And further settled.
The CDR or council for democratic reform as the coup like to call themselves, have added an extra letter to their title and have become the council for democratic reform under constitutional monarchy, but hang on a minute which constitution? hasn't the constitution been suspended with the introduction of "Martial law"?
I am supposed to be going in to pick up my passport from immigration on monday (final stage of the work visa shennanigans) all "government offices are open and operating as normal, it's all very odd. The new government have mind you made a call for public unity, requesting no political meetings or gatherings of more than 5 people and no anti coup media coverage. Some dozen or so community radio stations and newspapers have been closed due to their criticism of the coup and it's leaders. The newspaper I read has dedicated a lot of space to the king, much in the vein that all radio stations played patriotic music and all t.v. stations showed footage of the monarch during the 24 hours of the actual "coup".
A rally was organised yesterday by the anti coup faction, the leader was phoned by the head of the CDRM and requested not to have his protest, he went ahead, 20 protestors turned up and they were grossly out numbered by the forrest of reporters who turned up to rubber neck. Nothing bad happened and everyone went home again.
The fortune tellers wadded into the debate today, predicting a long time of prosperity and political stability as a result of this coup, some attributed it in part to Pluto's recent demotion to "dwarf planet" hmmm.
There is much debate about the "legitimacy" of the coup and it does in some regards highlight many of the flaws (etomologically) underpinning democracy today. In most "mature" democracies we find ourselves, at election time, faced (like a football stadium) with a choice between parties whose major differences consist of the colour shirts and scarves worn by their fans, and their ability to convince a "star" to stand under their banner. Meanwhile burgeoning democracies following these faltering molds struggle with educating the voting public who generally speaking are naive of the various corruptions power bestows on their leaders. They are too easily ensnared by election promises which amount to little more than small time bribery on a big time scale. In both these scenarios the educated classes become frustrated at their lack of political clout versus their clarity of political vision and so the desire to install Plato's republic manifests in online debate or in Thailand in military coup.
The time has come for greater political accountability and greater public access and contributions to the political process. In the technological age we now live in there is no excuse for these kinds of channels of communication and public participation not to be embraced. True democracies where the voices of the people are heard in parliamentary debates can happen, it could (and perhaps should) lead to the collapse of party politics but from it's ashes could emerge true democracy, by the people for the people. Well we can all dream can't we.
N.J.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Bangkok 22/)9/06
And so the dust has settled.
This has to have been the most well mannered coup d'etat I have ever heard of. The military (who are calling themselves "The council for democratic reform" ) have a female spokesperson (for a kinder and gentler political dictatorship). In fact they have even had time (and presence of mind) to take polls and yes the vast majority of Thai's approve of the coup. Even the King has said it's ok with him, and as everyone knows if it's ok with the King it's ok with everybody else. There is a belief that a coup is a legitimate political tool. Weirder and weirder, instead of arresting (or shooting) the ousted leaders they have merely been "shifted to inactive posts", except of course the Caretaker Prime minister Thaksin who is conveniently out of the country, and (also conveniently) has just bought himself a brand new expensive house in London last month.
Presence of mind has been a key component of this coup, everyone kept there heads and everyone kept their heads(thank you pulp fiction). We all got the day off work, tourists got to have their picture taken with khaki clad guys in tanks while holding copies of the Bkk post boldly declaring "coup d'etat" (that's a headline they've recycled). children played with soldiers in the streets, everyone wore yellow (the Kings colour) and got to hand flowers to the guys with guns (groovy man) it was a real love-in of a coup, the next day at school, we raised the same flag the kids sang the same National anthem, pledged allegiance to the same King and we wait to see what this coup really means.
My Boss Darrin , otherwise known as the velociraptor, was explaining to me today that democracy doesn't really work in "these Asian countries" (I noded my head in the appropriate places) he propounded further that a fair dictatorship is really best for them, this idea of a benign dictatorship like Plato's arguments for a limited democracy appear superficially to the likes of me riddled with flaws, perhaps luckily, our conversation was interrupted, I did mention I have two job interviews next week for alternative positions didn't I.
Anyway time for a nap.
Love N.J.
