Thai Parliament Quarrel Escalates In Hitler Salute

[Arkady]

It's impressive that they even know who Hitler was, since the history taught in Thai schools comprises nothing but popular fables about Por Ramkhamhaeng and nationalistic bunkum about mythical battles against the Burmese aggressors etc plus the oft repeated slogan that Thailand, unlike its neighbours, was never colonised by any farang nation. Even the relatively recent 1976 Thammasat university campus massacre perpetrated by the security forces is something of which most Thai youngsters are blissfully unaware. Since they also know nothing of Japan's occupation of Thailand in the Second World War, I would be surprised if they are taught anything about what happened in Europe at that time. But perhaps Mr Somyod is a fan of Hollywood war movies or war comics.

FYI, Hitler is Austrian.

Nothing to do with German or Germany.

Did I mention anything about Hitler's nationality? No. But since you raise it somewhat incongruously, Hitler was in fact a German national. Although he was born an Austrian in Austria, he served in the German army in WWI and later moved to Munich becoming a naturalised German citizen in the early 30s by order the municipality of Munich which had the power to grant citizenship.

[jeffcool]

Whether it was a Nazi salute or a Roman salute, whether it was sarcasm or not is really irrelevant. What is relevant is that this sort of behaviour is not the way a member of parliament should behave. Yes, I have witnessed similar behaviour in the British parliament, the Spanish parliament, and others, but this does not make it acceptable behaviour.

But for the president of the parliament to purposefully ignore one of the opposition MP is OK???? Mai dai Yin Krap, Mai dai Fang krap???? This is an acceptable behaviour for you????

Maybe its time to come out of your red village and remove your head from where the sun doesn't shine......

[Markaew]

We used to do the same thing to our teachers when we were 8 years old.

let me guess: you are 75 years old (or older)

H90, where did you get the "Crazy Member" from?

[h90]

Thais'mostly do not much about history. Even not what happened in Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge.

But.. according to the Hitler phylosophy, Asiens were a minor race, so could be gassed ( KILLED ! ) , like you do with rats, cockroaches and other unwanted animals.

Sorry, but anyone, who uses this salute together with these words... I would not want to see nor hear anymore. NEVER !

and a member of parliament... sorry, gives an impression of that parliament.

I think if you come from a country that doesn't teach anything about Hitler, than you shouldn't do postings on that topic.

In Hitlers strange theories North Indians were Aryan. Tibet was where the Aryan comes from and he admired the bloody rule of the Dalai Lama.

Japanese were highly regarded. Chinese were regarded for their bigger brain.

Most probably that was also a reason for his breeding program to improve the German race.

He saw black people as not full developed lower quality but he only saw Jews as damaging who must be destroyed.

Thailand was at some time part of the axis....

[sparebox2]

If one steps back and puts aside political sympathies........."

Kind of ironic you arguing this.

What is your position in this matter?

Do you condemn the behaviour of the Democrat MP or do you support his behaviour?

If you do not speak out against his disrespect for the House and to humanity, then you are providing tacit support.

Are you afraid of saying what he did was wrong?

What he did was not wrong.

[Markaew]

Whether it was a Nazi salute or a Roman salute, whether it was sarcasm or not is really irrelevant. What is relevant is that this sort of behaviour is not the way a member of parliament should behave. Yes, I have witnessed similar behaviour in the British parliament, the Spanish parliament, and others, but this does not make it acceptable behaviour.

But for the president of the parliament to purposefully ignore one of the opposition MP is OK???? Mai dai Yin Krap, Mai dai Fang krap???? This is an acceptable behaviour for you????

Maybe its time to come out of your red village and remove your head from where the sun doesn't shine......

Jeff, it's really irrelevant if it's appropriate behavior because it happens all the time in nearly every country that has this style of government. Is it appropriate how Thais treat foreigners? No. What can you do. The ones with control do what they want.

[FOODLOVER]

If one steps back and puts aside political sympathies........."

Kind of ironic you arguing this.

What is your position in this matter?

Do you condemn the behaviour of the Democrat MP or do you support his behaviour?

If you do not speak out against his disrespect for the House and to humanity, then you are providing tacit support.

Are you afraid of saying what he did was wrong?

I believe it to be more serious than porn but less serious than being drunk. Now that i have stated my opinion on this crime against humanity i believe some things should get done in parliament and the red diversionary tactics should cease and deal with the issues at hand. I.E Whats with not knowing prices have risen? Whats with Chalerms mouth? Whats going on with the Dam? What's the situation on the drought? How bout a parliamentary Q & A with the Prime Minister? Furthermore, for you to announce one should not be partisan is a heck of a crack up. The defender off all things Red and the alligator of the Yellow!.

