Soldiers visit northern residents over vote-no tees
By Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer


Members of a Phrae provincial community pose back in April for a photo back in April wearing T-shirts urging people to reject the draft charter. They were visited by soldiers hours after the T-shirt's creator posted the photo to Facebook on Wednesday. Photo: Vasana Kraway

PHRAE — A group of residents of the northern province of Phrae were ordered to appear Thursday morning and answer questions about a group photo showing them wearing T-shirts opposing the draft charter, saying they might be have broken the law after the photo surfaced on Facebook.

As the charter referendum draws nearer, the military government’s crackdown on public displays of dissent is intensifying nationwide. Vasana Kraway, 44, a Baan Hadphapan resident in Phrae’s Long district said half a dozen officers entered their community Wednesday evening and summoned the headman to ask why people there had worn “Vote No” T-shirts as seen in the photo.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2016/07/21/soldiers-visit-residents-vote-no-tees/


-- Khaosod English 2016-07-21

Another day another threat.

Great way to treat your own people. Threaten intimidate and silence.

North Korea with ladyboys and Elephants

Hardly enough detail in this Khaosod article to pass any judgement, and no other media source seems to be available to verify it.

However, if the people had reversed the T-Shirts it would have been more appropriate for demonstrating just how backward this country has become.

If it is true that Thai soldiers are "visiting" people just for wearing T-Shirts, then if we were to extrapolate this to the United States, imagine how daunting would be the task now facing the US Army, http://www.cafepress.com.au/+anti-hillary-clinton+t-shirts

I was told today that people in rural areas have been told by their local village chiefs( and/or by people of a similar standing) that they MUST go and vote on the 7th because the law says so, and it seems that they all have been told to vote yes as well.

The vast majority of these village folk have absolutely no idea what they are actually voting for but because their local leaders/superiors have said vote, they all feel obliged (intimidated) to vote.

So it seems that in all rural areas the turnout could well be nearly 100% because the so called government has sneakily got the local officials to do their dirty work. Tell the farmers and such like that they must vote, that it is against the law if they refuse to vote, and that they should tick yes and yes.

The voting has already been rigged in the army's favour.

All the village heads and their assistants are afraid of being hassled by the soldiers. They want to keep their positions which basically last until retirement. Most all people in all levels and organizations in government and those working on contracts such as foreign teachers basically shut up in order to keep their jobs. There are very few who want problems. Universities don't have civil servants like in the past so new Thai hires have to kiss butt even more if they want to get into a permanent position. Thailand seems normal but in reality there is silence and frustration throughout the government across the nation. Fear just to say what you really fell. And those lowest in society, government or not, are the most fearful and their fear goes back throughout their entire lives. Shutting up because you can't do anything and there is always potential for someone with more power to crush you is Thai culture, isn't it.

I was told today that people in rural areas have been told by their local village chiefs( and/or by people of a similar standing) that they MUST go and vote on the 7th because the law says so, and it seems that they all have been told to vote yes as well.

The vast majority of these village folk have absolutely no idea what they are actually voting for but because their local leaders/superiors have said vote, they all feel obliged (intimidated) to vote.

So it seems that in all rural areas the turnout could well be nearly 100% because the so called government has sneakily got the local officials to do their dirty work. Tell the farmers and such like that they must vote, that it is against the law if they refuse to vote, and that they should tick yes and yes.

The voting has already been rigged in the army's favour.

I certainly hear what you are saying, but why would they feel the need to go to such lengths when the plan is that they will remain in power regardless of the outcome?

You are allowed to have an opinion, so long as it is the right one.

Soldiers are to protect a countries boarders , police are there to up hold the law , pretty plain really , not so in Military run Thailand ,however it is indeed a pretty piss poor run country that you cannot wear the "T" shirt of your choice, it doesn't matter what people do so long as they are dressed properly and obey the law , seems that isn't good enough for a totalitarian Junta who must by now realize that international companies are looking else where and the one's in Thailand are starting to quietly piss themselves , with behaviour like this from the administration , I can understand why...................................

