Red Shirts Reclaim 1932 Coup Anniversary To Advance Cause

[webfact]

SPECIAL REPORT

Red shirts reclaim 1932 coup anniversary to advance cause

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- As Sunday's 80th anniversary of the June 24, 1932 coup approaches, Thai society has seen a steady revival of interest - especially among red shirts - in the day that marked the end of absolute monarchy, and whose date served as Thai National Day for two decades.

Red shirts will hold a mass demonstration on Sunday. On Monday this week, a group of Thammasat and Chulalongkorn University students wearing pseudo-1930s military uniforms gathered in front of Army Headquarters to urge the military to stop staging coups d'etat for good. The lyrics and music of the "June 24 National Song", of which most young Thais are unaware, were uploaded on pro-red shirt thaienews.blogspot.com. Someone also tweeted a link to 37 online books written by or about Pridi Banomyong, the most respected leader of the 1932 revolt, for free download. Two years after the red-shirt June 24 Democracy Group led by Somyos Prueksaksemsuk called for the re-designation of June 24 as National Day, the debate continues.

Chulalongkorn University historian Asst Prof Suthachai Yimprasert, himself a red shirt, said the revived interest is something new and has to do with the 2006 coup.

"After the coup, people recognised that democracy was under siege and they went back to search for the meaning and origin of democracy [in Thailand]. Events [commemorating] June 24 have grown bigger year by year [since the 2006 coup]," said Suthachai. He added, however, that all activities related to the day have been organised by private groups and citizens, in contrast to the period between 1938 and 1960, when they were organised and celebrated by the state as National Day.

On June 4, 1960 dictator Field Marshal Sarith Thanarat ended the status of June 24 as National Day and reassigned HM the King's birthday, December 5, as the date for the national celebration. Suthachai thinks the date is problematic, as December 5 is celebrated today as both Father's Day and the King's Birthday, and the connotation with National Day is simply not there.

Suthachai argues that since Sarith was a dictator and coup-maker, his order should be regarded as void and June 24 should be recognised again as National Day, while December 5 can continue to be celebrated as HM's birthday.

While such a debate is still in the nascent stage, Suthachai decries the lack of proper teaching at primary and secondary levels about the June 24 revolt. He said some of his university students do not even know who The Promoters, who staged the bloodless revolt in 1932, are.

Prominent red-shirt writer Wat Waulayangkul said Thais have almost forgotten June 24 because the powers that be and royalists do not see it as beneficial to promote the memory and history of the 1932 revolt.

Thai society, said Wat, has been made "to forget" that June 24 was once National Day.

"I still recall that as a child I was given an amulet coin to mark the National Day by my grandfather," said the 57-year-old writer, who added he is old enough to recall the day being celebrated as National Day. "It's not just a coin, but the whole ideology embedded in it that has been distorted so power won't belong to the people."

In the Thai-language book "The Changing World View of Thai Elites From the Rama V Era to 1932", author and anthropologist Attachak Satyanulak noted that the changing consciousness regarding history in the aftermath of 1932 was that ordinary people began to recognise that they, too - not just royals - contributed to the process of nation-building, and that great men can also come from a common background.

Nearly 80 years on, the modest bronze plaque marking the spot where the June 24 revolt took place, set in concrete in the ground at the Royal Plaza - and exposed to automobile traffic - is considerably tarnished. Suthachai is against removing it as a way of protecting it, however, fearing it would not be replaced in any way.

Chulalongkorn University political scientist Trakoon Mechai warned, however, that red shirts should not attempt to monopolise the memory of the June 24, 1932 revolt, or act as its sole custodian.

"You can champion it, but you shouldn't monopolise it. Others have the right to invoke [June 24] too," said Trakoon, who added that although the memory of June 24 has receded over the decades, red shirts have intentionally chosen to revive the date to symbolically advance their struggle. The debate about June 24 versus December 5 as the country's national day is another aspect of the struggle over national symbols witnessed by Thai society today.

