| Thailands Monarchy on the Firing Line |
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| Written by Our Correspondent | |
| Monday, 03 November 2008 | |
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King Bumiphol Adulyadej has a widespread reputation for remaining above politics and only intervening when he feels it necessary to steer the country back on course and avoid further bloodshed. This stance has been disputed on various online forums and most credibly in Paul Handley’s biography, The King Never Smiles. Handley makes a convincing case for royal intervention being based as much on preservation of the institution and privilege for the elite as for preserving national unity. Many Thais are waiting to see where the king’s sympathies lie and are hoping for some form of royal intervention to end the crisis. The king’s intervention to end bloodshed during the 1992 demonstrations has been cited as an example of how the monarch could put an end to the demonstrations and bring stability back to the country. The king, however, has remained mum. Both former prime minister Samak Sundaravej, who was forced to resign after being found guilty of violating the constitution, and current prime minister Somchai Wongsawat have had audiences with the king, but neither has made public comments about what was said. Both, however, were widely reported in the Thai press as appearing upset when they emerged from the palace. The king’s silence has confused many. He has not come out in support of the government, but nor has he said anything to restrain the PAD. The Queen, however, has recently made it clear where her support lies. After violent clashes on October 7 between the police and protestors, Queen Sirikit was quick to “express concern” for injured protestors and set up an initial aid fund of Bt100,000 (US$2,872) for injured protestors at Vajira hospital. Another Bt800,000 (US$22,976) was donated by the queen to three hospitals later in the day and a further 100,000 Baht (US$2,872) to another hospital on the 9th. No money was donated to injured police until Oct. 9 when Bt100,000 (US$2,872) was given to the Police Hospital. While the army has striven to remain outside the fray, the police have come to be identified with the government.
In
an even more outward display of support, the queen along with
daughter, Princess Chulabhorn, attended the October 13 funeral of
protestor Angkana Radappanyawuthi, who was killed in the October 7
clashes. Several of the king’s advisors also attended the
event. The woman’s father told reporters that the queen had
told him his daughter had died for a noble cause and “she had
helped the nation and preserved the monarchy.” Comments
(89)
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written by Caluel , December 18, 2008
I am a freeman. I am not own by any of feudalism.
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written by am not speak Eg , December 15, 2008
all your need to frustrate
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 the myking foreign not pertaining to the Thai or Thailand in thailand you with to lead report abuse
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The end of Thailand’s Monarchy
written by amcom , December 05, 2008
According to PAD demostration and most of them wants to topple monachy system. Someof them has curse the King to the death and his son, but they can't say out loud. I think it won't be long, the goal of PAD is make Chamlong Srimuang or Sondhi Limthongkul will be the King of Thailand.
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I have asked protesters how much they get pay per day, some of them make more than $1000 per month as long as you stay the PAD. Mark my word, King will be death before the end of 2009 and either Chamlong Srimuang or Sondhi Limthongkul will take over. report abuse
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Thanks for the info, do you get paid to write this??
written by Thai grassroots-postmodernist , December 03, 2008
Talking about ‘unwise’, did you know that the cold war ended decades ago, and the left have pretty much failed in all the major Leftist states i.e. Russia and China. Capitalism, like wise is failing, and in the end of the day ’self-sufficiency’ will be the answer for nations across the world rather than mindless neo-liberalistic free market policies. Was Thaksin ahead of his time?? I don’t think so, he was just riding the recovery and boom tide, but to be honest his policy’s dependence on growth and debt (neo-liberalism) is rather shallow a fact that would over the time become clearer and clearer. Besides, despite the economic growth, Thailand’s social and environmental condition has suffered like never before during Thaksin’s tenure, perhaps it is something you should look into, if you want to lead the trend, because future generations will look back and realize upon this.
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I mean, really you guys and all your ‘palace supporters/royalist’ conspiracies.. You guys really should look for something better to do. Foreigners reading this, yep, its been known for a while that people do get paid to put in Pro-Thaksin comments. Judging from the depth of the replies above me, I do believe that this is just one more PR ploy by Thaksin. Money can do many things in deed.. report abuse
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Wakie! Wakie!
written by Bad Dog , December 03, 2008 Democracy in Thailand was stillborn 76 years ago. When my opinion has been sought, I have been saying in Thai to Thai friends and neighbours and colleagues for a year or two now that, "Thai people are good-hearted people (but) Thailand has never had a good government (and) Thailand has always been like this." Of the hundred or so occasions this has happened, no one has yet asked me whether that includes Thakin. Even the Esarn staff from my local 711 in Chatuchak openly albeit ruefully admit that they can see through Thaksin now they have been living in Bangkok for a few years. To me though, the saddest thing remains that, to many of his supporters and no doubt to the 'great man' himself, he remains 'Mr. Never Wrong' who, as far as I recall, regarding his public life has NEVER admitted a mistake except to opine that he may have been a bit too soft on people once or twice. Bottom line: Too many Thais have given their votes too cheaply for too long Bad Dog Out. report abuse
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written by k2h , December 02, 2008
I can't believe that Thailand is still in some kind of medieval time; or at least the "semi-devines" want it to be. At the mean time people do not keep their eyes or ears close any longer; except for those incurable brainwashed royalists. People must unite to bring back democracy they have been deprived of as soon as possible or Thailand will plunge into another dark age. Long live Thai democracy!!