This has to have been the most well mannered coup d'etat I have ever heard of. The military (who are calling themselves "The council for democratic reform" ) have a female spokesperson (for a kinder and gentler political dictatorship). In fact they have even had time (and presence of mind) to take polls and yes the vast majority of Thai's approve of the coup. Even the King has said it's ok with him, and as everyone knows if it's ok with the King it's ok with everybody else. There is a belief that a coup is a legitimate political tool. Weirder and weirder, instead of arresting (or shooting) the ousted leaders they have merely been "shifted to inactive posts", except of course the Caretaker Prime minister Thaksin who is conveniently out of the country, and (also conveniently) has just bought himself a brand new expensive house in London last month.
Presence of mind has been a key component of this coup, everyone kept there heads and everyone kept their heads(thank you pulp fiction). We all got the day off work, tourists got to have their picture taken with khaki clad guys in tanks while holding copies of the Bkk post boldly declaring "coup d'etat" (that's a headline they've recycled). children played with soldiers in the streets, everyone wore yellow (the Kings colour) and got to hand flowers to the guys with guns (groovy man) it was a real love-in of a coup, the next day at school, we raised the same flag the kids sang the same National anthem, pledged allegiance to the same King and we wait to see what this coup really means.
My Boss Darrin , otherwise known as the velociraptor, was explaining to me today that democracy doesn't really work in "these Asian countries" (I noded my head in the appropriate places) he propounded further that a fair dictatorship is really best for them, this idea of a benign dictatorship like Plato's arguments for a limited democracy appear superficially to the likes of me riddled with flaws, perhaps luckily, our conversation was interrupted, I did mention I have two job interviews next week for alternative positions didn't I.
Anyway time for a nap.
Love N.J.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Bangkok coup 20/09/06
Well another day another bloodless coup detat. The last time their was a coup in Thailand was the first time I was here, it seems like ever time I come to Thailand something happens, this either means I am spending way too much time in Thailand or that it really is an unstable floundering democracy.
Last time round I was living over by democracy monument where it all goes on. The roads had been blocked by khaki clad types and still people were shimmying across pipes that criss cross the stinking fetid klongs threading their way around Bkk, ignoring blokades and going where they pleased, rats up a drainpipe they all crowded into the streets to wave flags. In the end the King had to step in and sit the two chaps who were causing all the fuss down. Like errant school boys he let them crawl on the ground on National television.
One wonders is this really the end of Thaksin, He seems to have a touch of the feline for political lives, of course he's not up there with Hun Sen (coincidentally rumor of coup is rife in his country too). Thaksin is currently in New York. Will he return? Seems to be the question. Today was declared a public holiday and all schools and universities were closed (many blocked by military). They waited about incase Thaksin returned. as yet nothing seems to be happening on that front. Martial law has been declared with the promise of "a return to democracy as soon as possible" One must ask what kind of democracy they are returning too.
Consider, Thaksin did in fact win the last lot of elections making him the democratic leader of Thailand (not a hanging chad in sight). Although deeply unpopular with many (especially intellectuals) surely one must stand by the umpires decision, or risk bringing the game into disrepute. Then of course there are the rumors of electoral commission corruption and fraud not to mention staged "murder attempts" but is all of this just rumour, Thai's (like many others) love a good rumor and gossip. Surely though at the end of the democratic day a country gets the government it deserves.
Tomorrow my friends is another day let's see if the dust settles or the fur flies.
Love N.J.
Last time round I was living over by democracy monument where it all goes on. The roads had been blocked by khaki clad types and still people were shimmying across pipes that criss cross the stinking fetid klongs threading their way around Bkk, ignoring blokades and going where they pleased, rats up a drainpipe they all crowded into the streets to wave flags. In the end the King had to step in and sit the two chaps who were causing all the fuss down. Like errant school boys he let them crawl on the ground on National television.
One wonders is this really the end of Thaksin, He seems to have a touch of the feline for political lives, of course he's not up there with Hun Sen (coincidentally rumor of coup is rife in his country too). Thaksin is currently in New York. Will he return? Seems to be the question. Today was declared a public holiday and all schools and universities were closed (many blocked by military). They waited about incase Thaksin returned. as yet nothing seems to be happening on that front. Martial law has been declared with the promise of "a return to democracy as soon as possible" One must ask what kind of democracy they are returning too.
Consider, Thaksin did in fact win the last lot of elections making him the democratic leader of Thailand (not a hanging chad in sight). Although deeply unpopular with many (especially intellectuals) surely one must stand by the umpires decision, or risk bringing the game into disrepute. Then of course there are the rumors of electoral commission corruption and fraud not to mention staged "murder attempts" but is all of this just rumour, Thai's (like many others) love a good rumor and gossip. Surely though at the end of the democratic day a country gets the government it deserves.