-- The Nation 2012-06-22

[pacharaphet]

There seems there isn't much contradiction or valid claim for lese majeste here right, I mean, we can still celebrate His Majesty the King's birthday as his birthday and Father's Day while still recognizing June 24.

[chainarong]

The Red shirts could or should confine their efforts into stopping the flood waters that will engulf the country side (again) , instead of dragging up something that would have happened anyway.

[tomross46]

The 1932 coup was started by Thai elit which had been educted in France. If you look into histrory 1932 was the era of the great depression, and the Siamese in France had the allowance, given to them by the king cut. So even in France K. Perdi worked with others to over throw the monarchy. When he and his fellow Thai's came back to Siam they worked togeater with oter rich people to overthrow the King. All the government agencies had cuts in sprnding, exports dropped, large layoffs and the rich wanted to live like they did before.

So is this what the Red Shirts want to be. Supporters of Perdi, and the socialist movement? Or is it that they want more money?

[Moruya]

The 1932 coup was started by Thai elit which had been educted in France. If you look into histrory 1932 was the era of the great depression, and the Siamese in France had the allowance, given to them by the king cut. So even in France K. Perdi worked with others to over throw the monarchy. When he and his fellow Thai's came back to Siam they worked togeater with oter rich people to overthrow the King. All the government agencies had cuts in sprnding, exports dropped, large layoffs and the rich wanted to live like they did before.

So is this what the Red Shirts want to be. Supporters of Perdi, and the socialist movement? Or is it that they want more money?

I think they chose this date to commemorate something other than democracy

[kerryk]

"Red shirts will hold a mass demonstration on Sunday. On Monday this week, a group of Thammasat and Chulalongkorn University students wearing pseudo-1930s military uniforms gathered in front of Army Headquarters to urge the military to stop staging coups d'etat for good."

But they want to celebrate the anniversary of the 1932 as a national holiday? Right?

So they want to celebrate having a coup but want the military not to have coups?

[Orac]

Seems odd to mention a tarnished brass plaque as a reference to 1932 and not mention the democracy monument that was comissioned to comemorate it.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Thaivisa Connect App

[Crushdepth]

I'm going to start flogging red t-shirts with yellow stars on them. Should be a good business.

[Moruya]

I'm going to start flogging red t-shirts with yellow stars on them. Should be a good business.

You can get the swastika ones cheaper

[Moruya]

"Red shirts will hold a mass demonstration on Sunday. On Monday this week, a group of Thammasat and Chulalongkorn University students wearing pseudo-1930s military uniforms gathered in front of Army Headquarters to urge the military to stop staging coups d'etat for good."

But they want to celebrate the anniversary of the 1932 as a national holiday? Right?

So they want to celebrate having a coup but want the military not to have coups?

The United Front for Democracy against Dictators has Hun Sen among its patrons.

No surprise that the anti-coup brigade chose this date.

Go figure!

[h90]

"Red shirts will hold a mass demonstration on Sunday. On Monday this week, a group of Thammasat and Chulalongkorn University students wearing pseudo-1930s military uniforms gathered in front of Army Headquarters to urge the military to stop staging coups d'etat for good."

But they want to celebrate the anniversary of the 1932 as a national holiday? Right?

So they want to celebrate having a coup but want the military not to have coups?

What is so difficult to understand?

Make a coup against our enemies if they are in power. (=good coup)

Don't make a coup against us. (=evil coup)

That is the same since a couple of millenia

[chotthee]

With respect; shouldn't anyone celebrated the old National day be charged for LM112?

This date has already almost been deleted from Thai history book. let not bring up old wounds, could we just let forget about it?

I also wonder if those coup makers that day were charged with LM112?

[kerryk]

"Red shirts will hold a mass demonstration on Sunday. On Monday this week, a group of Thammasat and Chulalongkorn University students wearing pseudo-1930s military uniforms gathered in front of Army Headquarters to urge the military to stop staging coups d'etat for good."

But they want to celebrate the anniversary of the 1932 as a national holiday? Right?

So they want to celebrate having a coup but want the military not to have coups?