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Thaksin - Champion of Chutzpah
written by Bad Dog , December 01, 2008
If you lived here in Thai communities instead of visiting you would know that Thaksin was pretty successful in muzzling the media as well as commencing a vigorous and wholesale rollback of all democratic checks and balances. I guess that if anyone tried this in your country he would be laughed at rather than taken seriously - especially as the self-anointed "Champion of Democracy". But you are saying this is good enough for us here, right?
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Go checkout some of the other forums on this site if you want to develop a more balanced view. BAD DOG. report abuse
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This is another great post..
written by LongTimeVisitor , December 01, 2008
Conservative group of people and all the dictators are the key that keep this country under development, in third world, pretty much. They are just too selfish, narrow-minded, and pretty much do not care anyone else, besides their WELL being. Thaksin are wrongfully accuse for his corruption and so forth and never get chance to explain because media in Thailand HAS BEEN distorted and controlled by the invisible hands. Every one know that he was already a millionaire before he come into this politic game. This is funny because says if he really corruption and so forth, I don't think this is equal or near to closing the airport with only in a matters of days by PAD and most importantly no one can touch them. By the way, I think PAD members will thrash this site again. They ARE trying to cover their true image of what has been happening in Thailand to the out side world. Come on, we are about changing to 2009 soon and this is an open world. Everyone know what is what....
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Cheap Shot
written by Bad Dog , November 28, 2008
Whatever the intention of the main article, I think the authors comments about the King himself basically amount to little more than a 'cheap shot' by a journalist trying to justify a catchy headline.
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Consider this fact: the week after the king's famous 'coaching session' he gave to Thaksin when he told Thaksin on national TV, "The king can do wrong (and admit it)" there appeared blazing from the cover of Thailand's biggest selling weekly magazine just six words in very large print: "THE KING CAN DO NO WRONG" Apparently it can be rather galling at times to be the King of a country like Thailand. report abuse
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Fool ?
written by Absolute power corrupts absolutely , November 19, 2008
Thaksin is known for his shrewdness and notoriety in the UK. He is also known as Fugutive Thaksin or International Outcast at the moment.
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pal
written by Jak , November 17, 2008
It's sad what happened to Thailand. Reminds me of what happens when power is all of the sudden is up for grabs, everybody wants it, royalists, populists, democrats, dictators, anarchists, etc. They all forget Thai nationalism, only remember self-interest. Some are progressive, some are traditionalists. It's a mess. Thaksin's people may be corrupt, and PAD's people are paid as well, so are they not also corrupt? How do these people live demonstrating for months without working all day unless somebody pays them to demostrate? Corruption is everywhere. They should just set up a coalition government and preserve interests of all Thais, but that's not going to happen.
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Farang
written by Holstein , November 17, 2008
Westerners are known for their brashful attitude towards parents, elders, and even kings. What more to say of these people from the West. They are individualists. They speak their mind. They are direct. They don't give two-hoots! These traits are okay but when these traits are inside those who subvert, invert, divert, revert and whatever [vert], Westerners are super-clever in all these negativisms. On one hand the Westerners give you technology and on the other hand they WANT to control, dictate, influence, change, dominate. Westerners are damned acquisitive. They are the crux of the problems. They incite and cause chaos in order to CONTROL. Thriving on chaos is their modus operandi... and one more DIVIDE AND RULE.
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The movie Star Wars have DARTH VADER. Divide and Rule the House. Vanquish and Destroy Every Rebel (That's the acronymn Darth Vader). report abuse
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Kings all around the world are systematically removed.
written by Holstein , November 17, 2008
But only the imperialists UK and Japan have kings remaining.
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Check out these sites to know why monarchs are systematically removed. a) www.illuminati-news.com b) www.zeitgeistmovie.com - This is a very interesting movie. Let it buffer for a while while you do other things and then return to view this 1-hour movie. You will be more informed. report abuse
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written by homeboy , November 14, 2008
To Thai Woman,
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Please look at this site and see the filing on what actually happened on that day and see for yourself. The report was filed by Nick Nostitz http://rspas.anu.edu.au/rmap/newmandala/2008/10/11/what-happened-on-7102008/ report abuse
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Thai woman is as baised as those that she claims are biased :-)
written by Farang , November 11, 2008
Sorry Thai woman, but you cannot say that the violence was caused by the police. Yes, the police fired tear gas and such but only after PAD refused to obey lawful orders. The judicial system has shown that it is not afraid to flex its muscle and any grievances that PAD has against the current government should be directed to the courts.
