Column – Hypocrisy under the tropical sun is the new normal
Dutch people who vote GroenLinks-PvdA and live in Thailand know perfectly well how to package principles for a one-way ticket to hypocrisy. Away from the grey Netherlands, they find luxury and cheap cocktails here, while they look away from human rights violations and political chaos. With a Volkskrant on their lap and their ideals in the fridge, they enjoy a paradise that is not as green as it seems.
Column – The Thai Tug of War: Democracy on the Elastic Band
Behind the smiling facades of temples and beaches lies a political game full of intrigue. Generals, politicians and powerful businessmen dominate a play in which democracy seems to be an illusion. The call for change is getting louder, but is repeatedly stifled by a powerful establishment. Thailand remains a country of contrasts: enchanting and frustrating at the same time.
After the ouster of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Thailand faces a new political challenge. Parliament will elect a new prime minister as the battle for the premiership rages between seven candidates. Srettha's ouster by the Constitutional Court highlights the volatile political situation, with intense negotiations within the coalition and uncertainty over the future of Thailand's leadership.
Reflecting on the debate over the impact of time on Thailand's evolution, this article highlights the complex role of dissidents and the influence of foreign and local dynamics. Through a personal lens, it offers insight into how time, both as a healer and a catalyst, shapes Thai society and prepares it for a future full of challenges and possibilities.
Following his recent acquittal by the Constitutional Court in the iTV stock case, Pita Limjaroenrat, the former leader of the Move Forward party, announces his plans for a political comeback. With determination to resume his role in Thai politics, Pita shares his vision for the future and considers his return to the political arena.
Sulak Sivaraksa: 'Loyalty requires contradiction'
Sulak Sivaraksa, 82 years old, is a Thai intellectual with an independent spirit who does not allow himself to be pigeonholed. Perhaps that is why he is viewed with some suspicion by all sides of the political and intellectual spectrum in Thailand.
The heady history of Pad Thai
Pad Thai is perhaps the most popular dish among tourists, but Thais also enjoy it. Many people probably do not know that the court also has a political background.
A recent incident at an Icelandic restaurant has caused a stir in the Thai political arena. Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan, a renowned Thai senator and forensic expert, was insulted by chef Ari Alexander Guðjónsson and asked to leave the restaurant due to her political views. The video of this incident went viral, sparking many reactions and discussions in Thailand.
The influence of the military on Thai society
Thailand's parliamentary elections will be held on May 14. The reign of General Prayut, who came to power in a coup d'état in 2014, may then come to an end. On social media, it can be read that the Thai people will not tolerate another coup against a democratically elected government. Nevertheless, the chance of a new coup by the military is considerable. In this article we therefore look at the influence of the army and the military on Thai society.
Thailand question: Polarization in Thai politics?
I am interested in Thai politics and have a question about it. Has the political instability in Thailand, characterized by coups, unrest and violent conflict, led to a loss of confidence in the political system and democratic institutions?
The social side of Buddhism
In the West in particular - but also in the East - Buddhism is regarded solely as a ladder to personal enlightenment, neglecting the Buddha's attention to social, economic and policing aspects of life. Here's a review.
It is often said that Buddhism and politics are inextricably linked in Thailand. But is that really so? In a number of contributions for Thailand blog I look for how both have related to each other over time and what the current power relations are and how they should be interpreted.
At the end of the nineteenth century Siam was, politically speaking, a patchwork of semi-autonomous states and city-states that was in one way or another subservient to the central authority in Bangkok. This state of dependence also applied to the Sangha, the Buddhist community.
The purposeful rebel Netiwit annoys 'adults'
Below is a recent opinion piece by Wasant Techawongtham in the Bangkok Post about the rebellious Netiwit, a student at Chulalongkorn University. I have already written about Netiwit a number of times, see the references at the bottom of this article.
Thailand question: Do the protests in Bangkok make sense?
I try to follow Thai politics and read The Nation and Bangkok Post. I understand that there is some tension between Prawit Wongsuwan and Prime Minister Prayut is that correct or am I misunderstanding? Does that have to do with the weekly protests in Bangkok? Do those demonstrations make sense anyway, because Prayut is not leaving?
Phra Phimonlatham was the son of poor farmers near Khon Kaen in Isan. He rose to become one of the most beloved, learned and honored dignitaries of monasticism, the Sangha. But his advocacy of a Buddhism separate from the State with internal democratic relations and an international orientation made him an enemy of the ruling elite.
The Salim in Thai politics, an exposition
Thitinan Phongsudhirak wrote an op-ed in the Bangkok Post addressing the group of people called 'Salim'. It says a lot about the political events in Thailand in the past 15 years and the ideology that underlies them.
If we follow the coverage of the current demonstrations, it seems that it is mainly and perhaps only about politics. That is not true. Many other social issues are also addressed, including education, women's rights and social status.
Politics & Buddhism: Red & Yellow Monks
Today you will read about the polarization that arose within the Sangha around the so-called Red Shirt Movement, that wave of protests caused by the army coup against the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in September 2006.
Bangkok, October 14, 1973
It seems very likely that October 14 will lead to a new upsurge of anti-regime protests in Bangkok. It is absolutely no coincidence that the protesters will take to the streets again on that very day. October 14 is a very symbolic date because on that day in 1973 the dictatorial rule of Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn came to an end. I also bring this story to indicate how past and present can become intertwined and how striking historical parallels can be established between Bangkok in 1973 and Bangkok in 2020.
Despite the government's attempts to obscure it as much as possible, you could hardly miss it, especially in recent weeks and days: the ever-widening wave of protests for more democracy in Thailand.
Since Monday, May 11, a new phenomenon has emerged in Bangkok. Political laser messages have been projected on government buildings and public places in various places in Bangkok. The messages appeared on the Democracy Monument, the Ministry of Defense building and the Victory Monument BTS station, as well as a temple, Wat Pathum Wanaram, in the center of the capital.