I appreciate all of these thoughtful comments and accept the limitations of my list. Clearly it doesn’t have the historical depth, geographic scope or epistemological range that other lists may strive for.
New Mandala is, as I indicated above, very happy to publish further lists of Southeast Asia-related questions. I am particularly intrigued by the possibilities of a comparative, long-duree list of important questions still unanswered. Obviously I don’t feel qualified to put together such a list myself but I am very open to offers from anyone who does.
The entire FCCT board has been accused of LM. This is a bit excessive of course, but could possibly be pointing to a good way for all anti-LM people to go. It seems to me that if everyone were to mobilize & slap LM accusations on everyone they can think of who may have said something that could possibly be interpreted by a cretin as LM, the investigators who have to ‘thoroughly’ investigate every allegation before a decision to formally charge is made would find themselves swamped by paperwork, & the whole thing would become not only a nuisance but also clearly seen to be absurd, indeed stupid.
Note – anyone can formally make an accusation. One doesn’t have to be a Thai subject. The accuser of the excellent Jonathon Head (who we are about to lose!) is a British subject, formerly a member of FCCT, now banned.
Don┬┤t worry, his stomach is going to explote in 18 month. Two signs will be in conflict: Gemini and Aquarius. The esotherism gives back everything you get with it. Myanmar will be a great country. I don┬┤t know who I am talking about. 2009/2010 is a period of huge changes for tha beatifull and incredible land. Remenber: Aquarius dies and Genimi comes back to Govern tha land. A new leader from a location with “M” will help Gemini. Who wants to understand mi predictions try to investigate the signs of the political heads in that country. Be well, be great, beacause the old “B” letter comes back. B is the letter for Big (English) Bon (French) Benvenutto (Italian) and so on. The future is soon to return. Bye
Zodiac Guille – Argentina
June 24, 2009 (DVB)–New images have emerged that show North Korean and other foreign advisers in Burma consulting with officials on what now appears to be an extensive network of some 800 underground tunnels across much of the country.
While rife government corruption and uneven development in Burma yesterday awarded Burma a spot at the bottom of Foreign Policy magazine’s Failed States Index, billions of US dollars are now known to have been channeled by the Burmese government into building the tunnels. http://www.dvb.no/english/nkorea-news.php
One response to number 11, the TOC for _A People’s History of Modern Thailand_ [although I am not sure where in the chapter lineup it should go … or if it should possibly appear more than once ] should include a chapter entitled “Feudalism Resurgent”
I think PM Abhisit declined to debate with PM Thaksin via Phone-in format, further hurts Abhisit’s credibility. It only confirms what The Red Movement think of Abhisit that he lacks substantive knowledge.
I think a form of PM versus PM debate is appropriate, Abhisit should not be afraid by backing off on the proposal to debate with Thaksin. I hope to see PM Thaksin comes back home and has an opportunity to debate face to face with Abhisit. Let people decide who they want as the Prime Minister.
It is far too early to propose any real changes in individual countries, but the entire matter of lack of right to sovereignty when it comes to human rights violations, especially imprisonment, torture and murder, needs to be addressed in the near future on a global basis. No national leadership, whether head of state or head of government, has the right or the moral permission from God Almighty to forgive, bury evidence, pardon killers, rapists and torturers, just because of something now called national security.
This farce is an insult to all of humanity and has been fabricated by the jealous, self-serving people that we either vote into office or who promote their friends and relatives to.
On this basis, Takbai and before that, the Octobers Thailand has much to be ashamed of, will not be buried no matter what kind of callous or ill-advised forgiveness has come in the past.
Susie & Sid – unfortunately Veera has declined this bizarre invitation. See http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/147487/veera-no-to-hosting-tv-show A sanook quote: “Earlier on Tuesday, former foreign minister Noppadon Pattama said if Mr Abhisit wanted his programme to get a better rating he should directly seek advice from Thaksin Shinawatra.”
These questions seem surprisingly narrow to me. Narrow in the sense of time frame as most focus on issues of the last few years or few decades. And narrow in the sense that most focus primarily on one nation. I would have imagined questions for the study of mainland southeast asia would be broadly regional in focus, broadly comparative in style, and broadly long-duree in scope.
