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.
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.
Tino follows the Thai written media. (Thai television is owned by the government and armed forces, with the exception of ThaiPBS, and is strictly censored). He sees a turnaround in recent months. Where previously there was a lot of positive and neutral reporting about the junta, and the occasional critical note, it is now the other way around. He hardly reads any positive news anymore, some neutral reporting and a lot of negative news and especially comments. He therefore thinks that the regime is on its last legs. What is your opinion?
Junta: Ban on political gatherings in Thailand remains in place
The junta says it has no plans for the time being to lift the current ban on political gatherings.
Yingluck's 'disappearance' from the Thai political sphere is the best case scenario for this government. If she went to jail, she would be a political martyr, and if found not guilty of alleged crimes, her political prestige would be elevated, which could divert attention from the junta's agenda and reforms.
The balance of 3 years of military government: 'Especially a lot of money for arms purchases'
Today, the junta led by Prayut has been in power for three years. Bangkok Post looks back and lets a number of critics speak: “Prayut promised three years ago to bring peace, order and happiness back to Thailand. But the only ones who are happy are in the army. They are allowed to spend a lot of money on new military equipment”.
Poll in 3 years Junta: Thai satisfied with restoration of order, but economy remains a concern
Tomorrow, May 22, the junta in Thailand will have been in power for three years. Time for an investigation and the latest Suan Dusit poll shows that the Thais are partly satisfied but also disappointed because the economy is not picking up steam.
On Monday evening, a small bomb exploded in front of the National Theater at Sanam Luang. Two women were slightly injured, the damage was minimal.
Statement: 'Junta promised reforms, but nothing essential has changed in the past three years!'
Tino sees no real reform in the Thai community, something the junta promised when they staged a coup three years ago. Join the discussion about the statement of the week: 'The junta promised reforms, but nothing fundamental has changed in the past three years!'
Bangkok Post: 'Expensive submarines are just a toy for the military'
The navy receives a gift from the Thai government, submarines are purchased anyway. Permission has already been granted for the first and an agreement in principle has already been reached for the two. The submarines are built in China.