Monarchy:HM the Queen leaves hospital [Archive]

ncr

21-07-05, 03:36 AM

Benny Goodman in Bangkok 1956 - July 20, 2005

Benny Goodman 1956 - December 14 and 15 - Recorded at the "Lumpini Parc"- A review of the recording from Artist Direct (http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/store/artist/album/0,,304563,00.html): This is one of the more unusual live CDs by Benny Goodman, recorded in December 1956 over two days in Bangkok, Thailand. He leads a 13-piece group, which includes Budd Johnson and Peanuts Hucko in the reed section, along with pianist Hank Jones and bassist Israel Crosby. Goodman and his band are at their very best, in spite of playing outdoors and competing, on occasion, with a passing train; this early stereo recording, performed with just two microphones, was made with the clarinetist's permission. In addition to favorites like "Don't Be That Way," "One O'Clock Jump" and "Flying Home," Goodman surprises the audience by playing two works composed by His Majesty the King of Thailand Bhumiphol Adujadet, as well as a brief sign off of the "Thai Royal Anthem." Jones and drummer Mousie Alexander join the leader for exciting trio renditions for "The World Is Waiting For Sunrise" and "Lady Be Good," during which Jones sounds very much like Teddy Wilson. This historic CD is well worth acquiring. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide

Now that's interesting! I added the album here (http://rateyourmusic.com/view_albums/artist_id_is_2035).

Goodman and his band are at their very best, in spite of playing outdoors and competing, on occasion, with a passing train [...]This is really cool....... I suppose they are talking about the whistle of a steam loco - must have been the Paknam Railway (R.I.P.) passing by Lumphini Park on Rama IV Road! (As opposed to the tramway, which I think didn't make that much noise.)

AMRivlin

06-01-06, 04:49 PM

Well this should be interesting. Sounds tabloidish in its title, using that as a selling point. at $50 US hardly worth it, however...

US and UK Amazon is offering it for about half of that. Ordered mine, I am very interested in this as a history lesson, just the other bias of the last 50 years of Thailands monarchy.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0300106823/202-7476681-9284659
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0300106823/qid=1136540682/sr=11-1/ref=sr_11_1/104-4211361-1363139?n=283155

Wisarut

06-01-06, 05:48 PM

Whne I look at the Abstract, it reminds me the critical words of Ajarn Sulak Siwalak though ..... even though Ajarn Sulak is a Staunch Royalist :(

The Enforcer!

07-01-06, 04:15 PM

Dislike biographies ... almost as bad as autobiographies!

The Enforcer!

ncr

10-01-06, 10:06 PM

Besides an image (http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/4545/untitled16yr.jpg) of the rather well-known meeting between the King, the Queen and Elvis (1960 somewhere in the US during HM's visit), a special supplement to today's Bangkok Post entitled "The Jazzy King" (part of a 15-part series in honour of the 60-year anniversary of HM's accession to the throne) had this intriguing historical photo :

"Jamming with US jazz idols Benny Goodman (clarinet), Gene Krupa (drums) and Urbie Green (trombone)." (http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/2413/untitled21xm.jpg) In Thailand, I assume?

- Music fans will know that these gentlemen played in the Goodman band's famous swing concert at Carnegie Hall in 1938.

GWR

10-01-06, 10:29 PM

James Moody (multi-saxophonist, flautist, wit, raconteur & even scat performer) is another who has had a jazz session with the King in the palace in recent years; although I believe that age prevented them from an all-night jam sessions (as might have happened back in the 60s). He was also interviewed on a Thai TV station at the time. Always funny & upbeat!

James Moody blew me away, when I saw him doing a solo performance back in about 1985 in an obscure smalltown jazz festival. (George Melly was backstage, but didn't sing.)

Here it is:-

http://www.bprmusic.com/webpages/artists/jamesmoody.htm

2002 / 2003
James Moody kept up his busy touring schedule that took him not only throughout the United States, but also to Japan, Europe and Thailand, where he performed at the Imperial Palace in Hua Hin and His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand sat in with him during the second set.

And an entry about the drummer at that gig, Shawn Kelley; who seems to have done a lot of work in Bangkok:-

http://homepage.mac.com/fingerz/Shawnwebsite/Personal40.html

Recently Shawn played with jazz living legend, James Moody at a special concert for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, and had the honor of playing together with H.M. the King, who is an accomplished musician and composer.

In 2004, Shawn performed and recorded with Ernie Watts and Jeremy Monteiro, and can be heard on the new Jazznote releases by singers Anne Weerapass and Rani Singam, the soon to be released Jeremy Monteiro album, as well as a new release by Thailands "Mr. Saxman" Koh.

Shawn performs regularly at The Living Room at the Sheraton Grande Hotel, arguably the best jazz room in Bangkok with Eldee Young, Carmen Bradford, Vanessa Ruben and Jeremy Monteiro.

