Thailand Can No Longer Celebrate Freedom Of Speech

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Thailand can no longer celebrate freedom of speech

By The Nation

This country was once a beacon of free speech in the region; unfortunately, in the wake of recent government crackdowns, that is no longer the case

World Press Freedom Day, marked yesterday, normally would signify an occasion to celebrate the country's freedom of media and expression. After all, Thailand used to be a beacon of free speech in Southeast Asia. However, the political polarisation of the past few years has literally given a black eye to the Thai media landscape, dividing the media community, be it in print or electronic, right down the middle.

It is very sad that this year the media situation in Thailand is not at all good. Indeed, there is very little we can be proud of. Somehow, the concerned Thai authorities, especially those in the "security" sectors, now view the media as enemies of the state, with all forms of crackdowns and prejudices in operation, particularly on the Internet and community radio. In theory, these two areas should expand the democratic space within the country. However, as it has turned out, they have become a battlefield in the fight for freedom of expression and media freedom.

The recent closure of over a dozen community radio stations and hundreds of websites are indicative of the Thai authorities' rudimentary understanding regarding the role of the media in society. The powers that be tend to react in a knee-jerk fashion to anything they deem as inappropriate, especially content or speech that touches on sensitive issues, including the monarchy.

What they rarely do is to explain to the public their reasoning or give proper warning of what their targets are accused of. This is not first time that the authorities have clamped down. Over the last three years, this has become a pattern, which does not augur well for the development of freedom of expression in this country.

Obviously some community radio operators are provocateurs, wanting to stir up a hornets' nest in order to gain wider media attention. Some are political agents disguised as commentators or media personalities. The dubious standards among community radio operators have made matters worse. In other countries, community radio stations are supposed to provide useful information, and are run by informed members of those communities; they generally do not encourage hate or political bias.

Sad but true, the whole freedom of expression debate in Thailand has been ruined in part because of the official attitude toward the lese majeste law. There have been an increased number of crackdowns on Internet sites in the past few months, especially those that contain images negative to the Thai monarchy. Officials argue that they have to shut down these websites otherwise they themselves could be punished, because they view these materials as a threat to national security.

It is about time that the concerned authorities - especially from the information technology, justice and security sectors - got together and worked out clear rules as soon as possible - so that everybody, especially media practitioners, can understand what is permissible and what isn't. Otherwise, Thailand will become a banana republic as far as freedom of expression is concerned. This is urgent because it will have far-reaching implications for the country and its constitutionally based monarchy.

In the current climate of insecurity, the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has come under heavy criticism from regional and international free media advocacy groups. Over the past two years, he has been speaking out in support of a free media. He has constantly argued that improved media with professional attitudes and responsibilities are pivotal ingredients that will promote democracy, help heal our divided society and bring long-term prosperity to the nation.

However, there are people out there who do not heed these words, and indeed try to undermine this goal at every turn. What is happening to and among the media now is quite contrary to this aim.

-- The Nation 2011-05-04

[selftaopath]

Defination: Banana republic is a pejorative term originally used to refer to a country that is politically unstable, dependent on limited agriculture (e.g. bananas), and ruled by a small, self-elected, wealthy, and corrupt clique. ..

LOL some might argue that Thailand has already accomplished this status.

I watched an interesting new item on BBC re: "the royal wedding" people openly discussed their view of the institutional of the "royals." Refreshing to see more evidence of how a democracy functions. Is Thailand a democracy now?

[barrybankruad]

Defination: Banana republic is a pejorative term originally used to refer to a country that is politically unstable, dependent on limited agriculture (e.g. bananas), and ruled by a small, self-elected, wealthy, and corrupt clique. ..

LOL some might argue that Thailand has already accomplished this status.

I watched an interesting new item on BBC re: "the royal wedding" people openly discussed their view of the institutional of the "royals." Refreshing to see more evidence of how a democracy functions. Is Thailand a democracy now?

Has the Nation had a change of editorial policy? This is the second article today (the first being about the elite being to blame) whereby the paper has set it out exactly as it is.