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PAD's position that they can try to hold the government hostage simply because they don't like the outcome of democratic elections is absolutely ridiculous to the rest of the world. The fact that the elected government, police, and military have allowed this standoff to go on as long as it has should be a national embarrassment for every Thai whether they support the overall goals of PAD or not. PAD's actions show a flagrant disrespect for the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the government. Do you think the English PM would allow protesters to take over and hold a government building? Do you think the American president would allow protesters to take and hold government buildings? How about China? Name me a civilized country that would allow a relatively small group of unarmed protesters to embarrass it on the world stage the way PAD is doing now. Can't think of one? Neither can I. report abuse
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written by Absolute power corrupts absolutely , November 10, 2008
To TJ and Eye opening,
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You should not have missed the news that UK is now revoking VISA to Thaksin. The country that Thaksin highly talked and praised as the "Mother land of Democracy".Thaksin has been babbling of the injustice from court's sentence however UK is not stupid and there will be more countries that would revoke the VISA to him too. What does this mean then? I guess your eyes are half-closed or blind then??? Aren't you? report abuse
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Read more.
written by Enlightened , November 10, 2008
That's why I said people like TJ should read more. Find the facts and then argue with smart people or at least people that know the truth. Thailand system is not absolute monarchy. But I'm sure you know how to do a research on it if you care. And if not, please keep your stupid comments to yourself. We, Thai people and even the foreigners that live here know what the truth is. A lot of people that come on here to bash the King are either ignorant, biased or paid. If you're just ignorant, read more. If you're biased, open your mind, and read more. But if you're paid, have some dignity and self-esteem.
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Thaksin ang Giles Ungpakorn are facing the music!!!, Lowly rated comment [Show]
Ridiculuous
written by eye opening , November 09, 2008
Reading all these comments ----- I thought I was taken to a place in ancient history!
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RANTING Pro-Monarchist
written by tj , November 09, 2008
Sorry folks, you can rant as much as you like, but at the end of the day, Democracy will take over the current system in Thailand. It's unavoidable. There's no room in this world anymore for feudalism. Absolute monarchy is a thing of the past, fairy tale stuff that is obsolete and out of place.
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Thaksin or no Thaksin, democracy will win simply because feudalism is blatant inequality. report abuse
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This article is not reliable and valid at all., Lowly rated comment [Show]
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written by Absolute power corrupts absolutely , November 08, 2008
Thaksin is facing the harsh consequences of his own evil doings.
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BBC NEWS | UK | UK revokes former Thai PM's visa http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7717199.stm British revoked entry visas of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Pojama http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/14080 report abuse
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WHO IS THE RICHEST MONARCH IN THE WORLD?
written by pear , November 08, 2008
Check out the google search engine on who is the richest royal in the world and if you still not enlightened, maybe there is something terribly wrong with your sense of reasoning.
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The King Never Smiles
written by Baby_Garuda , November 08, 2008
I don't know if many people are aware of the publisher of the book the king never smiles. The publisher is Yale University Press - a corrupt by association publisher. Many people may not be aware of the skull and bones of Yale. I suggest doing some more research into the real battle of good v. evil in the world today. These following films should be viewed for starters:
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zeitgheist 2 addendum, esoteric agenda, and for a muslim slant on the world you ought to check out a series on youtube called "the arrivals" Taksin and his money and his foreign interests are clearly evil. The fact that all north american and english media are controlled by members of unelected boards that colude to keep the population down should also be mentioned! The fact that the world is in the place that it is - is "BY DESIGN" The people rallying under the King here is fantastic the PAD are doing their best to inform public of truths. This is totally righteous. It is time for the world to wake up! "Monetary-ism" will die soon - by design. Long Live The King report abuse
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Thai people not stupid
written by Thai , November 08, 2008
The comment below me is so ignorant. Another example of Thai people who are brainwashed by the royalist propaganda.
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"The law is there, but the King never punished anyone. A foreigner that got charged for Leste Majest even got a pardon" That's a lie, there are still many convicts in jail. How about Australian writer Harry Nicolaides and Da Torpedo ? They are still in jail and can't get bail. report abuse
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Taksin will not even have any space on earth to bury his body., Lowly rated comment [Show]
To the clueless foreigners. BE enlightened., Lowly rated comment [Show]
Change!!!
written by @7H-*21 , November 07, 2008
The U.S.A has CHANGED .. เมืองไทยก็ต้องมีกา
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เปลี่ยนแปลงแน่นอน Thailand will definitely be changed. If Thai Monarchy doesn't stop playing around with politics. Their end is near. Watch my words!! เสี่ยโอขึ้นมาเมื่อ ร สถาบันล่มสลายแน่ ยกเว้นสิริกิต์จะคุ บังเหียนแบบซูซีไท ฮา แต่คนคงไม่นับถือแล ว Can you imagine Thailand has King like SIA O and has queen like Sriras (X-rated model who dared to walk without cloth and videotaped? report abuse
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written by Absolute power corrupts absolutely , November 07, 2008
Is it a valid letter from UK Border agency to all AOC members?