TAT informs us that Moody's Band played a gig at the Queen Sirikit Center; bits of which I remember watching on Thai TV.

ooddy

19-01-06, 05:28 AM

I find rather disturbing that they didn't try to improve the sound quality. With nowadays technology they should have done a lot better job...to improve the sound.

Granted that the original may not be the good, but they can do a lot of digital re-master, etc. I wish someone

RAMPAGE

30-01-06, 08:15 AM

I confess to being a bit confused....we have been led to believe for the past five years that our country's most senior authority and Thaksin were like oil and water....completely at odds from corruption to conflict in the South.

Now we see the hand of the Crown Property Bureau in two dubious deals which promise to give off a bad odour for some time to come. The first was Grammy's grab for the Bangkok Post and Matichon; financed by Siam Commercial Bank, despite the fact that everyone knew Paiboon was acting for Thaksin in the deal.

Paiboon only backed off (partially) when his main meal ticket (Bird McIntyre) was booed at a concert and he became frightened of the backlash. Thai's were furious at this deal and rightly so.

Now we see the hand of the CPB once again in the Shin Corp sale. Chumpol (of Siam Cement fame) is to be the new chairman. Siam Commercial Bank, once again, was one of the lead bankers in the deal.

Perhaps someone on this forum can explain to me these contradictions. Where does the palace really stand vis a vis Thaksin the Terrible?

Scuba22

30-01-06, 11:22 AM

I certainly can't comment on the politics of the palace, except to say that from my understanding, it is not a monolithic entity and different individuals definitely have different interests and ideas. Try googling some key words in your query, along with "FEER" (Far Eastern Economic Review), which had the most open comment about this and promptly got in trouble for it.

I can say that it is NOT correct to equate "the palace" with "the Crown Property Bureau", or either with "Siam Commercial Bank" - there is certainly a relationship between the three, but it they are NOT the same thing.

The CPB is an investment vehicle similar to a private equity fund and even though it is owned by the palace, it is managed by professionals and is well-respected by the business community. You don't hear of major political interference in its affairs - that's not to say that there is none, just that for the most part, decisions are made for rational business reasons- especially regarding the two jewels SCB & Siam Cement.

Similarly, both SCB and Siam Cement are professionally managed businesses making their own day-to-day business decisions. As a major shareholder, of course CPB has a say in their direction and governance, but it's not their place to micro-manage individual business decisions like who should get a loan and who shouldn't. For a deal this size, clearly you need major shareholder blessing, and surely the political implications need to be considered in the risk analysis, but in the end, the deal needs to make economic sense. Similar to CPB, SCB does enjoy a good business reputation for making rational decisions.

Also realize that at the end of the day, it is not insitutions who make decisions, but individuals within those institutions; and individuals do consider what other individuals they're dealing with, not just numbers and charts. At the most senior levels, the world is very very small - the heads of the CPB, SCB, Siam Cement, Temasek, SingTel, AIS, as well as various advisors and investment banks all know each other personally and have definite views of who they like to work with and who they prefer not to work with. It is a small group, but each is making his/her own decisions, it's not a conspiratorial cabal running the region!

Cheers,

Scuba22

RAMPAGE

30-01-06, 04:01 PM

Thank you for an articulate and well-thought out reply. I am a newcomer to this forum and can only hope there are many more members as erudite as you.

Scuba22

30-01-06, 05:37 PM

Well, thank you! :)

ncr

31-01-06, 12:11 AM

Where does the palace really stand vis a vis Thaksin the Terrible?:p :p :p What a nice new sobriquet for the Great Leader!

Parinand

31-01-06, 10:02 AM

History of the Crown Property Bureau
(http://www.crownproperty.or.th/profile.htm)

The Crown Property Bureau was founded by the Crown Property Organization Act, B.E.2479 (C.E.1936), and granted the status of a legal entity in 1948.
The Act provides for a 5-member Crown Property Board with the Minister of Finance as the ex-officio chairman. The rest of the board members are appointed by the monarch. One of the four appointed members is to be appointed the Director of the Crown Property Bureau.

aaa

18-02-06, 03:32 AM

ทรัพย์สินส่วนมหากษัตริย์ คือ""อำนาจ """แต่ สายการบังคับบัญชาที่ ไกลขึ้น อำนาจมันก็จางลง และสิ่งสักสิทธิ คงไม่กล้า""ทะเล่อทะล่า""กระมัง

aaa

18-02-06, 03:39 AM

การทำธุรกิจของเครือทรัพย์สิน ไม่ได้ตั้งอยู่บนจริยธรรมเสมอไป ถ้าสังเกตดู ก็จะเห็น

Scuba22

22-02-06, 11:23 PM

Many apologies for my linguistic deficiencies: would someone mind translating "aaa"'s comments into English?