[Thailand]

Has the Nation had a change of editorial policy? This is the second article today (the first being about the elite being to blame) whereby the paper has set it out exactly as it is.

Good for them, about time the media actually said what's what.

The Nation next for the witch hunt perhaps?

[geriatrickid]

Has the Nation had a change of editorial policy? This is the second article today (the first being about the elite being to blame) whereby the paper has set it out exactly as it is.

Reminds me of the French newspaper headlines as Napoleon escaped his prison and marched on Paris;

March 9:THE ANTHROPOPHAGUS HAS QUITTED HIS DEN

March 10: THE CORSICAN OGRE HAS LANDED AT CAPE JUAN

March 13: THE TYRANT HAS PASSED THOUGH LYONS

March 18: BONAPARTE IS ONLY SIXTY LEAGUES FROM THE CAPITAL-He has been fortunate enough to escape his pursuers

March 21:THE EMPEROR IS AT FONTAINEBLEAU

March 22:HIS IMPERIAL AND ROYAL MAJESTY arrived yesterday evening at the Tuileries, amid the joyful acclamation of his devoted and faithful subjects

Perhaps, Thaksin will soon be marching back to Bangkok in triumph?

[Somrak]

There will and can be no real freedom of speach, as long more than half of the population dos not follow the basic roles of law.

There is no need to celbrate, but this article shows, that it's possible to write a good and objective text and to print it. Bravo

[barrybankruad]

Has the Nation had a change of editorial policy? This is the second article today (the first being about the elite being to blame) whereby the paper has set it out exactly as it is.

Reminds me of the French newspaper headlines as Napoleon escaped his prison and marched on Paris;

March 9:THE ANTHROPOPHAGUS HAS QUITTED HIS DEN

March 10: THE CORSICAN OGRE HAS LANDED AT CAPE JUAN

March 13: THE TYRANT HAS PASSED THOUGH LYONS

March 18: BONAPARTE IS ONLY SIXTY LEAGUES FROM THE CAPITAL-He has been fortunate enough to escape his pursuers

March 21:THE EMPEROR IS AT FONTAINEBLEAU

March 22:HIS IMPERIAL AND ROYAL MAJESTY arrived yesterday evening at the Tuileries, amid the joyful acclamation of his devoted and faithful subjects

Perhaps, Thaksin will soon be marching back to Bangkok in triumph?

Wouldn't be surprised.

[dunkin2012]

people openly discussed their view of the institutional of the "royals." Refreshing to see more evidence of how a democracy functions. Is Thailand a democracy now?

if you wanna free meals............

Men in Brown surely can serve!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!............... no pain! no game!

[ratcatcher]

Has the Nation had a change of editorial policy? This is the second article today (the first being about the elite being to blame) whereby the paper has set it out exactly as it is.

Reminds me of the French newspaper headlines as Napoleon escaped his prison and marched on Paris;

March 9:THE ANTHROPOPHAGUS HAS QUITTED HIS DEN

March 10: THE CORSICAN OGRE HAS LANDED AT CAPE JUAN

March 13: THE TYRANT HAS PASSED THOUGH LYONS

March 18: BONAPARTE IS ONLY SIXTY LEAGUES FROM THE CAPITAL-He has been fortunate enough to escape his pursuers

March 21:THE EMPEROR IS AT FONTAINEBLEAU

March 22:HIS IMPERIAL AND ROYAL MAJESTY arrived yesterday evening at the Tuileries, amid the joyful acclamation of his devoted and faithful subjects

Perhaps, Thaksin will soon be marching back to Bangkok in triumph?

Makes me think of the possible headlines as Thaksin leaves Montenegro..

May 9: THE FUGITIVE, CORRUPT EX PM HAS SNEAKED OUT OF HIS CAVE

May 10: THE COUNT OF MONTENEGRO HAS LANDED IN DUBAI

May 11: THE DILETTANTE OF DUBAI HAS ARRIVED AT SATTAHIP AIR BASE

May 13: THAKSIN IS ONLY 100 KILOMETRES FROM THE CAPITAL; He has been fortunate enough to evade a large contingent of Yellow Shirts outside Pattaya.

