Thailand in pictures (12): Soldiers and coups
A picture paints a thousand words. This certainly applies to Thailand, a special country with an interesting culture and many cheerful people, but also a dark dark side of coups, poverty, exploitation, animal suffering, violence and many road deaths. In each episode we choose a theme that gives an insight into Thai society. Today a photo series about coups and military.
The 'popular constitution' of 1997 that was lost
Now that discussions about amending the current constitution regularly make the news, it can do no harm to look back at the much-lauded former constitution of 1997. That constitution is known as the 'people's constitution' (รัฐธรรมนูญฉบับประชาชน, rát-thà-tham -ma- noen chàbàb prà-chaa-chon) and is still a special and unique specimen. It was the first and last time that the people were intensively involved in the drafting of a new constitution. This is in stark contrast to, for example, the current constitution, which is established through a junta government. That is also why there are organizations that try to restore something of what took place in 1997. What made the 1997 constitution so unique?
Thailand's future is at stake
When General Prayut Chan-o-cha and his allies seized power in 2014, they promised to bring about national reconciliation, but the divisions in society have worsened.
Interview with Bow, champion of democracy
After the May 2014 military coup that sent home an elected government, Nuttaa Mahattana (ณัฏฐา มหัทธนา ) became a staunch champion of democracy. Better known as Bow (โบว์) and with an online platform of over 100.000 followers, she is a popular speaker at political rallies. She participates in protests and demonstrations and is out to give Thailand a democratic order again. No wonder she's a thorn in the government's side. Who is this woman who dares to continue defying the military regime? Rob V. had a conversation with her at the end of February during a lunch in Bangkok.
Trade unions in Thailand have always been opposed by the state and rarely played a role in improving the working conditions of Thai workers. This applies to a lesser extent to state-owned companies. The disappearance of trade union leader Thanong Pho-arn in June 1991 is a symbol of this.
Impunity and human rights in Thailand
Thailand has a long history of unpunished disproportionate violence perpetrated by the state against its citizens. For decades, those seen as a threat by the Thai government have faced intimidation, arrest, torture, disappearance or even death. Impunity reigns, basic human rights of citizens are trampled underfoot, but no one is really held accountable for these matters.
The legacy of the Prayut government
The reign of the government under the leadership of Prayut (also known as the junta) is coming to an end very soon. Then this government will go down in history as….…yes, as what?
Is Thailand sick?
In one of the last posts about politics in Thailand, I was challenged by RobV to state whether I think Thailand is sick and how the patient can be cured. Apparently RobV assumes that Thailand is sick. But: what is sick? If you are sick according to a doctor, or does it already start when you feel sick?
In various articles and reactions/experiences from readers on Thailandblog, it has become clear that Immigration imposes different income requirements on pensioners. The question was raised whether it is still possible for this group to go or stay in Thailand?
It seems that Thailand is still a long way from a true democracy as the junta is doing everything it can to eliminate a political rival. Popular Thanathorn Juangroongruankit, leader of Future Forward Party, was told by police on Saturday that he is charged with sedition, aiding a suspect to avoid arrest and taking part in a banned gathering.
Elections Thailand: Tomorrow is finally the day!
They had to wait a long time for it, but Sunday, March 24, the day has finally come, tomorrow 51 million Thai voters will be allowed to cast their vote.
T-Shirt saga is a witch hunt
In an editorial of the Bangkok Post last Saturday, September 15, she expresses her displeasure with the authorities in their actions regarding the distribution of the black T-shirts with red and white logo.
Thailand, a free country?
Thailand means 'free country', but how free is the country at the moment? Khaosod reported that the administrator of a Facebook page is wanted for spreading 'fake news'. There is also a vote this Thursday on chaining future governments.
Chris de Boer and Tino Kuis wrote an article about a new political party, Future Forward, the New Future. The party held its first meeting, elected directors and the leaders spoke about the party program. The junta is not so happy.
Demonstrators in Bangkok demand democracy
At the moment there is a (forbidden) protest march going on in Bangkok. Demonstrators had announced a march to Government House. The demonstrators want elections to be held in November and the junta to resign.
Police warn red shirts not to cause unrest on May 22
The police say they will crack down on the red shirt movement if they protest next Tuesday on the fourth anniversary of the junta. RTP deputy chief constable Srivara says that political gatherings of five people or more are prohibited.
Yingluck, 24 watches, a dead leopard and ghost arms.
Chris de Boer writes in his opinion piece about the fall of Yingluck, the junta that wanted to restore order, but also about the many mistakes of the current military government. But the flaws of this government are not new and it is questionable whether anything substantial will change in Thailand after the elections….