Thank you - Scuba22

Wisarut

22-02-06, 11:42 PM

Nai AAA Said:

Crown Property Bureau sometimes engages in Shady Deals in Grey area in controversies ... such as

1) the Controversial project on central World (Central Pattana vs. Slum Dwellers behidn Wat Prathum Wanaram)

2) the controversial Soi Loedrit Development Project

3) the rent collecting on the buildings or land belonged to Crown Property Bureau

4) the Most Controversial of all deals -. Shin Crop Megasale at 73.3 Billion Baht. :eek:

Scuba22

23-02-06, 08:08 AM

Thanks Wiz! - Scuba 22

verathai

01-03-06, 02:27 PM

It is sad to hear this. The children born from former consort, Mom Sujarinee are 4 boys and one girl who is now with the prince (HRH Siriwanwaree). The boys, nobody has ever heard of again, the eldest one must be almost 30 by now. Deep in my heart, I ahve always wondered what they are doing and how they are. Once you were seated side by side with your father in public events, treated as a prince, school named after. Now turned into forgotten sons. They must be suffering painfully if they see the news of this newborn prince from the new consort. I still cannot imagine why and how they could have been abandoned. You could divorce yoru wife, but the kids??? Someome's just sent me the photos of this former family to me today and I found it so sad. Princes Somsawali is truly an angel, she is still serving the country when she should have had her own life but no, she is still doing something good to the society. She is the Prince first counsin, the marriage was an arranged marriage. I stil wonder why Princess Bhajarakitiyabha, her daughter abandoned her and moved to live with the Prince. The painfully heartbleeding mother who raised her from birth. SAD :(

Wisarut

01-03-06, 02:57 PM

Most of Boys from Mom Sujarinee are DEAD by Tsunami alogn with Khun Phoom. There is one who has been ordained into Buddhist Novices though.
Well thsoe boys are out of favor since they side with Mom Sujarinee ...

verathai

16-03-06, 12:03 PM

I just wish that the Royal Household does the same thing as the English Royal Household. Who married who, who divorced who, come out and announced it officially so people wouldn't have to guess and create rumours and that will make it look better than bad rumours people create about the Royal family. We all love our King and I still think that this should be good to practice.

GWR

22-03-06, 12:09 AM

A Bangkok Post Special which seems to date back to the Royal Barge Procession on November 4th, 1999. Lot of interesting graphics and information on the crewing of the barges:-

http://bangkokpost.net/royalbarge/

http://bangkokpost.net/royalstocks/supan.jpg

ncr

27-04-06, 06:37 PM

http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/04/26/headlines/headlines_30002592.php

As usual, very wise and thoughtful words by His Majesty. At least one person in this country who understands the meaning of democracy. Ironic though that it's the monarch of all persons who has to uphold democratic principles....... :rolleyes:

Also see this (http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/04/26/headlines/headlines_30002571.php)article from The Nation, 26 April 2006:

POLITICAL CRISIS
King: It's a mess

Image: His Majesty the King speaks to Administrative Court judges yesterday at Klai Kangwol Palace in Hua Hin. He rejected calls for royal intervention in the political crisis.

In his strongest political message, His Majesty the King yesterday told the Administrative Court and the Supreme Court to explore all legal solutions to get the country out of the current "political mess", saying that an election that produced a one-party Parliament is undemocratic. The King criticised the Constitution Court for failing to accept complaints about the polls, and ruled out the possibility of a royally appointed prime minister.

"You have the right to say what's appropriate or not," His Majesty told the Administrative Court judges during a Royal audience at Klai Kangwol Palace in Prachuap Khiri Khan. " did not say the government is not good. But as far as I'm concerned, a one-party election is not normal. The one-candidate [situation] is undemocratic. This is about administration. Do your best. You, not the government, have to resign if you cannot do the best of your duty."

The King urged the Administrative Court judges to work with the Supreme Court and the Constitution Court to find solutions to resolve the impending political impasse. His remarks came as the deadline for the new, controversially elected House of Representatives to convene its first session draws extremely near. It remains to be seen if the government, which is said to be planning to submit a royal decree to convene the House, will proceed with the plan. The Constitution requires the House to convene its first session within 30 days of the April 2 general election. Opposition MPs earlier petitioned the Administrative Court to invalidate the election, alleging that the caretaker government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had scheduled the election only 37 days after the House dissolution to give an advantage to candidates from Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai Party. The court rejected the complaints, saying it had no authority to rule on such a matter.

"Without the House of Representatives, there won't be democracy. We have many types of courts and councils, every one of them have to work in unity and find solutions," the King told the judges. His Majesty rejected calls to intervene by exercising Article 7 of the Constitution to name a royally appointed prime minister as demanded in the past few months by the People's Alliance for Democracy, opposition parties and some academics. "Article 7 does not empower the King to make a unilateral decision. It talks about constitutional monarchy but does not give the King power to do anything he wants. If the King made a decision, he would overstep his duty and it would be undemocratic."

[Of course he is correct here, no matter how much you would like him to appoint an independent PM. But in contrast to the politicians in this country, he plays by the rules.]