May 15: POL.LT.COL.Dr.THAKSIN SHINAWATRA IS AT VICTORY MONUMENT.

May 16: HIS IMPERIAL PRESENCE, THE DEAR LEADER, THE GREAT ONE arrived last night at Parliament House to great acclaim and joyous celebrations of his devoted, faithful, "all for one and one for some" supporters, THE RED SHIRTS.

Hopefully Thaksin will soon be marching back to Bang Khwang in triumph.

[jimbeam1]

It is refreshing to see two good articles from the Nation today. Me thinks there is a conspiracy afoot?

jb1

[dunkin2012]

Perhaps, Thaksin will soon be marching back to Bangkok in triumph?

are you for real?:jap:

Get B500/day from him? that's not bad to listen to those dam_n bandmasters superficially.

Edited May 4, 2011 by dunkin2012

[homeslice]

I fail to see how Thailand's desire to end corruption, through, in part, free and unfettered media access, meaning free speech, is supported by the end of "free speech". Moreover, if there are "community radio operators as provocateurs, wanting to stir up a hornets' nest in order to gain wider media attention" and "political agents disguised as commentators or media personalities", clearly having more contributers will eventually discredit the provocateurs and political agents.

None of this is surprising really. In the USA Bush legalized the covert FBI program Cointelpro, (2007) which had been underground for years, so they could legally destroy the lives of anyone who took a position against the state or the powers that be. The point being, free speech does not really exist unless people and newspapers like the Nation are willing to take a position. Good job Nation, keep it up!

[landofthefree]

Defination: Banana republic is a pejorative term originally used to refer to a country that is politically unstable, dependent on limited agriculture (e.g. bananas), and ruled by a small, self-elected, wealthy, and corrupt clique. ..

LOL some might argue that Thailand has already accomplished this status.

I watched an interesting new item on BBC re: "the royal weeding" people openly discussed their view of the institutional of the "royals." Refreshing to see more evidence of how a democracy functions. Is Thailand a democracy now?

I am British and loved watching the royal wedding, so did a lot of my Thai friends. The hundreds of thousands of people that lined the streets and the millions that watched the wedding on TV show just how popular the British royal family is. Britain is a democracy with a strong belief in freedom of speech, no need for draconian laws in the UK to censor expression of opinions.

[Robby nz]

The radio stations were shut down because they did not have licences and the public had complained that they were interfearing with the broadcaste of licenced stations not the content of what they were broadcasting

Fair enought that they should be shut down why should they be allowed to operate illegaly when others have paid to do it properly.

Every country bans webs sites, like kiddy porn, those who advocate rape and murder, animal sex, burn the bible, koran and many more.

How would the free speech posters feel if someone put up a site telling people to burn their home, kill them, rape their wife and kids?

I am sure you would squeel to the powers that be if that happened.

Perhaps you can tell us how many of the probably hundreds of thousands of sites banned in this country are for political reasons, a very small proportion I would suggest.

If you want to see erosion of freedom of speech check out France where they have recently (secretly) passed laws that allow phone tapping without a court order and the right of security forces to read anyones e-mail.

Take note that the reds and yellows are still allowed to hold their rallies as long as they obey the law of the country: freedom of speech? sure.

[jayboy]

The radio stations were shut down because they did not have licences and the public had complained that they were interfearing with the broadcaste of licenced stations not the content of what they were broadcasting

Sorry that's a lie propagated by the military, nor is there any evidence of public complaints.There are hundreds of unlicensed community radio stations in Thailand but only those sympathetic to the Red shirts were shut down.

[timekeeper]

The radio stations were shut down because they did not have licences and the public had complained that they were interfearing with the broadcaste of licenced stations not the content of what they were broadcasting

Sorry that's a lie propagated by the military, nor is there any evidence of public complaints.There are hundreds of unlicensed community radio stations in Thailand but only those sympathetic to the Red shirts were shut down.

where are the sources of your claims Jayboy?

wheres the evidence ?

or is this just a lie propagated by you?

Edited May 4, 2011 by timekeeper

[geriatrickid]

Perhaps, Thaksin will soon be marching back to Bangkok in triumph?

are you for real?:jap:

Get B500/day from him? that's not bad to listen to those dam_n bandmasters superficially.

