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.
The WHO, a politically corrupt organization? (video)
In one of the articles about the coronavirus, I once asked the question whether the WHO has not become a political organization instead of an organization that should be concerned with the health of the inhabitants of our earth as an independent party. I know the answer, but for those who don't know, this video of 'Zondag met Lubach' may be an eye opener.
I ask myself the following question: Which newspaper has which (political) orientation in Thailand? I ask this to try to form a thought when I read the English versions of the newspapers.
A metapolitical view of the corona crisis
I can't help it; I am a cultural scientist by training and this baggage often makes me look at the world around me in a different way. Also in these harsh times of Coronapsychosis. Life-threatening viruses are omnipotent.
The Democratic party of outgoing leader Abhisit has joined the Prayut camp, clearing the way for the junta leader to become prime minister again.
The hidden danger of un-Thai behaviour
Last February, a comment by Army Commander General Apirat made headlines. He advised the opposition to listen to [Nàk Phèndin], 'Scum of the Earth'. This controversial XNUMXs song accuses some citizens of being un-Thai.
April Blog Ambassador Kees Rade (8)
The aftermath of the March 24 elections resulted in a novelty in my diplomatic career: being summoned to the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This had never happened to me.
The Electoral Council is targeting Thanathorn from the Future Forward Party, which won 80 seats from scratch. They are investigating him because he allegedly owned shares in a media company when he applied for office.
250 Heel Lickers
Just before the elections, Rap Against Dictatorship released a new song. The rappers became famous overnight with their previous song “Pràthêet koe: mie” ('This is my country'). This time too they kick the military junta with the song '1 Sǒh-phloh' (250 สอพลอ): 250 sycophants.
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.
March Blog Ambassador Kees Rade (7)
The Dutch ambassador to Thailand, Kees Rade, writes a monthly blog for the Dutch community, in which he outlines what he has been doing in the past month. The central event was of course the elections just over a week ago. After repeated delays, the time had finally come; Thai voters were able to vote again after almost 5 years of living under a military government.
Army commander Apirat Komsongpomg makes a remarkable statement in the Bangkok Post. He wonders if the people of Thailand want a civil war?
Anti Prayut coalition in the making
The latest news is that tomorrow (Wednesday) at 10.00 a.m. at the Lancaster Hotel in Bangkok, the five largest anti-junta parties (Pheu Thai, Future Forward, Seri Ruam Thai, Prachachat and Pheu Chat) will meet to discuss forming a new government.
Yesterday the Netherlands went to the polls for the elections of the Provincial Council and indirectly for the Senate. Now that almost all votes have been counted, a spectacular victory emerges for Thierry Baudet's Forum of Democracy. They come with no fewer than 12 seats in the senate. Another striking fact, they received the most votes of all parties yesterday.
The Democratic Party leader, Abhisit Vejjajiva, wants to become the new prime minister after the elections. He has already stated that he does not want to support Prayut. He believes that the junta has achieved little in recent years.