I agree with you when you said people could go out and have a non-violent protests. I think sometimes Thai people don't know how to express or represent themselves. When I was a kid I was thought to be passive and not to argue, other kids were taught the same way. I used to tell my mom I want to work for the thai government, I want to be involved. She would say many things to oppose me. Another thing..poor people who like Thaksin are very underrepresented. I guess whoever has more power wins.
Now, Thailand is back to so called "Democracy". You know. .but I do not know if it's the best interest of the Thai. ha ha ha ha.. But I guess that how the world is going right now, so Thailand must go the same way. I just want to say ... See.. each country has its own way.. a little bit different.
Hi TheBashar99, First of all I would like to say thank you for your clip concerning about Thailand. With my respect to you comments, I understand your points which you have tried to come up from several aspects and I agree with you. Actually Thailand has tried to do like you said. Before Thaksin became to be PM we hoped that Thailand democracy would go very well. However, there have been many problems particularly caused by Thaksin himself.
I wanna say one other point, namely that you the videomaker have your heart in the right place. But you don't seem to know much about thai politics. I'd suggest reading some of pasuk phongpaichit and chris baker's work if you're interested in learning more.
Funny, coming from a man who is not thai. The coup he was talking about was "non-violent" Thailand has been around a lot longer than many many countries. Thailand is a beautiful country and the Thai government did send troops to iraq, two soldiers died and they were not even combat troops. The people in the middle eat have been doing what they do for centuries. I wonder if he knows the King of Thailand is actually an American Citizen. He was born in Masschusetts, USA.
Bashar, i am stunned by how much you understand Thai people. As a Thai, i strongly agrees with you on the "non-violence" actions that should be taken instead of a "peaceful" coup. Again, i think that Democracy takes time to finally flourish in a country, but Thais are "hot-minded" or "jai-ron" they tend to deal instantly with whatever they feel a little uncomfortable with, like Mr. Thaksin's government.
man it is well out of place have you been to thailand? you protest prob have tear gas fired at ya or fined money which alot of them dont have so dont post a mesg without thinkin...
I'd be inclined to agree, though unfortunately Vietnam is alot less socialist than it was, as you probably know. And they did try that, but the CPT was crushed in the early 80s and there's not even been a moderate left of any size to replace it.
You are right breaks0,sadly Vietnam even though it is a fine country with a lot of good people wanting to do the right thing has i`m afraid fell in line with capitalism,but i still think it is better off than Thailand with the monarchy in place.Though i should say the King is loved and no doubt loves his people and is doing his duty to them.
This stupid thing keeps eating my replies. Anyway, I'm inclined to agree, but the CPT tried that, but was crushed in the early 80s. And not even a moderate left remains today to replace them, so you end up w/disfunctional parties, a weak civil society, a strong monarchy and this military crap again. That's of course beside the fact, the VCP is also a lot less socialist than it used to be, as you probably know.
ha ha ha... well you have to understand Thai culture or other cultures more then.. It's quite peaceful process. However, we , Thai, do not like this to happen. But this must be done because of the idoit Thaksin , the dictator.
You know Jack about Thailand or Thai culture. This is not America. How dare you criticize the monarchy. People like you are why the world hates America, trying to push what you think is right on everyone. By the way, I am American and I guarantee that any foreigner that has lived here long enough to really understand the Thais and their way of life, totally disagrees with what you say. How can a tourist tell a nation and it's people how to conduct it's affairs.
just found this video today... so many months after the coup, although I don't totally agree with everything you said about the incident in my country,
I appreciate that you tried to express your ideas or your feeling sincerely, people can have different informations, point of views and the rights and freedom to express those thing without invading others' rights and freedoms, and for this video... you've done a good job.
2sit there and Pontificate without all d facts makes u look a bit stupid,what u say is correct but u have to know d whole picture, just cause you dated a Thai girl doesnt make you No1 Spokes man.
We, Thais, are a fiercely free people and highly capable of looking after ourselves. The military is now under close watch by the public. If in the end they refuse to return our power as promised, the Thais will be out storming the streets once again. History has
Democracy has not been brutally forced on Iraqis. They turned out in the millions and voted because they want it, even while being threatened with death if they voted by the Muslim terrorists who are murdering them everyday. All they had to do was safely stay home. Torture is not American policy. It's the terrorists' policy. They blow women and children to bits and saw off civilians' heads, and murder captured soldiers.
If democracy is elections albeit seriously fraudulent, we are glad we do not have it right now. If democracy is people's free will, we have it with us all the time regardless of elections. We are at this moment incomparably freer and safer than the unlucky Iraqis under a "democracy" designed and brutally forced on them by the US and Britain, whose soldiers torture Iraqi prisoners and search or shoot at suspicious looking locals almost at their will.
I've spent years in Thailand and agree with what you've said, and also with your critique of what this guys says. The Thai people know what's best for Thais. However, you obviously don't know anything about Iraq. You will never understand what's going on there if you don't fact check. Don't tell me about American soldiers in Iraq and I won't tell you about Thai soldiers in the south.
The Thai constitution was already dead by the time the latest coup took place last week. It was murdered and its mummified body put on display in an elaborate golden showcase to mislead outsiders and some ignorant Thais that it was still alive, well and held in the highest esteem by that civilian despot. The coup put a fresh re-start to our democracy rather than stopped it as mistaken by many outside Thailand.
Do you know that the King in April asked the highly trusted court of justice to be the main force in solving the country's crisis? However, Thug-sin proved to be so aggressive and stubborn that it appeared that a bloodbath would surely happen before the court could accomplish their task.
When so many of us say Thug-sin is a tyrant and insist we have tried all other available alternatives to get rid of him, you are not in a position to question our words.
You will never really understand events here and the true reasons behind them if you do not read Thai newspapers or, at least, Thailand's English papers.
You mentioned the snap election in April. Do you know why a snap election? Yes, a lower house dissolution by Thug-sin just days before an impeachment process could get started. Evil isn't it?
FORTH, you talked about Thai people liking talking behind each other back. Well, I think that the Thai society that you have encountered so far is not being good or being a bad influenced society then. Personally, the society that I am in, people hate talking behind their backs. We hate gossiping. Please do not stereotype negatively Thai people from what you have seen!
No offence, I have seen A LOT of American tv shows which people gossip and guess what? I dont think all of them are like that. It is just how different people act ok? One person's act doesnt mean everyone does the same thing.
Sorry you didn't like the stereotyping. It was an honest personal observation of something I don't particulalry care for.
Honestly though, the Thais I have known have all been very honest in admitting that particular aspect is a strong charachteristic of their culture. One Thai friend even nicknamed it "TT" for Thai-Talk. I didn't come up with that.
SECOND, you urged people to have peaceful demonstration in Thailand right? Well, if you have been catching up with our current events. You will see that peaceful protests DID NOT work. We had massive peaceful demonstrations to get rid of Thaksin. Guess what? Thaksin was still THERE until the coup took place! By saying this, I am not supporting the coup ok?
FIRST, this is NOT the 18th coup we have in Thai history ok? This current coup is the 9th one since 1932 and in 1932 it was when we changed the system from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy. Did you really study Thai history before commenting on one of our histories? I DEEPLY regret about that.
Sorry for the deep regret, but I guess we're studying different histories. I have found many references to this being the 18th. I'd link to 10 or 20 if YouTube didn't make post URLs so darn difficult.
In our Thai history after the period of Thonburi Kingdom, we have 1 revolution in 1932, 12 rebellions and 9 coups, including this current coups. I guess you just HAVE TO "carefully" do the classification of these events. With respect, you might need to check your version of Thai history then.
THIRD, before this current coup, the last coup occurred in 1991 which has been 15 years, not 14 years as you mentioned in you vdo. This is one of you historical inaccuracy that needs to be changed.
