Thailand Politics

[AndyBKK]

The political system here is design in such a way that the PM has no respect from the ARMY generals. The commander in chief of the Army is the King of Thailand, which is completely different than in the state.

This has lead to coup after coup. Every coup in Thailand in the past 50 years has been led or support by the army because of this.

To make matter worse you have four completely different regions in a country the size of the state of Texas. You have the northeast Issan, which consists of darker sign Thais who speak a completely different language then the central Thais. Also there's the Chiang Mai area and the southern type who are Muslim.

Unlike developed countries where the wealth is spread around evenly, Thailand's wealth is concentrated in Bangkok, while leaving other regions with relatively little wealth.

To make matter worse, most of the people in power use it for personal gains. Even Taksin, who had over a billion dollars, used his position to add more personal wealth. The current PM is no better, the only difference is that Taksin support programs to help the northern and northeastern regions. As a result, his loyal supports ( red shirts) are mostly from the north of Thailand and speak a different language. (this is the same group that makes up the working class in bangkok)

As middle class Bangkok residents' properties and businesses are negatively affected they blame these "foreign Thais". These same people are the managers and owners of the companies that the Issan and Chaing mai people work in.

So without the workers, the companies have nothing, but without the the companies the workers have nothing.

Tourists are frighten and current occupancy way down because of recent events. On my last trip to Pattaya, the situation looks very bad. Some of the bars where close and had "for rent" signs up on Walking St. ( the busiest section of Pattaya). Shop vendors and bar girls alike are complaining about the lack of tourists.

The exact amount lost because of political tensions will never be calculated, but I can stay that Thailand need to work together.

FYI: The red shirt leaders have promise to return to Bangkok at the end of June. I know it will not be very pretty,so plan your trips accordingly.

[The Pro]

Thailand has lots of secrets and there is a massive power play going on at the moment, multiple parties are all grappling for power.

Its obvious that the Black May 1992 disappeared were dumped in containers in the sea. It may not be the ones being investigated now, but that is not the point.

The point is that a certain power clique is extering pressure over another power clique with the "threat" of finding the actual containers with bodies in. Quite likely deals are being done and then the one they are presently looking at will be empty and the rumours will go away until next time someone needs to apply pressure.

Its like the recent "attempted" assaisnation of Sondthi. If you believe that trained marksmen could fire 100 rounds into a car and "miss" then you have to be pretty stupid. Give me a gun and I could easily fire 100 rounds into the car and gets lots of hits. Opinion says this was just a media play by certain parties. Probably someone did pay for the hit, but then a higher counter offer came in and so those doing the hit decided to take both payments, and probably took Sondthi out of the car and said to him let us just hit you on the head and fire lots of rounds into the empty car and that will be enough for the media.

Its done Sondthi no harm as he has more "sympathy" votes for his new political party when it runs.

Thailand is full of secrets and lots of power plays happen all the time, this is why its so corrupt and so problematic. Why do you think there has been so many coups in Thailand.

So at a guess if a deal is pulled off then the container will be empty. If no deal then they will likely be guided to find a container that has some remains in it.

Enjoy the media show.

All the above is pure speculation and opinion and no claims to anything in the above being true is made.

There is a disturbing story that is making the news about containers full of human remains that have been found near the Sattahip naval base. Reports suggest that there could be many containers dumped into the sea after the violent crackdown of the 1992 unrest against General Suchinda’s junta.

http://www.pattayaone.net/news/2009/..._05_52_2.shtml

[Seydlitz]

There is a disturbing story that is making the news about containers full of human remains that have been found near the Sattahip naval base. Reports suggest that there could be many containers dumped into the sea after the violent crackdown of the 1992 unrest against General Suchinda’s junta.

http://www.pattayaone.net/news/2009/..._05_52_2.shtml

[Tiger 888]

Very well said OTH. I believe that almost the whole world believes that the majority of the Americans is way too self-congratulatory. America is the true Zhong Guo.

[Terry Terrier]

Interesting on-the-ground report of Black Songkran:
http://rspas.anu.edu.au/rmap/newmand...he-red-shirts/

[Old Thai Hand]

The only "top tier" University in Chicago is the U. Chicago....

As an American, I'd have to take issue with your inference that American kids ..especially those at the University of Chicago, are inferior to the neighbors to the north.