His Majesty the King referred to his appointment of Prime Minister Sanya Dharmasakti in 1973, saying that his action was democratic because there was still a House of Representatives, House speaker and deputy House speaker to function under the Constitution at the time. "Installing a royally appointed prime minister means appointing the prime minister without any rule. At that time there were rules. Professor Sanya was royally appointed as prime minister and his appointment was then legally countersigned by a deputy House speaker. Go review history."

His Majesty later spoke to Supreme Court judges, emphasising the importance of democracy and that they should work with the Administrative Court to find a solution to the current constitutional crisis since there are now less than 500 MPs. "Now I have suffered a great deal because whatever happened there will always be calls for a royally appointed prime minister. It is not democratic. Go back and read Article 7. This is a wrong citation of Article 7. The article only has two lines; that is, whatever not stated by the Constitution, then should follow the traditional practices. But asking for the royally appointed prime minister is undemocratic. It is irrational, it is a mess.

"People have hope in courts, especially the Supreme Court. Other courts also see that the Supreme Court is honest, rational and knowledgeable because you study law. If the country does not follow the rule of law, it will not survive."

**********

Not quite sure where he sees the solution to the current impasse. However it has to be noted that in the complete speech (http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/04/26/headlines/headlines_30002592.php), he hints at the possibility of nullifying the April 2 election (what would happen after that, by the way?):

[I]"Another point is whether it was right to dissolve the House and call for snap polls within 30 days. There was no debate about this. If it's not right, it must be corrected.

Should the election be nullified? You have the right to say what's appropriate or not. If it's not appropriate, it is not to say the government is not good. But as far as I'm concerned, a oneparty election is not normal. The one candidate situation is undemocratic.

When an election is not democratic, you should look carefully into the administrative issues. I ask you to do the best you can. If you cannot do it, then it should be you who resign, not the government, for failing to do your duty. Carefully review the vows you have made."

admin

15-06-06, 01:38 AM

I am looking for the streaming video (or at least a link to something about) the BBC program on the King.

It was on BBC on a program called "Insight" (although I cannot find a BBC program by that name). It ran Tuesday morning (June 13) at 1:30am and 5:30 am for 30 minutes.

Former US ambassador to Thailand William Itoh spoke on the program as well as some high level Thai police general.

Can anyone find a link to verify this shows exists?

JeremyS

15-06-06, 07:44 AM

Hi -

Insight isn't a BBC program - it's a CNN one - here's the (not very useful) web page for the show:

http://edition.cnn.com/CNNI/Programs/insight/

It would be entirely likely that they had a show on the Thai King - and in fact Google finds the transcript here:

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0606/12/i_ins.00.html

Cheers,

Jeremy

admin

15-06-06, 08:54 AM

Thanks! That's exactly what I was looking for. I should have thought of looking on CNN as well...

Scuba22

19-06-06, 12:14 AM

I must say, not a whole lot of insight in that INSIGHT piece. What can you expect, I suppose. The reporter did ask some interesting questions regarding succession, which the Asia Foundation guy danced around quite amusingly. Amb Itoh was pretty ballsy talking about "competition" between HM and Thaksin - lending credence to the "Finland conspiracy" perhaps?

Thanks for the link!

Scuba22

plum

21-06-06, 10:22 AM

I don't think the majority of Thais (at least in Bangkok) care much about this new boy. It's the media that feed the news to people. :eek:

plum

21-06-06, 10:27 AM

Well, this baby is the First Legitimate Son of Sia Oh who wold beocme the next Crown Prince once Sia Oh has beocme a king though :p :D

The other sons from Mom Sujarinee have become forgotten sons (Bastards)

:D

This is not a polite word to say!

plum

21-06-06, 10:31 AM

Most of Boys from Mom Sujarinee are DEAD by Tsunami alogn with Khun Phoom. There is one who has been ordained into Buddhist Novices though.
.
Do you have any concrete evidence against your claim? If not, it's wiser not to stir and create rumour!

admin

01-07-06, 05:13 PM

An anonymous reader reports: "The Crown Prince's sons to his former wife... are all alive. ...if you would like to do a google search on the family, then type in their adopted surname vivacharawongse or vivacharawongs into a google search engine. You will find that they are all doing very fine."

Wisarut

02-07-06, 12:50 AM

So far, I got the message that Mom Suhjarinee is sellign her house while her son is playing guitar in restaurant .... I think it shold be somethign more than that

GWR

29-10-06, 01:18 AM

Anniversary of royal footprint

The Army will today commemorate the 24th anniversary of His Majesty the King's footprint that was made in the spirit of reconciliation after the communist rebels gave up their arms and returned to the fold.

A plaster cast of the original was made during a royal visit to the 453th Infantry Battalion in this northern province to lift the morale of soldiers and residents.

The 17th Infantry Division of the battalion has built a pavilion to give "the royal footprint of peace" a permanent home. The foundation stone was laid by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on February 27.

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the King's accession to the throne and his 80th birthday next year, the Army and Chiang Rai provincial authorities have erected a monument to the brave and will install the royal footprint in it today.