All the village heads and their assistants are afraid of being hassled by the soldiers. They want to keep their positions which basically last until retirement. Most all people in all levels and organizations in government and those working on contracts such as foreign teachers basically shut up in order to keep their jobs. There are very few who want problems. Universities don't have civil servants like in the past so new Thai hires have to kiss butt even more if they want to get into a permanent position. Thailand seems normal but in reality there is silence and frustration throughout the government across the nation. Fear just to say what you really fell. And those lowest in society, government or not, are the most fearful and their fear goes back throughout their entire lives. Shutting up because you can't do anything and there is always potential for someone with more power to crush you is Thai culture, isn't it.

This is nothing new it happened with the PTP , it happened long ago with the Democrats and it is now happening with the Junta , rumours , B/S all take centre stage at election times , sorting the chaff from the wheat is impossible , but with this junta anything is possible , they are bad people.

I was told today that people in rural areas have been told by their local village chiefs( and/or by people of a similar standing) that they MUST go and vote on the 7th because the law says so, and it seems that they all have been told to vote yes as well.

The vast majority of these village folk have absolutely no idea what they are actually voting for but because their local leaders/superiors have said vote, they all feel obliged (intimidated) to vote.

So it seems that in all rural areas the turnout could well be nearly 100% because the so called government has sneakily got the local officials to do their dirty work. Tell the farmers and such like that they must vote, that it is against the law if they refuse to vote, and that they should tick yes and yes.

The voting has already been rigged in the army's favour.

Not in my little corner of rural Khampaeng Phet province they haven't according to my wife and our neighbours.

Whereabouts in rural Thailand do you live?

Do you have any facts to back up what you have said or even who told you that?

All the village heads and their assistants are afraid of being hassled by the soldiers. They want to keep their positions which basically last until retirement. Most all people in all levels and organizations in government and those working on contracts such as foreign teachers basically shut up in order to keep their jobs. There are very few who want problems. Universities don't have civil servants like in the past so new Thai hires have to kiss butt even more if they want to get into a permanent position. Thailand seems normal but in reality there is silence and frustration throughout the government across the nation. Fear just to say what you really fell. And those lowest in society, government or not, are the most fearful and their fear goes back throughout their entire lives. Shutting up because you can't do anything and there is always potential for someone with more power to crush you is Thai culture, isn't it.

Which part of rural Thailand do you live in?

Out here in rural Khampaeng Phet I don't think I have seen the military around more than twice this year.

Dare we hope that the people are losing their fear of the junta?

I was told today that people in rural areas have been told by their local village chiefs( and/or by people of a similar standing) that they MUST go and vote on the 7th because the law says so, and it seems that they all have been told to vote yes as well.

The vast majority of these village folk have absolutely no idea what they are actually voting for but because their local leaders/superiors have said vote, they all feel obliged (intimidated) to vote.

So it seems that in all rural areas the turnout could well be nearly 100% because the so called government has sneakily got the local officials to do their dirty work. Tell the farmers and such like that they must vote, that it is against the law if they refuse to vote, and that they should tick yes and yes.

The voting has already been rigged in the army's favour.

I certainly hear what you are saying, but why would they feel the need to go to such lengths when the plan is that they will remain in power regardless of the outcome?

Because of world opinion and pressure, the army want to be seen as doing the right thing. So if the charter passes then the army will retain power "invisibly" with its "make everyone happy" sham democratic election.

All the village heads and their assistants are afraid of being hassled by the soldiers. They want to keep their positions which basically last until retirement. Most all people in all levels and organizations in government and those working on contracts such as foreign teachers basically shut up in order to keep their jobs. There are very few who want problems. Universities don't have civil servants like in the past so new Thai hires have to kiss butt even more if they want to get into a permanent position. Thailand seems normal but in reality there is silence and frustration throughout the government across the nation. Fear just to say what you really fell. And those lowest in society, government or not, are the most fearful and their fear goes back throughout their entire lives. Shutting up because you can't do anything and there is always potential for someone with more power to crush you is Thai culture, isn't it.

Which part of rural Thailand do you live in?

Out here in rural Khampaeng Phet I don't think I have seen the military around more than twice this year.

Various places in the middle. It is not the army doing this, it is the likes of village chiefs etc.