I was merely commenting on the capricious and fickle nature of public opinion. In politics, a man can go from hero to zero in short order. Conversely, a zero can be acclaimed the nation's saviour too. Never underestimate the potential for change when people are desperate for change and look for quick fixes

[geriatrickid]

Defination: Banana republic is a pejorative term originally used to refer to a country that is politically unstable, dependent on limited agriculture (e.g. bananas), and ruled by a small, self-elected, wealthy, and corrupt clique. ..

LOL some might argue that Thailand has already accomplished this status.

I watched an interesting new item on BBC re: "the royal weeding" people openly discussed their view of the institutional of the "royals." Refreshing to see more evidence of how a democracy functions. Is Thailand a democracy now?

I am British and loved watching the royal wedding, so did a lot of my Thai friends. The hundreds of thousands of people that lined the streets and the millions that watched the wedding on TV show just how popular the British royal family is. Britain is a democracy with a strong belief in freedom of speech, no need for draconian laws in the UK to censor expression of opinions.

I'd offer, that even those opposed to the institution were able to behave politely and respectfully. That's the measure of a mature democracy: Tolerance.

[Robby nz]

The radio stations were shut down because they did not have licences and the public had complained that they were interfearing with the broadcaste of licenced stations not the content of what they were broadcasting

Sorry that's a lie propagated by the military, nor is there any evidence of public complaints.There are hundreds of unlicensed community radio stations in Thailand but only those sympathetic to the Red shirts were shut down.

Sorry Jayboy it was the broadcasting authority that shut then down not the military and the broadcasting authority said they had a long list of unlicenced stations around the country and would be visiting them soon.

They started in BKK because that is where their office is.

So now you have to prove to us all that the stations shut down did have licences and there were no public complaints and that they were only shut down because they were sympathet to the reds (as you are).

I note that a mob of reds stopped the broadcasting authority entering one one unlicenced station and prevented them doing their job.

I call that civil disobedience and those who did it should be punishable under the law.

What do you call it?

[ib1b4]

The radio stations were shut down because they did not have licences and the public had complained that they were interfearing with the broadcaste of licenced stations not the content of what they were broadcasting

Sorry that's a lie propagated by the military, nor is there any evidence of public complaints.There are hundreds of unlicensed community radio stations in Thailand but only those sympathetic to the Red shirts were shut down.

Sorry Jayboy it was the broadcasting authority that shut then down not the military and the broadcasting authority said they had a long list of unlicenced stations around the country and would be visiting them soon.

They started in BKK because that is where their office is.

So now you have to prove to us all that the stations shut down did have licences and there were no public complaints and that they were only shut down because they were sympathet to the reds (as you are).

I note that a mob of reds stopped the broadcasting authority entering one one unlicenced station and prevented them doing their job.

I call that civil disobedience and those who did it should be punishable under the law.

What do you call it?

Sorry to interject, but it was the ISOC internal security operations command which closed those stations down ,

[zzaa09]

Has the Nation had a change of editorial policy? This is the second article today (the first being about the elite being to blame) whereby the paper has set it out exactly as it is.

Good for them, about time the media actually said what's what.

The Nation next for the witch hunt perhaps?

It's nothing but twisted manipulation on the establishment's part. I'm simply amazed when I read or hear such bizarro punditry cast upon as if it was real or meaningful.....nothing but fakery. Astounded, I am of the complete and uttered vacancy of people's understanding of contemporary Thailand's history and culture.

[norwayeagle]

Has the Nation had a change of editorial policy? This is the second article today (the first being about the elite being to blame) whereby the paper has set it out exactly as it is.

Reminds me of the French newspaper headlines as Napoleon escaped his prison and marched on Paris;

March 9:THE ANTHROPOPHAGUS HAS QUITTED HIS DEN

March 10: THE CORSICAN OGRE HAS LANDED AT CAPE JUAN

March 13: THE TYRANT HAS PASSED THOUGH LYONS

March 18: BONAPARTE IS ONLY SIXTY LEAGUES FROM THE CAPITAL-He has been fortunate enough to escape his pursuers

March 21:THE EMPEROR IS AT FONTAINEBLEAU

March 22:HIS IMPERIAL AND ROYAL MAJESTY arrived yesterday evening at the Tuileries, amid the joyful acclamation of his devoted and faithful subjects

Perhaps, Thaksin will soon be marching back to Bangkok in triumph?

