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  1. #1951
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    and I would like to add that economic prosperity always leads to a voluntary dictatorship as it's perceived to be the best regime to "maintain" economic stability.

    again too many examples, the USA being a country leading itself to a dictatorship, and will become one eventually, just a question of time

  2. #1952
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    Quote Originally Posted by Butterfly View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Waid
    A stable country allows a stable economy to grow & strengthen.
    and a dictatorship certainly does make a country stable, at least for some time,

    too many examples of dictatorships being successful economies, see China, Russia, Singapore etc...
    Those appear to be long-term dictatorships. Investors initially take a poor view of the change, then, over time, as confidence builds up, firm up their investment/risk position.

    With Thailand, there is continual instability - short burst of irregular Democracy, interspersed with Dictatorships - some benign, others brutal.

    Much like a highly volatile cocktail at the moment.

    Quote Originally Posted by Waid
    To attempt to decouple the two, is not reasonable.
    maybe in your parallel universe, or if you are American and believe in fairy tales
    You are most insulting, sir. Does not contribute to the discussion at all.

  3. #1953
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    I suspect this junta has more serious matters to consider than installing democracy, fixing the economy, or even that classic about making people happy with love and peace.

  4. #1954
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    Quote Originally Posted by Waid View Post
    Sabang sagely spake thus:
    Economically speaking, the generals certainly have their work cut out-

    Investment Applications Down 42% in Thailand
    Tourist Arrivals For May Down 11 Percent
    300,000 Trucks Idle After Economic Slowdown
    I would wait & see before spending time & money investing in Thailand. Many of its neighbours are growing at a clipping pace. Even Malaysia is doing well at ~ 6.2% - at least they have long-range goals. As Sabang mentioned, the average growth rate for the region is ~ 7%.

    Thailand has done itself no favours - especially in these tough economic times, for most. Very sad for folks who have genuine interests in the region, but - this is a fact of life.

    The recent coup and its consequences will undervalue Western-owned businesses in the region, I'd think. For instance, I know of a particular operation up for sale for some years now. How will the potential buyers view the recent political events?

    Political mindset changes would be culturally-driven. This can take many years to smooth out & stabilise - possibly 15-20 years - possibly longer?
    While various nitwits have been drinking the kool aid about seccesion and civil war and generaly talking the country down I have been buying thai stocks hand over fist over the last 6 months and they have done extremely well.

    Thailand is in a down cycle just now, its the perfect time to buy.

  5. #1955
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    Quote Originally Posted by FloridaBorn View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by longway View Post
    The brutal dictator of NorthKoreaBurmaLaostan (formerly known as Thailand) Herr General Fieldreichfuherer Sheikitallabout Prayuth God of war Khomeni has decided to let Thais watch the world cup for free.

    Junta to splurge on World Cup | Bangkok Post: news


    Football fans are likely to be able to watch all 64 World Cup matches on free-to-air TV after the military junta intervened in a dispute over broadcast rights.
    Oh the horror, democracy is at stake, let loose the boy scouts.
    Oldest trick in the book innit? Very silly and naive of you not to see through the intent of placating and distracting the masses with treats, a trick EVERY parent knows well ..
    the old its all about 'democracy' is a pretty old trick too. nothing that has taken place in the last 10 years is even remotely connected with improving democracy or reducing corruption, its amazing to me that people even bring democracy into the argument, leave it out, its not relevant.

    as long as neither side fully dominate, the average somchai will do ok out of it. this is just a transitional phase where they iron out the kinks, and now somchai wants a piece thats not a bad thing imo

    Obviously its just to keep the masses distracted. With the World Cup, arisman crooning songs on reconciliation and happy endings throughout the land, its been well played so far.

    The coming months will see if they go off the rails or not, but its too early to make any calls now IMO.

    I wouldn't want want them around longer than an absolute maximum of 2 years, its important they get elections going again and the cynically driven 'protests' finally come to an end.
    Last edited by longway; 13-06-2014 at 02:02 AM.

