In this well-written article, I have some issues with the conclusion, especially the final sentence in the final paragraph.
“In other words, while many promoters of ‘cultural dakwah’ accept cultural diversity, provided it falls within specified ‘orthodox’ boundaries, yet they might hesitate to cross religious boundaries, observe non-Islamic rituals and endorse alternative interpretations of Islam”
Are you meaning that religious authorities should endorse praying at temples?
Obviously, the religious authority would never cross the religious boundaries, much like the Pope would not perform prayers in the Masjidil Haram.
Just like Islam is a religion that enticed and force, Chinese New Year is not a cultural event but a calendar of year calculated from events deep in superstition and religion. Many convert into religion and try to make believed their self conscious without realizing of what their true self is.
As to politician’s expenses – Mp’s, ministers, etc, have, as far as i know, budgets for a limited number of assistants, security, etc. This budget though is by far not sufficient. Sometimes they need additional security. But also the salaries of those is quite small, and has to be stocked up out of a politician’s private pocket. That’s what’s usually called here “dtoo lae look nong” – taking care of your look nong. In addition to that every Puyai is expected to make donations in his constituency, such as donations in temples, religious festivals. Politicians are expected to donate at important weddings, or funerals, and of course, due to their rank in society, they will have donate larger than normal people.
That doesn’t count only for politicians, but goes throughout the entire Thai society, including police, military, etc., and puts people under enormous financial pressure.
I have spoken, for example, many years ago, with a corporal in the Dtahan Prahn about this. He said that looking after his small squad properly cost far more than his his monthly salary. He said that is was expected from him to invite his troops to karaoke and brothels visits, and that if he would not do that he would have disciplinary problems, that his troops would not respect him.
If you look for example at both police and military, often necessary equipment comes out of their own pockets. Equipment such as in a front line position of a company of Dtahan Prahn the captain had to buy the fax machine through which he received his orders himself, and all officers had to pool their money together to pay for the phone bills.
Intel officers of police and special branch often buy their own camera equipment as the one provided by the state is just not sufficient. Military intel though was better off, as they got since the coup far better budgets.
Well I was unfortunate enough to watch Saim Rainsy latest appearance on ABC Australia’s usual anti-Hun Sen propaganda barrage. Personally I think, Saim Rainsy is full of hot wind the same way he was months before the elections.
The election dispute is mainly being pushed forward by members of the republican party/Blue Team members such as Dana Rohrabacher, which ordinarily would be entertained if it was not for the resent blood bath in Egypt, or the disputed elections in Zimbabwe. On the other hand when he refers to Sam Reinsy being a threat, his own a threat if he does what he does good, which is appeal to national and racial sentiment.
Thanks for clarifying Thaksin’s comments.
There are very few politicians that don’t hav their fingers in the pie. this is why corruption is at the bottom of the “To do” list. Until Thailand has a real political party corruption will not be taken seriously.
As far as Prem goes, I hear he is allowing only his army mates to celebrate his birthday. Does he want another coup or is he just going to remenisce on past coups? Is the Privy council untouchable?
Thanks for your reply. Those sound like promising ideas. Which leads me to wonder how anti-corruption measures can actually be enacted? It seems like there is significant public concern over corruption – but how can this be translated into forceful anti-corruption legislation? Or, who are the politicians who will back this cause? And if there aren’t any right now, why not?
The delicate question is how can one accuse the Privy Council of doing anything immoral without implicitly linking the monarchy to the act in question. For example, could Prem ever be separated from the personality of the King? But this is hypothetical and irrelevant anyway as the Privy Council is above petty corrupt behavior.
Regarding Thaksin’s statement, Thaksin said he paid for an outside security detail that he personally trusted rather than depend on the one provided by the state.
With the bridge crossing, from the Thai side, at Ban Don Mahawan, I have it on good authority that it’s something like latitude 20.2231┬░ N and longitude 100.4514┬░ E.
Superb article! The confusion that is exposed by the author here as to the role of moneylending in Malaysia is one that is prevalent in almost all relevant commentary on SE Asia. Thank you Adelene.
