This is a huge amount of data to digest. But the stand-out point is : 30 % plus of voters “satisfied” (whatever THAT means) with Ahok – did NOT vote for him. Similar electoral studies in Australia, America, France, etc., have the same statistical fault. Voters won’t tell pollsters that they are NOT going to vote Pauline Hanson, Marine Le Pen, Donald Trump. But then they do. Watch out Jokowi.
Superb focus on Isaarn, and the need for a new Siamese capital.”Despotic urbanism” – what an appropriate, choice phrase. And excellent that this article also tells us something of where the disposed go, spatially – and politically. A major question, though, is this : while Sarit had almost unlimited access to funds, via US Cold War prosperity, Prayuth does not. So what happens when this debt-financed development bubble bursts ? Very widespread, extremely angry swelling numbers dispossessed. Revolutions happen a) when raised expectations are brutally crushed, in combination with b) fracturing State power. Prayuth is a blessing in disguise for Thai revolutionaries, of all stripes : Patani separatists, Bangkok Leftists, Isaarn separatists.
It is refreshing indeed to see a couple of articles on New Mandala that recognize that there are people in Thailand who are not a part of “court society” and that what happens outside of that restricted world is indeed related to Thai politics and the vicissitudes of power and wealth in the country.
On the other hand, both this article and Claudio Sopranzetti’s welcome contribution, fall into the trap of identifying “The Junta” as the source of power and decision-making in contemporary Thailand in much the same way as do the more obviously ridiculous attempts to locate power in the vicinity of The Palace and even more absurdly in the hands of The King.
Eli puts is succinctly when he says:
“Nevertheless, what I take to be a key difference between this new moment and the older formulation is the way the urban forces—infrastructure, real estate, finance capital, and construction—have become essential political tools.”
The notion that all that accumulated capital, all that wealth and the power attendant on it, are now “political tools” in the hands of The Junta flies in the face of the reality of Thailand’s long history of dispersed power. An argument could be made that The Junta is a “political tool” in the hands of Bangkok capital just as easily.
But we would be no further ahead in attempting to grasp the reality of this latest iteration of the “undemocratic” side of the coin as it flips back and forth between the elected and unelected “faces” that are just the outward appearance of the network of networks that govern Thailand.
While most of the Thai-twitter crowd was tweeting about the timing of the latest coup as an obvious move to deal with the non-existent “succession struggle”, I was suggesting that the timing had more to do with the upcoming major budget disbursements related to the delayed mass of Thaksinomic-style infrastructure projects that had been on the books for a few years.
I still think that the timing of the coup had more to do with making sure the plethora of contracts involved would generate the correct incomes and be directed into the correct pockets.
But when such mundane considerations as the sharing out of wealth amongst an extended group of cronies, including of course the usual suspects, are brought to the fore, all the excitement of the discourse of “Good vs Evil” and The Vampire LeStat are lost in the bathetic plunge back to reality and its banality.
The racial and religion issues have been used by many government in the world not just Indonesia. The fear of dominance of certain race, discrimination have been used as modality to gain followers and vote everywhere in the world. So what’s new in Indonesia? The fact that there seemed to be hope that people in Jakarta have overcome this discrimination issues when Ahok became Governor is vanished when the challenging candidate won because of the racial and religion issues. I mean if there is no sentiment of religion and ethnic used in the campaign, do you think the incumbent could have won the election? I do not know. He might have. But after seeing the election result, I was surprised that the incumbent even received higher votes than before after the grass root campaign and social media increased the sparks on religion and ethincity issues. I am so dissapointed.
But my point still stands that has the Church or any other religion used violent intimidation in non-Muslim dominant areas for electoral gain? If they do it, they definitely not stupid enough to do out in the open.
The last time I heard there were no Catholic Priest going around Flores extorting money from bars and hotels, as the FPI does. They don’t have to, people go to Church every Sunday and do so willingly. That is pure genius. Currently, the closest you get to that in non-Muslim areas is incidents in Bali. But as far as I know Protestants/Catholics/Buddhists/Hindu don’t come even close to producing someone like Imam Besar Habib Rizieq. FPI is the perfect conjunction of religion/politics/criminality. Often you see two of the three together, rarely do you see all three come together in such a perfect union. Islam in Indonesia is certainly blessed with his presence.