  6. #1956
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    It,ll be great after the elections , if the red crew win then the yellows will all fall in line and if the yellow brigade win the reds will all fall in line and truly accept democracy.

    There will be no nastiness and sweetness and light will reign in the kingdom forever .

    Until ………………………………………………………..
    I'm proud of my 38" waist , also proud I have never done drugs

  7. #1957
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    russia a successful economy?! surely you jest? without their vast natural minerals they would be fucked. putin has done nothing in his time to diversify their economy or tackle corruption or the brain drain which is only going to increase.

  8. #1958
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    Quote Originally Posted by longway View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Waid View Post
    Sabang sagely spake thus:
    Economically speaking, the generals certainly have their work cut out-

    Investment Applications Down 42% in Thailand
    Tourist Arrivals For May Down 11 Percent
    300,000 Trucks Idle After Economic Slowdown
    I would wait & see before spending time & money investing in Thailand. Many of its neighbours are growing at a clipping pace. Even Malaysia is doing well at ~ 6.2% - at least they have long-range goals. As Sabang mentioned, the average growth rate for the region is ~ 7%.

    Thailand has done itself no favours - especially in these tough economic times, for most. Very sad for folks who have genuine interests in the region, but - this is a fact of life.

    The recent coup and its consequences will undervalue Western-owned businesses in the region, I'd think. For instance, I know of a particular operation up for sale for some years now. How will the potential buyers view the recent political events?

    Political mindset changes would be culturally-driven. This can take many years to smooth out & stabilise - possibly 15-20 years - possibly longer?
    While various nitwits have been drinking the kool aid about seccesion and civil war and generaly talking the country down I have been buying thai stocks hand over fist over the last 6 months and they have done extremely well.

    Thailand is in a down cycle just now, its the perfect time to buy.
    The first couple of those six months wasn't very bright for buyers, but then it turned good.

  9. #1959
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    Quote Originally Posted by nigelandjan View Post
    It,ll be great after the elections , if the red crew win then the yellows will all fall in line and if the yellow brigade win the reds will all fall in line and truly accept democracy.

    There will be no nastiness and sweetness and light will reign in the kingdom forever .

    Until ………………………………………………………..
    Hole in one, your shout.

  10. #1960
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    Quote Originally Posted by Butterfly View Post
    and I would like to add that economic prosperity always leads to a voluntary dictatorship as it's perceived to be the best regime to "maintain" economic stability.

    again too many examples, the USA being a country leading itself to a dictatorship, and will become one eventually, just a question of time
    Is that so? Large countries that suffered dictatorships have historically been characterized by stunted economies. Chile, Peru, etc.
    Greece, Portugal and Spain were undeveloped and backwards due to their long periods of dictatorship. Their economies only grew once the removal of the yoke of tyranny was removed. It is laughable that you offer up Russia as an example. Its economy is dependant upon energy exports. China is a country teetering on implosion with a bubble economy. In any case, the Russians would argue that they are not a dictatorship, nor would Singapore.
    Kindness is spaying and neutering one's companion animals.

  11. #1961
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    Quote Originally Posted by zygote1
    Large countries that suffered dictatorships have historically been characterized by stunted economies. Chile, Peru, etc.
    Greece, Portugal and Spain were undeveloped and backwards due to their long periods of dictatorship.
    you are quoting countries that were involved in heavy fightings and wars, hardly peaceful dictatorships. Peaceful dictatorships are not exceptions, and they will promote economic growth better than any other systems.

    Quote Originally Posted by zygote1
    Their economies only grew once the removal of the yoke of tyranny was removed.
    the economies grew because there was a return to peace and some kind of national reconciliation. Again, you are confused in the serial correlation of events.

    Quote Originally Posted by zygote1
    It is laughable that you offer up Russia as an example. Its economy is dependant upon energy exports.
    Russia is a very rich country in Natural Resources, and it's an economic miracle after 50 years of dreadful communist policies. Being an exporter of those resources doesn't take away the economic miracle that happened internally and the dramatic changes it had over the life of their middle class and their rich elite. Again, you are confusing all kind of concepts here.