[folium]

Obviously this MP is a proud old boy of Sacred Heart School in Chiang Mai and studied hard in his Social Studies classes, and played a full part in their annual "fun" parade.

[ianf]

He was simply saluting an acknowledgement to Herr Thaksin and his National Socialist Movement. As the ruling party have already used lessons from Mein Kampf and appear to have mastered the mass psychology of fascism, the gesture appears appropriate to me. Well done that man.

[ianf]

If one steps back and puts aside political sympathies........."

Kind of ironic you arguing this.

What is your position in this matter?

Do you condemn the behaviour of the Democrat MP or do you support his behaviour?

If you do not speak out against his disrespect for the House and to humanity, then you are providing tacit support.

Are you afraid of saying what he did was wrong?

Surely the de facto leader of the ruling party showed disrespect for humanity and human rights a long long time ago!!!!!!! See my other post for my opinion on the appropriateness of this MP's gesture.

[caspermayne]

I think this should be out of Parliament and FAST. Doesn't he know the history stands behind "Hitler salute"!?! He should be ashamed of himself. I'm just stunned to see a video of him in a middle of a meeting. Not only shut his microphone, shut his mouth too.

[ianf]

The issue here is an MP screaming repeatedly Heil Hitler. It is unacceptable behaviour.

Full Stop.

The usual gang has rallied to the MP's defence, offering all sorts of childish and tangental excuses. The fact of the matter is that MPs are regularly cut off by House Speakers. It happens in the UK, Canada, Australia, Israel, the USA and in Russia. No matter how upset the MP is, he or she does not start screaming Heil Hitler.

I would have respect for many TVFers that consistently denigrate and insult the elcted government of Thailand if they would do the right thing and admit that the behaviour of this Democrat MP was wrong. It is not the first time he has had a tantrum in the House. What is more disappointing is that the former PM Abhisit has said nothing. No distancing of himself from the behaviour which disgraces the House and all MPs. It is also telling that an alternative source had to bring this event to everyone's attention. TAN and the Nation did not break this story did they?

I note the number of people making excuses here are also the same ones that call the PTP faciasts and make comparisons of Thaksin to Hitler. If one steps back and puts aside political sympathies, surely a rational person can see that this behaviour was just wrong in so many ways. The man should resign from caucus and if he doesn't resign, he should be removed. Mr. Abhisit as this man's political leader, needs to demand an apology on behalf of all MPs and this chap must apologize to the House and to the Speaker.

Everytime something like this occurs, Mr. Abhisit shows that he absolutely no moral compass and is not fit to be an elected leader of Thailand. His timidity in this matter shows that he is weak. Mr. Abhisit could show his leadership to the nation if he took the moral high ground in this matter. He won't and once again an opportunity to show why he is different is squandered.

Hopefully, the Speaker will deal with this despicable guttersnipe appropriately.

" If one steps back and puts aside political sympathies........."

Kind of ironic you arguing this.

Geriatrik is grasping at straws again with his failure to see the real issues.

[americaninbangkok]

The issue here is an MP screaming repeatedly Heil Hitler. It is unacceptable behaviour.

Full Stop.

The usual gang has rallied to the MP's defence, offering all sorts of childish and tangental excuses. The fact of the matter is that MPs are regularly cut off by House Speakers. It happens in the UK, Canada, Australia, Israel, the USA and in Russia. No matter how upset the MP is, he or she does not start screaming Heil Hitler.

I would have respect for many TVFers that consistently denigrate and insult the elcted government of Thailand if they would do the right thing and admit that the behaviour of this Democrat MP was wrong. It is not the first time he has had a tantrum in the House. What is more disappointing is that the former PM Abhisit has said nothing. No distancing of himself from the behaviour which disgraces the House and all MPs. It is also telling that an alternative source had to bring this event to everyone's attention. TAN and the Nation did not break this story did they?

I note the number of people making excuses here are also the same ones that call the PTP faciasts and make comparisons of Thaksin to Hitler. If one steps back and puts aside political sympathies, surely a rational person can see that this behaviour was just wrong in so many ways. The man should resign from caucus and if he doesn't resign, he should be removed. Mr. Abhisit as this man's political leader, needs to demand an apology on behalf of all MPs and this chap must apologize to the House and to the Speaker.

Everytime something like this occurs, Mr. Abhisit shows that he absolutely no moral compass and is not fit to be an elected leader of Thailand. His timidity in this matter shows that he is weak. Mr. Abhisit could show his leadership to the nation if he took the moral high ground in this matter. He won't and once again an opportunity to show why he is different is squandered.