The monument honours the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the civil war against the communist insurgents in the 1960s-80s.

The Army will install the replica of the royal footprint on top of Doi Yod hill in Muang district and open the area to the public, as it is easier to access than the camp.

His Majesty travelled widely in the war zone to support soldiers and locals in the struggle with the communists.

Peace was restored in 1982.

Kunlaphun Siripimamporn

The Nation

Chiang Rai

http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=6

TGunner

02-03-07, 10:31 AM

What an interesting article that was. :eek: It was kind of eye opening for me....but at the same time I can't say that I believe in everything written in that article. Very interesting nonetheless. :cool:

GWR

02-03-07, 11:00 AM

Also featured Frontpage today. From the Asia Sentinel website: -

http://asiasentinel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=402&Itemid=32

Wisarut

02-03-07, 11:41 AM

This case of Royal Crown Property Bureau hjas been mentioned by Ajarn Sulak SIvalak (Staunch Royalist) as well as Fah Diaw Kan Magazine (Thai left wing magazine) though ... :eek:

northcliffe

02-03-07, 05:02 PM

For those that have been reading Gnarly Kitty's Blog of her Great Grandfather FM Thanom's recent funeral ... her comments on the royal motorcade:

"...I better not risk my existence in the blogosphere by posting the videos of the Queen and the Princess but I can post these. The awesome Royal Rides and the Royal Poop Vehicle aka Porta Potty for the royalty. By the way, ร. ย. ล. means รถยนต์หลวง on the royal vehicle license plate."

1) a pretty bold comment on the "Poop Vehicle" isn't it? Rather close to the bone. People get accused of lesse majeste for almost nothing but this is verging on .... what? I don't know.

2) "ร. ย. ล. means รถยนต์หลวง" (rot yon luang). I once commented to a Thai friend after seeing a รยล that it could be read as "royal". He then said, that this was in fact true and had something to do with R5's era and this was a double hidden meaning but he knew no more than that. Can anyone enlighten me on this?

GWR

02-03-07, 08:45 PM

Princess Sirinthorn has a luxury camper van. I'm just wondering if it acquired a nickname because folks sometimes retire to it for a while for reasons other than camping.

http://bp1.blogger.com/_bX-4S5C2U9I/ReRH8XAGwxI/AAAAAAAAARc/kcTYsCWopcI/s200/DSC01517.JPG

FarangBha

03-03-07, 11:28 PM

Seems some people finally starting to talk about the big Taboo - links appreciated.

Nekochan

04-03-07, 02:20 AM

There are on-going heated debates concerning what has been prohibited by Thai law in Prachatai website. Those debates are in Thai only. And it is very unfortunate no one has ever tried to translate into English.

The number of such debates is increasing dramatically after Sep 19.

Some comments are comparisons between Thailand and foreign countires (i.e. UK). But most are pure bashing!

There are good jokes poking fun of "sufficient economy".

There is also an unofficial translation of TKNS (or The King Never Smiles) by an unknown Thai on the website. It vanished rapidly.:o

I think the public discontent is growing. Changes will come whatever they will be. I can only hope they are good ones.

FarangBha

04-03-07, 10:29 AM

Well at least there is this forum that helps bring some of the info to light for us farangs who give a shit (alot don't, and alot grandstand about the little they think they know)...

jpatokal

04-03-07, 04:06 PM

Baton Rouge

05-03-07, 01:18 AM

Think you might also be interested in the latest Chang Noi column then!

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/05/opinion/opinion_30028470.php

TGunner

05-03-07, 09:35 AM

Out of interest, what parts do you have problems believing in?

The parts about connections with Thaksin and the Prince were all kind of murky to me. The author also struck me as a pro-Thaksin kind of person. Actually this part gave me the most doubts about the whole article. He also said the king "has adeptly crafted an image of a loving father who always has the country’s best interests at heart" while offered nothing to contrast except all the allegedly dodgy dealings by CPB. To be honest, had the author not come off as a pro-Thaksin and anti-monarch to me, I would have been sold on everything written in the article.

I could be more specific...but I'm a bit too lazy right to do so now.

TGunner

05-03-07, 09:43 AM

Think you might also be interested in the latest Chang Noi column then!

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/05/opinion/opinion_30028470.php

A nice thought-provoking article.

admin

05-03-07, 10:14 AM

A few thoughts:

Soi Luenrit is intact. I am not aware of any shophouses that were removed.

The Mahakan Fort community is still there. Nothing more has been removed since the small park in the north of the site was opened in 2004.

While there are plenty of interesting factoids in the article, I'm not sure if main crux of the article is correct. The CPB is regularly and vigorous criticized (this may not be apparent by only reading the English-language press). The suggestion that lese majeste laws somehow prevent criticism of the CPB is absurd. All its recent development moves have been openly and vocally challenged and right at the grass-roots level. The idea that "so little has been written about the Crown Property Bureau" and that they are protected somehow seems like an assumption a farang would make.