Are you basing your opinion on the news, like CNN or something?
I'm glad the coup removed Thaksin. I just wish for the best for the thai people.
-coup in Thailand isnt a tradition - I prefer a occurence in history, and also its not just thai people who talk behind other people's back, everybody does it.
Which opinions are you asking about? My opinion that I think every effort should be made to work within democracticc guidelines and overthrowing the goverment should be an absolute last resort? That's not CNN, but my own feelings. Which were you referring to?
actually I cant remember what I was refering to, I wrote more but there was a 500 charcter limit. But your opinions are based on the info you receive from the news right? Like the news here or the news from thailand..or from thai people...I think I meant that your opinion are based on what you learned from the news or from books - it reminds me about T.O.K and what they said about different perspectives
Actually, there have been so many demonstrations through out the country. But in order to make as biggest impact as possible, people from those provinces came to Bangkok to join a street demonstration there.
To TheBashar99, it's very nice of you saying about Thailand, thanks for that. However, for your information, he has damaged the country so much! He even insulted the KING, which is UNACCEPTABLE! There're more bad things he's done to my beloved Thailand!
I read that he said "a charismatic figure was trying to force him out". Is this the insult that you are talking about? Was there something else? I really don't know. Thanks for taking the time to help me (us) understand!
To TheBashar99, just for your information, there have been several street demonstrations against Thaksin! Too bad, he's never listened. In fact, there supposes to be a biggest demonstration on the 20th, but it had been canceled regarding the coup. It's the only way out, coz Thaksin will never step down by himself!
A lot of people have mentioned that there have been protests. My understandind is that those have been limited to Bangkok and Thaksin had (has?) strong support from the rurual provinces. Is the support from the rural population all fake (10 families control 80% of country someone said) or did a large number of Thai people still support him?
To Travel3, You don't even know what had been really going on in Thailand during Thaksin's administration. How can you say this?
The Police are actually the ones who have a link with drugs, prosititution. You don't even know how many Thai soilders have been killed from the fights against the drug smuglers along the Thai-Burmese border! You don't even know who Gen. Sonthi is! Gen. Sonthi is a truely Royalist, a strict Muslim, and a real professional Soilder! It's the PEOPLE's call!
The new restrictions on the media, meanwhile, were announced in a decree on Bangkok's television channels yesterday. Live interviews will be banned on radio and television. Phone-in comments in the broadcast media are also forbidden. And any media comments that are deemed a threat to national security are banned.
Thaksin helped the poor, and withdrew troops from Iraq. This looks like another CIA coup? Elements of the the Thai military are linked to drugs, prostitution and the Pentagon.
Thug-sin bribed the poor, and sent Thai troops to Iraq where two of them were killed. This is a genuine Thai coup to bring down a despot and re-start a cleaner democracy. The Thai military are battling drug warlords and their trafficking caravans along the northern border with Burma. The Pentagon is about to suspend their aids to the Thai military due to the coup. You seem to totally misunderstand the world.
That was directly lifted from the pattaya-chat web forum. Even though I dislike Thaksin I wouldn't call him toxic because I think it's a disrespectfull way to refer to a world leader.
Just read in BKK post and my wife says the Thai TV is showing footage off round up of 1000 Elite Norther thai Forest Rangers who were infiltrated into Bangkok on Monday by pro Taksin units to massacre the AntiTaksin PAD rally at SanamLuang on Wednesday, my wife was going to go to that, also the troops were armed with the latest Heckler and Koch G36 rifle which apparantly Taksin had paid for privatly thats abou $2m .
That doesn't hurt but consider that the reason that he bought the estate in England. One of the charges on the "international warrant" that's being drafted is Judicial homicide. It is illegal for England to extradite anyone to a country where they might get the death penalty.
This is what the westerners will never understand, the "Thai King". Most of you think that the king is just a figure, but it is another story in Thailand. The king asked all the high officials to solve this political mess. It was clear enough that something must be done. For the king who has never done any harm to the country for 60 years, people deeply trust him. A coup without a shot being fired? You go figure out how could that happened.
It's good though that you have a viewpoint and are able to support it unlike other actual ignorant people who just say that the coup is bad but have no base on it.
Thank you very much! It's really all just how I feel and I'm trying hard not to sound like "i'm right; you're wrong". But I _really_ have loved the sincere perspective from people with opposite points of view. I'll probably make a follow-up video, not to re-argue my feelings, but to highlight some of the great replies and what I've learned from the other people. Thanks for being a part of that!
Wouldn't that make them ignorant as well for not accepting other viewpoints even if there is a disagreement? I am Thai and i honestly support the coup. We've tried many times peacefully through protest to knock Thaksin out of power. There is hard evidence of fixing the election to his win and somehow frauding the Thai people. Peaceful protest has failed and this i believe is one of the only ways to show Thaksin that we are serious and don't want him in power anymore.
THen, what would be the best way to overthrow a governtment that is corrupt? That rigs elections, has absolute power in different branches of politics? And goes against our king? Or is overthrowing a govertment out of the question?
I mentioned earlier that undoubtedly the coup is a quicker and probably less economically damaging resolution, but mass strikes and protests can be powerful impetuses for change.
I think it's better to look at how to change the actions and policies of a governemtn than how to overthrow the government. That I think is a paradigm shift in thinking made more difficult by a 74 year history averaging only 4 years between government coups.
And about protesting, Ive yet to see where protesting actually had any effect. Name one please? We've protested on the war on iraq for all this time, but bush hasnt stopped and said, gee we should pull out huh? And we're there for so called liberation of the iraqi ppl, also building democracy..with tanks and bombs lol. Granted there are insurgents but taksin is not a powerless guy. So in the coup case, we're fighitng power with power.
"Tricky" Dick Nixon, Ghandi, Rosa Parks, MLK Jr, Nepal, French student labor protests...
Regarding Bush and Iraq. Protesting doesn't mean you get what you want. He was relected in 2004 because more people who voted, voted for him than against him.
If 40% of the people disagree and protest, maybe nothing changes. But that doesn't mean overthrowing the goverment is the right thing to do because the protest didn't work.
Theres no use in hoping that taksin would not get re-elected when he rigs the election. Not only that he pays for the votes, he rigs the voting booth to where you can see who the person is voting for(to ensure those he paid votes him). He has also placed pawns of his in different branches of government as mentioned above. The coup may not be the best option, but is the only option imo, under the circumstances that taksin has ppl in different braches.
I'm not saying you're wrong, but do you really know that is true? Maybe most Thais in Bangkok are happy, but are you sure most Thais across the country. I'm not saying they're wrong or bad, I'm just lamenting democratic processes weren't given more of a chance. As I said in a prev comment: I will continue to hope and pray that this all turns out for the best and leads to a stable and long-lasting democracy.
You don't seem to be getting that Thaksin had fixed the elections. I know several people in Thailand and they tell me that most Thais are happy about the coup, I take their word for it. It helps that the king is endorsing it.
now some advice on V-logging. You seem a little nervous and stiff. Next time try having a few drinks before. Also what happened to you and your Thai GF? Did the Sin Sot get you? Khun poot pasa Thai dai mai?
Haha... thanks! I was stiff because I can't find a good way to do the lighting. If I turned my head hardly at all to the left or right you got a vicious glare off my glasses. Still working on that.
Sadly she and I didn't work out in the long run. I was working on my Thai, but it's pretty bad now. The dowry wasn't a nice idea to me, but you gotta do what you gotta do. The problem was more with a difference in sense of honesty. I'd go into more detail, but I don't need to sound pious again. ;)
My Thai GF used to lie to me all the time about stupid things. Once I confronted her about it and she told me that lying was just easier than explaining the truth in English. Have you ever been to Pattaya?