  12. #1962
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    Who is Giles Ungpakorn?

    Sounds like a snide essex double glazing salesman.

    Why the Thai name?

  13. #1963
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    Quote Originally Posted by nigelandjan View Post
    It,ll be great after the elections , if the red crew win then the yellows will all fall in line and if the yellow brigade win the reds will all fall in line and truly accept democracy.

    There will be no nastiness and sweetness and light will reign in the kingdom forever .

    Until ………………………………………………………..
    IMO the attempt in "Suthep country" to curb the transport cartel, rein in the illegal workers, push back some of the illegal construction etc., while getting good press is hurting the Suthep fundraisers hard. Some of Suthep's strongest supporters in the Phuket region were drawn from the group now being targeted. As they see their lucrative incomes pinched, they have less money to contribute to the hard core Suthep faction. They'll be pining for the good old days when they could blackmail and bully the PTP soon enough.

  14. #1964
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    Quote Originally Posted by Albert Shagnastier View Post
    Who is Giles Ungpakorn?

    Sounds like a snide essex double glazing salesman.

    Why the Thai name?
    Because he is Thai and his parents gave him that name? Would you prefer he now call himself Heinrich Battenburg or Jamir Mbumpo?
    In any case, he is a man who's ideas struck fear in the hearts of Thailand's ruling class.

  15. #1965
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    Quote Originally Posted by Albert Shagnastier View Post
    Who is Giles Ungpakorn?

    Sounds like a snide essex double glazing salesman.

    Why the Thai name?
    Oh dear, Al. You need to get out more. Certainly one who promotes himself as understanding Thai Affairs and contemporary Thai historiography. How embarrassing.

  16. #1966
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    Quote Originally Posted by zygote1
    he is Thai

  17. #1967
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    Quote Originally Posted by Albert Shagnastier View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by zygote1
    he is Thai
    As is Mark.

  18. #1968
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    Was interesting watching/listening to Prayuth's latest broadcast tonight. It was very comprehensive. To the point that, as the English subtitles were so well written, it made me wonder if perhaps the speech was originally written in English, then translated into Thai for him. That raises a question whether a foreign spin company is involved like Hill and Knowlton or another. Maybe not.

    What I noticed though was near the end he said we're not influenced by foreign countries (Thang Prathet) but that wasn't translated. No mention of it.

    Anyway seems the army are here for a while.. No "Lipton" for some time..
    My mind is not for rent to any God or Government, There's no hope for your discontent - the changes are permanent!

  19. #1969
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    ^^At least he looks Thai (even if he sounds like Mr Bean on acid)

  20. #1970
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tom Sawyer
    That raises a question whether a foreign spin company is involved like Hill and Knowlton or another. Maybe not.
    With the love for football it was more likely William Hill

    Seriously, shit ye not, today I went to the police station to pay a fine for riding on the pavement and get my license back. I went past the first hurdle and when I went to the second, paid the fine, stood to leave beckoning for my license - dude looked at me sternly and said sit down.

    I sat nervously as he said to me "What country do you come from?"

    I bricked it for a second and thought that Martial Law was about to fuck my day up and looking him dead in the face said

    "England"

    He bust a big grin and said

    "Tomorrow 5am - First Game!"

    I chipped.


  21. #1971
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    Interesting article, the view from Burma -

    A Thai Junta Vs a Burmese Junta—Spot the Differences

    When the Thai military staged a coup and replaced a democratically elected government last month, ordinary people in Burma and Burmese working in Thailand reacted with a sense of bemusement.

    The neighbors had traded places: the former military-run pariah state is being embraced by the West for its democratic transition, while a long-standing United States ally had come under the boot of the Thai army, which has come in for strong international criticism.