The United Front for Democracy against Dictators has Hun Sen among its patrons.

No surprise that the anti-coup brigade chose this date.

Go figure!

The anti coup brigade? They don't think there was a coup in 2006 do they? Whew, everybody knows the answer to that one.

[Moruya]

"Red shirts will hold a mass demonstration on Sunday. On Monday this week, a group of Thammasat and Chulalongkorn University students wearing pseudo-1930s military uniforms gathered in front of Army Headquarters to urge the military to stop staging coups d'etat for good."

But they want to celebrate the anniversary of the 1932 as a national holiday? Right?

So they want to celebrate having a coup but want the military not to have coups?

The United Front for Democracy against Dictators has Hun Sen among its patrons.

No surprise that the anti-coup brigade chose this date.

Go figure!

The anti coup brigade? They don't think there was a coup in 2006 do they? Whew, everybody knows the answer to that one.

The army took control for sure.

But what did they remove? A functioning government? I don't think so!

[Thaddeus]

With respect; shouldn't anyone celebrated the old National day be charged for LM112?

This date has already almost been deleted from Thai history book. let not bring up old wounds, could we just let forget about it?

Indeed, I would expect that if you took any of the followers to one side and asked them what happened on this date, they would not be able to answer. And when you told them, if they have any respect for King and Country, they would go home, silently.

[Yunla]

Those good old days of 1932 seem so far away now. How we miss those days of no internet or free press to observe or criticise criminal wrongdoings, those good old days when there was no way to prevent bullying or mass indoctrination. Noble red comrades over the border in China where "from 1931 to 1934, Mao helped establish the Soviet Republic of China and was elected Chairman of this small republic in the mountainous areas in Jiangxi". Slightly further afield in 1932 also our noble red brothers in Russia had four million party members all guided by their beloved red leader Joseph Stalin, ushering in an era of equality for the poorest and freedom from oppression.

Those were simpler happier days. It is hard to look back at 1932 without a slightly misty-eyed nostalgic tear. And of course it is important to preserve history and to learn from its mistakes.

Edited June 22, 2012 by Yunla

[kerryk]

"Red shirts will hold a mass demonstration on Sunday. On Monday this week, a group of Thammasat and Chulalongkorn University students wearing pseudo-1930s military uniforms gathered in front of Army Headquarters to urge the military to stop staging coups d'etat for good."

But they want to celebrate the anniversary of the 1932 as a national holiday? Right?

So they want to celebrate having a coup but want the military not to have coups?

The United Front for Democracy against Dictators has Hun Sen among its patrons.

No surprise that the anti-coup brigade chose this date.

Go figure!

The anti coup brigade? They don't think there was a coup in 2006 do they? Whew, everybody knows the answer to that one.

The army took control for sure.

But what did they remove? A functioning government? I don't think so!

You gotta help me on this one. What is a "Functioning Government" in Thailand. When did they have the last one?

[Moruya]

Why on earth is there an advert with 4 gay guys arm in arm with T-Shirts stating that they love gay boys and drugs/vodka etc on this page?

[Orac]

Why on earth is there an advert with 4 gay guys arm in arm with T-Shirts stating that they love gay boys and drugs/vodka etc on this page?

That would be google ads that are tailored to your previous surfing habits

[thaihome]

^{I do wonder why Pravit in the OP failed to mention the December 10 holiday commemorating the first permanent constitution that included a partially elected national assemble. Note the interim constitution from June 24th had a 15 member “executive” (half of which were military officers) that appointed an assembly.}

^TH

[Hyponeros]

It is amazing. It seems like everybody wants Thailand to go back to an absolute monarchy.

"On June 4, 1960 dictator Field Marshal Sarith Thanarat ended the status of June 24 as National Day and reassigned HM the King's birthday, December 5, as the date for the national celebration."

No comments about that?

This is a very valid point:

"Suthachai argues that since Sarith was a dictator and coup-maker, his order should be regarded as void and June 24 should be recognised again as National Day (...)"