Thanks Nich (ed. note). To be more specific, Icke is a bit of a hoot because he has published a number of books in which he very seriously asserts that members of the British royal family are of that ilk. He even goes so far as to say that the Duke of Edinburgh & his former mother-in-law participated in satanic rituals in which they shape-shifted to show their true reptilian form & slaughtered babies! The books have not been banned & no legal action has been taken against Icke, arguably showing that the British royal family are possessed of rather more of a sense of humour & their society is somewhat healthier than some others I dare not name.
just now on national TV there was a broadcast (they’re writing “sod sod“) of some event about boy-scouts at Suphasalachai (near to MBK) where CP has made appearance, being shown come out from stadium and get into his car.
so, it has been 1 month so far, and now I guess finally this appearance will put to rest the thrill of guessing and speculating.
(look again at 8pm news – surely it should repeat the report)
3. Is any type of class analysis relevant to the modern societies of mainland Southeast Asia? Yes, classes as discussed in the west modified by race/cultural, familial bindings.
7. Why does the Lao government usually escape the critical scrutiny that falls on Burma and other similar regimes? Because everyone is scared to expose US influences on the society!
8. In Thai society is Privy Council Chairman General Prem Tinsulanonda as powerful as we assume? His power achieved through manipulation of the royal family, the military and the courts warrants deep study. How much his personal attributes have and continue to aid or hinder his influence on individuals and organisations. A tree of his relationships would be very interesting, politically, economically and in other respects.
10. Is mainland Southeast Asia, as a whole, more peaceful in 2009 than it has been at almost any other time in history? Peaceful for whom? Ordinary people, the military or governments?
12. How important are ethnic Chinese business and political networks for the survival of the Burmese government? also see #3
19. To what extent do academics and journalists still self-censor to retain access to countries like Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Burma? And also ordinary citizens who are concerned and comment on Thai political blogs?
21. Who ordered the recent “hit” on People’s Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul? Also see #8
22.What impact does narcotic consumption have on the functioning of Burmese society? It would also (more?) interesting to study the impact on US or other societies of the attempts to suppress the trade!
23. Are the economic benefits of Thaksin-style “populism” greatly exaggerated? Or under-rated?
26. Does Thailand intentionally keep Burma unstable so that it can benefit from cheap labour? Or is it a live exercise for the Thai military to trial their strategies of repression and control?
29. Why has King Bhumibol seemingly failed to guarantee an orderly succession? See #8
30. Are Hun Sen and Thaksin close? When are businessmen close?
31. What names are on the Thai or Burmese immigration/entry “blacklists”? And how to discover before travelling?
32. How important is drug trafficking as an income source for members of the Thai elite? Good question!
33. Do the ramifications of the Vietnam War echo in the countries of Southeast Asia more than we realise? See #
34. Why do most voters in Thailand still need to return to their home province to cast a vote? Gerrymander against the rural workers?
41. Is Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn really as bad as people make out? Also see #8.
43. Why did so few people in Thailand condemn the 2003 “War on Drugs” at the time? Because they could see the good that was being achieved against opposition from “people of influence”. Its only later that the “people of influence manufactured the campaign against the “War on Drugs”. Also see #8.
47. In September 2006 was Thaksin plotting to maneuver his friends into top positions with the goal of sidelining the monarchy, and democracy, for good? Or was he trying to take control of the privy council and military apparatus to stop them spoiling the continuation of democracy? Also see #8.
Haha, very funny BKK Lawyer #10!
I am sure this “proxy” she gave me, does not fall inot the same category as the one mentioned in the Computer Crimes Act.
But, I guess as is so often the case with Thai Law, that can be a matter decided on a whim as opposed to…errr, I’ve got to go, someone in a brownshirt is at my door…
I think question #47 is unanswerable, until someone discovers a way to read peoples’ thoughts. I wish I had a constructive alternative to offer, but I can’t think of one. On the other hand, it certainly is a question worth speculating on.
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Fifty-two questions for the study of mainland Southeast Asia
Thanks everyone,
I appreciate all of these thoughtful comments and accept the limitations of my list. Clearly it doesn’t have the historical depth, geographic scope or epistemological range that other lists may strive for.
New Mandala is, as I indicated above, very happy to publish further lists of Southeast Asia-related questions. I am particularly intrigued by the possibilities of a comparative, long-duree list of important questions still unanswered. Obviously I don’t feel qualified to put together such a list myself but I am very open to offers from anyone who does.
Best wishes to all,
Nich
Reptile granted royal title
Maybe Icke wasn’t writing about the British royal family, but answering Question #4 in the 52 Questions.
The injustice of a closed trial
The entire FCCT board has been accused of LM. This is a bit excessive of course, but could possibly be pointing to a good way for all anti-LM people to go. It seems to me that if everyone were to mobilize & slap LM accusations on everyone they can think of who may have said something that could possibly be interpreted by a cretin as LM, the investigators who have to ‘thoroughly’ investigate every allegation before a decision to formally charge is made would find themselves swamped by paperwork, & the whole thing would become not only a nuisance but also clearly seen to be absurd, indeed stupid.