Tomorrow my friends is another day let's see if the dust settles or the fur flies.
Love N.J.
Bangkok 17/09/06
Well Lynda was in town last weekend, was great to see her, we hit the markets and she introduced me to her favourite restaurant, which sells awesome chilli basil clams but unfortunately is closed down for good the day after she left.
Somethings about Thailand are so distinctly unique, there is a certain disused petrol station which still has the pumps and so on in tact, but now no longer sells petrol, as soon as the sunsets, swarms of little vendors plop down their tables and a cafe/pub/bazaar opens up. somehow ordering a "bucket" of Margarita (which arrives delicately with three straws) for Lynda, Taz and I takes the tropical romance out of any drink.
Anyway it was good getting to see some other little back streets of Bangkok and to have some one to wander about chatuchak with.
There has been much talk in the papers and on-line this week vis-a-vis new visa regulations, but the air is so thick with contradiction and most seem to believe nothing has really changed.
Just two more weeks of school and the semester is over, It looks at this stage like a three week holiday in Cambodia then one mad week lesson planning before the new term starts, will be the agenda.
The main road just down our street is lined with seafood restaurants, at night, they too spring like mushrooms from the fetid gutters as darkness descends. The food is actually pretty good but the ambience is crap, the roar of traffic, the pall of dust which hangs in the humid air the sick flourescent light grovelling out of the doorways of the six or so brothels on the strip. No matter what you order it always comes with a greasy omlette on the side. It ain't sashimi at Bar Rashi, but for all that it ain't bad.
Chuiwawa N.J.
Somethings about Thailand are so distinctly unique, there is a certain disused petrol station which still has the pumps and so on in tact, but now no longer sells petrol, as soon as the sunsets, swarms of little vendors plop down their tables and a cafe/pub/bazaar opens up. somehow ordering a "bucket" of Margarita (which arrives delicately with three straws) for Lynda, Taz and I takes the tropical romance out of any drink.
Anyway it was good getting to see some other little back streets of Bangkok and to have some one to wander about chatuchak with.
There has been much talk in the papers and on-line this week vis-a-vis new visa regulations, but the air is so thick with contradiction and most seem to believe nothing has really changed.
Just two more weeks of school and the semester is over, It looks at this stage like a three week holiday in Cambodia then one mad week lesson planning before the new term starts, will be the agenda.
The main road just down our street is lined with seafood restaurants, at night, they too spring like mushrooms from the fetid gutters as darkness descends. The food is actually pretty good but the ambience is crap, the roar of traffic, the pall of dust which hangs in the humid air the sick flourescent light grovelling out of the doorways of the six or so brothels on the strip. No matter what you order it always comes with a greasy omlette on the side. It ain't sashimi at Bar Rashi, but for all that it ain't bad.
Chuiwawa N.J.
Bangkok 17/09/06
Well Lynda was in town last weekend, was great to see her, we hit the markets and she introduced me to her favourite restaurant, which sells awesome chilli basil clams but unfortunately is closed down for good the day after she left.
Somethings about Thailand are so distinctly unique, there is a certain disused petrol station which still has the pumps and so on in tact, but now no longer sells petrol, as soon as the sunsets, swarms of little vendors plop down their tables and a cafe/pub/bazaar opens up. somehow ordering a "bucket" of Margarita (which arrives delicately with three straws) for Lynda, Taz and I takes the tropical romance out of any drink.
Anyway it was good getting to see some other little back streets of Bangkok and to have some one to wander about chatuchak with.
There has been much talk in the papers and on-line this week vis-a-vis new visa regulations, but the air is so thick with contradiction and most seem to believe nothing has really changed.
Just two more weeks of school and the semester is over, It looks at this stage like a three week holiday in Cambodia then one mad week lesson planning before the new term starts, will be the agenda.
The main road just down our street is lined with seafood restaurants, at night, they too spring like mushrooms from the fetid gutters as darkness descends. The food is actually pretty good but the ambience is crap, the roar of traffic, the pall of dust which hangs in the humid air the sick flourescent light grovelling out of the doorways of the six or so brothels on the strip. No matter what you order it always comes with a greasy omlette on the side. It ain't sashimi at Bar Rashi, but for all that it ain't bad.
