seen as limited, since the protest leaders have ruled out any negotiation unless Samak resigns.

Samak said he still planned to travel to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly meetings later this month.

Samak said Thailand's last coup happened in 2006 when then-premier Thaksin was in New York at the U.N. headquarters. But he said history was not about to repeat itself.

"I will deliver my speech at the United Nations and I don't believe any unwanted incident will happen like when Thaksin went to speak there," he said.

Samak imposed a state of emergency last Tuesday after violent clashes between his supporters and opponents left one person dead. Calm was quickly restored, but Samak has acknowledged that the emergency decree has been ineffective at removing protesters from Government House.

"After declaring the state of emergency, I thought everyone would be scared and disperse. But no one cares. They're ignoring the law," Samak said, reiterating his refusal to step down. "But I will not bow to them."

[pumpuiman]

first of all they are the public, so it is their property.

Second they don't destroy it, they use it for farming. Farming is not destroying something.

Why don't you take a walk over to the nearest police station with a shovel and some saplings and start digging up the garden. Make sure to rip out all the existing vegetation first, then piss and shit on the soil till it's nice and muddy.

Let us know how it goes.

[cmsally]

Fresh elections without meaningful reform will not solve the underlying problem - Thai politics has been taken over by greedy, corrupt thieves who don't leave any space for the genuine democracy to grow. "New politics" is just one idea how to exclude these leeches from governing process altogether and give the power to the people.

I fail to see how "new politics" will give back power to the people if it takes on the functional constituency system.

It seems to be generally agreed that this is what gives the mainland PRC system the governing hand. If that is the case in Hong Kong then who would hold the governing hand in Thailand, should this be adopted?

[Old Man River]

This is an article by Thongchai Winichakul that appeared in Matichon last Thursday. For those that don't know, Thongchai is a very well known and highly respected professor in the US. His advice is often sought out and he gives his take on the current events in Thailand:

http://www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=792

[sriracha john]

Thai PM testifies in court over cooking programmes

BANGKOK, Sept 8 (TNA) - Thailand's embattled Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej appeared in the country's Constitution Court on Monday to defend himself regarding his hosting of a television cooking programme by doing which he is accused of violating the Consitution.

Samak had hosted television cooking shows on a commercial television station in the past and continued after taking office in February.

The premier's love affair with eating, cooking and the culinary arts landed him in trouble after a group of senators and the Election Commission (EC) petitioned the Constitution Court to rule as to whether his actions disqualify him from office by violated the national charter.

Article 267 of the Constitution stipulates that the prime minister is prohibited from holding any position in a partnership, a company or an organisation carrying out business with a view to sharing profit or income, or being an employee of any person.

Samak told the court that he appeared in the programmes only as an honorary guest, without seeking any compensation.

The premier's appearance in the Bangkok court came amid a number of mounting pressures for the prime minister to resign as anti-government protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have occupied Thailand's Government House since August 26.

The coalition of self-described democracy-activist protesters vowed not to disperse until the premier calls it quits.

Samak was accused by the demonstrators of being a proxy of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who fled corruption charges to live in Britain with his wife and family.

[h90]

This is an article by Thongchai Winichakul that appeared in Matichon last Thursday. For those that don't know, Thongchai is a very well known and highly respected professor in the US. His advice is often sought out and he gives his take on the current events in Thailand:

http://www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=792

I think the article is pretty much nonsense....

for me he looks like someone who need to find a different opinion just to justify to write an article which is not the mainstream opinion.

[sriracha john]

Here's a possible beginning to finding a solution and it's a lot sooner than a referendum... throw him out of office.

Constitution Court to rule on PM's qualification Tuesday

The Constitution Court will make Tuesday make a ruling on the case against Prime Minister Samak Sundarave was accused of violating the charter by hosting a TV programme.

The court will read its verdict at 2 pm.

- The Nation

Edited September 8, 2008 by sriracha john

[LuckyFive8888]

are cooking program illegal now?

[blaze]

Thai PM testifies in court over cooking programmes

Article 267 of the Constitution stipulates that the prime minister is prohibited from holding any position in a partnership, a company or an organisation carrying out business with a view to sharing profit or income, or being an employee of any person.

Samak told the court that he appeared in the programmes only as an honorary guest, without seeking any compensation.

Absent a paper trail, will the courts conclude that Samak was not in violation of the Constitution?