Note – anyone can formally make an accusation. One doesn’t have to be a Thai subject. The accuser of the excellent Jonathon Head (who we are about to lose!) is a British subject, formerly a member of FCCT, now banned.
Fifty-two questions for the study of mainland Southeast Asia
Friends, what about Burma, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam?
I’m sure they matter too.
Job at The Myanmar Times
Don┬┤t worry, his stomach is going to explote in 18 month. Two signs will be in conflict: Gemini and Aquarius. The esotherism gives back everything you get with it. Myanmar will be a great country. I don┬┤t know who I am talking about. 2009/2010 is a period of huge changes for tha beatifull and incredible land. Remenber: Aquarius dies and Genimi comes back to Govern tha land. A new leader from a location with “M” will help Gemini. Who wants to understand mi predictions try to investigate the signs of the political heads in that country. Be well, be great, beacause the old “B” letter comes back. B is the letter for Big (English) Bon (French) Benvenutto (Italian) and so on. The future is soon to return. Bye
Zodiac Guille – Argentina
Job at The Myanmar Times
I,m with you:“I shall never kneel downs under yours military boots” Salai Tin Maung Oo
He was hanged on June the26th, 1976 at the infamous Insein prison. He is the only student to be hanged by the government in Burmese political history.
Burma’s nuclear ambitions
Burma’s military regime: Digging the tunnels
special report includes vdo material
June 24, 2009 (DVB)–New images have emerged that show North Korean and other foreign advisers in Burma consulting with officials on what now appears to be an extensive network of some 800 underground tunnels across much of the country.
While rife government corruption and uneven development in Burma yesterday awarded Burma a spot at the bottom of Foreign Policy magazine’s Failed States Index, billions of US dollars are now known to have been channeled by the Burmese government into building the tunnels.
http://www.dvb.no/english/nkorea-news.php
Fifty-two questions for the study of mainland Southeast Asia
One response to number 11, the TOC for _A People’s History of Modern Thailand_ [although I am not sure where in the chapter lineup it should go … or if it should possibly appear more than once ] should include a chapter entitled “Feudalism Resurgent”
Why Abhisit won’t call an election
Yeah, I know. Thanks, Mike!
I think PM Abhisit declined to debate with PM Thaksin via Phone-in format, further hurts Abhisit’s credibility. It only confirms what The Red Movement think of Abhisit that he lacks substantive knowledge.
I think a form of PM versus PM debate is appropriate, Abhisit should not be afraid by backing off on the proposal to debate with Thaksin. I hope to see PM Thaksin comes back home and has an opportunity to debate face to face with Abhisit. Let people decide who they want as the Prime Minister.
Fifty-two questions for the study of mainland Southeast Asia
Frank, where were you when we were discussing about “Da Torpedo”?
What exactly is your agenda?
The joys of baby corn
I second nganadeeleg
I’d also like to know the answers to questions he raised
interesting post.
perhaps eventually some academics or invesstigative journalists would make some study of all such matters – how much actually all the middlemen take.
note the recent article (on Bkk Post?) that now rice exporters give pressure to Abhisit.
Fifty-two questions for the study of mainland Southeast Asia
1 July 2009
It is far too early to propose any real changes in individual countries, but the entire matter of lack of right to sovereignty when it comes to human rights violations, especially imprisonment, torture and murder, needs to be addressed in the near future on a global basis. No national leadership, whether head of state or head of government, has the right or the moral permission from God Almighty to forgive, bury evidence, pardon killers, rapists and torturers, just because of something now called national security.
This farce is an insult to all of humanity and has been fabricated by the jealous, self-serving people that we either vote into office or who promote their friends and relatives to.
On this basis, Takbai and before that, the Octobers Thailand has much to be ashamed of, will not be buried no matter what kind of callous or ill-advised forgiveness has come in the past.
Why Abhisit won’t call an election
Susie & Sid – unfortunately Veera has declined this bizarre invitation. See http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/147487/veera-no-to-hosting-tv-show A sanook quote: “Earlier on Tuesday, former foreign minister Noppadon Pattama said if Mr Abhisit wanted his programme to get a better rating he should directly seek advice from Thaksin Shinawatra.”