Hah, it's good to know it wasn't just me. It always seemed about stupid stuff, but you know when it's easy to lie about small stuff, it get's not so hard to lie about bigger things. It was that trend that wasn't worth it for me.
When I visited I was there to meet her family, so while we did visit several parts of the country, we kind of shy'd away from the Pattaya and Patpong Rd type scenes.
It is said that Thai's are conservitive with the truth but I think it's a cultural thing. I don't think Thai's are that concerned with things being absolutuly factually correct.
Patpong is a hole and well worth avoiding but Pattaya, well Jomtein really, is a good placer to relax for a few days before further exploring the area.
You should be happy about the coup. Thaksin is the dictator, he fixed elections and had people killed. A clearer translation of Thai ruk Thai is Thai's for Thai's and it's a nationalist party. You should also know that in Thailand Thai is considered an ethnicity and not a nationality
and therefore Thai ruk Thai doesn't even represent the interests of the Lao, khamere, mongs, etc. You should really do a little research before you piously preach to the Thai's what you think they should do.
Thanks for your comments. I wasn't trying to be pious and am certainly not the only person lamenting that democracy wasn't given more of a chance. And yes, I am aware of the position of non-Thai (though the Chinese seem to have it good) position of many ethnicities in Thai culture. I could be wrong but I believe that was part of the reason for renaming Siam Thailand.
The king won't interfere in our politic. He is seperated and beyond it. Believe me, this is the last thing on our mind. We are not fighting, but we just try to get rid of a bad government. All the Thai military dose is just to terminate Taksin's government and return political right to Thai people after, not for themselves. Just keep in mind, every where are different, and every question has its own answer. No such a universal solution for every problem.
Thank you. I _really_ appreciate your informed view. I will continue to hope and pray that this all turns out for the best and leads to a stable and long-lasting democracy.
Why can't we wait until the next election? Simply to say that Taksin will be back again and again with his money power(he'll become monopoly if we let him doing this). Sofar,most of People in Bangkok have no problem with that. My mom told me some people even gave the soldiers food and yellow roses (yellow is the King's color) to show their support.
Thanks for sharing. It is the point that as revered as the King is that Thaksin would be back again after the election if HM made a public statement of no confidence that I have a hard time with. And I have an equally hard time thinking that HM would prefer to endorse yet another overthrow of the government and suspension of democracy rather than making a public statement that Thaksin didn't have the best interests of his people at heart.
You don't know enough to be talking about this issue. Yes, the King is greatly revered, and because of that must weigh each syllable carefully before uttered because he is fully aware of consequences. This was not a "violent" overthrow of the government. What would have been violent is if Thaksin had a chance to mobilize armed supporters to clash with the peaceful demonstrators leading up to the election.
Imagine, in the football game, if there is no field judge, what would it be like? There would be such a chaos. And the judge have to be fair, otherwise, people wont' accept it. Same thing here, our government is out of balance and led to national problems, the military have to get involve to reconstruct it.
Since the King, military, and politic institute are separated. Each institute is independent, but kind of work together.The King won't interfere with the politic unless it becomes a bloody war or his people get harmed. Therefore, it has to be the thing between Thai people.
I was in Bangkok last year, there was a protest against Taksin on one day, but unbelievable, none of any TV news program reports this news. So, only the people in Bangkok know what happened, while the rest of the country didn't know what is going on.
This statement is not true. Protests were on televisions and newspapers daily up until the day of the coup.
I don't have video recording of tv news from a year ago, but readers can easily google old Thai newspapers from that time to see that there were free coverages.
By the way, protests were legal back then, but illegal now after the coup.
Thai people, mostly in Bangkok, have seen something so unreal of him for years. There were the protest many times in years before; but none of a good answer. All media was "controlled" under Taksin's government. The TV news of all channels couldn't report any bad news of his.
I guess what I have a hard time grasping is if HM the King, who is by all respects revered by the populace, has made public statements of no-confidence in Thaksin, and if such a large portion of the poputlation (>50% ?) found Thaksin distasteful, why wouldn't he face an overwhelming loss in the elections scheduled for November? Why was that too long to wait?
I think the reason why this time the military has to make a move is that Taksin's government "really" causes many conflicts and led to serious problem in our country, especially in the South. And I want to tell you that the conflict in "our Southern part become more and more risky". There were so many bad things behind Taksin's government. Mainly are; 1) corruption (huge one ever), 2) taking control the country 3) attempt to destroy King institute.
Thaksin ran the country as if it were one of his corporations. He threw bones to the poor and made tons of money personally on 'insider trading'. I donn't like the idea of a coup, it puts many friends and family members at risk. But Thaksin's actions and policies had already inherently broken the system. Yes vote purchase pre-existed Thaksin but TRT (his party) took it to a new level. They exist in the USA too, we just call it pork barrel projects.
And if the people overwhelmingly want change, why couldn't this be handled in the scheduled Novemeber elections? What part of not allowing the rural population (Thaksin's power base) into Bangkok and suspending unapproved meetings of more than five people makes you think the majority of the people are okay with the coup?
I'm sorry you feel that way. Wouldn't it be a better idea to explain why you think using military force to overthrow the government, revoke the constitution, and ban political parties before the upcoming elections is the right way to go about things?
Apart from the fact that ur comments are completely hypocritical you fail to see how this 'change of power' is exactly what the Thai people want.
Thailand is a democracy yes, but its roots and power base are very different from western democracies.
Read up on Thaksins exploits and get to know the man behind the minister, you'll understand why this is such a good thing, even if he is ousted in such an undemocratic way.
The irony of the situation is that just because a president/prime minister has been elected democratically is not a guarantee that this president/ prime minister behaves in a democratic way.
This both applies to Thailand and the US, in Thailand the army has stepped in... my personal note to this is : why hasn't anyone done so in the US ?
really you have to learn about Thai culture and Thais life, King's Royal Projects, how he converted Thailand from semi-feudal country into developing one. Thanks to Royal Projects Thailand is one the bigest rice exporter in the world. So monarchy has a meaning in Thailand diffrently from the others. Thaksin's mistake was just disscussing monarchy.
Visiting a country for a couple of weeks doesn't qualify you to comment. You don't understand the history of the situation, the Thai political system/climate, nor the culture. Show proper respect for the monarchy! "You have a cute smile, I miss you a lot" that's what you want to say to the Thais? WTF is that supposed to accomplish. If you're going to say something get your facts straight and at least attempt to say something intelligent as opposed to broad generalizations.
I'm sorry you didn't appreciate my message. I'd really like hear why you think abandoning democratic principles and continuing to overthrow the government on average approximately every 4 years since 1932 is the right way to go about things.
It's not a matter of not appreciating. And I never claimed that a coup was the ideal means of transition. Thaksin already abandoned democratic principles. He abused the constitution when it served his purposes and then suggested that some aspects must be ignored when they harmed his control. His implementation of cronyism disabled the checks and balances necessary for a democratic system.
We're certainly not without our own problems. And we have an obligation to protest them and vote accordingly. But does our mistakes and problems make the military overthrow of a government and suspension of scheduled elections any less of a bad thing?
Do you know any history of recent Thai elections or Taksin's actions? His dissolvement of parliment earlier this year? The protests of opposing parties who didn't even participate in the snap election b/c of Taksin's corrupt practices? His use of political power to avoid taxation on a US$1.9 billion sale of his family's telecom corp? His abuse and discount for the constitution of 1997? Bribes to the poor and uneducated to literally purchase votes? Again you prove your ignorance.
My understanding is that dissolving parliment triggers new elections which is a way to reaffirm ones mandate or get voted out. My understanding is new elections were scheduled for November after irregulaties with the snap elections. My understanding is vote buying is not uncommon and predates Thaksin. Why couldn't his personal corruption be handled post-facto after a new democratic government instead of a military coup?