All the village heads and their assistants are afraid of being hassled by the soldiers. They want to keep their positions which basically last until retirement. Most all people in all levels and organizations in government and those working on contracts such as foreign teachers basically shut up in order to keep their jobs. There are very few who want problems. Universities don't have civil servants like in the past so new Thai hires have to kiss butt even more if they want to get into a permanent position. Thailand seems normal but in reality there is silence and frustration throughout the government across the nation. Fear just to say what you really fell. And those lowest in society, government or not, are the most fearful and their fear goes back throughout their entire lives. Shutting up because you can't do anything and there is always potential for someone with more power to crush you is Thai culture, isn't it.

I 'liked' your post, however it has always been thus, whichever (cliche alert) snout is at the trough and IMV, always will be.

Edited July 21, 20169 yr by dageurreotype

I was told today that people in rural areas have been told by their local village chiefs( and/or by people of a similar standing) that they MUST go and vote on the 7th because the law says so, and it seems that they all have been told to vote yes as well.

The vast majority of these village folk have absolutely no idea what they are actually voting for but because their local leaders/superiors have said vote, they all feel obliged (intimidated) to vote.

So it seems that in all rural areas the turnout could well be nearly 100% because the so called government has sneakily got the local officials to do their dirty work. Tell the farmers and such like that they must vote, that it is against the law if they refuse to vote, and that they should tick yes and yes.

The voting has already been rigged in the army's favour.

Been told anything else interesting? Over the last few days TVF posters have been told a high turnout will favour the No vote, along with a few other fantasies.

Your claim that rural voters are too stupid to understand the charter, and vote as ordered, doesn't bode well for their ability to democratically select a government, does it?

Gosh I thought dissent was to be tolerated if honest and factual.... Students of mine in US often wore shirts with "What part of "No" don't you understand"?

Redshirts in disguise

different shirts same mindset

(one aim only: back to the troughs)

Soldiers are to protect a countries boarders , police are there to up hold the law , pretty plain really , not so in Military run Thailand ,however it is indeed a pretty piss poor run country that you cannot wear the "T" shirt of your choice, it doesn't matter what people do so long as they are dressed properly and obey the law , seems that isn't good enough for a totalitarian Junta who must by now realize that international companies are looking else where and the one's in Thailand are starting to quietly piss themselves , with behaviour like this from the administration , I can understand why...................................

Thailand is still under martial law. They just gave it a different name, article 44. That was so tourists could buy travel insurance.

I was told today that people in rural areas have been told by their local village chiefs( and/or by people of a similar standing) that they MUST go and vote on the 7th because the law says so, and it seems that they all have been told to vote yes as well.

The vast majority of these village folk have absolutely no idea what they are actually voting for but because their local leaders/superiors have said vote, they all feel obliged (intimidated) to vote.

So it seems that in all rural areas the turnout could well be nearly 100% because the so called government has sneakily got the local officials to do their dirty work. Tell the farmers and such like that they must vote, that it is against the law if they refuse to vote, and that they should tick yes and yes.

The voting has already been rigged in the army's favour.

I certainly hear what you are saying, but why would they feel the need to go to such lengths when the plan is that they will remain in power regardless of the outcome?

Because of world opinion and pressure, the army want to be seen as doing the right thing. So if the charter passes then the army will retain power "invisibly" with its "make everyone happy" sham democratic election.

Surely there must be some in the hirearchy who realise that outside of Thailand, nobody believes the junta's spiel about restoring democracy? It just seems an exercise in futility if they think any foreigners apart from the fascist/crank element on a website or two is buying any of it...

for any falang who looks closely at the photo, and for almost any Thai person who glances at it, there is more than just "vote no" symbolism to be seen.

But hey, it's just freedom of assembly combined with free speech .... so round 'em up, boys....

I was told today that people in rural areas have been told by their local village chiefs( and/or by people of a similar standing) that they MUST go and vote on the 7th because the law says so, and it seems that they all have been told to vote yes as well.

The vast majority of these village folk have absolutely no idea what they are actually voting for but because their local leaders/superiors have said vote, they all feel obliged (intimidated) to vote.

So it seems that in all rural areas the turnout could well be nearly 100% because the so called government has sneakily got the local officials to do their dirty work. Tell the farmers and such like that they must vote, that it is against the law if they refuse to vote, and that they should tick yes and yes.

The voting has already been rigged in the army's favour.

Been told anything else interesting? Over the last few days TVF posters have been told a high turnout will favour the No vote, along with a few other fantasies.