A Good Observation Sir .

[Siripon]

Has the Nation had a change of editorial policy? This is the second article today (the first being about the elite being to blame) whereby the paper has set it out exactly as it is.

Reminds me of the French newspaper headlines as Napoleon escaped his prison and marched on Paris;

March 9:THE ANTHROPOPHAGUS HAS QUITTED HIS DEN

March 10: THE CORSICAN OGRE HAS LANDED AT CAPE JUAN

March 13: THE TYRANT HAS PASSED THOUGH LYONS

March 18: BONAPARTE IS ONLY SIXTY LEAGUES FROM THE CAPITAL-He has been fortunate enough to escape his pursuers

March 21:THE EMPEROR IS AT FONTAINEBLEAU

March 22:HIS IMPERIAL AND ROYAL MAJESTY arrived yesterday evening at the Tuileries, amid the joyful acclamation of his devoted and faithful subjects

Perhaps, Thaksin will soon be marching back to Bangkok in triumph?

A Good Observation Sir .

I remember when Thaksin told the red shirts 2 years ago that at the sound of the first shot from the Thai army, he would be at the front of the red shirts to march on Bangkok.

Instead he spent last May in a department store in Paris and even told a reporter he didn't know the red shirt leaders!

[jayboy]

The radio stations were shut down because they did not have licences and the public had complained that they were interfearing with the broadcaste of licenced stations not the content of what they were broadcasting

Sorry that's a lie propagated by the military, nor is there any evidence of public complaints.There are hundreds of unlicensed community radio stations in Thailand but only those sympathetic to the Red shirts were shut down.

Sorry Jayboy it was the broadcasting authority that shut then down not the military and the broadcasting authority said they had a long list of unlicenced stations around the country and would be visiting them soon.

They started in BKK because that is where their office is.

So now you have to prove to us all that the stations shut down did have licences and there were no public complaints and that they were only shut down because they were sympathet to the reds (as you are).

I note that a mob of reds stopped the broadcasting authority entering one one unlicenced station and prevented them doing their job.

I call that civil disobedience and those who did it should be punishable under the law.

What do you call it?

I call it a disgraceful attempt to influence the pre-election environment by military goons. ISOC, took the action under orders from the military high command.Human Rights Watch have the details, and are highly critical.Actually the local English language and Thai press have also covered this scandal quite well.

[housepainter]

Defination: Banana republic is a pejorative term originally used to refer to a country that is politically unstable, dependent on limited agriculture (e.g. bananas), and ruled by a small, self-elected, wealthy, and corrupt clique. ..

LOL some might argue that Thailand has already accomplished this status.

I watched an interesting new item on BBC re: "the royal weeding" people openly discussed their view of the institutional of the "royals." Refreshing to see more evidence of how a democracy functions. Is Thailand a democracy now?

I am British and loved watching the royal wedding, so did a lot of my Thai friends. The hundreds of thousands of people that lined the streets and the millions that watched the wedding on TV show just how popular the British royal family is. Britain is a democracy with a strong belief in freedom of speech, no need for draconian laws in the UK to censor expression of opinions.

In Brave New World the masses were given the drug 'soma' to make them feel happy and content with their lot. In Britain we have TV, soaps and Royal Weddings. The latter having life long far reaching effects from some go-lucky intellectually challenged ex-pats who just can't seem to shake off the voices of their education and think freely for themselves.

Heaven only knows what such persons might make of free speech, if they ever tried it along with free thought. But there you go.

Thailand remains a banana democracy; clearly bent out of shape, starts off green, changes to yellow throughout, before going brown then black as though it just can't make its mind up what colour it should be.

As long as there is a taboo subject that is not sexual or obscene in the same way that discussions of pedophilia can never be held, then there is no freedom of speech. Nor has there been.