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The United Kingdom Border Agency has revoked the UK visas held by the following Thai nationals: Thaksin and Pojamarn The UK visas contained in the passports of the individuals listed above are no longer valid for travel Airlines are advised not to carry these passengers to the UK. report abuse
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Hello there "Enlightened"
written by nirvana , November 07, 2008
For your own sake, I suggest you refrain form making your absurd and backward comments. They don't belong in this website. A website where people read, analyze and quesiton what is bein read.
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"Enlightened" sometimes one does not have to flaunt his stupidity - remeber that! report abuse
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Les Majeste Law
written by confused , November 07, 2008
Why does Thailand enforce a very strict les majeste law anyway?
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If the monarchy was loved and adored, surely les majeste laws are not necessary. To me this obsolete and ridiculuous law is all about CONTROL CONTROL and CONTROL. Not a single human being is ABOVE THE LAW. That is downright despicable and should be abolished if any democratic country.  report abuse
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written by Absolute power corrupts absolutely , November 07, 2008
To Homeboy,
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Your country was established by a company expedition from British empire to North America that sought after profit. With such exploitation, "A COMPANY gained wealth and shared weath within their organization". This anology is applicable with TRT or Power of People's case right now. While the West's value is based on individualism, do you understand the collectivism in Thai society in your gut? Since 2475 that Thailand is changed the polical system to democracy; there has been absolute corruption by politicians. Since then these politicians by "Profession" ; the career that makes people become "RICH" at speed , Thai people have been given what to watch, to listen and to read selectively. Matichon, Khaosod newspaper are good examples. The constitutional laws are misused to favour those currupted like Taksin and his parties with no shame of being lawlessful. How could you being ignorant such facts? report abuse
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Paul Handley's Book - Shocking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
written by pear , November 07, 2008
The book by Paul Handley, "The King Never Smiles" is an eye opener to the pro-monarchist.
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Read it and you'll realize what fools you've been. report abuse
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A word for absolute
written by homeboy , November 07, 2008
Mr. Absolute, if you log on to the Bangkok Post website and get on with the forum page, please read the Tread by Ink about If Law is law to understand exactly what went down in Thaksin's corruption case. According to the letter of the law, the judgment was based on political agenda not the letter of the law. I guess that you would know that many of the people who hate Thaksin was because of personal or business deal went bad. Don't tell me that Mr. Limtongkul wasn't angry when Thaksin sold the 17% shares of Mr. Limtongkul's company and made out with 700 million bahts profit. He was mad because Thaksin promised him that they were going to be long-term partnership. Oh well, enough of that, just stick your head in the sand and pretend that everything is cool.
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You can choose, Lowly rated comment [Show]
Me Too - Thai
written by tray , November 07, 2008
I am Thai too and I do NOT support a feudalistic state woy!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I support Democracy and what we have now is a big fat joke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Les Majeste law - are you kidding? report abuse
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Free Thai from being Slave of Monarchy
written by Thai people , November 07, 2008
HELLO WORLD :
Votes: +19
I am Thai. I don't hate the Monarchy if they behave well. But the monarchy always get involved with the politics and uses their power to meddle with the judiciary decision. They just want to destroy Thaksin by dissolving his party and holding his asset because they fear that Thaksin will be more influencial than SIA O (incompetent son of the king). report abuse
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written by Absolute power corrupts absolutely , November 07, 2008
To Homeboy,
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You are not Thai and you never lived in Thailand for the rest of your life. The Bush both Senior and Junior's administrations had long proved to the world that democracy is abused by the conglomorates in the name of Capitalism. The country that so proud of democracy has been abusing, robbing country likes Iraq for oil. Face the fact, man! That's why Obama is elected as 44th President of the US. Your people have been sick of Bush and those who are behind the cabinet. What has happened in Thailand is likewise. Taksin, his group and Singaporean investors have abused democracy by buying votes, offering bribaby to high ranking officials in Police department, Army and the worst was controlling the medias. Free TV channels in Thailand have been controlled, brainwashing Thai people, People have been under the dirty feet of Taksin corrupted parties by distorting the truth. It is very sad what is happening in Thailand. They have been teaming up to rob the natural resources in Thailand and control Thai market for their companies by abusing democracy instead. Open your eyes, Rodent and John Lim. What is applicable or doable in your country may be not suitable in Thailand. report abuse
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written by nanana , November 07, 2008
seriously, the same old, same old accusation from bangkokians that the thai rural who voted for thaksin are poor and uneducated so they would vote for money is getting tired. find something new, will you?