Your claim that rural voters are too stupid to understand the charter, and vote as ordered, doesn't bode well for their ability to democratically select a government, does it?

Your claim that rural voters are too stupid to understand the charter,

he didn't claim that.

North Korea with ladyboys and Elephants

Ever been in Kim country?

Don't think so.

Or maybe nowadays, in "democratic" Turkey?

Don't think so.

Keep that in mind.

North Korea with ladyboys and Elephants

Ever been in Kim country?

Don't think so.

Or maybe nowadays, in "democratic" Turkey?

Don't think so.

Keep that in mind.

I have and what he says is not without some validity.

All the village heads and their assistants are afraid of being hassled by the soldiers. They want to keep their positions which basically last until retirement. Most all people in all levels and organizations in government and those working on contracts such as foreign teachers basically shut up in order to keep their jobs. There are very few who want problems. Universities don't have civil servants like in the past so new Thai hires have to kiss butt even more if they want to get into a permanent position. Thailand seems normal but in reality there is silence and frustration throughout the government across the nation. Fear just to say what you really fell. And those lowest in society, government or not, are the most fearful and their fear goes back throughout their entire lives. Shutting up because you can't do anything and there is always potential for someone with more power to crush you is Thai culture, isn't it.

This is nothing new it happened with the PTP , it happened long ago with the Democrats and it is now happening with the Junta , rumours , B/S all take centre stage at election times , sorting the chaff from the wheat is impossible , but with this junta anything is possible , they are bad people.

And of course the former government was composed of very good people.

Yes?

why people there had worn “Vote No” T-shirts as seen in the photo.

Seems a bit of a silly question IMO. I would think they didn't agree with the draft charter and didn't think it should pass the referendum. Is there another explanation?

Redshirts in disguise

different shirts same mindset

(one aim only: back to the troughs)

Do you know these people personally, or do you think that only a redshirt would advocate voting 'no' on the referendum?

Do you think there are no snouts in the troughs under the junta?

I was told today that people in rural areas have been told by their local village chiefs( and/or by people of a similar standing) that they MUST go and vote on the 7th because the law says so, and it seems that they all have been told to vote yes as well.

The vast majority of these village folk have absolutely no idea what they are actually voting for but because their local leaders/superiors have said vote, they all feel obliged (intimidated) to vote.

So it seems that in all rural areas the turnout could well be nearly 100% because the so called government has sneakily got the local officials to do their dirty work. Tell the farmers and such like that they must vote, that it is against the law if they refuse to vote, and that they should tick yes and yes.

The voting has already been rigged in the army's favour.

Been told anything else interesting? Over the last few days TVF posters have been told a high turnout will favour the No vote, along with a few other fantasies.

Your claim that rural voters are too stupid to understand the charter, and vote as ordered, doesn't bode well for their ability to democratically select a government, does it?

Peoples right to vote should never depend on their IQ, but on their right as a citizen.

I was told today that people in rural areas have been told by their local village chiefs( and/or by people of a similar standing) that they MUST go and vote on the 7th because the law says so, and it seems that they all have been told to vote yes as well.

The vast majority of these village folk have absolutely no idea what they are actually voting for but because their local leaders/superiors have said vote, they all feel obliged (intimidated) to vote.

So it seems that in all rural areas the turnout could well be nearly 100% because the so called government has sneakily got the local officials to do their dirty work. Tell the farmers and such like that they must vote, that it is against the law if they refuse to vote, and that they should tick yes and yes.

The voting has already been rigged in the army's favour.

I certainly hear what you are saying, but why would they feel the need to go to such lengths when the plan is that they will remain in power regardless of the outcome?

It's pretty clear now that a rejection of the referendum will be taken as a rejection of the little general and his fat mate. What the dynamic duo have said and done make it clear they think that anyway, clearly they have an eye to the verdict of the international community.

Personally, apart from the crookedness of these people, the coup hasn't had much of an impact, though the economy is certainly tanking and the attendant risk of getting ripped off or the target of violence have increased.

Prayuth and the fat boy aren't going anywhere unless and until the Thai people kick their asses out. That ought to happen tomorrow afternoon at about 3pm, but these are Thais we're talking about it won't so mines a pint and 'em all...

Winnie

Edited July 21, 20169 yr by Winniedapu