I know Canadians tend to think they are a whole lot better and smarter than Americans, but it's mostly because they are very jealous of the country to their south..in fact, could they even survive without a stable country such as the U.S.A to the south? I doubt it....

Seems you've taught in about a million places, but tenured in none..is that about right?

A little sensitive, aren't we?

I said 'college', not 'university'. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago is in the top 5 art colleges in the US, and that's where I was.

I don't think anywhere in my post I inferred that my students in Chicago were inferior to Canadians, just more ignorant, as were my colleagues. That's simply true. But, still, it is a fact that the Canadian education system is far more broad, than its American counterpart. Even American educators acknowledge that our education system is better than yours right through to the end of undergraduate school. It's only at the graduate level that America outstrips everyone in the world. In our elementary and high schools, we are taught everything about your history, geography, political system, society etc. etc., not to mention a good deal about the rest of the world, as well. Every Canadian kid can name the first president of the US by 7th grade. I doubt if any American kid could name the first Prime Minister of Canada. We study the American Revolution, the Civil War, we memorize the Gettyburg Address, all this as well as learning our own history and that of Europe, Asia and Africa. Perhaps all that's justified, given the size of the US and its importance to Canada. However, there's no excuse for the ignorance of most Americans vis-a-vis their immediate neighbours both to the south and the north, not to mention ignorance of the rest of the world. The education system in the US is so US-centric that it tends to exclude or at least dismiss knowledge of the rest of the world as somewhat less important. Afterall, isn't it true that most Americans don't even have a passport and never go anywhere outside their own country? (except when they go abroad to 'enforce' their foreign policy).

...Ah, the old "Canadians are jealous of us" myth...hardly. We have a better standard of living as a whole, clean cities, nothing that could even remotely compare to a slum, such as one finds in most American cities, universal health care, a social safety net, and generally higher salaries, to name a few things. Could we survive without the US? Of course not. But, neither could the US survive without us, or the rest of the world. I'm sure the Canadian troops in Afghanistan would be quite happy to leave the under-manned and under-equipped US forces to their own fate, if for no other reason than to avoid any more of those pesky friendly fire "accidents" by trigger happy American fighter pilots.

Don't get me wrong. I really like most Americans. But, when you all get jingoistic (and defensive) and trot out old clinkers like Canadians are jealous of Americans, (or, America vs. the world), it does get my back up, a bit. A lot of Americans take themselves way too seriously. Maybe it's because you spent 8 years listening to strident bitches like Ann Coulter and the rest of the nefarious crew at Fox News, during their daily George Bush pep-rallies. Canadians, in general don't take themselves that seriously. Perhaps that's why Canada has been the source for a lot of "American" humour (Saturday Night Live, for example) because we like taking the [CodeWord140] out of ourselves and everyone else (much like the Brits).

As for your cheap shot about tenure...I'm not an academic, nor have I ever claimed to be. I have never pursued an academic career. I have taught college and university as a sidebar to my main career and interests, as have many in my profession, because of my technical expertise. Even in Thailand, where I teach more than I ever did in the west, it's not all that I do. It's merely a means to an end. It pays my rent and for my lifestyle. Other than that, I could care less about it. Also, FYI, there is no tenure in Thailand, anyway, even for Thai academics. I have never held a job longer than 5 years, by choice. I like to travel, I like diversity and I could never do the ass-kissing and work necessary to get tenure. Employment in the same job for life??? Somebody shoot me.

What's so great about tenure and being stuck in the same job forever, anyway? - (a practice, by the way that is increasingly going out of style in the US, through economic necessity). I've met many tenured professors who were, so to speak, "Good at school, but bad at life", who couldn't survive outside of academia. And even within academia, a lot of them are so narrow in their knowledge, producing reams of meaningless drivel, because they have to, that for the most part, they come across as quite brain-dead in normal conversation. This is particularly true of Thai academics, whose arrogance is proportional to their complete incompetence in most things.

In contrast, I cultivate myself as somewhat of a Renaissance man, or more accurately, a jack of all trades, but a master of none, and I like it that way.