Votes: +11
and, what does thaksin have to do with the failing of thai monarchy? if the queen hadn't moved her fat ass to be in that funeral, surely, thai people would've still had high regards to her. some of you say the thai monarchy is still running strong as ever and 95% of thai people love/worship them. really? how about this? why witch-hunting people that dare to criticize them? why putting a lot of money to monitor "unusual" activity that some thai web sites want to have their say? lèse majesté benefits whom? you? i do not think so. the end is near. report abuse
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Go back to the country where your ancesters came from, Lowly rated comment [Show]
I hate corruption
written by No stupid , November 07, 2008
We love the KING.
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Our KING have done so many good things for our country for 60 years. Our politicians have been accused of corruption since Thailand has used Democracy system. An obvious example of how terrible the corruption situation in Thailand is: Thaksin lawyers have been in jail for trying to give money to the judge. Does any country in this world has this kind of Prime Minister? report abuse
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written by pongsakorn , November 07, 2008
with respect i seriously think THAI monarchy system is well suitable for thai people, in a worse case if there was a revolution what will happen to thai people? switching from worshiping Royal to money from president? the money that is now spreading to poor is remind me of the situation that once happened in Agentina, the border conflict between thai-cambodia remind me a bit of the resources that once cause so much problem to the land of Timor now fomally indonesia.absolute democratic system and ideal communism are no different, that it would not work in practice as long as greed still occupying human and power is a tool to differentiate people, the closest ideal society i have read it was it writen in Animal farm but yet at the end, ? for now i am truely supporting the King but his majesty needs also see that now mr square face is almost evitable,
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Different doesn't mean better. However, Taksin and his fellow believers are still evils.
written by Enlightened , November 07, 2008
It's pathetic how some westerners like john lim think. Just because what suits one country better doesn't suit another, doesn't make one country better than another. It's just the way it is. And the way it is, is that a lot of people just want simplicity and peacefulness. Some people do not look at technology and modern civilizations as a progress, but rather a disaster. And it's so mind boggling that people like you can sit there and judge who deserves to be in this world or not. The world is going to s**t because of people like you. It's only a dream if you just dream of it and don't act on it. Pads are acting on it and they're doing it for good costs. But only selfish, materialistic and immoral people like you would be against goodness. What's so wrong with wanting to be happy and simple and peaceful? What's so wrong for wanting everyone or at least most of the people happy? What's so wrong about the fact that we do not want violence and corruption?What's so wrong with praising and respecting someone that can make your dreams come true? What's so wrong about appreciating the person's genuiness? And what's so right about the governments that corrupt and kill people just to serve their own needs of power?? Why don't you blame those idiotic mps sitting in the parliament for ordering the police to KILL people? You can sit by and ignore that fact as if it's so normal. There's a saying that goes, if people don't have morality, the world will come to an end. We believe in the power of goodness because that's the only t hing that will fight off the evils. You can name this fight however you want, but it comes down to the fight between the good and the bad. If you can justify Taksin's action, then you're no different than him and it's people like you who do not deserve to be in this world.
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Lonely dream
written by john lim , November 07, 2008
to Punlop
Votes: +1
People like you don't really deserve to live in this new world. You deserve to live in the stone-aged period. I wonder what do you have in your head? You must remember that we are not roaming in the streets with dinasaurs. Our everyday life, we are dealing with internet and other high-technology devices. We must walk forward and look ahead all the time. The minute you stop, others will walk pass you. Instead of walking forward, you are making a u-turn while driving 200 kms/hr. How can you survive? You will only see your car over-turn or crush. "REALITY'' is the only word I can tell you. If you cannot accept the truth that the new world is not the world in your dream, then you will have to live in your own world. The world for a few people like you, the world for a dreamer that keep on dreaming without awakening. Go on live in your world alone but make sure you don't wake up seeing yourself alone in Sahara. report abuse
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70% APPOINTED + 30% ELECTED = DISASTER
written by kp , November 07, 2008
I agree with KP that the new politics suggested by the PAD (on behalf of the elites) is a recipe for disaster. It is an insult to the Thai people, who have always been looked upon as mere "subjects" and not "citizens".
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DEMOCRACY v.s. FEUDALISM
written by kp , November 07, 2008
All these Anti-Thaksin comments just proves that many Thais are NOT well-read. They just simply believe what they hear from the PAD. Not only must you read, you must think and ANALYZE!!!!!!!!