As long as Thailand hurts only itself; remains of no consequence internationally; its people failing to realise that revolution can be some thing other than a turning motorcy wheel; its education system a fine example of failure; its political system a product of its education system; then, and only then will there be no harm done.

The sad fact about the Thais is that they remain the Swiss of the far east minus the ingenuity. The Swiss having at least to have given the world fine time pieces, superb chocolate and a banking system where the world's money can be laundered.

You see if you're going to be corrupt at least be good at it, get away with it, and make yourself attractive to the rest of the corrupt world. For example, even Gaddaffi has 400 million stashed there. Thaksin too squirrllled it away via Zurich.

But Thailand manages prawns [ tasteless and soft ] and rice [bland and fiddly to cook.] And both of them are quite easily done without. But where it does match the Swiss in in its neutrality, managing to support the japanese then the British then finally declare ite neutrality during the Second World War. Furthermore, the proud boast that they were never colonialised is really admitting to being responsible for their own parlous state of affairs, ineptitude and corruption as an institution, as no foreign hand ever took control. So Thailand is as Thailand as because the Thais have run the show unimpeded. Well at least that's clear.

Malaysia soars ahead in so many ways even coping with its religions and managing without a little civil war down south. Burma waits to rise no doubt like malaysia once the genehrals have been strung up and the once colonised state reeps the benefit from British rule ala Malaysia. Laos can at least blame cold war communism ala North Korea for going nowhere fast while Cambodia having shunned communism is now rocketting forward as is Vietnam economically.

But where is the land of prawns and crackers going anywhere soon other than in its ever decreasing circles the Thai way: a highway to nowhere particularly attractive other than coups, corruption and Krap trap.

So in this nation where its almost to boastful to brag of how many daughters work as Pattaya prostitutes; where the sons and daughters finish their education aged 10 to work on the farm; where being born into a rural community means a shortened life time of ill health, high mortality, hard physical labour, weak immune system and abject poverty; where checks and balances do not exist; where the Police are a force to be avoided; where corruption reaches deep into every corner of the land; and , disputes are settled by murder for which there is every chance of getting away with it as the Police understand 'forensics' to be some foreign zic. What's a zic they ask.

We are given to question the availability of freedom of speech.

Really?

Why am I not surprised.

Libya, Yemen, Syria, Egypt ............................... but not Thailand. And why? Full bellies and a lack of intellect, education or idealism. And that covers not just the rural poor but rather 99.9% of this nation's population. They worship wealth to an irrational level. They mock disability. They are racist to their own darker skinned people and extremist in their attitude to person's of colour. Add to this a religion which basically allows you to do anything you want to do without fear of chastisement and mix ina blend of animism, tree worship and idolotry.

It's a third world country which, when the definition of a failed state is re-drawn in 50 years will see the likes of Thailand red lined.

It is not going to get any better. It is in a state of death throe already and nothing will be done to save it simply because their isn't the impetus, need or desire on behalf of the first world. China will not build it's CU or United Provinces and geographically Thailand without any ideology is of no use to China or any one else. Economically it is by-passed. Wars do not have to be fought from friendly logistical places any more, which leaves Thailand isolated and uselessly unattractive as a proposition to the US or the EU.

When push comes to shove it will be all too late for what will be banana democracies. Thailand is simply a casualty waiting to happen. The suspected nose bleed is actually a severed artery and we're about to witness a steady irreversible blood flow.

Do I care? They do it to them selves. they loath foreigners, disdain and dismiss our advcie, education and input.

We do not understand Thai ways. That's true because the train has left the station without them.

The US shooting of Osama will have repurcussions beyond our expectations. The world is changing. Do you seriously think that anyone will care much for a state that can't run itself and function effectively. Are prawns and rice going to swing it for them? Bush said you're either with us or against. And the UK jumped on board in first place. No one doubts the US Europe relationship today what with our joint bombing of Libya and killing of Gaddaffi's youngest son. The next week we kill Osama and family members.

In all truth what time do you think the sharp end has for corrupt, uneducated, undemocratic out posts?