Hopefully, the Speaker will deal with this despicable guttersnipe appropriately.

GK - this may be the first (hopefully not last!) time I completely agree with you. This is not (at least, should not be) a politically partisan issue. The MP is a moron for using this salute as a means of getting attention. As adults, we should put on our "big boy pants" when showing up for work at the parliament. But I feel you weaken your argument by then railing on Abhisit (bolded). My posts have consistently shown disdain and contempt for the current majority party (PTP). But they have not necessarily advocated its predecessor (Abhisit's DP). Stupid is stupid, no matter what color shirts or glasses it wears, or whether it has feet clapper or hand clappers.

The bottom line is: if the international media picks this story up, it will again make these "leaders" look buffonnish.

[h90]

The issue here is an MP screaming repeatedly Heil Hitler. It is unacceptable behaviour.

Full Stop.

The usual gang has rallied to the MP's defence, offering all sorts of childish and tangental excuses. The fact of the matter is that MPs are regularly cut off by House Speakers. It happens in the UK, Canada, Australia, Israel, the USA and in Russia. No matter how upset the MP is, he or she does not start screaming Heil Hitler.

I would have respect for many TVFers that consistently denigrate and insult the elcted government of Thailand if they would do the right thing and admit that the behaviour of this Democrat MP was wrong. It is not the first time he has had a tantrum in the House. What is more disappointing is that the former PM Abhisit has said nothing. No distancing of himself from the behaviour which disgraces the House and all MPs. It is also telling that an alternative source had to bring this event to everyone's attention. TAN and the Nation did not break this story did they?

I note the number of people making excuses here are also the same ones that call the PTP faciasts and make comparisons of Thaksin to Hitler. If one steps back and puts aside political sympathies, surely a rational person can see that this behaviour was just wrong in so many ways. The man should resign from caucus and if he doesn't resign, he should be removed. Mr. Abhisit as this man's political leader, needs to demand an apology on behalf of all MPs and this chap must apologize to the House and to the Speaker.

Everytime something like this occurs, Mr. Abhisit shows that he absolutely no moral compass and is not fit to be an elected leader of Thailand. His timidity in this matter shows that he is weak. Mr. Abhisit could show his leadership to the nation if he took the moral high ground in this matter. He won't and once again an opportunity to show why he is different is squandered.

Hopefully, the Speaker will deal with this despicable guttersnipe appropriately.

GK - this may be the first (hopefully not last!) time I completely agree with you. This is not (at least, should not be) a politically partisan issue. The MP is a moron for using this salute as a means of getting attention. As adults, we should put on our "big boy pants" when showing up for work at the parliament. But I feel you weaken your argument by then railing on Abhisit (bolded). My posts have consistently shown disdain and contempt for the current majority party (PTP). But they have not necessarily advocated its predecessor (Abhisit's DP). Stupid is stupid, no matter what color shirts or glasses it wears, or whether it has feet clapper or hand clappers.

The bottom line is: if the international media picks this story up, it will again make these "leaders" look buffonnish.

international media.....I recall from a couple of parliaments the same....One Austria...can't recall the others.

It isn't very interesting for international media, as every parliament has its morons sitting

[metisdead]

A number of off topic posts and replies have been removed.

[Buchholz]

Pheu Thai spokesperson calls on Democrat MP to resign for making Hitler salute during charter debate

Pheu Thai Party Deputy Spokesperson Sunisa Lertphakhawat Friday called on Democrat MP Boonyod Sukthinthai to resign for making a Hitler salute inside Parliament.

On Tuesday, Boonyod protested against the chair of the joint sitting of MPs and senators by making the "Hi-Hitler" salute in front of the chairman's bench.

Sunisa said making the Hitler salute hurt the feelings of relatives of all Nazi victims and had thus damaged the reputation of Thai Parliament.

-- The Nation 2012-05-04

[Buchholz]

Pheu Thai Party Deputy Spokesperson Sunisa Lertphakhawat Friday called on Democrat MP Boonyod Sukthinthai to resign for making a Hitler salute inside Parliament.

Well, at least the Pheu Thai Party is moving beyond last's week's demand that a Democrat MP hang himself to atone for his sins.

Also good to see the former AWOL soldier and Thaksin biographer Sunisa getting less emotional on issues

Pheu Thai deputy spokesperson Sunisa Lertpakawat was a Lieutenant and an anchor for Army-run Channel 5 who jetted off to London to interview ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in June 2007. At that time it was said

"She is now in trouble so deep she can hardly fathom it. The month she spent chasing Mr Thaksin for the interviews could give the army enough grounds to dismiss her for taking leave without informing her superiors.