[NicFrenchy]

Thais don't read books anyway

Ha! now you're being harsh... they do read books... comic books

[Old Thai Hand]

OTH,

Until you mention this subject I never really thought much about the education system except that the school I was sending him now seem on the surface to be doing a pretty good job. Ever since he has gone to this school he has grown and is now more open. I see this around his Thai friends who go to Thai public school.

The Regent in Pattaya was the school I once sent him to and them removed him. One, I think about it I really didn't want him growing up in that environment of seeing every car dropping off their kids in benz, bmw, now from time to time I see the Van for Regent and I see how rude,loud, and spoil these kids are,so right now I think I made the right decision. I never wanted to hear from my son that Nike is all he can wear.

LBM

I only meant that Regent's was academically more sound than most others. But, I also understand what you're talking about because I teach the snotty graduates of such schools at the university level, and I know that they are often rude, spoiled and preoccupied with conspicuous wealth. These are the same kids who more often than not go on to run the country's top companies and the government itself.

[Redfield10]

The only "top tier" University in Chicago is the U. Chicago....

As an American, I'd have to take issue with your inference that American kids ..especially those at the University of Chicago, are inferior to the neighbors to the north.

I know Canadians tend to think they are a whole lot better and smarter than Americans, but it's mostly because they are very jealous of the country to their south..in fact, could they even survive without a stable country such as the U.S.A to the south? I doubt it....

Seems you've taught in about a million places, but tenured in none..is that about right?

There are only about 5 or 6 good international schools in Thailand, with true egalitarian curriculum. Regents in Pattaya is one of them. So, chances are slim that any Thai child will get an international-standard education, even thoses fortunate enough to go to some sort of international school. That being said, however, at least all the international schools give their students a fighting chance by using proper, internationally-vetted textbooks and employing Farang teachers.

Thai schools have curriculum that is designed primarily to instill jingoistic, xenophobic, reactionary fervour in the minds and hearts of students. A good deal of this is dangerous. For example, Thai textbooks actively promote hatred of the Burmese and Khmer by grossly distorting Thai history.


Lest anyone think that I'm saying that Thais have a monopoly on ignorance, I hasten to add that institutionally sanctioned ignorance is common even in Western education. The education system in the US is rife with it, and there's no shortage of jingoism and ignorance in American schools, particularly these days.

I was teaching in Chicago in the late 80s at a first-tier college, where only the 'creme de la creme' managed to get accepted. Towards the end of the semester, one "bright" lad raised his hand and asked me what kind of government Canada had. "Do you have a king? Can the king cut off people's heads, if they don't agree with him?"

After facetiously explaining to him that Canada had "recently done away with the lopping off of heads", I then went on to explain that Canada was in fact, officially a constituional monarchy, but was every bit as democratic (perhaps, more so) than the US. Unfortunately, his ignorance of a country, a mere 1 hour away by plane was far from unique and extended even to my colleagues, who would ask so many silly and bizarre questions about Canada, that, at times, I felt somewhat like an exhibit in a freak show.

I just go on about the ignorance of the Thais, because this is where I am at the moment. But, ignorance is unfortunately an international affliction.

[LittleBigMan]

OTH,

Until you mention this subject I never really thought much about the education system except that the school I was sending him now seem on the surface to be doing a pretty good job. Ever since he has gone to this school he has grown and is now more open. I see this around his Thai friends who go to Thai public school.

The Regent in Pattaya was the school I once sent him to and them removed him. One, I think about it I really didn't want him growing up in that environment of seeing every car dropping off their kids in benz, bmw, now from time to time I see the Van for Regent and I see how rude,loud, and spoil these kids are,so right now I think I made the right decision. I never wanted to hear from my son that Nike is all he can wear.

LBM

[Daddy07]

...Lest anyone think that I'm saying that Thais have a monopoly on ignorance, I hasten to add that institutionally sanctioned ignorance is common even in Western education. The education system in the US is rife with it, and there's no shortage of jingoism and ignorance in American schools, particularly these days...

This situation unfortunately exists because the primary mission of school systems in the US and elsewhere is to teach their captive audiences WHAT to think instead of HOW to think.