    Soon, a sense of irony took over among the Burmese, leading to jokes on social media.

    When the Thai junta named itself the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)—conjuring up memories of Burma’s former State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)—and it began an Orwellian-style “happiness campaign” with free dance shows, meals and haircuts, the Burmese were struck with a mix of hilarity and disbelief.

    Thailand was a stable nation and one of the strongest democratic and free countries in Southeast Asia. The kingdom has relatively free press, influential civil society groups and is actively engaged with Western nations and its Asian neighbors. And of course, it is Asia’s most popular international tourist destination.

    After the initial reactions among the Burmese wore off, however, concerns over the Thai coup grew. No one wants to see Thailand’s democracy fail, while the country’s sinks into political and economic stagnation.

    Until recently, Burmese politicians and activist fleeing repression in their country sought refuge in Thailand and enjoyed its democratic space and respect for human rights; from Thailand they staged media and political campaign against military rule in Burma.

    Ethnic armies were based along the Thai-Burma border and set up offices and businesses there, while buying arms from the black market in Thailand to fight their insurgency against Burma’s military-run government.

    Some recent Thai media suggested that Thailand’s populist, deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra might set up a democratic movement in exile in neighboring Cambodia.

    Some Burmese colleagues of mine, who spent many years in exile in Thailand for their democratic activism, could not help joking and said the movement would need to find some generous sponsors, preferably Western powers. In jest, they said the Thai opposition now needs leaders who, like Aung San Suu Kyi or U Win Tin, would be able to put up with many years of detention, house arrest or torture.

    There is great unease, nonetheless, among Burmese democracy and human rights activists over the Thai coup: when Thailand, after all its past democratic success, can regress to military rule, how long will Burma’s road to genuine democracy be?

    Jimmy, a leader of the 88 Generation Peace and Open Society who spent many years behind bars as a political prisoner said, “Thailand is a leading country in Southeast Asia. I don’t want a coup in Thailand as it is a model for other Asean countries.

    “[The coup] shows how important national reconciliation is. If this does not succeed, the army will always be involved in Thai politics,” he said, underlining the need for reconciliation in Burma.

    Jimmy added that President Thein Sein, who has publicly pledged to lead Burma through a transition to democracy, should respond. “Thein Sein is trumpeting Burma as heading towards democracy—he can’t remain silent.”

    The latter is, however, exactly what Burma’s reformist government appears to have done.

    In another ironic twist, the first visit by Thai junta foreign affairs officials was to Burma, of all places, to explain the coup to the former military men that still run the country. Thai officials asked Burma, in its role as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), to help tell the outside world “the truth” about the Thai coup.

    In keeping with Asean’s long-standing policy of non-interference in domestic affairs (and not embarrassing) of its members, Burma’s government refrained from making critical comments about the Thai coup.

    Surprisingly, Hla Swe, a former junta colonel and now a lawmaker from Burma’s ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party, was more critical and said, “A coup is not good.”

    The Burmese are also keenly aware of the differences between military rule in Thailand and the former military regime and current government in their country.

    The Thai army has carried out more than a dozen coups in past decades, but always relinquished power to a civilian government after a number of years. The Thai military also retains respect among large swathes of the Thai people.

    Nan Khin Htwe Myint, a politician with the National League for Democracy (NLD), said, “In Thailand, once the country’s situation returns to normal, the army gives power back to the people. In Burma, it’s been different.”

    The Burma Army staged two coups, one in 1962 and one in 1988, and ruled the country for more than half a century. The military is hated and mocked by most people in Burma after the generals brutally suppressed dissent and ran the economy of the resource-rich country into the ground.

    Today, many Burmese still feel that the country is under control of military men and ex-generals in the government and Parliament—in spite of the “sweeping reforms” celebrated by Western governments. The despised military-drafted Constitution gives the army direct control over a quarter of Parliament and other controls over government.

    The Burmese continue to loathe the retired and active generals, and their cronies, who control most assets in Burma and have positioned themselves to reap the benefits of the economic boom that was kick-started by the democratic transition.