Thanks for all your comments. I never said the US was an example of how to do things. We certainly have our own problems to protest. And I certainly haven't said anything disrespectful of HM the King.
I understand what you are trying to say. I appreciate your concern for the Thais. I disagree with using a coup to solve problems. However, we've already tried everything that you said "a peaceful and non-violent way". Our questions to Mr.Thaksin were not answered. Thailand isn't a democratic country under his regime. In my opinion, sometimes you have to fight undemocratic rule with undemocratic way.
*However, remember that the general population of Thailand is extremely divided - the whole 80+% support thing is utter crap. They aren't letting the pro-Thaksin countryside dwellers in Bangkok, and we're under strict martial law not to gather in groups of more than 5. Besides which - it doesn't matter how many people supported it or how corrupt Thaksin is; a coup is disappointing from such a progressing nation.
I do agree that coup is totally unacceptable in any aspect of democracy. Most of Thais always look for an easy button for politic solution. For me, I am a Thai. I donot like an idea of coup. I think we are old enough to solve this solution in aother way. I also remember the last time that we had a peaceful coup. It was Sujinda regime. It ended by violation on the street. I also think the military should return the power to thai people via election within 6 months.
protests where made 4 months ago...all was invain! sometimes things has to be done....and I believe the right thing was done, coup without violence... and how can you speak about guns when you americans can own a gun before even have a tot of wiskey?! Besides all this Taksin should be taken to court for genocide... for killing round 3000 people in two weeks without a trial..
And four months is enough time to realize protests will never work and it's time to resort to a coup? What does our owning guns and our drinking age have to do with democratic principles? We don't vote with the guns or the booze. Why didn't HM the King just make a statement of no confidence in Thaksin before the upcoming elections? Is it better to endorse yet another military take-over?
The King did make statements of no confidence in Thaksin. Thaksin's agreed to be 'caretaker PM' and he promised to step back onpolitical affairs and merely strive to assure a orderly transfer of power to a new government. Then he renegged on that promise and expanded his efforts to place individuals loyal to him in supposedly 'independant' government institutions and also promote others loyal to him from the 'Class 10' group in the military thereby sealing his hold on the country.
You don't really know what has been going on in Thailand recently. Protesting is no use for this government, thaksin is too stubborn. There were munbers of fighting on the street between thaksin supporters and opposers. Don't try to apply your "western standard" and the ideal world to the east, it doesn't always work. There are many things behind the scene that westerners won't understand. I totally agree with you that the coup is not the best answer, but something must be done.
Thanks for your comments. I'm trying not to apply western standards - just democratic ones. Fighting is unfortunate. Suspending elections is unfortunate. Rather than assuming westerners cant understand, why don't you post a reply video and helps us understand _your_ viewpoint?
United States is not a democracy. United States is a republic. Democratic governments are ruled by the majority. If the majority is the military, nothing will change there. If United States is your model, we are a republic.
You seem like a very nice young man if a bit naive
realsamwise 2 years ago
I agree with you when you said people could go out and have a non-violent protests. I think sometimes Thai people don't know how to express or represent themselves. When I was a kid I was thought to be passive and not to argue, other kids were taught the same way. I used to tell my mom I want to work for the thai government, I want to be involved. She would say many things to oppose me. Another thing..poor people who like Thaksin are very underrepresented. I guess whoever has more power wins.
bkkcherry 3 years ago
Now, Thailand is back to so called "Democracy". You know. .but I do not know if it's the best interest of the Thai. ha ha ha ha.. But I guess that how the world is going right now, so Thailand must go the same way. I just want to say ... See.. each country has its own way.. a little bit different.
suteera 4 years ago
I agree with you.
God bless you.
ticlodge 4 years ago
A good video.
HVACSoldier 4 years ago
Hi TheBashar99, First of all I would like to say thank you for your clip concerning about Thailand. With my respect to you comments, I understand your points which you have tried to come up from several aspects and I agree with you. Actually Thailand has tried to do like you said. Before Thaksin became to be PM we hoped that Thailand democracy would go very well. However, there have been many problems particularly caused by Thaksin himself.
yippybear 4 years ago
We love Thaksin.
Thai Los Angeles.
apollo007aa 4 years ago
I wanna say one other point, namely that you the videomaker have your heart in the right place. But you don't seem to know much about thai politics. I'd suggest reading some of pasuk phongpaichit and chris baker's work if you're interested in learning more.
breaks0 4 years ago
farang is not a racist or even derogatory word, get your facts straight
millsto 5 years ago
Funny, coming from a man who is not thai. The coup he was talking about was "non-violent" Thailand has been around a lot longer than many many countries. Thailand is a beautiful country and the Thai government did send troops to iraq, two soldiers died and they were not even combat troops. The people in the middle eat have been doing what they do for centuries. I wonder if he knows the King of Thailand is actually an American Citizen. He was born in Masschusetts, USA.
IamMaiC 5 years ago
Bashar, i am stunned by how much you understand Thai people. As a Thai, i strongly agrees with you on the "non-violence" actions that should be taken instead of a "peaceful" coup. Again, i think that Democracy takes time to finally flourish in a country, but Thais are "hot-minded" or "jai-ron" they tend to deal instantly with whatever they feel a little uncomfortable with, like Mr. Thaksin's government.
a4id 5 years ago
man it is well out of place have you been to thailand? you protest prob have tear gas fired at ya or fined money which alot of them dont have so dont post a mesg without thinkin...
vildanius 5 years ago
Get rid of kings,all monarchy is bad,establish a socialist democracy like Vietnam,a true paradise.
bazzatheblue 5 years ago
I'd be inclined to agree, though unfortunately Vietnam is alot less socialist than it was, as you probably know. And they did try that, but the CPT was crushed in the early 80s and there's not even been a moderate left of any size to replace it.
breaks0 4 years ago
You are right breaks0,sadly Vietnam even though it is a fine country with a lot of good people wanting to do the right thing has i`m afraid fell in line with capitalism,but i still think it is better off than Thailand with the monarchy in place.Though i should say the King is loved and no doubt loves his people and is doing his duty to them.
bazzatheblue 4 years ago
This stupid thing keeps eating my replies. Anyway, I'm inclined to agree, but the CPT tried that, but was crushed in the early 80s. And not even a moderate left remains today to replace them, so you end up w/disfunctional parties, a weak civil society, a strong monarchy and this military crap again. That's of course beside the fact, the VCP is also a lot less socialist than it used to be, as you probably know.
breaks0 4 years ago
ha ha ha... well you have to understand Thai culture or other cultures more then.. It's quite peaceful process. However, we , Thai, do not like this to happen. But this must be done because of the idoit Thaksin , the dictator.
suteera 5 years ago
You know Jack about Thailand or Thai culture. This is not America. How dare you criticize the monarchy. People like you are why the world hates America, trying to push what you think is right on everyone. By the way, I am American and I guarantee that any foreigner that has lived here long enough to really understand the Thais and their way of life, totally disagrees with what you say. How can a tourist tell a nation and it's people how to conduct it's affairs.
ajahnrick 5 years ago
i'm thai and i don't care about the coup at all
because without them the Civil War between Taksin Lover and the Protest will happen...
200,000 of protest and 200,000 of supporter come to Bangkok...already
even the blood of Democracy can solve the problem but i still disagree...
