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NAM Round Table
The NAM Round Table consists of news, insights, visions, ramblings and rants from the writers at New America Media.
I’m here in Thailand right now, far to the north of Bangkok where all the action is. I’m no expert on the politics of this country, but from what I’ve been told, the People’s Alliance for Democracy and these protests are anti-democratic. Thailand is not a Republic but is governed by a monarchy backed by a military junta (as in Burma). These protests represent another military coup, similar to the one in 2006 that ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra—though this time it’s a military coup without the military. The leaders of the PAD and these protests are ex-miltary and pro-monarchists. The whole thing seems to be a sort of song and dance. In reality, they are a jab at former Thaksin, now in exile in England. Both the monarchy and the military want Thaksin’s democratically elected party, the People’s Power Party, out of office and possibly out of Thailand, if not in jail. The question is why? Certainly, it has nothing to do not corruption. Thailand was bailed out of the 1998 Asian financial crisis and is now thriving because of Thaksin’s policies. In addition, I’ve been told by a journalist who has lived and worked in Thailand for many years that the PPP has done more for poor people in this country than anyone else, including uplifting the people of the northeast region of the country, who are ethnically diverse (Lao and Burmese mixed in with Thais) and long neglected, as well as addressing the needs of the urban poor. An ethnic Chinese from Chiang Mai in Northwest Thailand, Thaksin still represents a threat to those in the monarchy and the military. Most of the people I’ve talked to in Chiang Mai have been silent on the topic, or have accused present Prime Minister Samak Sunderavej of being a liar, a crook and a stooge of Thaksin. So far the military has not intervened. Protesters still occupy the goverment house in Bangkok. Samak is powerless. It’s my feeling that at some point the military will intervene though not to deal with the protesters, but to arrest Samak and his administration—a final blow to the PPP and Thaksin himself. People in Thailand revere their king. His picture is everywhere, in every shop and in every restaurant. One stands for the king and the national anthem before the start of every movie, whether Thai or foreigner. The reverence isn’t surprising, nor is the respect for the military (perhaps it’s tinged with fear as well). After all, it was because of the monarchy and the military that Thailand was the only country in South East Asia that was never colonized by a European power. That reverence may wither, however, if the countries economy stagnates and people begin to suffer. If that happens, Thais may wish for Thaksin’s return, and pro-democracy people may occupy the government house in a move to establish the republic Thaksin was working towards. Myanmar’s Junta Gets a Pass from Neighbors comments |
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Thailand is not ruled by a military junta now, although it has been many times in the past (most recently 2006-2007).
Samak’s relationship with the army is stronger than Thaksin’s was, so another coup is less likely, I think.
By Matthew Hunt · Posted on Aug 28, 07:10 PMThe irony in this is that PM Samak was responsible for the harsh crack down on the pro democracy movements in the 70’s.
By the fixer · Posted on Aug 28, 09:09 PMThis is what qualifies as “new American media”? Some guy goes to Chiang Mai so he can say “I’m here in Thailand right now,” and proceeds to explain what’s going on?
Mark should get a clue before expounding on subjects he clearly doesn’t know. Great way to start off, telling readers that Thailand is “governed by a monarchy backed by a military junta.” What a howler! But that’s not enough yet. The Thai system is “just like Burma.”
Good grief! What sort of an outfit is this anyway?
By Agam Tapaktuan · Posted on Aug 28, 09:21 PMYou may be traveling and/or got the incorrect information. Northern people normally play their cards close to their chest and don’t talk politics with strangers.
HM has come out twice in the last two weeks backing the PM and the government. Something that has been a bit lost in the press. Also Samak and his family are very close to the Royal family and have served them for decades. This is probably one reason that he as clout with the military. If the Military stays under the control of Anapong then there will not be another coup. He even has stated that if Samak signed the ASOC order his troops would be mobilized to help the police.
Only die hard PAD supporters still think that they are working for democracy. They want anarchy and if some of their members have to die in the process so be it, in their view.
They feel that if they can push a confrontation then the military will have to step in, what they did not take into account was the Judiciary, who are not pro PPP, but took the government side issuing Treason warrants and orders to vacate. It’s still early to see how things pan out but in the next election the TRT/PPP or a clone will once again hold power. The Elite that the PAD represent find this despicable and as such would rather have an appointed Parliament, by them, than a Parliament representing the majority, the poor.
By Marty · Posted on Aug 28, 10:03 PMI’m no expert on Thailand either but I wonder if anything will ever diminish Thais love for their monarch, economic health or not.
By Peter · Posted on Aug 29, 04:39 AMgod bless thaksin.go on thais overthrow the monarchy because it is behind the p.a.d.Put thaksin president of thailand and sent this bastard king to his death
By chris buhagiar · Posted on Aug 31, 06:15 AM