Government officials in this country are governed by stringent disciplinary regulations which make it mandatory for them to secure permission prior to travelling overseas, even for holidays"

Maybe no defamation suit will be filed

The histrionics of discharged AWOL Army Lieutenant, failed Pheu Thai Party MP candidate, and current Pheu Thai Party Deputy Spokesman Sunisa Lerpakawat's are unforgettable.

I have no negative image as a politician and I am not corrupt. Luckily, I grew up at a time when people were taught not to be corrupt. I am a member of the young generation who are clean," she said.

Author Of Books On Thaksin To Contest Poll

http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__4372290

[h90]

Pheu Thai spokesperson calls on Democrat MP to resign for making Hitler salute during charter debate

Pheu Thai Party Deputy Spokesperson Sunisa Lertphakhawat Friday called on Democrat MP Boonyod Sukthinthai to resign for making a Hitler salute inside Parliament.

On Tuesday, Boonyod protested against the chair of the joint sitting of MPs and senators by making the "Hi-Hitler" salute in front of the chairman's bench.

Sunisa said making the Hitler salute hurt the feelings of relatives of all Nazi victims and had thus damaged the reputation of Thai Parliament.

-- The Nation 2012-05-04

What is the Hi-Hitler salute.

Is that the american version?

Hi Hitler or Hello Hitler salute?

Different than the Italian Ciao Hitler salute?

[luckyman]

Hitler salute? Who is claiming this? Even my Thai wife said that he is motioning to speak or wishes to keep speaking, because they shut-off his mic.; trying to incite something here?...

Watch the clip at 3:07, as stated in the article he gives a "Hitler salute and [is] screaming “Heil Hitler” at the top of his lungs on the House floor."

Another fine example of the ethics and manners of Thai politicians, a bunch of degenerates is what they are.

I hope this incident makes head lines all over the whole world.

I find it harder everyday to keep on living here and working here with all this brainless people around me...I feel very ashamed also.....

[h90]

Pheu Thai spokesperson calls on Democrat MP to resign for making Hitler salute during charter debate

Pheu Thai Party Deputy Spokesperson Sunisa Lertphakhawat Friday called on Democrat MP Boonyod Sukthinthai to resign for making a Hitler salute inside Parliament.

On Tuesday, Boonyod protested against the chair of the joint sitting of MPs and senators by making the "Hi-Hitler" salute in front of the chairman's bench.

Sunisa said making the Hitler salute hurt the feelings of relatives of all Nazi victims and had thus damaged the reputation of Thai Parliament.

-- The Nation 2012-05-04

It should say "and thus confirms the bad reputation of the Thai Parliament."

I doubt it can be further damaged, a Parliament that votes Yingluck as PM, just because she is the sister of a criminal on the run does not has a reputation that can be damaged.

[h90]

Hitler salute? Who is claiming this? Even my Thai wife said that he is motioning to speak or wishes to keep speaking, because they shut-off his mic.; trying to incite something here?...

Watch the clip at 3:07, as stated in the article he gives a "Hitler salute and [is] screaming “Heil Hitler” at the top of his lungs on the House floor."

Another fine example of the ethics and manners of Thai politicians, a bunch of degenerates is what they are.

I hope this incident makes head lines all over the whole world.

I find it harder everyday to keep on living here and working here with all this brainless people around me...I feel very ashamed also.....

Almost identical incidents were in several parliaments worldwide. That politicians are morons is hardly something news worth.

Also in the Austrian parliament happened almost the same and it wasn't big in the international news. An in the Austrian parliament it is much more meaningful than in a Banana Kingdom like Thailand.

[whybother]

The issue here is an MP screaming repeatedly Heil Hitler. It is unacceptable behaviour.

Full Stop.

The usual gang has rallied to the MP's defence, offering all sorts of childish and tangental excuses. The fact of the matter is that MPs are regularly cut off by House Speakers. It happens in the UK, Canada, Australia, Israel, the USA and in Russia. No matter how upset the MP is, he or she does not start screaming Heil Hitler.

I would have respect for many TVFers that consistently denigrate and insult the elcted government of Thailand if they would do the right thing and admit that the behaviour of this Democrat MP was wrong. It is not the first time he has had a tantrum in the House. What is more disappointing is that the former PM Abhisit has said nothing. No distancing of himself from the behaviour which disgraces the House and all MPs. It is also telling that an alternative source had to bring this event to everyone's attention. TAN and the Nation did not break this story did they?