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This is NOT about Thaksin at all. This mess is about DEMOCRACY v.s. FEUDALISM. Surely nobody in their right mind will agree with governance the Thai feudalistic way. That is exactly what the elites want and they are fighting for it under the skirts of the PAD. The PAD is simply an illegitimate machine claiming legitimacy in the name of democracy, but any simpleton can see through that thinly disguised veil. There is nothing democratic about a majority appointed pariliament as what the PAD is fighitng for! In this age of internet and globalization the elites will soon realizeit is impossible to return to feudalism. Let's just hope that by the time they realize that, lives have not been lost needlessly nor the country left in ruins and deep scars. report abuse
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สถาบันกษัตริยไทยปา
กบอกอยู่เหนือ แต่จริง ๆ ชอบจุ้นเรื่องการเม
ือง รับผล
written by เบื่อสถาบัน , November 06, 2008
Power to the people, Thailand needs CHANGE, down with the Palace.
Votes: +23
After the king DIES I am sure something will happen. POWER TO THAI PEOPLE.. Liberation of People from the feet of the monarchy. report abuse
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Change we need to get rid off bad politicians
written by asdf , November 06, 2008
US politic has just been CHANGED by Obama now. And Thailand also need "Change" to get rid off bad, corrupted, greedy, dictatorship, cheat,... politicians that are led/grouped by Thaksin.
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Any Press know what Thaksin thinks about the monarchy, how could they not accept it?
written by Monticha , November 06, 2008
It is too obvious what Thaksin and his proxies think of the royal family and the monarchy. I bet you if people who support him now know about this, they will change their mind and will no longer support him. His policies were so against the king's policy of sustainability. Thaksin is not brave enough to accept this.
Votes: -5
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The better world can exist
written by Enlightened , November 06, 2008
This article, obviously, is one of Taksin's publicity stunts. So transparent this guy. And it is so obvious that some of you own those 'samesky' type of websites. In that case, you KNOW what the truth is. Yet, you're here discrediting the King that has done nothing but good to our country. For those stupid farangs (westerners) that only want to believe that western way is the way to go, read more. None of you anti-pads have mentioned Taksin's corruption. The poor people only voted for him because he paid for it and poor Thai people, being naive or not, voted for him out of guilt because they've taken his money. Taksin gave them loans so easily with their farms as mortgage, now they ended up losing their land and in a position where they cannot afford to pay the debts. I know this because I'm from Esan and witnessed this all my life, not just Taksin's time. But time has changed and a lot of poor farmers are aware of who this government really is. It was tolerable before because no one ever did it the way Taksin did. The business-minded people might like Taksin because in business, there's no moral anyway. But in reality, the world will be a much better place without people like Taksin and Bush. They belong in hell.
Votes: -5
As for the funds of pad rally, it's from donation. If you are farangs and don't understand Thai, have some Thai person translated the announcement of the amount of money on stage every now and then , or better yet, go there and get the proof. It's almost impossible for people with evil minds to believe that Thai people are just generally kind to one another in times of need. More and more of educated and elite people join PADs because they know the truth. And the truth being that we're doing this for the king and Taksin is a threat to the security of Thailand. The only group of people that root for Taksin are those that benefit from Taksin's evil deeds. Thai people, especially farmers and poor people love the King with all their hearts. The attempts of a small group of Thai traitors and westerners that aim for natural resources in Thailand to discredit the King will NEVER effect their loyalty to the royal family. They're being fooled right now. But once they know what Taksin's really after, which is the King, I can guarantee that they will always fight for the King. Thai people are genuinely doing this for him. It might be difficult for westerners to grasp the idea of ONE person being able to hold the hearts of 65 million people, and even of the people in some other countries, because of the his goodness . But Thai people are not forced to love the King. We do because he cares for his people and he means well to the country. HE IS the best King in the world. No need to go in details but please DO study his projects if you're not narrow-minded. NOBODY loves Taksin, only his money that he stole from the people in the first place. For people that say this is a good article, please educate yourselves. Corruption is not democracy. report abuse
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About Thailand, Lowly rated comment [Show]
We need change, for new politics, Lowly rated comment [Show]
The problem is the dirty politics.
written by Int , November 06, 2008
The real problems in Thailand is that we have lots of bad politicians who do not obey to the law that prohibits hiring people to vote for them. Each spends a large amount of money(1 millions US$) to be elected(paying voters). So, there are alot of corruptions in goverment projects(20-30%).
Votes: +5
How could Thai people stand for this bad behaviors of Thai politicians. We want to make a change to our politics which is still democracy but more cleaned. report abuse
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Punlop......
written by eye wide open , November 06, 2008
Please be so kind as to do us readers here all a favor and refrain from posting your ridiculuous comments.
Votes: +7
Your grammatical errors are so awfully bad that your message hardly comes across. And if you cannot resist writing, get somebody to check your grammar before clicking on the send button. Phew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (with an eye roll) report abuse
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written by MamaBlueDiamond , November 06, 2008
No no, don't get me wrong. I raised this issue in regard to Samak's case, not a square-faced guy's affairs. I need your opinion alone if you agree that Samak has been judged fair enough?