Mishisato 5 years ago
nice work on thai but kinda boring:) lol
keep it up doe:)
mariduru 5 years ago
Now Thailand is on overshadow of coup and all mass media.
so do you think before you believe when you're read and listen about news in THailand.
specifically, from media of Nation group because they lost many illlegal benefit from Taksin. So that the reason why they have to defeat Taksin.
estelkashi 5 years ago
just found this video today... so many months after the coup, although I don't totally agree with everything you said about the incident in my country,
I appreciate that you tried to express your ideas or your feeling sincerely, people can have different informations, point of views and the rights and freedom to express those thing without invading others' rights and freedoms, and for this video... you've done a good job.
genozide 5 years ago
nobel
mhill110 5 years ago
2sit there and Pontificate without all d facts makes u look a bit stupid,what u say is correct but u have to know d whole picture, just cause you dated a Thai girl doesnt make you No1 Spokes man.
ConorRyan22 5 years ago
Actually, I like you. Thank you for thinking about our country
punking 5 years ago
You are such a geek.
punking 5 years ago
Nice sincere voice , it 's the voice that all ppl around the world should listen to ... becoz it 's from heart
preeyachat 5 years ago
Ha Ha Ha, if only the whole world could listen to this nice sincere young man! Did anyone actually listen for the whole ten minutes?
mittheimp 5 years ago
i did, man farangs piss me off
Apilak 5 years ago
Sounds like you haven't been following the news at all...
Number3988 5 years ago
(5)
We, Thais, are a fiercely free people and highly capable of looking after ourselves. The military is now under close watch by the public. If in the end they refuse to return our power as promised, the Thais will be out storming the streets once again. History has
proved that.
KP1958 5 years ago
Democracy has not been brutally forced on Iraqis. They turned out in the millions and voted because they want it, even while being threatened with death if they voted by the Muslim terrorists who are murdering them everyday. All they had to do was safely stay home. Torture is not American policy. It's the terrorists' policy. They blow women and children to bits and saw off civilians' heads, and murder captured soldiers.
stanrocker 5 years ago
(4)
If democracy is elections albeit seriously fraudulent, we are glad we do not have it right now. If democracy is people's free will, we have it with us all the time regardless of elections. We are at this moment incomparably freer and safer than the unlucky Iraqis under a "democracy" designed and brutally forced on them by the US and Britain, whose soldiers torture Iraqi prisoners and search or shoot at suspicious looking locals almost at their will.
KP1958 5 years ago
I've spent years in Thailand and agree with what you've said, and also with your critique of what this guys says. The Thai people know what's best for Thais. However, you obviously don't know anything about Iraq. You will never understand what's going on there if you don't fact check. Don't tell me about American soldiers in Iraq and I won't tell you about Thai soldiers in the south.
stanrocker 5 years ago
(3)
The Thai constitution was already dead by the time the latest coup took place last week. It was murdered and its mummified body put on display in an elaborate golden showcase to mislead outsiders and some ignorant Thais that it was still alive, well and held in the highest esteem by that civilian despot. The coup put a fresh re-start to our democracy rather than stopped it as mistaken by many outside Thailand.
KP1958 5 years ago
(2)
Do you know that the King in April asked the highly trusted court of justice to be the main force in solving the country's crisis? However, Thug-sin proved to be so aggressive and stubborn that it appeared that a bloodbath would surely happen before the court could accomplish their task.
When so many of us say Thug-sin is a tyrant and insist we have tried all other available alternatives to get rid of him, you are not in a position to question our words.
KP1958 5 years ago
(1)
You will never really understand events here and the true reasons behind them if you do not read Thai newspapers or, at least, Thailand's English papers.
You mentioned the snap election in April. Do you know why a snap election? Yes, a lower house dissolution by Thug-sin just days before an impeachment process could get started. Evil isn't it?
KP1958 5 years ago
well man, I'm from Thailand and I have listened to your opinion even not until it's finished.
All I can say is you didn't understand our problem in our 1997 Constitution. There's on way out except this way.
nummon 5 years ago
Why the patronising tone? You obviously haven't been following Thai news for the last five years.
sfiekk 5 years ago
FORTH, you talked about Thai people liking talking behind each other back. Well, I think that the Thai society that you have encountered so far is not being good or being a bad influenced society then. Personally, the society that I am in, people hate talking behind their backs. We hate gossiping. Please do not stereotype negatively Thai people from what you have seen!
ruji55 5 years ago
No offence, I have seen A LOT of American tv shows which people gossip and guess what? I dont think all of them are like that. It is just how different people act ok? One person's act doesnt mean everyone does the same thing.
ruji55 5 years ago
Sorry you didn't like the stereotyping. It was an honest personal observation of something I don't particulalry care for.
Honestly though, the Thais I have known have all been very honest in admitting that particular aspect is a strong charachteristic of their culture. One Thai friend even nicknamed it "TT" for Thai-Talk. I didn't come up with that.
TheBashar99 5 years ago
SECOND, you urged people to have peaceful demonstration in Thailand right? Well, if you have been catching up with our current events. You will see that peaceful protests DID NOT work. We had massive peaceful demonstrations to get rid of Thaksin. Guess what? Thaksin was still THERE until the coup took place! By saying this, I am not supporting the coup ok?
ruji55 5 years ago
You can't get rid of Taksin because the majority still need him.
Even if there'll be a fair erection Taksin will win again.
That's why they choose force.
amnuayman 5 years ago
FIRST, this is NOT the 18th coup we have in Thai history ok? This current coup is the 9th one since 1932 and in 1932 it was when we changed the system from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy. Did you really study Thai history before commenting on one of our histories? I DEEPLY regret about that.
ruji55 5 years ago
Sorry for the deep regret, but I guess we're studying different histories. I have found many references to this being the 18th. I'd link to 10 or 20 if YouTube didn't make post URLs so darn difficult.
TheBashar99 5 years ago
In our Thai history after the period of Thonburi Kingdom, we have 1 revolution in 1932, 12 rebellions and 9 coups, including this current coups. I guess you just HAVE TO "carefully" do the classification of these events. With respect, you might need to check your version of Thai history then.
ruji55 5 years ago
We didn't change anything at all.
Those who did what is called revolution is just a bunch of feudal lords.
Do that to fool the world and rule as they want.
amnuayman 5 years ago
THIRD, before this current coup, the last coup occurred in 1991 which has been 15 years, not 14 years as you mentioned in you vdo. This is one of you historical inaccuracy that needs to be changed.
ruji55 5 years ago
PM.Taksin is a real hero.
amnuayman 5 years ago
It was interesting to watch.
Are you basing your opinion on the news, like CNN or something?
I'm glad the coup removed Thaksin. I just wish for the best for the thai people.
-coup in Thailand isnt a tradition - I prefer a occurence in history, and also its not just thai people who talk behind other people's back, everybody does it.
takehonesty 5 years ago
Which opinions are you asking about? My opinion that I think every effort should be made to work within democracticc guidelines and overthrowing the goverment should be an absolute last resort? That's not CNN, but my own feelings. Which were you referring to?
TheBashar99 5 years ago
actually I cant remember what I was refering to, I wrote more but there was a 500 charcter limit. But your opinions are based on the info you receive from the news right? Like the news here or the news from thailand..or from thai people...I think I meant that your opinion are based on what you learned from the news or from books - it reminds me about T.O.K and what they said about different perspectives
takehonesty 5 years ago
Another very detailed timeline on the days and actions leading up to the coup with some rather wild russian mafia speculation at the end:
http://news!DOT!monstersandcritics!DOT!com/asiapacific/article_1203907.php/The_Coup_in_Thailand_-_day_3_-_the_movie?page=1
TheBashar99 5 years ago
and you know that Thaksin kill more then 1,700 thais over a year right...
PoomAlex 5 years ago
Children will learn that Thaksin is a Hitler!!!
PoomAlex 5 years ago
Actually, there have been so many demonstrations through out the country. But in order to make as biggest impact as possible, people from those provinces came to Bangkok to join a street demonstration there.
bedooboy 5 years ago
To TheBashar99, it's very nice of you saying about Thailand, thanks for that. However, for your information, he has damaged the country so much! He even insulted the KING, which is UNACCEPTABLE! There're more bad things he's done to my beloved Thailand!