This kind of article seems "Googlized"--as if all the facts were gleaned from Google searches and patched together.

TGunner

05-03-07, 10:31 AM

FarangBha

09-04-07, 02:52 PM

Apparently theres an ad on tv showing a tourist asking about the yellow shirts and the guy in all the pictures, both in english and thai.

Anyone got a link??

tonyruamjai

11-04-07, 06:16 PM

Hi,

Recently, a Swiss tourist damaged Thai King picture in Chiang Mai. We are very angry to see! To promote "long live the King" and King Bhumipol's 80th birthday,
I launched the "Keep the Thai Majesty King!" page yesterday and available online!

Please visit www.tonieartcity.com/special/thaiking.html (http://www.tonieartcity.com/special/thaiking.html)

If you like this article, please download our .doc form or sponsor us!

Furthermore, I need who are living in Thailand or other countries with proficient written Thai to help me to translate in Thai version. Deadline will be on April 16, 2007.

E-mail: tonachk@yahoo.com.hk or tonie357@yahoo.com.hk
I am glad to seek your support!

Many thanks
Tonie (tonieartcity.com)

GWR

21-04-07, 12:40 AM

King's new aircraft arrives, with 'Air Force One' in reserve

The "Air Force One" that served then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is now a spare aircraft for His Majesty the King.

His Majesty's new personal aircraft is a Boeing 737-800, which left Seattle, Washington, on Sunday and landed at 11.30am yesterday, after making refuelling stops in Hawaii and Saipan.

"Air Force One", an Airbus ACJ319, carries the official name "Thai Khu Fa", from the building inside the Government House compound. The name will be removed and replaced by "Royal Thai Air Force". The plane will also be repainted in traditional livery, white on the fuselage with light and dark blue stripes from nose to tail.

A Boeing 737-400, which currently serves as the King's aircraft, will be decommissioned in three years after 13 years in operation, Air Force spokesman Group Captain Monthol Satchukorn said.

The Air Force has another Airbus, a 319-300 model, to use as His Majesty's spare plane. Both Airbuses are available for members of the immediate royal family.

The Boeing 737-800 was produced exclusively by the American manufacturer to honour His Majesty's 60th year on the throne.

Boeing was chosen as the supplier because Air Force pilots and maintenance crews are thoroughly familiar with Boeing airliners.

The new 737-800's passenger cabin will be decorated by artists from the Fine Arts Department and fitted with emergency medical equipment and a noise-reduction system.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/04/21/national/national_30032343.php

admin

09-05-07, 08:22 AM

On Monday, May 7, 2007 at about 4:30 pm there seemed to be some kind of royal ceremony on the expressway (GoogleEarth Placemark - http://www.2bangkok.com/07/Ceremony on the expressway - May 7, 2007.kmz). About 30 cars were parked on the expressway near Victory Monument and about 60 people from the various armed forces were standing at attention. Anyone know what this was for?

GWR

09-06-07, 12:50 AM

08 June 2007
HM the King’s song will be commencing playing TOMORROW
The Prime Minister’s Office is inviting people from all corners of Thailand to jointly sing a song entitled “Father of the Land” or “POH KHONG PHAN DIN (พ่อของแผ่นดิน)” accessible on www.opm.go.th/identity as to honor His Majesty the king on the occasion of his Majesty’s accession to the throne on June 9th.

The Office of Prime Minister revealed that the song will be played Nationwide TOMORROW at 09.00 a.m. and will be continuously aired in public places to encourage people to learn the song.

His Majesty assumed his kingship on June 9th in 1946. His Majesty succeeded the Siam throne from his elder brother, King ANANDA MAHIDOL. He has become the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history as well as in the modern world.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255006080054

GWR

12-06-07, 11:23 PM

(Agencies) - Chronicles and pronouncements of His Majesty the King are to go online this year to mark his 80th birthday.

There will be more than 60,000 searchable pages on the 61-year reign, the longest of any living monarch. The archives will be mainly in Thai, but with English in some parts.

The free site will include speeches, photographs and official documents related to the King, Her Majesty the Queen and other royal family members dating back as far as 1934 and including this year, said Rungruang Limchoopatipa, an official of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology.

The ministry is cooperating with the Office of the Principal Private Secretary to create the digital royal archives.

His Majesty – a musician, artist and sailor – is also a computer buff, having used information technology in his numerous aid projects.

Link may expire:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=119405

Bernie

13-06-07, 01:20 AM

This is a wonderful idea and should be applauded. What a treasure for historians! I hope the bureaucrats will resist the temptation to tweak the contents. But certainly HM has had a fascinating life and led Thailand through some of the most difficult times in its history. Gives me further impetus to continue studying the Thai language!

Another treasure trove would be the notebooks that HRH Prathep has with her constantly. I hope her insights and thoughts will likewise be made public some day.