And no one wonders about that:

"Prominent red-shirt writer Wat Waulayangkul said Thais have almost forgotten June 24 because the powers that be and royalists do not see it as beneficial to promote the memory and history of the 1932 revolt."?

[hellodolly]

What a load of crap believed by people who need help tying their shoe laces. They are being led by a bunch of self serving elite with money enough to live in Dubai. I won't name names.

If they don't want coups elect people who will work for the betterment of Thailand.

Simple as ABC.

But apparently not that simple for them. They prefer people who will make promises rather than do things.

[kerryk]

What a load of crap believed by people who need help tying their shoe laces. They are being led by a bunch of self serving elite with money enough to live in Dubai. I won't name names.

If they don't want coups elect people who will work for the betterment of Thailand.

Simple as ABC.

But apparently not that simple for them. They prefer people who will make promises rather than do things.

Who decides who is working for the betterment of Thailand?

[renaissanc]

Thida and Jatuporn always seem to be very unhappy people. Maybe the rallies are their only form of entertainment. I wonder what other occasion in the distant past Thida, Jatuporn, and the Reds will dig up from Thai history to attack the Democrats, so called Elites, etc., with. Don't they have anything more constructive to do, or are they starting to feel irrelevant?

[rubl]

Suthachai argues that since Sarith was a dictator and coup-maker, his order should be regarded as void and June 24 should be recognised again as National Day, while December 5 can continue to be celebrated as HM's birthday.

In the Netherlands 'Waterloo Day' was celebrated for a while for forgotten and slowly replaced with 'Queen's Day' celebrating the Queen's birthday. That's the only National Day if you can call it such. It's not even on the current Queen's birthday, but fixed on April 30th since 1948.

Thailand can do the same, no need to celebrate the Thai version of the Magna Charta. That Charter helped the feudal barons protect their privileges and didn't make for a democracy.

[thaicbr]

What a load of crap believed by people who need help tying their shoe laces. They are being led by a bunch of self serving elite with money enough to live in Dubai. I won't name names.

If they don't want coups elect people who will work for the betterment of Thailand.

Simple as ABC.

But apparently not that simple for them. They prefer people who will make promises rather than do things.

Who decides who is working for the betterment of Thailand?

You can. We can. They can

sent from my Wellcom A90+

[kerryk]

What a load of crap believed by people who need help tying their shoe laces. They are being led by a bunch of self serving elite with money enough to live in Dubai. I won't name names.

If they don't want coups elect people who will work for the betterment of Thailand.

Simple as ABC.

But apparently not that simple for them. They prefer people who will make promises rather than do things.

Who decides who is working for the betterment of Thailand?

You can. We can. They can

sent from my Wellcom A90+

Why would my opinion matter to Thailand and who is We and who is they?

[thaicbr]

What a load of crap believed by people who need help tying their shoe laces. They are being led by a bunch of self serving elite with money enough to live in Dubai. I won't name names.

If they don't want coups elect people who will work for the betterment of Thailand.

Simple as ABC.

But apparently not that simple for them. They prefer people who will make promises rather than do things.

Who decides who is working for the betterment of Thailand?

You can. We can. They can

sent from my Wellcom A90+

Why would my opinion matter to Thailand and who is We and who is they?

You dont know we and they. My goodness at least it shows you dont know everything. Like your posts seem to imply.

"They" would be the Thai people. Those that can be bothered thinking about politics.

sent from my Wellcom A90+

[kerryk]

Who decides who is working for the betterment of Thailand?

You can. We can. They can

sent from my Wellcom A90+

Why would my opinion matter to Thailand and who is We and who is they?

You dont know we and they. My goodness at least it shows you dont know everything. Like your posts seem to imply.

"They" would be the Thai people. Those that can be bothered thinking about politics.

sent from my Wellcom A90+

They? You mean the majority that voted for the current government? I didn't think you liked the result of having the the Thai people vote.

[whybother]

They? You mean the majority that voted for the current government? I didn't think you liked the result of having the the Thai people vote.

Or maybe the majority that didn't vote for the current government ...