I wonder if someone could fill me in on how this sort of thing gets to be “courageous”.
I imagine all these folks lined up in front of their computers watching the Kim Jung-Il compilation from Team America on YouTube, swilling beer and building up the “courage” to Tweet a link or make a comment.
Not from inside the DPRK of course. That might require a whole 6-pack.
Sorry to be so unserious while the darkness falls all around me here in Mordor.
Fully agree. Not least Thaksin, who was his one realistic hope of longevity. I’be . m beginning to hear opinions being voiced that suggest Puea Thai will once again triumph in an election. If they do, than God help this little man and his ‘interesting’ sense of self-importance.
And for the military thugs and their hangers-on, that sound you have begun to hear isn’t money being counted, it’s the gentle flutter of chickens coming home to roost. There are many who believe that vengeance is best eaten as a cold meal. Especially the Chinese, for who revenge is an article of faith.
He has been listening to the wrong whispers in his ear and will understand this too little and too late.
Chris Scott – no : it’s NOT the end of Pancasila. Because younger military officers will take over – if these crones, cronies, and old crocks, can not sort out the country’s problems.
I fundamentally disagree with Ajarn Pavin’s conclusion. Vajiralongkorn has made himself much weaker by these moves. He’s further antagonised the very, very powerful – who always hated him. If he had given strong indication he would do
Spanish King Juan Carlos moves to democracy, he might have saved himself. As it is, he’s cut off bridges to ANYONE who could save him – not least Thaksin. Not least the German government. And thereby his doctors – physical, and political.
Implicit critique it certainly is. As is the continuing non-appearance of ANY pictures of the new king, in ANY Thai restaurant, or shop, or bar, here in Australia. I would be happy to see ONE.
It’s a pity that the comment section can’t be printed.
Quite a few thought-through comments in here!
Thanks for the article also – very courageous to write about these sensitive matters, this is journalism at it is supposed to be, respect!
Joshua Jayintoh – you misquote the Nazis. Goebbels DID NOT say : “the bigger a lie, the more it will be believed”. Goebbels said : ” the more often you repeat a lie, the more it will be believed”. But ordinary Thais are often very skilled at spotting ” go hock”.
it’s important to recognise who was the organ-grinder and who was the monkey. Also to know which bottle contains the Kool-Aid. Before you drink from it.
Your view strongly suggests you have been a victim of the propaganda machine rather than an observer of it, so it’s worthwhile noting that those most vulnerable to conditioning tend not to be the sharpest knives in the drawer, which is why it has been so successful in Thailand, and why the ‘keep ’em poor, keep ’em stupid’ mechanisms were so important. Noting the state of Thai society, I doubt I would be very keen to admit I was steering the ship of state for the past 6+ decades.
I have loved Thailand and its people for many years, but I cannot return while these atrocities are going on. I can’t keep silent about this barbaric rule and so cannot risk stepping foot in the country again. A courageous article and courageous voices and journalism from those in exile.
I was graduated from Thammasat ten year ago. Vijralongkorn was giving the degree certificate. We were told “Don’t look straight in eye, he will have you killed”. It was not a joke. I’m not sure why people now are so surprised. Really, it’s not new. Also, we had to pay 500 Baht.
Fair comment. I have noticed how very few of the obligatory photos of the royal couple (estranged through her adultery though they were – in public worshipped but in many cases, in private reviled) have been replaced with piccies of the new head boy. I had sort of written it off as a consequence of the ridiculously lengthy ‘period of mourning’, but I begin to think it’s more than just that. I also think that the genuine mourning of a few successfully propagandised Thais is not so widely shared as is assumed, and that many folk are quietly thankful that he’s gone in the security of their own homes.
This might be evidenced by the government’s hysterical and widespread application of the infamous and shameful clause 112. They were desperate to be in power to mould the images during the transition from thief to thug, and now we see why – not so many of the Thai people share the devotion that the armed forces do – not at all what the propagandists like to claim.