I am not completely aware of MPs salaries and expenses and will not comment on them other than to say that Thaksin is lying or been misquoted. To imply that he had to spend his own money on security as pm is ridiculous.
Who actually looks at the propaganda spewed out daily on military channels?
Petty Corruption.
All state institutions must set up tribunals to deal with anyone either charged with corruption or owns up within a certain period. These tribunals must have a qualified lawyer as chair and 2 or more lay people. The power to call people and evidence under oath must be given to these tribunals. Anyone failing to attend must be arrested immediately and imprisoned. Unless there is strong evidence of illness or death. No other excuses should be accepted.
Major corruption
Dealing with company fraud linked to the govt could be treated in the same way.
Military corruption should be handled OUTSIDE the military justice system.
However, the above are only suggestions. The pure royal family should not be subject to any enquiry as there is no need. However, the privvy council, senior elite, senior lawyers should be investigated as well.
Are those coordinates? They look to be. From Google Maps, an arrow set a little to the Lao side of the midpoint of an indicated line for the bridge that is visible on the ‘satellite’ view.
The oldest picture here is “Image 12: Chiang Mai province (1954); John Kuhn, a missionary, travels from Chiang Mai to Taungoo in Burma”
I have to admit that in 1954 I was a young school boy (2nd grade or standard as we call it then) attending a Catholic school in Toungoo and we were living very close to a Karen family. Since I see a number of pictures here showing Karen, let me ask something that has intrigued me for over half a century. As is well known, the Karens in Burma have been involved in a bloody civil war fighting the Burmese central government for independence an autonomy for over 60 years now. Since the Karen live on both sides of the border, I find it surprising that this never spilled over into Thailand. In fact, the Karen nowadays move from Burma into Thailand as “refugees” (in substantial numbers). Have the Karen ever demanded more “autonomy and freedom” from the Thai central government?
With the Shans, it is slightly different perhaps, because the Shans (and the Laotians) are closely related to the Thais linguistically and culturally. The only major “ethnic problem” in Thailand seems to be with the Muslim insurgents in the south.
Perhaps it’s all more about politics than tribal ethnography, or even “ethnophotography”!
Please feel free to elaborate your ideas. I do agree that a media campaign would be something helpful to limiting corruption – although I do already see something like anti corruption dramatic clips occasionally when I watch the military-owned channels in Thailand. I am worried, though, that increasing the rhetoric on corruption would grant even more authority and prestige to those institutions in Thailand that are incorruptible. Especially if corruption seems to occur at a similar rate as before the massive media campaign started.
According to this link: http://www.pattayamail.com/news/pheu-thai-mps-still-unhappy-with-their-salaries-6548
Thai MPs (at least Pheau Thai MP’s in 2011) made only р╕┐100,000 per month. Which, in my opinion, is not terribly high for someone tasked with running the country. In Tom Plate’s book “Conversations with Thaksin”, Thaksin said he had to spend more than his PM salary on his security detail alone, which to me indicates that one could not be PM without pulling in some sort of large income on the side. I think these facts must also be taken into consideration in some way when considering how to solve corruption.
However I am only criticizing without offering any solution of my own. I would like to hear your ideas.
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Universalising Islam in Malaysia
In this well-written article, I have some issues with the conclusion, especially the final sentence in the final paragraph.
“In other words, while many promoters of ‘cultural dakwah’ accept cultural diversity, provided it falls within specified ‘orthodox’ boundaries, yet they might hesitate to cross religious boundaries, observe non-Islamic rituals and endorse alternative interpretations of Islam”
Are you meaning that religious authorities should endorse praying at temples?
Obviously, the religious authority would never cross the religious boundaries, much like the Pope would not perform prayers in the Masjidil Haram.
Please enlighten us with your conclusion.
Universalising Islam in Malaysia
Just like Islam is a religion that enticed and force, Chinese New Year is not a cultural event but a calendar of year calculated from events deep in superstition and religion. Many convert into religion and try to make believed their self conscious without realizing of what their true self is.