Chuiwawa N.J.
Somethings about Thailand are so distinctly unique, there is a certain disused petrol station which still has the pumps and so on in tact, but now no longer sells petrol, as soon as the sunsets, swarms of little vendors plop down their tables and a cafe/pub/bazaar opens up. somehow ordering a "bucket" of Margarita (which arrives delicately with three straws) for Lynda, Taz and I takes the tropical romance out of any drink.
Anyway it was good getting to see some other little back streets of Bangkok and to have some one to wander about chatuchak with.
There has been much talk in the papers and on-line this week vis-a-vis new visa regulations, but the air is so thick with contradiction and most seem to believe nothing has really changed.
Just two more weeks of school and the semester is over, It looks at this stage like a three week holiday in Cambodia then one mad week lesson planning before the new term starts, will be the agenda.
The main road just down our street is lined with seafood restaurants, at night, they too spring like mushrooms from the fetid gutters as darkness descends. The food is actually pretty good but the ambience is crap, the roar of traffic, the pall of dust which hangs in the humid air the sick flourescent light grovelling out of the doorways of the six or so brothels on the strip. No matter what you order it always comes with a greasy omlette on the side. It ain't sashimi at Bar Rashi, but for all that it ain't bad.
Chuiwawa N.J.
Bangkok 04/09/06
Went into Bangkok on the weekend to catch up with my old tefl buddies, god the transport in Bkk sucks, especially in the tourist mecca that is khao san rd. I headed over there to pick up a few cds and a pair of sneakers. Once the sunsets though getting out of that part of town is a right pain. Oh yes once the sunsets the river ferry stops and you are left at the mercy of the bus system or the plague of dodgy cabbies and tuk tuk drivers who furtively peak at you with their beady little eyes and their tails of a brothers, wife's cousins shop who has just the whatever it is you are looking for.
So I consulted my favourite map, the one which supposedly lists the bus systems of Bkk, I actually quite like catching busses here, successfully catching one leads to such a sense of achievment. Especially considering they barely pause at most stops, so you need to clamber on board while the thing is still in motion, anyway I digress. So I hopped on the first bus that said it went to Siam, but not according to the conductor who told me I need to catch a "29" so I leapt off again. 29, hmm it sounded vaguely familiar, I reconsulted my map the number 29 was not to be seen on the route I was on. Then I remembered the no. 29, I was told to catch it once before by a conductor, but I have yet to see one of these mythical beasts. I now firmly believe the no. 29 to be the phantom farang bus of Bkk, existing only in the fetted heat oppressed minds of Bkk's public transport flunkies.
Anyway I did finally get to my destination only an hour late, (sigh).
Apparently they are building more stops on the skytrain, it is projected to take 3 years, (bear in mind the airport was only 5 years overdue) in the mean time predictions are traffic will get worse as the road works begin on the skytrain route, (double sigh).
Crikey, Steve Erwin, I guess he provoked the wrong creature on this occassion. honestly it was only a matter of time wasn't it, the man was in the local lingo "a bloody idiot". OK, lesson plans.
besos N.J.
So I consulted my favourite map, the one which supposedly lists the bus systems of Bkk, I actually quite like catching busses here, successfully catching one leads to such a sense of achievment. Especially considering they barely pause at most stops, so you need to clamber on board while the thing is still in motion, anyway I digress. So I hopped on the first bus that said it went to Siam, but not according to the conductor who told me I need to catch a "29" so I leapt off again. 29, hmm it sounded vaguely familiar, I reconsulted my map the number 29 was not to be seen on the route I was on. Then I remembered the no. 29, I was told to catch it once before by a conductor, but I have yet to see one of these mythical beasts. I now firmly believe the no. 29 to be the phantom farang bus of Bkk, existing only in the fetted heat oppressed minds of Bkk's public transport flunkies.
Anyway I did finally get to my destination only an hour late, (sigh).
Apparently they are building more stops on the skytrain, it is projected to take 3 years, (bear in mind the airport was only 5 years overdue) in the mean time predictions are traffic will get worse as the road works begin on the skytrain route, (double sigh).
Crikey, Steve Erwin, I guess he provoked the wrong creature on this occassion. honestly it was only a matter of time wasn't it, the man was in the local lingo "a bloody idiot". OK, lesson plans.
besos N.J.
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