On the surface the case seems a bit comical (the BBC announcer found it a bit amusing)- but the ramifications are tremendous- If the courts can not find evidence that article 267 was breeched and therefore find him innocent of the charge- it will be a triumph for justice in Thailand- a strict reading of the law with out bowing to expediency.

But the 'crisis' will continue.

If, again absent proof of renumeration, he is found guilty the crisis will (temporarily anyway) end- but the courts will have to show that the verdict was based on law and not political expediency.

Edited September 8, 2008 by blaze

[Publicus]

Fresh elections without meaningful reform will not solve the underlying problem - Thai politics has been taken over by greedy, corrupt thieves who don't leave any space for the genuine democracy to grow. "New politics" is just one idea how to exclude these leeches from governing process altogether and give the power to the people.

I fail to see how "new politics" will give back power to the people if it takes on the functional constituency system.

It seems to be generally agreed that this is what gives the mainland PRC system the governing hand. If that is the case in Hong Kong then who would hold the governing hand in Thailand, should this be adopted?

Thais need to devolve or decentralize their political system and government. That is, to change the constitution to allow the voting population of each province to elect their own governor.

Thai voters also need to be able constitutionally to elect their own county and municipal officials. Presently, all of the above are appointed from Bangkok by the central government.

The history of the winner take all, win-lose scenario of Bangkok as the locus of power in the Thai system of politics and government leads to the evermore fierce, all or nothing political battles we increasingly see in Bangkok: Gain control of the central government in Bangkok and you have control over everything, everyone, everywhere in the country. This has to stop.

Rather, devolve; decentralize. Let the regions and the various groups have some direct voice in governing in their own province, in their own community. It wouldn't be a perfect system; it would still have corruption, cronyism, nepotism etc but it likely would get us away from these increasing and increasingly titanic struggles in Bangkok for all or nothing control of the country, titanic struggles that are tearing Thailand asunder.

Edited September 8, 2008 by Publicus

[hammered]

first of all they are the public, so it is their property.

Second they don't destroy it, they use it for farming. Farming is not destroying something.

Why don't you take a walk over to the nearest police station with a shovel and some saplings and start digging up the garden. Make sure to rip out all the existing vegetation first, then piss and shit on the soil till it's nice and muddy.

Let us know how it goes.

I'd also recommend 10K to 100K committed supporters who will stick with you on a shift basis and not be cowed when the government send a few thousand drunken machete wielding hirelings to attack you. You may wanna stock up on a few past their sell by date golf clubs, crash helmuts and sling shots and a blunderbuss or two as well. These things can turn nasty. Oh and be willing to be charged with treason and face police in riot gear. However, if all the advice is followed no doubt you will be able to occupy the nearest police building..... and of course we dont really know how these situations end up yet;)

[cmsally]

This is an article by Thongchai Winichakul that appeared in Matichon last Thursday. For those that don't know, Thongchai is a very well known and highly respected professor in the US. His advice is often sought out and he gives his take on the current events in Thailand:

http://www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=792

I think the article is pretty much nonsense....

for me he looks like someone who need to find a different opinion just to justify to write an article which is not the mainstream opinion.

Amazing how you can just dismiss someone who is so knowledgeable on the subject.

What is the mainstream opinion by the way?

For me the crux of the article is if the PAD leadership gave themselves up to fight the case legally. He stresses that to appear as heroes they would have to explain to their educated followers how this would be triumphant for them.

I think the key issue is here. Can they actually hold an intelligent debate and are their followers really all that intelligent to process such issues. All I have seen is hand clapping and inflammatory rhetoric , so don't hold out much hope there.

[h90]

This is an article by Thongchai Winichakul that appeared in Matichon last Thursday. For those that don't know, Thongchai is a very well known and highly respected professor in the US. His advice is often sought out and he gives his take on the current events in Thailand:

http://www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=792

I think the article is pretty much nonsense....

for me he looks like someone who need to find a different opinion just to justify to write an article which is not the mainstream opinion.

Amazing how you can just dismiss someone who is so knowledgeable on the subject.

What is the mainstream opinion by the way?

For me the crux of the article is if the PAD leadership gave themselves up to fight the case legally. He stresses that to appear as heroes they would have to explain to their educated followers how this would be triumphant for them.