[Old Thai Hand]

OTH,

What you pointed out is very interesting. Like yourself although I'm living here I consider myself a guest and try to just fit in. I'm ask about lots of things and I just try to be point blank and not be too long winded to my wife friends. Overall they are good people and hard working and have always been kind to be. But there are a few that I don't know well after a few glasses of Sansome whiskey mixed with soda they seem to get out of line but I just sit back and listen personally that's only for my wife sake because I don't want her to have to loose face. Although it wouldn't take much to bust their bubbles. When it comes to drinking the ones I have met which leads me to generalize that Thai's can't hold their liquor. Not being a big drinker I grew up drinking Remy Martin straight up and yet to be outdone by any of her friends. I personally don't see how anyone can get drunk on Sansome mixed with soda.

As for education, you make me worry cause my son goes to a private school not the best and not the worse. I had him at 5 years old at a top private school in Pattaya but after he came home one day gave his cousin the finger and once I found he learn that at school I pull him out. But oh well it's too late now cause he a mommy boy.
LBM

There are only about 5 or 6 good international schools in Thailand, with true egalitarian curriculum. Regents in Pattaya is one of them. So, chances are slim that any Thai child will get an international-standard education, even thoses fortunate enough to go to some sort of international school. That being said, however, at least all the international schools give their students a fighting chance by using proper, internationally-vetted textbooks and employing Farang teachers.

Thai schools have curriculum that is designed primarily to instill jingoistic, xenophobic, reactionary fervour in the minds and hearts of students. A good deal of this is dangerous. For example, Thai textbooks actively promote hatred of the Burmese and Khmer by grossly distorting Thai history.


Lest anyone think that I'm saying that Thais have a monopoly on ignorance, I hasten to add that institutionally sanctioned ignorance is common even in Western education. The education system in the US is rife with it, and there's no shortage of jingoism and ignorance in American schools, particularly these days.

I was teaching in Chicago in the late 80s at a first-tier college, where only the 'creme de la creme' managed to get accepted. Towards the end of the semester, one "bright" lad raised his hand and asked me what kind of government Canada had. "Do you have a king? Can the king cut off people's heads, if they don't agree with him?"

After facetiously explaining to him that Canada had "recently done away with the lopping off of heads", I then went on to explain that Canada was in fact, officially a constituional monarchy, but was every bit as democratic (perhaps, more so) than the US. Unfortunately, his ignorance of a country, a mere 1 hour away by plane was far from unique and extended even to my colleagues, who would ask so many silly and bizarre questions about Canada, that, at times, I felt somewhat like an exhibit in a freak show.

I just go on about the ignorance of the Thais, because this is where I am at the moment. But, ignorance is unfortunately an international affliction.

[Old Thai Hand]

Perhaps, Brother, you should write a book entitled "The Miseducation of the Thai." Of course, as you probably know, the title comes from another U.S. classic penned by Professor Carter Godwin Woodson. (I could not resist.) I only ask for an autographed copy.

Good idea. But, with a central theme, that would focus on the fact that the Thai education system is meant to subjugate, not educate, I'd probably be deported, as a result.

The central premise of the PAD and the Thai elite: that the Thai masses are too ignorant and uneducated to make an informed decision with regards to electing governments is perhaps true, but more to the point, if it is true, it's because the very people who claim this are the architects of said ignorance and lack of education.

That book has every chance of being banned in thailand

That goes without saying. Thais of any stripe are incapable of withstanding any sort of criticism.

[NicFrenchy]

Perhaps, Brother, you should write a book entitled "The Miseducation of the Thai."

That book has every chance of being banned in thailand

[Professor 1]

If you really want to wind up Thais, go after their culture. They are inherently ignorant of their own culture, largely due to the systematic, inaccuracies fed them in their crappy education system.

Tell them that:

Thai dance is actually Khmer
Their religion, language, traditional costumes, and music come from India (that really makes them angry)
Chillies come from Mexico (Thai food was actually quite bland until the Portuguese spiced it up in the 16th century)
Mor Lam music in Isaan came from Brazil in the 1920s
Phad Thai, the quintessential Thai dish is Chinese in origin and was invented in 1936 for King Rama VII
The Tuk Tuk is Japanese

The list goes on and on...

Personally, I love bursting their bubbles because they are so absolute about the "Thainess" of their culture.

Perhaps, Brother, you should write a book entitled "The Miseducation of the Thai." Of course, as you probably know, the title comes from another U.S. classic penned by Professor Carter Godwin Woodson. (I could not resist.) I only ask for an autographed copy.