Picturing Thailand’s highlanders
Presumably the author agreed since playing with has become working among.
Universalising Islam in Malaysia
Can anyone explain why this is so very different from attempts by the Christian religion to spread its influence.
Is the author saying we should be worried?
The cost of clean politics
Nick,
Thanks for the explanation, appreciated.
The cost of clean politics
As to politician’s expenses – Mp’s, ministers, etc, have, as far as i know, budgets for a limited number of assistants, security, etc. This budget though is by far not sufficient. Sometimes they need additional security. But also the salaries of those is quite small, and has to be stocked up out of a politician’s private pocket. That’s what’s usually called here “dtoo lae look nong” – taking care of your look nong. In addition to that every Puyai is expected to make donations in his constituency, such as donations in temples, religious festivals. Politicians are expected to donate at important weddings, or funerals, and of course, due to their rank in society, they will have donate larger than normal people.
That doesn’t count only for politicians, but goes throughout the entire Thai society, including police, military, etc., and puts people under enormous financial pressure.
I have spoken, for example, many years ago, with a corporal in the Dtahan Prahn about this. He said that looking after his small squad properly cost far more than his his monthly salary. He said that is was expected from him to invite his troops to karaoke and brothels visits, and that if he would not do that he would have disciplinary problems, that his troops would not respect him.
If you look for example at both police and military, often necessary equipment comes out of their own pockets. Equipment such as in a front line position of a company of Dtahan Prahn the captain had to buy the fax machine through which he received his orders himself, and all officers had to pool their money together to pay for the phone bills.
Intel officers of police and special branch often buy their own camera equipment as the one provided by the state is just not sufficient. Military intel though was better off, as they got since the coup far better budgets.
Cambodia’s inverted mandala?
Well I was unfortunate enough to watch Saim Rainsy latest appearance on ABC Australia’s usual anti-Hun Sen propaganda barrage. Personally I think, Saim Rainsy is full of hot wind the same way he was months before the elections.
David Chandler said it best on ABC News http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6SyHMdwPl0 or, at least hinted at it.
The election dispute is mainly being pushed forward by members of the republican party/Blue Team members such as Dana Rohrabacher, which ordinarily would be entertained if it was not for the resent blood bath in Egypt, or the disputed elections in Zimbabwe. On the other hand when he refers to Sam Reinsy being a threat, his own a threat if he does what he does good, which is appeal to national and racial sentiment.
The cost of clean politics
Thanks for clarifying Thaksin’s comments.
There are very few politicians that don’t hav their fingers in the pie. this is why corruption is at the bottom of the “To do” list. Until Thailand has a real political party corruption will not be taken seriously.
As far as Prem goes, I hear he is allowing only his army mates to celebrate his birthday. Does he want another coup or is he just going to remenisce on past coups? Is the Privy council untouchable?
New Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge across the Mekong
Ok, thanks to all for your efforts. I guess we’ll wait for an imagery update.
The cost of clean politics
Thanks for your reply. Those sound like promising ideas. Which leads me to wonder how anti-corruption measures can actually be enacted? It seems like there is significant public concern over corruption – but how can this be translated into forceful anti-corruption legislation? Or, who are the politicians who will back this cause? And if there aren’t any right now, why not?
The delicate question is how can one accuse the Privy Council of doing anything immoral without implicitly linking the monarchy to the act in question. For example, could Prem ever be separated from the personality of the King? But this is hypothetical and irrelevant anyway as the Privy Council is above petty corrupt behavior.
Regarding Thaksin’s statement, Thaksin said he paid for an outside security detail that he personally trusted rather than depend on the one provided by the state.
New Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge across the Mekong
Thanks Richard,
With the bridge crossing, from the Thai side, at Ban Don Mahawan, I have it on good authority that it’s something like latitude 20.2231┬░ N and longitude 100.4514┬░ E.
I hope that helps.