Perhaps not everyone in Thailand got to be as rich as Prayuth and Prawit did from state-sponsored corruption. Nothing generates devotion quite like being made unusually rich in return for armed muscle.
Well, that’s your opinion, I don’t share it. Among people who do not, it is considered axiomatic that the man was both corrupt and vulnerable to blandishments as well as money. He just loved flattery, especially when people told him he was a demi-God. Sadly, for him, the welfare of his people came a very poor second to his own wealth-generation if anything more than going through the motions was called for. Especially important was a policy of keep ’em poor and keep ’em stupid if people were to continue to conned into accepting the (largely self-proclaimed) hagiography.
As for Bhumipol and Prem building Royal strength, something in the order of 20,000 baht were diverted into royal wealth from the Thai economy for every man, woman and child in Thailand. Nothing to be proud of there I don’t think.
Recently, when waiting at the gate at the airport, there was a repeating documentary about all the great deeds Rama IX had done to Thailand. I was surprised that in this whole documentary nothing was mentioned about his heir. There was nothing said that the new king is following his fathers great deeds! Isn’t the idealization of Rama IX and not to mentione the current king at all, a form of implicit critique?
Interesting article. We have to be aware though that the whole idea of races resulteed form colonial policy. The colonial administration defined (including legal status) to groups as races. Thus, have those now referred to as Rohingya been mentioned as races or special groups in the colonial census’?
Another question concerns the status of persons with an indian or chinese genealogy. They are certainly citizen, but to what race are they assigned?
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Ahok’s satisfied non-voters: an anatomy
This is a huge amount of data to digest. But the stand-out point is : 30 % plus of voters “satisfied” (whatever THAT means) with Ahok – did NOT vote for him. Similar electoral studies in Australia, America, France, etc., have the same statistical fault. Voters won’t tell pollsters that they are NOT going to vote Pauline Hanson, Marine Le Pen, Donald Trump. But then they do. Watch out Jokowi.
Despotic urbanism in Thailand
Superb focus on Isaarn, and the need for a new Siamese capital.”Despotic urbanism” – what an appropriate, choice phrase. And excellent that this article also tells us something of where the disposed go, spatially – and politically. A major question, though, is this : while Sarit had almost unlimited access to funds, via US Cold War prosperity, Prayuth does not. So what happens when this debt-financed development bubble bursts ? Very widespread, extremely angry swelling numbers dispossessed. Revolutions happen a) when raised expectations are brutally crushed, in combination with b) fracturing State power. Prayuth is a blessing in disguise for Thai revolutionaries, of all stripes : Patani separatists, Bangkok Leftists, Isaarn separatists.
Despotic urbanism in Thailand
There was a very interesting article by Nithi on Prachathai:
https://prachatai.com/english/node/7119
Despotic urbanism in Thailand
It is refreshing indeed to see a couple of articles on New Mandala that recognize that there are people in Thailand who are not a part of “court society” and that what happens outside of that restricted world is indeed related to Thai politics and the vicissitudes of power and wealth in the country.
On the other hand, both this article and Claudio Sopranzetti’s welcome contribution, fall into the trap of identifying “The Junta” as the source of power and decision-making in contemporary Thailand in much the same way as do the more obviously ridiculous attempts to locate power in the vicinity of The Palace and even more absurdly in the hands of The King.
Eli puts is succinctly when he says:
“Nevertheless, what I take to be a key difference between this new moment and the older formulation is the way the urban forces—infrastructure, real estate, finance capital, and construction—have become essential political tools.”
The notion that all that accumulated capital, all that wealth and the power attendant on it, are now “political tools” in the hands of The Junta flies in the face of the reality of Thailand’s long history of dispersed power. An argument could be made that The Junta is a “political tool” in the hands of Bangkok capital just as easily.
But we would be no further ahead in attempting to grasp the reality of this latest iteration of the “undemocratic” side of the coin as it flips back and forth between the elected and unelected “faces” that are just the outward appearance of the network of networks that govern Thailand.