Bernie

Wisarut

13-06-07, 10:49 AM

Hmmm They decided to rerstore the cinema/photographic films taken by Royal cameramen (or even His Majesty Himself) by the agency other thaan National Film Archive (http://www.nfat.org) :rolleyes:

GWR

20-08-07, 11:05 PM

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/20/p1news/images/30045791-01.jpg
[Photo: The Nation]
HM the Queen presides over a ceremony to launch their new aircraft on Monday. Accompanying the Queen was Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. The Queen left Bangkok for a palace in Narathiwat province.

Boeing 737-800s cost approx. USD$ 70.5 - 79.0 million. This plane is reported to have cost USD$74 million or 3 billion baht. The plane was outfitted by Greenpoint Technologies who provide "VIP interior completions". Recent Thai TV channel footage shows that the plane is very lavishly fitted out.

Royal Thai Air Force 55-555 HS-TYS:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/65483667@N00/463637049/
[Linked Photo: Rick Schlamp]
Delivery flight to Honolulu
737-800
Boeing Field - Seattle, WA
April 17, 2007

GWR

23-08-07, 03:08 PM

Khun Tongdaeng is alive and well : HM the King
HM the King said that his favorite dog, Khun Tongdaeng, is still alive and well.

The King expressed surprises at a widespread rumour that Khun Tongdaeng, is dead.

"How can some people say that (Khun Tongdaeng) is dead. She is now nine-year old and still alive and well. She usually walks after me," HM the King was quoted by Thai-language Matichon..

HM the King said that Khun Tongdaeng has a pure Thai blood but her children did not.

"Her children have African blood. Her husband is still well. By nature, her husband will not bark but now he can bark in Thai as Khun Tonglang (another King's dog) taught him," the King joked.

The King was speaking as he granted an audience with a group of senior bankers and representatives of business associations on Wednesday.

The group reported HM the King about studies and research on the production and development of Chai Pattana Machines.

Tongdaeng celebrates a year of royal treatment for canines across the Kingdom with an afternoon of hydrotherapy (June 3, 2006)
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/23/headlines/headlines_30046188.php

BangkokPundit

23-08-07, 06:42 PM

http://www.thairath.com/offline.php?section=hotnews&content=58436

โอกาสเดียวกันพระบาทสมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัว ทรงเล่าถึงคุณทองแดง สุนัขทรงเลี้ยง ด้วยพระอารมณ์ขันว่า คุณทองแดงยังมีชีวิตอยู่ ทองแดงนี่ไม่ได้เป็นอะไรอายุ 5 ขวบ มีคนเขาลือว่าทองแดงตายแล้ว ตายได้ยังไงมันเดินตาม ถ้าโคลนนิ่งแล้วไม่ต้องมีหลานเหลน เลี้ยงจะแย่แล้วหลานเหลน ทองแดงนี่เป็นคนไทยแท้ ส่วนลูกไม่ใช่คนไทยแท้ เป็นอเมริกันเป็นลูกไอ้กัน สามีเขาก็ยังอยู่

Thai Rath says American. The Nation reports that Matichon says African. Thai Rath says 5 years old. The Nation reports that Matichon says 9. Can't they even report HM's words correctly!

Wisarut

14-10-07, 09:15 PM

Mom Ratchawongse Kittiwatthana Pokmontri (nee Chaiyan) who used said she had a dream that she had seen Kign Anadamahidol looked very sad ... King Anadhamahidol told Mom Ratchawongse Kittiwatthana in hte dream that:

Thai people in this generation no longer remember him

Therefore, she had to write the emmoir abotu Kign Anadamahidopl ... wwith the title as "Korn thee ja Luen hai Pai" (before faded Away) ...

Mom Ratchawongse Kittiwatthana said she had seen a comet at night of may 1946, ... a bad omen in the same way as Halley Comet in 1910. ... and the demise of His Majesty has been told as "accident' but FEW popel did believe that official announcement .... they believed in assasination instead. ... Not amoutn of the eveident to support the offcial announcement woudl sway them from thinking otherwise.

http://www.thaipost.net/index.asp?bk=tabloid&post_date=14/Oct/2550&news_id=149591&cat_id=220400

GWR

20-10-07, 04:52 PM

HM the King and his elder sister are both rather unwell at present:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=2815

Govt to start preparations for HM birthday celebrations next week: PM

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said government agencies concerned will hold a meeting next week to begin preparations for holding the 80-year-old birthday celebrations for His Majesty the King.

Speaking during a TV programme aired on Channel 11 Saturday, the meeting would focus on royal rites related to the celebrations, which have already won royal approval.

The meeting would also discuss other events to be held as part of the grand celebrations, he said.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30053202

Related thread on the old movie "The King of the White Elephants":
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=17811#post17811

GWR

03-11-07, 05:12 PM

:confused: Photo-op here! Someone like to take a picture of these rafts, so we can figure out how they stop the flow of rubbish - but don't stop the flow of river-traffic:

Round rafts installed to block weeds during Royal Barge Procession

The Bangkok Governor, Mr. Apirak Kosayodhin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน), monitors the installation of round rafts along the banks of Chao Phraya River to block garbage and weeds during the Royal Barge Procession. The procession will be held to celebrate the 80th Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on December 5th this year.