Best wishes,
Nich
Regulating money lending in Malaysia
Superb article! The confusion that is exposed by the author here as to the role of moneylending in Malaysia is one that is prevalent in almost all relevant commentary on SE Asia. Thank you Adelene.
The cost of clean politics
I am not completely aware of MPs salaries and expenses and will not comment on them other than to say that Thaksin is lying or been misquoted. To imply that he had to spend his own money on security as pm is ridiculous.
Who actually looks at the propaganda spewed out daily on military channels?
Petty Corruption.
All state institutions must set up tribunals to deal with anyone either charged with corruption or owns up within a certain period. These tribunals must have a qualified lawyer as chair and 2 or more lay people. The power to call people and evidence under oath must be given to these tribunals. Anyone failing to attend must be arrested immediately and imprisoned. Unless there is strong evidence of illness or death. No other excuses should be accepted.
Major corruption
Dealing with company fraud linked to the govt could be treated in the same way.
Military corruption should be handled OUTSIDE the military justice system.
However, the above are only suggestions. The pure royal family should not be subject to any enquiry as there is no need. However, the privvy council, senior elite, senior lawyers should be investigated as well.
New Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge across the Mekong
I think that’s wrong. I think I misidentified an exiting ferry path as the intended bridget path. Sorry.
New Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge across the Mekong
20.275663,100.408963
Are those coordinates? They look to be. From Google Maps, an arrow set a little to the Lao side of the midpoint of an indicated line for the bridge that is visible on the ‘satellite’ view.
New Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge across the Mekong
Hi, Any chance that you have fairly precise lat/lon coordinates for the bridge endpoints? We could then add it to user maintained maps.
Thanks.
Behind Malaysia’s brain drain, surprise! Real people
Please check with the local press. It was widely reported a few years back.
Picturing Thailand’s highlanders
The oldest picture here is “Image 12: Chiang Mai province (1954); John Kuhn, a missionary, travels from Chiang Mai to Taungoo in Burma”
I have to admit that in 1954 I was a young school boy (2nd grade or standard as we call it then) attending a Catholic school in Toungoo and we were living very close to a Karen family. Since I see a number of pictures here showing Karen, let me ask something that has intrigued me for over half a century. As is well known, the Karens in Burma have been involved in a bloody civil war fighting the Burmese central government for independence an autonomy for over 60 years now. Since the Karen live on both sides of the border, I find it surprising that this never spilled over into Thailand. In fact, the Karen nowadays move from Burma into Thailand as “refugees” (in substantial numbers). Have the Karen ever demanded more “autonomy and freedom” from the Thai central government?
With the Shans, it is slightly different perhaps, because the Shans (and the Laotians) are closely related to the Thais linguistically and culturally. The only major “ethnic problem” in Thailand seems to be with the Muslim insurgents in the south.
Perhaps it’s all more about politics than tribal ethnography, or even “ethnophotography”!
The cost of clean politics
Please feel free to elaborate your ideas. I do agree that a media campaign would be something helpful to limiting corruption – although I do already see something like anti corruption dramatic clips occasionally when I watch the military-owned channels in Thailand. I am worried, though, that increasing the rhetoric on corruption would grant even more authority and prestige to those institutions in Thailand that are incorruptible. Especially if corruption seems to occur at a similar rate as before the massive media campaign started.
According to this link: http://www.pattayamail.com/news/pheu-thai-mps-still-unhappy-with-their-salaries-6548
Thai MPs (at least Pheau Thai MP’s in 2011) made only р╕┐100,000 per month. Which, in my opinion, is not terribly high for someone tasked with running the country. In Tom Plate’s book “Conversations with Thaksin”, Thaksin said he had to spend more than his PM salary on his security detail alone, which to me indicates that one could not be PM without pulling in some sort of large income on the side. I think these facts must also be taken into consideration in some way when considering how to solve corruption.
However I am only criticizing without offering any solution of my own. I would like to hear your ideas.
Picturing Thailand’s highlanders
… actors playing with the northern Thailand minority groups:
What a strange phrase!