Anyway, thanks for sharring! Cheers!
bedooboy 5 years ago
I get afraid when I think about how Thailand will change when the king is no longer around.
xMannyfestox 5 years ago
I read that he said "a charismatic figure was trying to force him out". Is this the insult that you are talking about? Was there something else? I really don't know. Thanks for taking the time to help me (us) understand!
TheBashar99 5 years ago
To TheBashar99, just for your information, there have been several street demonstrations against Thaksin! Too bad, he's never listened. In fact, there supposes to be a biggest demonstration on the 20th, but it had been canceled regarding the coup. It's the only way out, coz Thaksin will never step down by himself!
bedooboy 5 years ago
A lot of people have mentioned that there have been protests. My understandind is that those have been limited to Bangkok and Thaksin had (has?) strong support from the rurual provinces. Is the support from the rural population all fake (10 families control 80% of country someone said) or did a large number of Thai people still support him?
TheBashar99 5 years ago
You've never listened to the voicee of the peoples of Thailand too.
If you say he's bad then use the law.
Majority rules is the basic of Democracy you fools.
Not army pointing gun in your head and forbid you not to speak.
amnuayman 5 years ago
To Travel3, You don't even know what had been really going on in Thailand during Thaksin's administration. How can you say this?
The Police are actually the ones who have a link with drugs, prosititution. You don't even know how many Thai soilders have been killed from the fights against the drug smuglers along the Thai-Burmese border! You don't even know who Gen. Sonthi is! Gen. Sonthi is a truely Royalist, a strict Muslim, and a real professional Soilder! It's the PEOPLE's call!
bedooboy 5 years ago
A good summary article on the conditions leading up to the coup:
http://online!DOT!wsj!DOT!com/article/SB115883400277069911.html?mod=AsiaLinks-Daily-View
TheBashar99 5 years ago
Sadly, new media restrictions announced:
The new restrictions on the media, meanwhile, were announced in a decree on Bangkok's television channels yesterday. Live interviews will be banned on radio and television. Phone-in comments in the broadcast media are also forbidden. And any media comments that are deemed a threat to national security are banned.
TheBashar99 5 years ago
Thaksin helped the poor, and withdrew troops from Iraq. This looks like another CIA coup? Elements of the the Thai military are linked to drugs, prostitution and the Pentagon.
Travel3 5 years ago
Thug-sin bribed the poor, and sent Thai troops to Iraq where two of them were killed. This is a genuine Thai coup to bring down a despot and re-start a cleaner democracy. The Thai military are battling drug warlords and their trafficking caravans along the northern border with Burma. The Pentagon is about to suspend their aids to the Thai military due to the coup. You seem to totally misunderstand the world.
KP1958 5 years ago
Can any country not sent troop to Iraq while mr.Bush said "you are either our friend or enemy"?
Even the cause in not just but for that time is not clever to go against.
amnuayman 5 years ago
lol he called him toxic
xrsist 5 years ago
That was directly lifted from the pattaya-chat web forum. Even though I dislike Thaksin I wouldn't call him toxic because I think it's a disrespectfull way to refer to a world leader.
xMannyfestox 5 years ago
Here's the latest from pattaya-chat com. maybe it's gossip and maybe it's breaking news.
xMannyfestox 5 years ago
Just read in BKK post and my wife says the Thai TV is showing footage off round up of 1000 Elite Norther thai Forest Rangers who were infiltrated into Bangkok on Monday by pro Taksin units to massacre the AntiTaksin PAD rally at SanamLuang on Wednesday, my wife was going to go to that, also the troops were armed with the latest Heckler and Koch G36 rifle which apparantly Taksin had paid for privatly thats abou $2m .
They have been disarmed and detained.
xMannyfestox 5 years ago
Thats why the coup happened on Tuesday to prevent the bloodshed that Toxic had planned.
xMannyfestox 5 years ago
I love the king and hope he lives forever.
Has anyone noticed that thaksin has fled to England, one of the countries least likely to extrodite to Thailand.
xMannyfestox 5 years ago
And I thought it was just because he has a huge estate there.
TheBashar99 5 years ago
That doesn't hurt but consider that the reason that he bought the estate in England. One of the charges on the "international warrant" that's being drafted is Judicial homicide. It is illegal for England to extradite anyone to a country where they might get the death penalty.
xMannyfestox 5 years ago
This is what the westerners will never understand, the "Thai King". Most of you think that the king is just a figure, but it is another story in Thailand. The king asked all the high officials to solve this political mess. It was clear enough that something must be done. For the king who has never done any harm to the country for 60 years, people deeply trust him. A coup without a shot being fired? You go figure out how could that happened.
nuttawut75 5 years ago
It's good though that you have a viewpoint and are able to support it unlike other actual ignorant people who just say that the coup is bad but have no base on it.
numchucks1013 5 years ago
Thank you very much! It's really all just how I feel and I'm trying hard not to sound like "i'm right; you're wrong". But I _really_ have loved the sincere perspective from people with opposite points of view. I'll probably make a follow-up video, not to re-argue my feelings, but to highlight some of the great replies and what I've learned from the other people. Thanks for being a part of that!
TheBashar99 5 years ago
Wouldn't that make them ignorant as well for not accepting other viewpoints even if there is a disagreement? I am Thai and i honestly support the coup. We've tried many times peacefully through protest to knock Thaksin out of power. There is hard evidence of fixing the election to his win and somehow frauding the Thai people. Peaceful protest has failed and this i believe is one of the only ways to show Thaksin that we are serious and don't want him in power anymore.
numchucks1013 5 years ago
This was a really good video. I don't understand how people are criticizing you and other Americans for being ignorant.
numchucks1013 5 years ago
i am thai too...well to answer ur question, there are many historical inaccuracies...wad dee kub
ruji55 5 years ago
THen, what would be the best way to overthrow a governtment that is corrupt? That rigs elections, has absolute power in different branches of politics? And goes against our king? Or is overthrowing a govertment out of the question?
xrsist 5 years ago
I mentioned earlier that undoubtedly the coup is a quicker and probably less economically damaging resolution, but mass strikes and protests can be powerful impetuses for change.
I think it's better to look at how to change the actions and policies of a governemtn than how to overthrow the government. That I think is a paradigm shift in thinking made more difficult by a 74 year history averaging only 4 years between government coups.
TheBashar99 5 years ago
And about protesting, Ive yet to see where protesting actually had any effect. Name one please? We've protested on the war on iraq for all this time, but bush hasnt stopped and said, gee we should pull out huh? And we're there for so called liberation of the iraqi ppl, also building democracy..with tanks and bombs lol. Granted there are insurgents but taksin is not a powerless guy. So in the coup case, we're fighitng power with power.
xrsist 5 years ago
Protesting ended the vietnam war.
xMannyfestox 5 years ago
Some that come to mind:
"Tricky" Dick Nixon, Ghandi, Rosa Parks, MLK Jr, Nepal, French student labor protests...
Regarding Bush and Iraq. Protesting doesn't mean you get what you want. He was relected in 2004 because more people who voted, voted for him than against him.
If 40% of the people disagree and protest, maybe nothing changes. But that doesn't mean overthrowing the goverment is the right thing to do because the protest didn't work.
TheBashar99 5 years ago
Itr's well documented that the '04 ellection was fixed.
xMannyfestox 5 years ago
Theres no use in hoping that taksin would not get re-elected when he rigs the election. Not only that he pays for the votes, he rigs the voting booth to where you can see who the person is voting for(to ensure those he paid votes him). He has also placed pawns of his in different branches of government as mentioned above. The coup may not be the best option, but is the only option imo, under the circumstances that taksin has ppl in different braches.
xrsist 5 years ago
One final thought on this. Most Thai's are happy about the coup so lets just take their word for it.
xMannyfestox 5 years ago
I'm not saying you're wrong, but do you really know that is true? Maybe most Thais in Bangkok are happy, but are you sure most Thais across the country. I'm not saying they're wrong or bad, I'm just lamenting democratic processes weren't given more of a chance. As I said in a prev comment: I will continue to hope and pray that this all turns out for the best and leads to a stable and long-lasting democracy.