While most of the Thai-twitter crowd was tweeting about the timing of the latest coup as an obvious move to deal with the non-existent “succession struggle”, I was suggesting that the timing had more to do with the upcoming major budget disbursements related to the delayed mass of Thaksinomic-style infrastructure projects that had been on the books for a few years.
I still think that the timing of the coup had more to do with making sure the plethora of contracts involved would generate the correct incomes and be directed into the correct pockets.
But when such mundane considerations as the sharing out of wealth amongst an extended group of cronies, including of course the usual suspects, are brought to the fore, all the excitement of the discourse of “Good vs Evil” and The Vampire LeStat are lost in the bathetic plunge back to reality and its banality.
‘Bottom up’ campaigning failed Ahok, and it might fail Jokowi.
The racial and religion issues have been used by many government in the world not just Indonesia. The fear of dominance of certain race, discrimination have been used as modality to gain followers and vote everywhere in the world. So what’s new in Indonesia? The fact that there seemed to be hope that people in Jakarta have overcome this discrimination issues when Ahok became Governor is vanished when the challenging candidate won because of the racial and religion issues. I mean if there is no sentiment of religion and ethnic used in the campaign, do you think the incumbent could have won the election? I do not know. He might have. But after seeing the election result, I was surprised that the incumbent even received higher votes than before after the grass root campaign and social media increased the sparks on religion and ethincity issues. I am so dissapointed.
Jakarta: inequality and the poverty of elite pluralism
Yes, and you didn’t mention incidents in Papua.
But my point still stands that has the Church or any other religion used violent intimidation in non-Muslim dominant areas for electoral gain? If they do it, they definitely not stupid enough to do out in the open.
The last time I heard there were no Catholic Priest going around Flores extorting money from bars and hotels, as the FPI does. They don’t have to, people go to Church every Sunday and do so willingly. That is pure genius. Currently, the closest you get to that in non-Muslim areas is incidents in Bali. But as far as I know Protestants/Catholics/Buddhists/Hindu don’t come even close to producing someone like Imam Besar Habib Rizieq. FPI is the perfect conjunction of religion/politics/criminality. Often you see two of the three together, rarely do you see all three come together in such a perfect union. Islam in Indonesia is certainly blessed with his presence.
Kingdom of fear (and favour)
I wonder if someone could fill me in on how this sort of thing gets to be “courageous”.
I imagine all these folks lined up in front of their computers watching the Kim Jung-Il compilation from Team America on YouTube, swilling beer and building up the “courage” to Tweet a link or make a comment.
Not from inside the DPRK of course. That might require a whole 6-pack.
Sorry to be so unserious while the darkness falls all around me here in Mordor.
Kingdom of fear (and favour)
Fully agree. Not least Thaksin, who was his one realistic hope of longevity. I’be . m beginning to hear opinions being voiced that suggest Puea Thai will once again triumph in an election. If they do, than God help this little man and his ‘interesting’ sense of self-importance.
And for the military thugs and their hangers-on, that sound you have begun to hear isn’t money being counted, it’s the gentle flutter of chickens coming home to roost. There are many who believe that vengeance is best eaten as a cold meal. Especially the Chinese, for who revenge is an article of faith.
He has been listening to the wrong whispers in his ear and will understand this too little and too late.
Jakarta: inequality and the poverty of elite pluralism
Chris Scott – no : it’s NOT the end of Pancasila. Because younger military officers will take over – if these crones, cronies, and old crocks, can not sort out the country’s problems.
Kingdom of fear (and favour)
I fundamentally disagree with Ajarn Pavin’s conclusion. Vajiralongkorn has made himself much weaker by these moves. He’s further antagonised the very, very powerful – who always hated him. If he had given strong indication he would do
Spanish King Juan Carlos moves to democracy, he might have saved himself. As it is, he’s cut off bridges to ANYONE who could save him – not least Thaksin. Not least the German government. And thereby his doctors – physical, and political.
Kingdom of fear (and favour)
Implicit critique it certainly is. As is the continuing non-appearance of ANY pictures of the new king, in ANY Thai restaurant, or shop, or bar, here in Australia. I would be happy to see ONE.