Fifty-two questions for the study of mainland Southeast Asia
These questions seem surprisingly narrow to me. Narrow in the sense of time frame as most focus on issues of the last few years or few decades. And narrow in the sense that most focus primarily on one nation. I would have imagined questions for the study of mainland southeast asia would be broadly regional in focus, broadly comparative in style, and broadly long-duree in scope.
Reptile granted royal title
Thanks Nich (ed. note). To be more specific, Icke is a bit of a hoot because he has published a number of books in which he very seriously asserts that members of the British royal family are of that ilk. He even goes so far as to say that the Duke of Edinburgh & his former mother-in-law participated in satanic rituals in which they shape-shifted to show their true reptilian form & slaughtered babies! The books have not been banned & no legal action has been taken against Icke, arguably showing that the British royal family are possessed of rather more of a sense of humour & their society is somewhat healthier than some others I dare not name.
Rumours, rumours
well, here are the good news:
just now on national TV there was a broadcast (they’re writing “sod sod“) of some event about boy-scouts at Suphasalachai (near to MBK) where CP has made appearance, being shown come out from stadium and get into his car.
so, it has been 1 month so far, and now I guess finally this appearance will put to rest the thrill of guessing and speculating.
(look again at 8pm news – surely it should repeat the report)
Fifty-two questions for the study of mainland Southeast Asia
3. Is any type of class analysis relevant to the modern societies of mainland Southeast Asia? Yes, classes as discussed in the west modified by race/cultural, familial bindings.
7. Why does the Lao government usually escape the critical scrutiny that falls on Burma and other similar regimes? Because everyone is scared to expose US influences on the society!
8. In Thai society is Privy Council Chairman General Prem Tinsulanonda as powerful as we assume? His power achieved through manipulation of the royal family, the military and the courts warrants deep study. How much his personal attributes have and continue to aid or hinder his influence on individuals and organisations. A tree of his relationships would be very interesting, politically, economically and in other respects.
10. Is mainland Southeast Asia, as a whole, more peaceful in 2009 than it has been at almost any other time in history? Peaceful for whom? Ordinary people, the military or governments?
12. How important are ethnic Chinese business and political networks for the survival of the Burmese government? also see #3
19. To what extent do academics and journalists still self-censor to retain access to countries like Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Burma? And also ordinary citizens who are concerned and comment on Thai political blogs?
21. Who ordered the recent “hit” on People’s Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul? Also see #8
22.What impact does narcotic consumption have on the functioning of Burmese society? It would also (more?) interesting to study the impact on US or other societies of the attempts to suppress the trade!
23. Are the economic benefits of Thaksin-style “populism” greatly exaggerated? Or under-rated?
26. Does Thailand intentionally keep Burma unstable so that it can benefit from cheap labour? Or is it a live exercise for the Thai military to trial their strategies of repression and control?
29. Why has King Bhumibol seemingly failed to guarantee an orderly succession? See #8
30. Are Hun Sen and Thaksin close? When are businessmen close?
31. What names are on the Thai or Burmese immigration/entry “blacklists”? And how to discover before travelling?
32. How important is drug trafficking as an income source for members of the Thai elite? Good question!
33. Do the ramifications of the Vietnam War echo in the countries of Southeast Asia more than we realise? See #
34. Why do most voters in Thailand still need to return to their home province to cast a vote? Gerrymander against the rural workers?
41. Is Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn really as bad as people make out? Also see #8.
43. Why did so few people in Thailand condemn the 2003 “War on Drugs” at the time? Because they could see the good that was being achieved against opposition from “people of influence”. Its only later that the “people of influence manufactured the campaign against the “War on Drugs”. Also see #8.
47. In September 2006 was Thaksin plotting to maneuver his friends into top positions with the goal of sidelining the monarchy, and democracy, for good? Or was he trying to take control of the privy council and military apparatus to stop them spoiling the continuation of democracy? Also see #8.
If you’re a fan…
Haha, very funny BKK Lawyer #10!
I am sure this “proxy” she gave me, does not fall inot the same category as the one mentioned in the Computer Crimes Act.
But, I guess as is so often the case with Thai Law, that can be a matter decided on a whim as opposed to…errr, I’ve got to go, someone in a brownshirt is at my door…
Fifty-two questions for the study of mainland Southeast Asia
I think question #47 is unanswerable, until someone discovers a way to read peoples’ thoughts. I wish I had a constructive alternative to offer, but I can’t think of one. On the other hand, it certainly is a question worth speculating on.
If you’re a fan…
Regular Reader at #10:
That helpful woman at True now has an arrest warrant against her for helping evade the Computer Crimes Act!
(It’s not paranoia when they’re really after you.)