TheBashar99 5 years ago
You don't seem to be getting that Thaksin had fixed the elections. I know several people in Thailand and they tell me that most Thais are happy about the coup, I take their word for it. It helps that the king is endorsing it.
xMannyfestox 5 years ago
now some advice on V-logging. You seem a little nervous and stiff. Next time try having a few drinks before. Also what happened to you and your Thai GF? Did the Sin Sot get you? Khun poot pasa Thai dai mai?
xMannyfestox 5 years ago
Haha... thanks! I was stiff because I can't find a good way to do the lighting. If I turned my head hardly at all to the left or right you got a vicious glare off my glasses. Still working on that.
TheBashar99 5 years ago
Sadly she and I didn't work out in the long run. I was working on my Thai, but it's pretty bad now. The dowry wasn't a nice idea to me, but you gotta do what you gotta do. The problem was more with a difference in sense of honesty. I'd go into more detail, but I don't need to sound pious again. ;)
TheBashar99 5 years ago
My Thai GF used to lie to me all the time about stupid things. Once I confronted her about it and she told me that lying was just easier than explaining the truth in English. Have you ever been to Pattaya?
xMannyfestox 5 years ago
Hah, it's good to know it wasn't just me. It always seemed about stupid stuff, but you know when it's easy to lie about small stuff, it get's not so hard to lie about bigger things. It was that trend that wasn't worth it for me.
When I visited I was there to meet her family, so while we did visit several parts of the country, we kind of shy'd away from the Pattaya and Patpong Rd type scenes.
TheBashar99 5 years ago
It is said that Thai's are conservitive with the truth but I think it's a cultural thing. I don't think Thai's are that concerned with things being absolutuly factually correct.
Patpong is a hole and well worth avoiding but Pattaya, well Jomtein really, is a good placer to relax for a few days before further exploring the area.
xMannyfestox 5 years ago
I wonder if there's a connection with the cultural de-emphasis on the truth that you mention and the general level of corruption.
Thanks! If I haven't totally made myself persona non grata with this video, I'll check out Jomtein next time I visit.
TheBashar99 5 years ago
You should be happy about the coup. Thaksin is the dictator, he fixed elections and had people killed. A clearer translation of Thai ruk Thai is Thai's for Thai's and it's a nationalist party. You should also know that in Thailand Thai is considered an ethnicity and not a nationality
xMannyfestox 5 years ago
and therefore Thai ruk Thai doesn't even represent the interests of the Lao, khamere, mongs, etc. You should really do a little research before you piously preach to the Thai's what you think they should do.
xMannyfestox 5 years ago
Thanks for your comments. I wasn't trying to be pious and am certainly not the only person lamenting that democracy wasn't given more of a chance. And yes, I am aware of the position of non-Thai (though the Chinese seem to have it good) position of many ethnicities in Thai culture. I could be wrong but I believe that was part of the reason for renaming Siam Thailand.
TheBashar99 5 years ago
Democracy in Thailand is broken. Beleive me the King will make sure that there's an election, hopefully this will be a clean election for a change.
xMannyfestox 5 years ago
I'll wish that, too. Thank you for your concern again.
NoonOnly 5 years ago
The king won't interfere in our politic. He is seperated and beyond it. Believe me, this is the last thing on our mind. We are not fighting, but we just try to get rid of a bad government. All the Thai military dose is just to terminate Taksin's government and return political right to Thai people after, not for themselves. Just keep in mind, every where are different, and every question has its own answer. No such a universal solution for every problem.
NoonOnly 5 years ago
Thank you. I _really_ appreciate your informed view. I will continue to hope and pray that this all turns out for the best and leads to a stable and long-lasting democracy.
TheBashar99 5 years ago
Why can't we wait until the next election? Simply to say that Taksin will be back again and again with his money power(he'll become monopoly if we let him doing this). Sofar,most of People in Bangkok have no problem with that. My mom told me some people even gave the soldiers food and yellow roses (yellow is the King's color) to show their support.
NoonOnly 5 years ago
Thanks for sharing. It is the point that as revered as the King is that Thaksin would be back again after the election if HM made a public statement of no confidence that I have a hard time with. And I have an equally hard time thinking that HM would prefer to endorse yet another overthrow of the government and suspension of democracy rather than making a public statement that Thaksin didn't have the best interests of his people at heart.
TheBashar99 5 years ago
You don't know enough to be talking about this issue. Yes, the King is greatly revered, and because of that must weigh each syllable carefully before uttered because he is fully aware of consequences. This was not a "violent" overthrow of the government. What would have been violent is if Thaksin had a chance to mobilize armed supporters to clash with the peaceful demonstrators leading up to the election.
JackJumblies 5 years ago
Imagine, in the football game, if there is no field judge, what would it be like? There would be such a chaos. And the judge have to be fair, otherwise, people wont' accept it. Same thing here, our government is out of balance and led to national problems, the military have to get involve to reconstruct it.
NoonOnly 5 years ago
Since the King, military, and politic institute are separated. Each institute is independent, but kind of work together.The King won't interfere with the politic unless it becomes a bloody war or his people get harmed. Therefore, it has to be the thing between Thai people.
NoonOnly 5 years ago
I was in Bangkok last year, there was a protest against Taksin on one day, but unbelievable, none of any TV news program reports this news. So, only the people in Bangkok know what happened, while the rest of the country didn't know what is going on.
NoonOnly 5 years ago
This statement is not true. Protests were on televisions and newspapers daily up until the day of the coup.
I don't have video recording of tv news from a year ago, but readers can easily google old Thai newspapers from that time to see that there were free coverages.
By the way, protests were legal back then, but illegal now after the coup.
binder3rings 5 years ago
Thai people, mostly in Bangkok, have seen something so unreal of him for years. There were the protest many times in years before; but none of a good answer. All media was "controlled" under Taksin's government. The TV news of all channels couldn't report any bad news of his.
NoonOnly 5 years ago
I guess what I have a hard time grasping is if HM the King, who is by all respects revered by the populace, has made public statements of no-confidence in Thaksin, and if such a large portion of the poputlation (>50% ?) found Thaksin distasteful, why wouldn't he face an overwhelming loss in the elections scheduled for November? Why was that too long to wait?
TheBashar99 5 years ago
I think the reason why this time the military has to make a move is that Taksin's government "really" causes many conflicts and led to serious problem in our country, especially in the South. And I want to tell you that the conflict in "our Southern part become more and more risky". There were so many bad things behind Taksin's government. Mainly are; 1) corruption (huge one ever), 2) taking control the country 3) attempt to destroy King institute.
NoonOnly 5 years ago
Thaksin ran the country as if it were one of his corporations. He threw bones to the poor and made tons of money personally on 'insider trading'. I donn't like the idea of a coup, it puts many friends and family members at risk. But Thaksin's actions and policies had already inherently broken the system. Yes vote purchase pre-existed Thaksin but TRT (his party) took it to a new level. They exist in the USA too, we just call it pork barrel projects.
khwai 5 years ago
And if the people overwhelmingly want change, why couldn't this be handled in the scheduled Novemeber elections? What part of not allowing the rural population (Thaksin's power base) into Bangkok and suspending unapproved meetings of more than five people makes you think the majority of the people are okay with the coup?