They can't see the big picture themselves in Thailand and yet the Pakistanis are already contemplating the fall out from harbouring Bin Laden. Terrorists were passing freely through and into this corrupt land and we can all remember Victor Bout, or should remember he was caught - here!

With no house in order and the world being cleaned up does Thailand think it can continue offering nothing whilst holding out its hand? pakistan is to receiev 7 billion in aid prior to harbouring Bin Laden around the corner from the secret service headquarters. The US will deliver something unexpected.

Thailand ...................................... Ts Elliot complained that he grew old. I suggest wiser too.

Thailand is just old. Somebody will shoot it.

And that is freedom of speech.

[Buchholz]

The radio stations were shut down because they did not have licences and the public had complained that they were interfearing with the broadcaste of licenced stations not the content of what they were broadcasting

Sorry that's a lie propagated by the military, nor is there any evidence of public complaints.There are hundreds of unlicensed community radio stations in Thailand but only those sympathetic to the Red shirts were shut down.

where are the sources of your claims Jayboy?

wheres the evidence ?

or is this just a lie propagated by you?

Robby nz posts the truth...

complaints from local residents about the illegal radio stations' frequencies interfering with regular radio broadcasts

and then we're informed

that's a lie

without any reference.

[animatic]

Perhaps, Thaksin will soon be marching back to Bangkok in triumph?

are you for real?:jap:

Get B500/day from him? that's not bad to listen to those dam_n bandmasters superficially.

100 days and then St Helena....

and Taxidermy .

[PingManDan]

LOL when could they ever

[selftaopath]

Defination: Banana republic is a pejorative term originally used to refer to a country that is politically unstable, dependent on limited agriculture (e.g. bananas), and ruled by a small, self-elected, wealthy, and corrupt clique. ..

LOL some might argue that Thailand has already accomplished this status.

I watched an interesting new item on BBC re: "the royal weeding" people openly discussed their view of the institutional of the "royals." Refreshing to see more evidence of how a democracy functions. Is Thailand a democracy now?

I am British and loved watching the royal wedding, so did a lot of my Thai friends. The hundreds of thousands of people that lined the streets and the millions that watched the wedding on TV show just how popular the British royal family is. Britain is a democracy with a strong belief in freedom of speech, no need for draconian laws in the UK to censor expression of opinions.

In Brave New World the masses were given the drug 'soma' to make them feel happy and content with their lot. In Britain we have TV, soaps and Royal Weddings. The latter having life long far reaching effects from some go-lucky intellectually challenged ex-pats who just can't seem to shake off the voices of their education and think freely for themselves.

Heaven only knows what such persons might make of free speech, if they ever tried it along with free thought. But there you go.

Thailand remains a banana democracy; clearly bent out of shape, starts off green, changes to yellow throughout, before going brown then black as though it just can't make its mind up what colour it should be.

As long as there is a taboo subject that is not sexual or obscene in the same way that discussions of pedophilia can never be held, then there is no freedom of speech. Nor has there been.

As long as Thailand hurts only itself; remains of no consequence internationally; its people failing to realise that revolution can be some thing other than a turning motorcy wheel; its education system a fine example of failure; its political system a product of its education system; then, and only then will there be no harm done.

The sad fact about the Thais is that they remain the Swiss of the far east minus the ingenuity. The Swiss having at least to have given the world fine time pieces, superb chocolate and a banking system where the world's money can be laundered.

You see if you're going to be corrupt at least be good at it, get away with it, and make yourself attractive to the rest of the corrupt world. For example, even Gaddaffi has 400 million stashed there. Thaksin too squirrllled it away via Zurich.

But Thailand manages prawns [ tasteless and soft ] and rice [bland and fiddly to cook.] And both of them are quite easily done without. But where it does match the Swiss in in its neutrality, managing to support the japanese then the British then finally declare ite neutrality during the Second World War. Furthermore, the proud boast that they were never colonialised is really admitting to being responsible for their own parlous state of affairs, ineptitude and corruption as an institution, as no foreign hand ever took control. So Thailand is as Thailand as because the Thais have run the show unimpeded. Well at least that's clear.