    We are now stuck with the Burma Army’s “disciplined democracy”—the generals simply decided to take off their uniforms in order to continue to run the country, while mass murderers and former coup makers enjoy impunity and live in lavish compounds.

    Let’s hope that the Thai army will soon return to its barracks, and that Burma’s military will pick up on the idea and leave Burmese politics once and for all.
    A Thai Junta Vs a Burmese Junta

  22. #1972
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    Quote Originally Posted by Albert Shagnastier View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Tom Sawyer
    That raises a question whether a foreign spin company is involved like Hill and Knowlton or another. Maybe not.

    Seriously, shit ye not, today I went to the police station to pay a fine for riding on the pavement and get my license back. I went past the first hurdle and when I went to the second, paid the fine, stood to leave beckoning for my license - dude looked at me sternly and said sit down.

    I sat nervously as he said to me "What country do you come from?"

    I bricked it for a second and thought that Martial Law was about to fuck my day up and looking him dead in the face said

    "England"

    He bust a big grin and said

    "Tomorrow 5am - First Game!"

    I chipped.

    Nice one. Copper sounds fair too

  23. #1973
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    Quote Originally Posted by sabang View Post
    ...When the Thai junta named itself the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)—conjuring up memories of Burma’s former State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)—and it began an Orwellian-style “happiness campaign” with free dance shows, meals and haircuts, the Burmese were struck with a mix of hilarity and disbelief...
    They forget the 'Peoples' Democratic' suffix. PDNCPO is quite a mouthful, but oozes a tactful consideration for people and country.

  24. #1974
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    Interesting read, thanks. Was in Burma recently and comparing to now in Thailand REMOVED and REMOVED. I REMOVED and REMOVED then ice cream, Sizzler had REMOVED sauce.


    Quote Originally Posted by sabang View Post
    Interesting article, the view from Burma -

    A Thai Junta Vs a Burmese Junta—Spot the Differences

    When the Thai military staged a coup and replaced a democratically elected government last month, ordinary people in Burma and Burmese working in Thailand reacted with a sense of bemusement.

    The neighbors had traded places: the former military-run pariah state is being embraced by the West for its democratic transition, while a long-standing United States ally had come under the boot of the Thai army, which has come in for strong international criticism.

    Soon, a sense of irony took over among the Burmese, leading to jokes on social media.

    When the Thai junta named itself the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)—conjuring up memories of Burma’s former State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)—and it began an Orwellian-style “happiness campaign” with free dance shows, meals and haircuts, the Burmese were struck with a mix of hilarity and disbelief.

    Thailand was a stable nation and one of the strongest democratic and free countries in Southeast Asia. The kingdom has relatively free press, influential civil society groups and is actively engaged with Western nations and its Asian neighbors. And of course, it is Asia’s most popular international tourist destination.

    After the initial reactions among the Burmese wore off, however, concerns over the Thai coup grew. No one wants to see Thailand’s democracy fail, while the country’s sinks into political and economic stagnation.

    Until recently, Burmese politicians and activist fleeing repression in their country sought refuge in Thailand and enjoyed its democratic space and respect for human rights; from Thailand they staged media and political campaign against military rule in Burma.

    Ethnic armies were based along the Thai-Burma border and set up offices and businesses there, while buying arms from the black market in Thailand to fight their insurgency against Burma’s military-run government.

    Some recent Thai media suggested that Thailand’s populist, deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra might set up a democratic movement in exile in neighboring Cambodia.

    Some Burmese colleagues of mine, who spent many years in exile in Thailand for their democratic activism, could not help joking and said the movement would need to find some generous sponsors, preferably Western powers. In jest, they said the Thai opposition now needs leaders who, like Aung San Suu Kyi or U Win Tin, would be able to put up with many years of detention, house arrest or torture.

