The coup in Thailand

[drm]

Hi all, this is not strictly (or not only) about photography but I thought some of you might be interested. There's a series of really interesting photographs here

http://www.repubblica.it/flash/gallerie/2006/golpe/index.html

While the Western 'democracies' stupidly condemn the coup in Thailand, the Thai people, who know more why the coup took place, show their appreciation.

Mario

[cobraphil8]

Hi,
Apparently the inhabitants of Thailand are very happy with this coup and they were even astonished that it is taken place so late… (It is what the media report ).
The photographs of the site rather are successful, thank you for the bond.
Regards
Philippe

[zips]

Thanks for the tip. Thailand was a democracy in name only as first of all, one has to be a college graduate to be a member of parlament.

That tended to keep the power in the hands of the wealthy.

Further, Taksin was on watch when over 2000 suspected drug dealers mysteriously dissappeard in 2004.

Also, after selling part of Shin Corp for 2 billion US dollars, he paid no tax.

Moreover, I don't believe he has been to the southern region of Thailand for several months. 1700 people have been killed there in the last 2 1/2 years, 22 banks were bombed 2 1/2 weeks ago, and foreigners were killed in Hat Yai about a week ago after 6 bombs went off in the central business district.

Still though, as both the Laotion and Burmese borders have now been closed, it is a wierd feeling knowing that the present leaders have clamped down on journalistic freedom, seized TV stations, and rule from the point of a gun.

I believe the coup forestalled possible bloodshed that may have occured at the planned PAD rally in BKK as forces known loyal to Taksin were set to roll into Bangkok and "observe" the demonstration. Of course, it was called off, as it is now illegal to gather in groups of more than 5 people.

Aloha, JB

[jrj]

Haha.. TE as a politcal forum

Western 'democracies' stupidly condemn the coup in Thailand

Thank's to the democracy they live by - lucky you who may state your openhearted opinion without any problems..

[Joffre]

It's my understanding that coups in Thailand have resulted in 20 or so changes in Government in the past 30 years, so it really shouldn't surprise anyone... my impression is that most people in the major centres ie. Bangkok supported the move and it even had the blessing of the King!

[zips]

True. It is just food for thought when the current regime has enlisted Burma's help in shutting down over 30 local radio stations based in Chiang Mai for example.

I have spoken to many folks regarding their opinion of Taksin in the months before the coup....and many many people liked the guy for helping the poor. Of course, the poor didn't expect much in the first place. Presently, these folks are keeping their opinions to themselves. They know it is safer for them that way, and that is sad.

Taksin also shut down oponents TV programs, sued journalists etc., so he was guilty of censorship as well.

Most folks here say good riddance, but it is still a shame that the new EC wasn't given a chance to get the upcoming election...also a royal decree...off the ground sometime in November.

It must also be remembered that Taksin was a "caretaker prime minister" after the April election was deemed fraudulent. The parliment was also disolved.

Last week, 2 or 3 former EC commissioners were sentenced to prison, so the system, as corrupt as it was, was working to some extent.

It is a bit of a wierd feeling here now.

[AididKew]

The coup is to protect the King and to refresh the country politic system.

[drm]

Hi Jack, well my intention was not to open a political debate as such (although I couldn't see any real problem with it) but simply to point out that sometimes it is easy to live by ideas which are little more than unquestioned dogmas or stereotypical beliefs, e.g. the notions of "democracy" and "military coup".
Mario

[drm]

Thanks, John, for your insider's perspective. Very useful. In my own opinion Taksin "helped the poor" as part of his populist campaign. The one-million-baht to villages upcountry turned out to be little more than a scam. And let's not forget that while he did that, he was trying to buy English football clubs with his nation's money.
I think the present situation is only a very temporary one.
Mario

[zips]

Either his nations money, or his own money that he bent the rules for to benefit a small minority of Thai's...AKA the Shinawatra's.... Ha Ha.

But hey, the guy in in London...and he just bought a mansion there, so it's not like he didn't expect this, even though he claims he was surprised.

Aloha, JB