The Impossibility Of Thai Politics

Let’s face it. Any attempt in Thailand to represent the people in governance has failed miserably so far. In the heyday of Thailand’s pseudo-democracy under self service governments people didn’t mind too much, as there seemed to be enough for everyone and Thailand was a shining example above her neighbors.

Today, more and more people care about participation. Still, nothing changed. We either have a government insisting it is democratically elected. Even though, was there any choice? Then we have a government making sure it is democratically elected. Finally, we have a government pretending it is democratically elected. All serving political dynasties.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva plays a not too unclever game so far, remaining inbetween all the fronts. He’s neither leaning towards the Yellows nor the Red nor any side – out of his simple survival instinct that even he himself is just a player who’s being played. Will this replaceability ever come to an end? Look at stable Indonesia after such turbulent times.

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July 31, 2009 | Filed Under On Our Own, Politics, Society | 8 Comments 

Thailand Beyond The Fringe

How far would you go to become Thai? We recently had a bitter-sweet take on those wannabe-Thais who become more Catholic than the Pope. Here’s a more scientific approach. Should we dare to stop being ourselves? Author Tim Rackett, a resident lecturer at Khon Kaen University, reviews Robert Cooper’s “Thailand Beyond the Fringe,” a book written for the long haul expat by an Englishman who has lived most of his life in Asia and speaks Thai, Lao, French, Malay and Indonesian. Here we go:

Many from the West are fleeing the discontents of failed personal relationships and neo-liberal dreams to pursue happiness and new freedoms, but what awaits such life style “refugees” when they abide in Thailand? A place pictured in the global imaginary as an exotic comfort zone offering consumable delights of: ancient civilization, cuisine, abundant beautiful pliant bodies, planet saving Buddhist wisdom, love peace and harmony.

Fantasy aside, what will people encounter in their relations with Thais? And should they unthinkingly embrace Thai ways, culture – both products of power and politics – as if the nonsense about not telling the truth promoted by guide books should be followed. This author is distressed to see people abroad willingly leave common sense and reason behind and foolishly believe Thai lies and illusions when they do not believe their equivalents at home.

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July 29, 2009 | Filed Under Being Farang, Culture & Arts, Society, The Thai Mind | 19 Comments 

Thaksin Day Horoscope

Not much to add. He’s splashed all over the headlines this July 26th. What shall we say. Happy birthday? Many told you so. Man forges his own destiny.

Or you’re not blaming yourself a tittle for being apart from your family and friends and country? Here’s some more help to understand. The grand, unbiased Thaksin horoscope.

We learn much we know already: “Some people believe that you assert yourself in an authoritarian and condescending way, but you are not aware of it and therefore, you keep on thinking that you are right.”

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July 26, 2009 | Filed Under Health, Body & Mind, History, Politics | 6 Comments 

Oh My Cod!

Culinarily homesick for some reason? Doesn’t the plentiful Thai and buffet food cut it any longer? Maybe it’s time for another chippy after our Offshore take:

We’ve been at Oh My Cod! British Café – and the name suggests it. Oh my god. Authentic stuff. Must be. Not least because the café’s a member of the “British Federation of Fish Fryers.”

That’s the regulatory body for fish & chips shops. Owner Chris Rodgers’ certificate is proudly displayed at this most pleasant of ambiance in a nice garden setting right near the heart of Khao San.

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July 24, 2009 | Filed Under Being Farang, Food & Drink | Leave a Comment 

Tidbits: CIA, King Power, Shots

Torture in Thailand. Never. Under this government that is, we’re told. But remember, during the regime of Thaksin Shinawatra CIA-planeloads of terror suspects and terrorists got shipped around the world to countries with less strict anti-torture laws.

The use of Thailand as a safe haven for torture is well documented. The evil Washington Post has a latest detailer. Yet Prime Minister Abhisit Vajjajiva is not only protecting the name of the kingdom. He’s not even putting the blame on Thaksin. What could be easier than to say: “See, that kind of man he was.”

In another saga hurting Thailand’s international standing media worldwide are pointing warning fingers against King Power, the country’s duty-free monopolist. Newspapers, travel blogs and embassies (!) are deploring the Bangkok airport scam, yet that scam goes on unchecked – and King Power is concerned over damage to its reputation.

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July 22, 2009 | Filed Under News & Media, Photography | 3 Comments 

Of Fascism, Wannabe-Thais & I Must Love Thaksin

And you thought writing a blog is a sure ticket to lots of new friends – not to mention all the Google AdSense income. If that’s what you think … True, a blog can develop a life of its own and nothing beats edifying comments and hints of inspiration. But had a little discussion the other day with a reader who had made good use of the comment function so far.

A reader who enjoyed to rant about freely, such as that Bangkok’s airports were not seized, but abandoned. Well, the other day I had to delete some comments and took the pain of sending the poster an email explaining why. Whereon a litany of swearing was the answer. Being married to a lovely Thai wife I’m accustomed to swallow a thing or two.

When someone, out of the blue, calls you a “fucking fascist” though – oops, the same thing I called the PAD -, a fascist with no respect for “little brown people,” you may think you’re in the completely wrong movie. Or you better engage in a debate? You could just as well be pissing in the wind.

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July 15, 2009 | Filed Under Being Farang, On Our Own, Society, The Thai Mind | 19 Comments 

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