Malaysia soars ahead in so many ways even coping with its religions and managing without a little civil war down south. Burma waits to rise no doubt like malaysia once the genehrals have been strung up and the once colonised state reeps the benefit from British rule ala Malaysia. Laos can at least blame cold war communism ala North Korea for going nowhere fast while Cambodia having shunned communism is now rocketting forward as is Vietnam economically.

But where is the land of prawns and crackers going anywhere soon other than in its ever decreasing circles the Thai way: a highway to nowhere particularly attractive other than coups, corruption and Krap trap.

So in this nation where its almost to boastful to brag of how many daughters work as Pattaya prostitutes; where the sons and daughters finish their education aged 10 to work on the farm; where being born into a rural community means a shortened life time of ill health, high mortality, hard physical labour, weak immune system and abject poverty; where checks and balances do not exist; where the Police are a force to be avoided; where corruption reaches deep into every corner of the land; and , disputes are settled by murder for which there is every chance of getting away with it as the Police understand 'forensics' to be some foreign zic. What's a zic they ask.

We are given to question the availability of freedom of speech.

Really?

Why am I not surprised.

Libya, Yemen, Syria, Egypt ............................... but not Thailand. And why? Full bellies and a lack of intellect, education or idealism. And that covers not just the rural poor but rather 99.9% of this nation's population. They worship wealth to an irrational level. They mock disability. They are racist to their own darker skinned people and extremist in their attitude to person's of colour. Add to this a religion which basically allows you to do anything you want to do without fear of chastisement and mix ina blend of animism, tree worship and idolotry.

It's a third world country which, when the definition of a failed state is re-drawn in 50 years will see the likes of Thailand red lined.

It is not going to get any better. It is in a state of death throe already and nothing will be done to save it simply because their isn't the impetus, need or desire on behalf of the first world. China will not build it's CU or United Provinces and geographically Thailand without any ideology is of no use to China or any one else. Economically it is by-passed. Wars do not have to be fought from friendly logistical places any more, which leaves Thailand isolated and uselessly unattractive as a proposition to the US or the EU.

When push comes to shove it will be all too late for what will be banana democracies. Thailand is simply a casualty waiting to happen. The suspected nose bleed is actually a severed artery and we're about to witness a steady irreversible blood flow.

Do I care? They do it to them selves. they loath foreigners, disdain and dismiss our advcie, education and input.

We do not understand Thai ways. That's true because the train has left the station without them.

The US shooting of Osama will have repurcussions beyond our expectations. The world is changing. Do you seriously think that anyone will care much for a state that can't run itself and function effectively. Are prawns and rice going to swing it for them? Bush said you're either with us or against. And the UK jumped on board in first place. No one doubts the US Europe relationship today what with our joint bombing of Libya and killing of Gaddaffi's youngest son. The next week we kill Osama and family members.

In all truth what time do you think the sharp end has for corrupt, uneducated, undemocratic out posts?

They can't see the big picture themselves in Thailand and yet the Pakistanis are already contemplating the fall out from harbouring Bin Laden. Terrorists were passing freely through and into this corrupt land and we can all remember Victor Bout, or should remember he was caught - here!

With no house in order and the world being cleaned up does Thailand think it can continue offering nothing whilst holding out its hand? pakistan is to receiev 7 billion in aid prior to harbouring Bin Laden around the corner from the secret service headquarters. The US will deliver something unexpected.

Thailand ...................................... Ts Elliot complained that he grew old. I suggest wiser too.

Thailand is just old. Somebody will shoot it.

And that is freedom of speech.

BRAVO Housepainter. Thank you for your post; it was a pleasure reading it. I think you are absolutely correct. I wish I could be on your "reply" list in case I have not subscribed to a particular topic. Thailand could be so much more, but as most of us know/suspect it is ONLY here to benefit a few families, while the majority can/will just rot.

Keoki

[jayboy]

Robby nz posts the truth...

complaints from local residents about the illegal radio stations' frequencies interfering with regular radio broadcasts

Even Bucholz must understand why quoting a lying ISOC goon might not satisfy most people.But perhaps not.