Votes: +15
One thing, how do you know there's no such artist and/or academic specialist takes anti-PAD side? To reveal one's opinion of taking against PAD side would be jeopardized. Rather, look at the academics who supports PAD. What lies behind that support?? Fear, interests, political issues, or what?  report abuse
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Dear Punlop
written by tray , November 06, 2008
You are sooooooooo naive!
Votes: +13
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Do you believe Charan Phakdithanakul?
written by MamaBlueDiamond , November 06, 2008
Punlop,
Votes: +16
What's your opinion of Constitutional Court’s judge Charan Phakdithanakul case? Charan also has been teaching at private universities for long time. Does the same rules, regulations or laws apply to his case as well? Is it called a conflict of interest? Apparently, Charan has confirmed that his teaching was not considered involving with business since teaching is a social service whether or not he makes some money. Hence, in his excuse, the term "conflict of interest" seems not to apply to his case. Do you believe him in this matter? report abuse
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About support to PAD
written by KV , November 06, 2008
Dear article writer, I hope you could substantiate the claims of Royal support yourself.
Votes: +13
I attented with one Thai who works for some small magazine PAD rally one night and she mentioned as we were getting our free foods and drinks that water is brought with cars that seem to be royal house signs/connection. I asked why on earth she is not doing any investigative reporting on who is funding PAD, but she just showed blank face. I guess thats the typical Thai journalist, not really interested in reasons and real reporting. Anyhow, I think there is room for doing real investigation on PAD funding. But I have asked around and seems not a single "journalist" in Thai newspapers is doing anything to look into these matters. Sure the anti-PAD's funding is worth investigating too, but PAD has been running it's show so long and with these"rumours" of royal support too, I think any self-respecting journalist should look into the issue. report abuse
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A note to Rodent
written by homeboy , November 06, 2008
I understand what Rodent is saying and I know that there are a lot of those people who truly understand democracy in Thailand. It's great that you express your thought and not just let the voice of the PAD do all the talking.
Votes: +3
I voted for Obama in this election and I am proud of what the American are able to do. I volunteered with the Democrat party in the year 2000 and 2004. I know how it feel to be defeated, even though we knew that it was not right to go to war in Irag and we were totally against. However, in democracy, majority rules. It took many years of hard working and the evident of destruction done by the Bush administration to convince American people that it's time for a new direction, 8 years is enough. Why can't Thailand do it the same way? Thai people are not uneducated, even in the rural areas. It's time for the ruling class of people and people who never give rural people a chance to come out and really study their way of life. I don't want any college professor who are sitting in their Ivory tower to make comments that rural people are stupid. I heard that particular comment when they were drafting the current constitution last year. What a stupid comment to make. I dare the PAD and their supporter to create their own political party and present their ideology to Thai people. I would doubt that the PAD group and their idea of political system will even get 5% of the total vote. report abuse
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Dear All Thais..............
written by tresa , November 06, 2008
The "inconvenient" truth shall set you free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Votes: +11
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To Punlop
written by jt , November 06, 2008
It's because of people like you that Thailand is still terribly backwards and feudalistic. But Thailand is changing and you and your gang will soon be history!
Votes: +14
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only true democracy is accepted
written by john lim , November 05, 2008
A great article! Asiasentinel is one of a leading website that releases many facts that cannot be found in Thailand. Asiasentinel is truly a valuable source for learning many important issues that happened in Thailand.
Votes: +16
After reading many articles from The Economists, Asiasentinel, New York Times, BBC and many other leading sources, I hope the Thais will learn the truth from these sources after being fooled for many years. True democracy will never exist unless the Thais are willing to fight for it. More and more Thais must join hands to call for any changes that are necessary to advocate true democracy. If people on the top refuse to change in the near future, civil war will erupt and finally many instutions will have to be abolished. True democracy is the only option, absolute power or dictatorship will not be tolerated. report abuse
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CIVIL WAR
written by nostradamus , November 05, 2008
IF THE PAD WINS, FEUDALISM WILL RETURN TO THAILAND. WHEN THAT HAPPENS, THE GREATEST CIVIL WAR IN THE HISTORY OF THAILAND WILL OCCUR, AND INEVITABLY BLOOD WILL BE POURED ON TO THE STREETS AND KILLINGS WILL SPREAD ACROSS THE NATION. HATRED WILL BE EVERYWHERE
Votes: +11
ALL THIS JUST SO THOSE HAND FEW (GUESS WHO) INSIST ON REMAINING IN POWER. report abuse
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written by Manop , November 05, 2008
It would be the time for Thais to change theirs destiny. It was more than 40 years left Thailand under one man behind the scene. If he wish to see prosperity of Thai people, he should support development direction to democracy. In conctrast, he is the one nodding to the coup to ensure his power will last forever. Thaksin is just only a sign of change which he could not live with. Let see the coming change of Thailand which would be greater than any in the past.