I think the key issue is here. Can they actually hold an intelligent debate and are their followers really all that intelligent to process such issues. All I have seen is hand clapping and inflammatory rhetoric , so don't hold out much hope there.

if you have read the article: he explain on the beginning what the mainstream opinion is: Samak resign...house dissolution

[hammered]

Thai PM testifies in court over cooking programmes

Article 267 of the Constitution stipulates that the prime minister is prohibited from holding any position in a partnership, a company or an organisation carrying out business with a view to sharing profit or income, or being an employee of any person.

Samak told the court that he appeared in the programmes only as an honorary guest, without seeking any compensation.

Absent a paper trail, will the courts conclude that Samak was not in violation of the Constitution?

On the surface the case seems a bit comical (the BBC announcer found it a bit amusing)- but the ramifications are tremendous- If the courts can not find evidence that article 267 was breeched and therefore find him innocent of the charge- it will be a triumph for justice in Thailand- a strict reading of the law with out bowing to expediency.

But the 'crisis' will continue.

If, again absent proof of renumeration, he is found guilty the crisis will (temporarily anyway) end- but the courts will have to show that the verdict was based on law and not political expediency.

I cant see the court finding him guilty on the little I know, and of course I may be missing a piece of obvious evidence. I also didnt think the original disolution case would result in disolution so I am probably very wrong.

Politically knocking Samak out would relieve tensions and allow for negotiations especially if it coincided with the PAD leadership surrendering to the courts on what they are accused of. I cant see treason charges going very far in all honesty but the others probably will.

[cmsally]

This is an article by Thongchai Winichakul that appeared in Matichon last Thursday. For those that don't know, Thongchai is a very well known and highly respected professor in the US. His advice is often sought out and he gives his take on the current events in Thailand:

http://www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=792

I think the article is pretty much nonsense....

for me he looks like someone who need to find a different opinion just to justify to write an article which is not the mainstream opinion.

Amazing how you can just dismiss someone who is so knowledgeable on the subject.

What is the mainstream opinion by the way?

For me the crux of the article is if the PAD leadership gave themselves up to fight the case legally. He stresses that to appear as heroes they would have to explain to their educated followers how this would be triumphant for them.

I think the key issue is here. Can they actually hold an intelligent debate and are their followers really all that intelligent to process such issues. All I have seen is hand clapping and inflammatory rhetoric , so don't hold out much hope there.

if you have read the article: he explain on the beginning what the mainstream opinion is: Samak resign...house dissolution

OK now I'm clear , anything which is against the mainstream opinion is nonsense forthwith and not to be debated.

Geez I know rice farmers who have better debating skills than that.

They are not the ones digging up public property by the way.

[Insight]

Thai PM testifies in court over cooking programmes

Article 267 of the Constitution stipulates that the prime minister is prohibited from holding any position in a partnership, a company or an organisation carrying out business with a view to sharing profit or income, or being an employee of any person.

Samak told the court that he appeared in the programmes only as an honorary guest, without seeking any compensation.

Absent a paper trail, will the courts conclude that Samak was not in violation of the Constitution?

On the surface the case seems a bit comical (the BBC announcer found it a bit amusing)- but the ramifications are tremendous- If the courts can not find evidence that article 267 was breeched and therefore find him innocent of the charge- it will be a triumph for justice in Thailand- a strict reading of the law with out bowing to expediency.

But the 'crisis' will continue.

If, again absent proof of renumeration, he is found guilty the crisis will (temporarily anyway) end- but the courts will have to show that the verdict was based on law and not political expediency.

I cant see the court finding him guilty on the little I know, and of course I may be missing a piece of obvious evidence. I also didnt think the original disolution case would result in disolution so I am probably very wrong.

Politically knocking Samak out would relieve tensions and allow for negotiations especially if it coincided with the PAD leadership surrendering to the courts on what they are accused of. I cant see treason charges going very far in all honesty but the others probably will.

On the other hand, Samak would probably see a not guilty verdict as his reign being legitimized until the advent of the second coming...

[Old Man River]

This is an article by Thongchai Winichakul that appeared in Matichon last Thursday. For those that don't know, Thongchai is a very well known and highly respected professor in the US. His advice is often sought out and he gives his take on the current events in Thailand:

http://www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=792

I think the article is pretty much nonsense....

for me he looks like someone who need to find a different opinion just to justify to write an article which is not the mainstream opinion.

There is a link to the Thai language version which might help you understand it.