TheBashar99 5 years ago
I'm sorry you feel that way. Wouldn't it be a better idea to explain why you think using military force to overthrow the government, revoke the constitution, and ban political parties before the upcoming elections is the right way to go about things?
TheBashar99 5 years ago
Bashar,
you really need to learn a lot about Thailand.
Apart from the fact that ur comments are completely hypocritical you fail to see how this 'change of power' is exactly what the Thai people want.
Thailand is a democracy yes, but its roots and power base are very different from western democracies.
Read up on Thaksins exploits and get to know the man behind the minister, you'll understand why this is such a good thing, even if he is ousted in such an undemocratic way.
Shryce 5 years ago
Thanks, I'd be happy to read up on anything you would care to link to.
TheBashar99 5 years ago
Just use google, plenty of info out there.
The irony of the situation is that just because a president/prime minister has been elected democratically is not a guarantee that this president/ prime minister behaves in a democratic way.
This both applies to Thailand and the US, in Thailand the army has stepped in... my personal note to this is : why hasn't anyone done so in the US ?
Shryce 5 years ago
Different yeah!
These feudal lord force farmers to sell cheap rice, force labors to work with low wage.
Take tax money to pay for oil funds bonzai our cost of living.
They can make cheaper goods to sell in world market.
They hate Taksin cos he teach ppl to do business give them education.
These FLs happy to see thai ppls worship Cool Fever pad.
It'll easy for them to brianwatch with a few media plan.
After a few minutes of the coup, the first name that nominated to be new PM. tells all.
amnuayman 5 years ago
basar
really you have to learn about Thai culture and Thais life, King's Royal Projects, how he converted Thailand from semi-feudal country into developing one. Thanks to Royal Projects Thailand is one the bigest rice exporter in the world. So monarchy has a meaning in Thailand diffrently from the others. Thaksin's mistake was just disscussing monarchy.
eakaltun 5 years ago
I understand now thankyou or should i say kap khun khap
bazzatheblue 5 years ago
Visiting a country for a couple of weeks doesn't qualify you to comment. You don't understand the history of the situation, the Thai political system/climate, nor the culture. Show proper respect for the monarchy! "You have a cute smile, I miss you a lot" that's what you want to say to the Thais? WTF is that supposed to accomplish. If you're going to say something get your facts straight and at least attempt to say something intelligent as opposed to broad generalizations.
khwai 5 years ago
I'm sorry you didn't appreciate my message. I'd really like hear why you think abandoning democratic principles and continuing to overthrow the government on average approximately every 4 years since 1932 is the right way to go about things.
TheBashar99 5 years ago
It's not a matter of not appreciating. And I never claimed that a coup was the ideal means of transition. Thaksin already abandoned democratic principles. He abused the constitution when it served his purposes and then suggested that some aspects must be ignored when they harmed his control. His implementation of cronyism disabled the checks and balances necessary for a democratic system.
khwai 5 years ago
I'm sorry but you lost me when I actually heard you, an American, suggest the people of Thailand, not to lose the concept of Democracy....
There's only so much hypocrisy I can stand, but other then that, its a nice vlog albeit a rather shallow one.
Shryce 5 years ago
We're certainly not without our own problems. And we have an obligation to protest them and vote accordingly. But does our mistakes and problems make the military overthrow of a government and suspension of scheduled elections any less of a bad thing?
TheBashar99 5 years ago
Do you know any history of recent Thai elections or Taksin's actions? His dissolvement of parliment earlier this year? The protests of opposing parties who didn't even participate in the snap election b/c of Taksin's corrupt practices? His use of political power to avoid taxation on a US$1.9 billion sale of his family's telecom corp? His abuse and discount for the constitution of 1997? Bribes to the poor and uneducated to literally purchase votes? Again you prove your ignorance.
khwai 5 years ago
My understanding is that dissolving parliment triggers new elections which is a way to reaffirm ones mandate or get voted out. My understanding is new elections were scheduled for November after irregulaties with the snap elections. My understanding is vote buying is not uncommon and predates Thaksin. Why couldn't his personal corruption be handled post-facto after a new democratic government instead of a military coup?
TheBashar99 5 years ago
Thanks for all your comments. I never said the US was an example of how to do things. We certainly have our own problems to protest. And I certainly haven't said anything disrespectful of HM the King.
TheBashar99 5 years ago
I smell sarcasm, do I?
saigonpunkid 5 years ago
I understand what you are trying to say. I appreciate your concern for the Thais. I disagree with using a coup to solve problems. However, we've already tried everything that you said "a peaceful and non-violent way". Our questions to Mr.Thaksin were not answered. Thailand isn't a democratic country under his regime. In my opinion, sometimes you have to fight undemocratic rule with undemocratic way.
pommaniac 5 years ago
*However, remember that the general population of Thailand is extremely divided - the whole 80+% support thing is utter crap. They aren't letting the pro-Thaksin countryside dwellers in Bangkok, and we're under strict martial law not to gather in groups of more than 5. Besides which - it doesn't matter how many people supported it or how corrupt Thaksin is; a coup is disappointing from such a progressing nation.
Thanks again.
passingshadow 5 years ago
(lol! I love the gun control barb - what, we give the government our guns so that when democracy falls, we have no way to resist?)
erm, after that starting parenthesis... thanks for the vlog.
passingshadow 5 years ago
I do agree that coup is totally unacceptable in any aspect of democracy. Most of Thais always look for an easy button for politic solution. For me, I am a Thai. I donot like an idea of coup. I think we are old enough to solve this solution in aother way. I also remember the last time that we had a peaceful coup. It was Sujinda regime. It ended by violation on the street. I also think the military should return the power to thai people via election within 6 months.
wst42 5 years ago
protests where made 4 months ago...all was invain! sometimes things has to be done....and I believe the right thing was done, coup without violence... and how can you speak about guns when you americans can own a gun before even have a tot of wiskey?! Besides all this Taksin should be taken to court for genocide... for killing round 3000 people in two weeks without a trial..
caromalta 5 years ago
And four months is enough time to realize protests will never work and it's time to resort to a coup? What does our owning guns and our drinking age have to do with democratic principles? We don't vote with the guns or the booze. Why didn't HM the King just make a statement of no confidence in Thaksin before the upcoming elections? Is it better to endorse yet another military take-over?
TheBashar99 5 years ago
The King did make statements of no confidence in Thaksin. Thaksin's agreed to be 'caretaker PM' and he promised to step back onpolitical affairs and merely strive to assure a orderly transfer of power to a new government. Then he renegged on that promise and expanded his efforts to place individuals loyal to him in supposedly 'independant' government institutions and also promote others loyal to him from the 'Class 10' group in the military thereby sealing his hold on the country.
khwai 5 years ago
You don't really know what has been going on in Thailand recently. Protesting is no use for this government, thaksin is too stubborn. There were munbers of fighting on the street between thaksin supporters and opposers. Don't try to apply your "western standard" and the ideal world to the east, it doesn't always work. There are many things behind the scene that westerners won't understand. I totally agree with you that the coup is not the best answer, but something must be done.
nuttawut75 5 years ago
Thanks for your comments. I'm trying not to apply western standards - just democratic ones. Fighting is unfortunate. Suspending elections is unfortunate. Rather than assuming westerners cant understand, why don't you post a reply video and helps us understand _your_ viewpoint?
TheBashar99 5 years ago
The quote I was trying to remember in the video:
"Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time."
-- Winston Churchill (from a House of Commons speech on Nov. 11, 1947)
TheBashar99 5 years ago
United States is not a democracy. United States is a republic. Democratic governments are ruled by the majority. If the majority is the military, nothing will change there. If United States is your model, we are a republic.
naturaltz 5 years ago
Yes, we are a democratic republic. Thanks for the correction.
TheBashar99 5 years ago
Wise words my friend!
xxSniperK2xx 5 years ago