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written by impatient , November 04, 2008
Thais are brainwashed not even talked about them. They are too spoil and never appreciate.
Votes: +10
Whatever they want, they have it. This time is exception. They missed hard and they deserved to be out. report abuse
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written by chris , November 04, 2008
Feel very sad for monarchy own destruction ,right now everything behind on coup 19 September ,which was , pulled strings by lady dragon that close to the king. Everybody knew its,but can't do anything,and now tried to setback for absolute power again.
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written by Bobserver , November 04, 2008
The term 'elite' being used by Thai newspapers is ambiguous especially when the term is grouped with Bangkok. Sondhi being able to mobilize a maximum of 20,000 people compared to 100,000 in the recent UDD rally indicates his views are minority.
Votes: +15
Let us not forget that Bangkok is the gateway to Thailand. It does not imply that residents of Bangkok are more educated as there are about 7 million+ people living there both rich and poor. On the other hand, the majority of people in Thailand can read and write so the notion that Bangkok is more educated and thus wiser than other regions lack argumental value. The problem in Thailand is not about getting rid of corruption [see next paragraph]; rather, it is about the votes that the TRT and PPP were receiving that this 'select group' of individuals cannot stand. In fact, Sondhi was quoted as saying that every coup in Thailand was due to "allegations" of corruption -whether these allegations were based on factual evidence is highly debatable. The rise of Sondhi and the rule of lawlessness and the fall of Thaksin and democracy has proliferated corruption in every sector especially the Supreme Court. Illegal protest at the government house was deemed lawful. Killing of policemen went unpersecuted. PM Thaksin was found guilty when no crime was committed. When all this is over, we will see that Sondhi has used the monarchy, academics, media, NGO's, the military, the court, and the poor only as a tool to corrupt and not to mitigate it. To those who support Sondhi – He might make you feel cool and proud to be part of the group fighting for a (worthy?) cause, but in the end you are just being used. report abuse
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Elite
written by Rodent , November 04, 2008
I'm a US graduate from Bangkok. I considered myself as a Bangkok elite as well since I am those with high networth and educated. However, I like Thaksin, I like his dual-track policy, I believe that Thailand have to adopt full democracy with market capitalism to compete in the globalizated world. The PAD tried to paint Thaksin as the hero of the poor who are uneducated and stupid, let me tell you this, they are wrong. Many of my friends, whcih are US graduate and most of them are on the top rank of tha Thai's society, preffered Thaksin's policy and many of them are the young people who join the demonstration on the 1st Nov. So this is not about Bangkok Elite and Rural Poor, but it is about people who love democracy and people who love the Dictatorship Monarch.
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Powerful article indeed!
written by homeboy , November 04, 2008
I spent most of last and early part of this year observing the political development in Thailand and I have found that the whole elite society and all the so-called educated people in Bangkok have one thing in common. They hate Thaksin and his political power, they cannot afford to have him or people who believe in the same political agenda. Yes, I also read the book by Paul Handley.
Votes: +13
Poeple in the rural areas are waking up and they see what 's being done to Thaksin and they see what is being done to the populous policy. Back to create a beautiful Bangkok and making more money for all the wealthy elite, what ever happen to the poor is "tough luck". You know , despite what other may say. Not all THAI are born equal! report abuse
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Stupid Peasantry
written by Tansin , November 04, 2008
Popular monachy is nearing its death troes. The Queen and Prem clique are bent on seizing power from the people through PAD demostration and royalist elements in the military and judiciary. As in Nepal, the rule of thuggish crown prince may prove to be short and unbecoming.
Votes: +13
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Well done!
written by Keerock Rook , November 03, 2008
Building a healthy society in Thailand was severely set back by the last coup and prospects for the future look very dim.
Votes: +14
As the Asian Human Right Commission said it will take a generation or more to clean up the mess that was started. report abuse
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written by P , November 03, 2008
IN THE LAND OF THE BLIND, THE ONE EYED MAN IS THE KING
Votes: +28
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Lets just say that republicanism has poor distribution of authorithy..lets just say that capitalism isn't going to save the earth..lets just say that all politicians are treacherous swine.
Then, where is the value of freedom?
Answer: Our responsibility
As stated by President Barrack Obama, "We rise and fall as one nation, one people." Democracy is honored when our votes matter, Freedom is attained when our voices are heard, Life is important when our needs are met.
The choices we make may result in joys or regrets..but..the solutions are uncertain..therefore, no person is capable in deciding the out come for the whole.
A person protects his/her rights before protecting the rights of others..likewise..a person learns to respect the rights of others inorder to understand the rights of his/her own.