A Great Article

[johncitizen]

Hey all,

Here's a sobering analysis of the political developments in Thailand over the last few years, and how it fits in with a frightening anti-democratic trend that we are beginning to see emerge across the world. (Although I'll be the first to admit that Thailand, with all of its competing factions and interests, backdoor-deals, secrecy and propaganda is by far the most confusing.)

The Bourgeois Revolution

by Joshua Kurlantzick

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4900

best wishes,

jc

[Moonrakers]

Here we go again.

No doubt the same old debate will be bought up as to how biased this article is. I have my opinion but I shan't bother to commentate is it has all been done ad Ad infinitum.

Nothing new to see here folks, move along now.

[flying]

I have my opinion but I shan't bother to commentate is it has all been done ad Ad infinitum.

Nothing new to see here folks, move along now.

Ummm but you did just give us your opinion

Edited May 1, 2009 by flying

[johncitizen]

Here we go again.

No doubt the same old debate will be bought up as to how biased this article is. I have my opinion but I shan't bother to commentate is it has all been done ad Ad infinitum.

Nothing new to see here folks, move along now.

I see. I wasn't aware that the topic of the very fate of the nation has a two week shelf life.

Turning your back on the problem isn't going to make it go away- in fact, it is apathy itself that often allows these kind of problems balloon into nation-wrecking crises.

EDIT: And it might help if you actually read the article first before you comment on it. Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience this may cause you, I'm afraid it didn't come in cartoon format.

Edited May 2, 2009 by johncitizen

[JetsetBkk]

Hey all,

Here's a sobering analysis of the political developments in Thailand over the last few years, and how it fits in with a frightening anti-democratic trend that we are beginning to see emerge across the world. (Although I'll be the first to admit that Thailand, with all of its competing factions and interests, backdoor-deals, secrecy and propaganda is by far the most confusing.)

The Bourgeois Revolution

by Joshua Kurlantzick

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4900

best wishes,

jc

Despite its name, the People's Alliance is explicitly antidemocratic.

[dbrenn]

I have my opinion but I shan't bother to commentate is it has all been done ad Ad infinitum.

Nothing new to see here folks, move along now.

Ummm but you did just give us your opinion

Made me smile too - giving an opinion on something that's not worthy of an opinion

[WinnieTheKhwai]

"Nothing to see here!" [sticks head back in sand]

Edited May 3, 2009 by WinnieTheKhwai

[rick75]

I think the article was written by somebody who has no idea about the current political situation and what is behind it. IMHO

[johncitizen]

Perhaps you would care to enlighten us with a similarly well-researched counter argument?

Or was it because they didn't refer to Thaksin by his official new name:

(Taken from the Notthenation website)

http://www.notthenation.com/pages/news/getnews.php?id=779

Thaksin’s Legal Name Changed To “Convicted Fugitive Republican Bad Man Shinawatra” By Government

“Necessary precaution” to prevent complexity in press coverage of Thai politics, says Kasit

BANGKOK – The Thai Foreign Ministry has announced that deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s legal name has been officially changed, to assist domestic and international press coverage in more correctly covering Thai politics.

The new name, which translates loosely to “convicted fugitive republican bad man” is intended to assure that all subsequent press stories provide adequate background on the situation for uninformed readers who might otherwise be tempted to conduct their own research, which Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya calls “a threat to national unity.”

“Convicted Fugitive Republican Bad Man Shinawatra has been convicted in the courts, so he’s a criminal,” explained the minister. “He’s run away from justice, and is thus a fugitive, and it has been well-documented that he wanted to overthrow the monarchy and become president.” According to Kasit, this makes Convicted Fugitive Republican Bad Man Shinawatra a bad man whose effect on Thai society is thus unambiguous and must be condemned. “We feel by changing his name to reflect his evil, we can help guide people to the right point of view.”

Although legally changing a Thai citizen’s name normally requires the person’s written and notarized consent, the Foreign Ministry has declared Convicted Fugitive Republican Bad Man Shinawatra’s case to be exceptional. Having already revoked his passport, the ministry has also assumed full power of attorney over his legal personhood. This was done aas part of the government-sanctioned seizure of Convicted Fugitive Republican Bad Man Shinawatra’s assets, making the name change legal in Thai court.

Reaction from the domestic press was mixed, with Thai Rath and Thai Post editorials cautiously supporting the measure, and Matichon opposed to it. The English-language Thai press was generally positive, with the Bangkok Post only complaining that the name was too long, while The Nation enthused that its editorial policy already included referring to the ex-PM in almost identical terms. “The only thing we’ll have to change is ‘Thaksin’ to ‘Shinawatra’,” said managing editor Thanong Khanthong. “Today is a great day for journalism.”

The international press has been far more critical, with many organizations such as The Economist and the Straits Times refusing to use the new legal name in their stories. However, Kasit dismissed their concerns as further evidence that outsiders did not understand Thai culture.

“For us it is normal and desirable to have titles in people’s names to indicate something about them,” he said. “For example we call our beloved king His Majesty so that we all know right away what he represents to us, and we use the word ‘phii’ in front of people who have higher social standing so we know to submit to their rank. Convicted Fugitive Republican Bad Man Shinawatra is simply getting the same treatment.”

Leaders of the Convicted Fugitive Republican Bad Man Shinawatra-supporting UDD vowed to not only refuse to use the new name, but promised to retaliate with “totally truthful” names of their own, including Prime Minister Not Really Elected Homosexual Vejjajiva, Privy Councilor Fascist Snake-Head Foot-Face One-Testicle Tinsulanonda, and PAD leader Baby Raper Heroin Dealer Water Monitor Limthongkul.

[Moonrakers]

I have my opinion but I shan't bother to commentate is it has all been done ad Ad infinitum.

Nothing new to see here folks, move along now.

Ummm but you did just give us your opinion

Made me smile too - giving an opinion on something that's not worthy of an opinion

OK you got me.

But please don't do anything to encourage this thread/article.

Doh! There I go again.

[flying]

Doh! There I go again.

LOL............

[JetsetBkk]

Perhaps you would care to enlighten us with a similarly well-researched counter argument?

Or was it because they didn't refer to Thaksin by his official new name:

(Taken from the Notthenation website)

http://www.notthenation.com/pages/news/getnews.php?id=779

Thaksin’s Legal Name Changed To “Convicted Fugitive Republican Bad Man Shinawatra” By Government....

ROFPML