    There is great unease, nonetheless, among Burmese democracy and human rights activists over the Thai coup: when Thailand, after all its past democratic success, can regress to military rule, how long will Burma’s road to genuine democracy be?

    Jimmy, a leader of the 88 Generation Peace and Open Society who spent many years behind bars as a political prisoner said, “Thailand is a leading country in Southeast Asia. I don’t want a coup in Thailand as it is a model for other Asean countries.

    “[The coup] shows how important national reconciliation is. If this does not succeed, the army will always be involved in Thai politics,” he said, underlining the need for reconciliation in Burma.

    Jimmy added that President Thein Sein, who has publicly pledged to lead Burma through a transition to democracy, should respond. “Thein Sein is trumpeting Burma as heading towards democracy—he can’t remain silent.”

    The latter is, however, exactly what Burma’s reformist government appears to have done.

    In another ironic twist, the first visit by Thai junta foreign affairs officials was to Burma, of all places, to explain the coup to the former military men that still run the country. Thai officials asked Burma, in its role as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), to help tell the outside world “the truth” about the Thai coup.

    In keeping with Asean’s long-standing policy of non-interference in domestic affairs (and not embarrassing) of its members, Burma’s government refrained from making critical comments about the Thai coup.

    Surprisingly, Hla Swe, a former junta colonel and now a lawmaker from Burma’s ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party, was more critical and said, “A coup is not good.”

    The Burmese are also keenly aware of the differences between military rule in Thailand and the former military regime and current government in their country.

    The Thai army has carried out more than a dozen coups in past decades, but always relinquished power to a civilian government after a number of years. The Thai military also retains respect among large swathes of the Thai people.

    Nan Khin Htwe Myint, a politician with the National League for Democracy (NLD), said, “In Thailand, once the country’s situation returns to normal, the army gives power back to the people. In Burma, it’s been different.”

    The Burma Army staged two coups, one in 1962 and one in 1988, and ruled the country for more than half a century. The military is hated and mocked by most people in Burma after the generals brutally suppressed dissent and ran the economy of the resource-rich country into the ground.

    Today, many Burmese still feel that the country is under control of military men and ex-generals in the government and Parliament—in spite of the “sweeping reforms” celebrated by Western governments. The despised military-drafted Constitution gives the army direct control over a quarter of Parliament and other controls over government.

    The Burmese continue to loathe the retired and active generals, and their cronies, who control most assets in Burma and have positioned themselves to reap the benefits of the economic boom that was kick-started by the democratic transition.

    We are now stuck with the Burma Army’s “disciplined democracy”—the generals simply decided to take off their uniforms in order to continue to run the country, while mass murderers and former coup makers enjoy impunity and live in lavish compounds.

    Let’s hope that the Thai army will soon return to its barracks, and that Burma’s military will pick up on the idea and leave Burmese politics once and for all.
    A Thai Junta Vs a Burmese Junta

  25. #1975
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    Quote Originally Posted by sabang View Post
    Interesting article, the view from Burma -

    A Thai Junta Vs a Burmese Junta—Spot the Differences

    When the Thai military staged a coup and replaced a democratically elected government last month, ordinary people in Burma and Burmese working in Thailand reacted with a sense of bemusement.

    The neighbors had traded places: the former military-run pariah state is being embraced by the West for its democratic transition, while a long-standing United States ally had come under the boot of the Thai army, which has come in for strong international criticism.

    Soon, a sense of irony took over among the Burmese, leading to jokes on social media.

    When the Thai junta named itself the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)—conjuring up memories of Burma’s former State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)—and it began an Orwellian-style “happiness campaign” with free dance shows, meals and haircuts, the Burmese were struck with a mix of hilarity and disbelief.

    Thailand was a stable nation and one of the strongest democratic and free countries in Southeast Asia. The kingdom has relatively free press, influential civil society groups and is actively engaged with Western nations and its Asian neighbors. And of course, it is Asia’s most popular international tourist destination.