I note the number of people making excuses here are also the same ones that call the PTP faciasts and make comparisons of Thaksin to Hitler. If one steps back and puts aside political sympathies, surely a rational person can see that this behaviour was just wrong in so many ways. The man should resign from caucus and if he doesn't resign, he should be removed. Mr. Abhisit as this man's political leader, needs to demand an apology on behalf of all MPs and this chap must apologize to the House and to the Speaker.

Everytime something like this occurs, Mr. Abhisit shows that he absolutely no moral compass and is not fit to be an elected leader of Thailand. His timidity in this matter shows that he is weak. Mr. Abhisit could show his leadership to the nation if he took the moral high ground in this matter. He won't and once again an opportunity to show why he is different is squandered.

Hopefully, the Speaker will deal with this despicable guttersnipe appropriately.

How do you know Abhisit hasn't said anything?

Are you also disappointed that Yingluck hasn't come out and said something?

[whybother]

Pheu Thai spokesperson calls on Democrat MP to resign for making Hitler salute during charter debate

Pheu Thai Party Deputy Spokesperson Sunisa Lertphakhawat Friday called on Democrat MP Boonyod Sukthinthai to resign for making a Hitler salute inside Parliament.

On Tuesday, Boonyod protested against the chair of the joint sitting of MPs and senators by making the "Hi-Hitler" salute in front of the chairman's bench.

Sunisa said making the Hitler salute hurt the feelings of relatives of all Nazi victims and had thus damaged the reputation of Thai Parliament.

-- The Nation 2012-05-04

At least she didn't suggest that he should hang himself.

[michael888]

hahahahahahaha....Thai people love that hitler!  Its very strange.  It is very nationalistic -  almost fascist here.   T land , the fourth reich.  "The land of Heils"

[KireB]

I think this should be out of Parliament and FAST. Doesn't he know the history stands behind "Hitler salute"!?! He should be ashamed of himself. I'm just stunned to see a video of him in a middle of a meeting. Not only shut his microphone, shut his mouth too.

Fully agree of course, but given the logic of many red-shirt/PT defenders, he was democratically elected and represents the people of Thailand. They wanted this vermin in and they voted him in! This reasoning gives the MP's a ridiculous impunity for all foolishness! I mean just look at the average Thai politician, their ethics and morals, you could sack most of them! A shameful bunch of self serving clowns who represent and perfectly reflect, sorry to say, present Thai society and its lack of moral fiber. Me, myself and I!

[dude007]

From what I see he was not being given a chance to get his view across so he was being sarcastic in suggesting that the house speaker was a dictator.

correct, but anyhow! That's not justifying what he did and what he shouted. No one in this world deserves to be considered as or called Hitler. This is a grave insult that no one would take. And in my opinion surely not in Thailand ("Buffalo [kwai]" may be more appropriate). But maybe with my only 22 years here, I have not seen enough yet...

[PhilipCook]

Funny thing is that once in a while when i visit our company's restroom i see shoe marks on the toilet seat. Hard to expect people in Thailand to live by standards of decency that are foreign to their culture and experience. Their actions aren't ignorant for them. But by god they sure as hell won't last long in my hometown acting like this. We have a name for it, roadkill.

[Thaddeus]

From what I see he was not being given a chance to get his view across so he was being sarcastic in suggesting that the house speaker was a dictator.

correct, but anyhow! That's not justifying what he did and what he shouted. No one in this world deserves to be considered as or called Hitler. This is a grave insult that no one would take. And in my opinion surely not in Thailand ("Buffalo [kwai]" may be more appropriate). But maybe with my only 22 years here, I have not seen enough yet...

The Kwai insult is well understood by all..... the repercussions of that could be way worse.

[ALFREDO]

Almost identical incidents were in several parliaments worldwide. That politicians are morons is hardly something news worth.

Also in the Austrian parliament happened almost the same and it wasn't big in the international news. An in the Austrian parliament it is much more meaningful than in a Banana Kingdom like Thailand.

-h90-

In the Austrian parliament, much more meaningful? My fellow country man,

but not because Austria or its parliament is much better than, the so called -Banana land Thailand-

Only more meaningful, because we know more about Hitler, the atrocities, suffering and the massive injustices he brought upon many of us.

I excuse the Thais to not knowing enough about that Hitler person, so that whole discussion is exaggerated already!

[tukkytuktuk]

I agree in Austria, where I lived and worked for 2 years if you did a "Heil Hitler!" saluteyou would be arrested or reported to the police immediately. If you did it in a pub you would get beaten up. I know I've done it when drunk, got badly beaten and locked up in the nick for the night.