Kingdom of fear (and favour)
It’s a pity that the comment section can’t be printed.
Quite a few thought-through comments in here!
Thanks for the article also – very courageous to write about these sensitive matters, this is journalism at it is supposed to be, respect!
The irony of integrity
Joshua Jayintoh – you misquote the Nazis. Goebbels DID NOT say : “the bigger a lie, the more it will be believed”. Goebbels said : ” the more often you repeat a lie, the more it will be believed”. But ordinary Thais are often very skilled at spotting ” go hock”.
Kingdom of fear (and favour)
it’s important to recognise who was the organ-grinder and who was the monkey. Also to know which bottle contains the Kool-Aid. Before you drink from it.
Your view strongly suggests you have been a victim of the propaganda machine rather than an observer of it, so it’s worthwhile noting that those most vulnerable to conditioning tend not to be the sharpest knives in the drawer, which is why it has been so successful in Thailand, and why the ‘keep ’em poor, keep ’em stupid’ mechanisms were so important. Noting the state of Thai society, I doubt I would be very keen to admit I was steering the ship of state for the past 6+ decades.
If it was a horse, you’d very likely shoot it.
Kingdom of fear (and favour)
I have loved Thailand and its people for many years, but I cannot return while these atrocities are going on. I can’t keep silent about this barbaric rule and so cannot risk stepping foot in the country again. A courageous article and courageous voices and journalism from those in exile.
Kingdom of fear (and favour)
I was graduated from Thammasat ten year ago. Vijralongkorn was giving the degree certificate. We were told “Don’t look straight in eye, he will have you killed”. It was not a joke. I’m not sure why people now are so surprised. Really, it’s not new. Also, we had to pay 500 Baht.
Kingdom of fear (and favour)
Fair comment. I have noticed how very few of the obligatory photos of the royal couple (estranged through her adultery though they were – in public worshipped but in many cases, in private reviled) have been replaced with piccies of the new head boy. I had sort of written it off as a consequence of the ridiculously lengthy ‘period of mourning’, but I begin to think it’s more than just that. I also think that the genuine mourning of a few successfully propagandised Thais is not so widely shared as is assumed, and that many folk are quietly thankful that he’s gone in the security of their own homes.
This might be evidenced by the government’s hysterical and widespread application of the infamous and shameful clause 112. They were desperate to be in power to mould the images during the transition from thief to thug, and now we see why – not so many of the Thai people share the devotion that the armed forces do – not at all what the propagandists like to claim.
Perhaps not everyone in Thailand got to be as rich as Prayuth and Prawit did from state-sponsored corruption. Nothing generates devotion quite like being made unusually rich in return for armed muscle.
Kingdom of fear (and favour)
Well, that’s your opinion, I don’t share it. Among people who do not, it is considered axiomatic that the man was both corrupt and vulnerable to blandishments as well as money. He just loved flattery, especially when people told him he was a demi-God. Sadly, for him, the welfare of his people came a very poor second to his own wealth-generation if anything more than going through the motions was called for. Especially important was a policy of keep ’em poor and keep ’em stupid if people were to continue to conned into accepting the (largely self-proclaimed) hagiography.
As for Bhumipol and Prem building Royal strength, something in the order of 20,000 baht were diverted into royal wealth from the Thai economy for every man, woman and child in Thailand. Nothing to be proud of there I don’t think.
Kingdom of fear (and favour)
Recently, when waiting at the gate at the airport, there was a repeating documentary about all the great deeds Rama IX had done to Thailand. I was surprised that in this whole documentary nothing was mentioned about his heir. There was nothing said that the new king is following his fathers great deeds! Isn’t the idealization of Rama IX and not to mentione the current king at all, a form of implicit critique?
How Myanmar’s ‘national races’ trumped citizenship
Interesting article. We have to be aware though that the whole idea of races resulteed form colonial policy. The colonial administration defined (including legal status) to groups as races. Thus, have those now referred to as Rohingya been mentioned as races or special groups in the colonial census’?
Another question concerns the status of persons with an indian or chinese genealogy. They are certainly citizen, but to what race are they assigned?