    After the initial reactions among the Burmese wore off, however, concerns over the Thai coup grew. No one wants to see Thailand’s democracy fail, while the country’s sinks into political and economic stagnation.

    Until recently, Burmese politicians and activist fleeing repression in their country sought refuge in Thailand and enjoyed its democratic space and respect for human rights; from Thailand they staged media and political campaign against military rule in Burma.

    Ethnic armies were based along the Thai-Burma border and set up offices and businesses there, while buying arms from the black market in Thailand to fight their insurgency against Burma’s military-run government.

    Some recent Thai media suggested that Thailand’s populist, deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra might set up a democratic movement in exile in neighboring Cambodia.

    Some Burmese colleagues of mine, who spent many years in exile in Thailand for their democratic activism, could not help joking and said the movement would need to find some generous sponsors, preferably Western powers. In jest, they said the Thai opposition now needs leaders who, like Aung San Suu Kyi or U Win Tin, would be able to put up with many years of detention, house arrest or torture.

    There is great unease, nonetheless, among Burmese democracy and human rights activists over the Thai coup: when Thailand, after all its past democratic success, can regress to military rule, how long will Burma’s road to genuine democracy be?

    Jimmy, a leader of the 88 Generation Peace and Open Society who spent many years behind bars as a political prisoner said, “Thailand is a leading country in Southeast Asia. I don’t want a coup in Thailand as it is a model for other Asean countries.

    “[The coup] shows how important national reconciliation is. If this does not succeed, the army will always be involved in Thai politics,” he said, underlining the need for reconciliation in Burma.

    Jimmy added that President Thein Sein, who has publicly pledged to lead Burma through a transition to democracy, should respond. “Thein Sein is trumpeting Burma as heading towards democracy—he can’t remain silent.”

    The latter is, however, exactly what Burma’s reformist government appears to have done.

    In another ironic twist, the first visit by Thai junta foreign affairs officials was to Burma, of all places, to explain the coup to the former military men that still run the country. Thai officials asked Burma, in its role as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), to help tell the outside world “the truth” about the Thai coup.

    In keeping with Asean’s long-standing policy of non-interference in domestic affairs (and not embarrassing) of its members, Burma’s government refrained from making critical comments about the Thai coup.

    Surprisingly, Hla Swe, a former junta colonel and now a lawmaker from Burma’s ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party, was more critical and said, “A coup is not good.”

    The Burmese are also keenly aware of the differences between military rule in Thailand and the former military regime and current government in their country.

    The Thai army has carried out more than a dozen coups in past decades, but always relinquished power to a civilian government after a number of years. The Thai military also retains respect among large swathes of the Thai people.

    Nan Khin Htwe Myint, a politician with the National League for Democracy (NLD), said, “In Thailand, once the country’s situation returns to normal, the army gives power back to the people. In Burma, it’s been different.”

    The Burma Army staged two coups, one in 1962 and one in 1988, and ruled the country for more than half a century. The military is hated and mocked by most people in Burma after the generals brutally suppressed dissent and ran the economy of the resource-rich country into the ground.

    Today, many Burmese still feel that the country is under control of military men and ex-generals in the government and Parliament—in spite of the “sweeping reforms” celebrated by Western governments. The despised military-drafted Constitution gives the army direct control over a quarter of Parliament and other controls over government.

    The Burmese continue to loathe the retired and active generals, and their cronies, who control most assets in Burma and have positioned themselves to reap the benefits of the economic boom that was kick-started by the democratic transition.

    We are now stuck with the Burma Army’s “disciplined democracy”—the generals simply decided to take off their uniforms in order to continue to run the country, while mass murderers and former coup makers enjoy impunity and live in lavish compounds.

    Let’s hope that the Thai army will soon return to its barracks, and that Burma’s military will pick up on the idea and leave Burmese politics once and for all.
    A Thai Junta Vs a Burmese Junta
    Interesting find, Sabang. Thought provoking - as there really has been no difference between the two for quite a time now. Today, the comparatives are striking.

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