The governor and executives from the Department of Drainage and Sewerage travel to monitor the installation of round rafts at the Rama VII Bridge. The group has also boarded a boat to collect garbage and weeds from the Rama VII Bridge to the Rama I Bridge.

Mr. Apirak says the rafts are 360 meters long in total and they can prevent weeds from entering the area of the Royal Barge Procession scheduled on November 5th. In addition, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has prepared 90 boats for collecting garbage in Chao Phraya River.

The Bangkok Governor calls on residents living along the riverbanks to avoid dropping waste materials in the river. He also encourages people to wear yellow shirts and erect national flags at their residences to honor His Majesty the King.

Mr. Apirak says the BMA will inform people of traffic closures during the ceremony to help them avoid the closed roads.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter05
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255011030012

GWR

05-11-07, 10:14 AM

Amid concern, a Royal Barge procession

BangkokPost.com, Agencies
There will be colour and song on the Chao Phraya River along the Bangkok waterfront today, as the Royal Barges launch a month of celebrations for the 80th birthday of His Majesty the King.

Fifty-two longtail boats manned by 2,200 oarsmen, guardsmen, drummers and singers resplendent in brightly coloured tunics will sail in formation through the heart of the Thai capital, on their way to Wat Arun, the temple of dawn.

Traditionally, the Thai king takes his place on the century-old royal barge Suphannahongse, or "Golden Swan", to deliver robes to monks in a ceremony marking the end of Buddhist Lent.

But government officials said that the monarch will not be attending the outing of the Royal Barges, and had assigned His Royal Highest Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to go in his place.

Celebrations for the king's birthday on December 5 come amid worries for the king's health. He is currently in a Bangkok hospital after falling ill with irregular blood flow in the brain in mid-October.

The Royal Household Bureau has said that the king is regaining strength each day - news welcomed throughout the country, as well as along the banks of the Chao Phraya as participants readied for Monday's procession.

Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=123292

GWR

05-11-07, 02:04 PM

TRADITION / 16TH PROCESSION

Roads, river to be closed for the royal barges

A section of the Chao Phraya river and some major downtown roads will be closed to traffic today for the royal barge procession.

Pol Maj-Gen Phanu Kerdlarppol, the deputy Metropolitan Police chief, said river traffic would be halted between the Somdej Prachao Krung Thonburi bridge and the King Rama I memorial bridge from noon until 8pm.

No vehicles would be allowed on the Rama VIII and Somdej Phra Pinklao bridges for a 20-minute period from 3.40pm while the royal barges pass underneath.

Both bridges would be off limits to pedestrians for an hour from 3pm.

About 80 policemen would be deployed to help traffic in the area.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who is representing His Majesty the King at the spectacle, will board the barge Suphannahongse for the royal kathin ceremony at the Temple of Dawn.

He is scheduled to arrive at the Wasukri pier at 3.30pm and the barge will reach the temple about 4.15pm.

The procession will involve a fleet of 52 traditional barges, four of which are major royal barges. A total of 2,098 naval officers will serve as oarsmen.

Members of the public can watch the spectacle, the 16th during His Majesty's reign, through a live television broadcast or from designated viewing points arranged along that stretch of the river. Spectators are advised to travel by public transport due to limited parking space.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will provide free up-close seats for viewers at two riverside spots _ the space beneath Rama VIII bridge on the Thon Buri side and Santichaiprakarn Park on Phra Athit road.

Bangkok deputy governor Banasopit Mekvichai said the area could accommodate only a limited number of viewers.

Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=123291

See also old photograph of the ceremony Frontpage today:
http://www.2bangkok.com
And article with photographs in The Nation:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/10/30/headlines/headlines_30054312.php

GWR

05-11-07, 11:41 PM

See also three previous posts:

Regal Parade
Published on November 6, 2007

Nothing on the Chao Phya River is more stunning than a procession of royal barges.

Thousands of yellow-clad Thais flocked to both sides of the river yesterday to witness 52 barges - including four royal ones - participating in the Royal Kathin Ceremony.

The procession, involving 2,098 men, was one of the highlights of this year's celebrations for His Majesty the King, who has reigned for 60 years and will be 80 years old on December 5.

The procession started from Vasukri Pier at Sam Sen and concluded at Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn.

On the Suphannahongse Royal Barge was HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who took part in the procession on behalf of His Majesty the King.

As the procession moved past Siriraj Hospital, where His Majesty and his elder sister HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana are receiving medical treatment, every barge paid respect to the revered royal members.

The Crown Prince's royal consort Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasmi, his daughters HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana and HRH Princess Bajra Kitiyabha, and his son HRH Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti watched the procession from the Royal Thai Naval Institute.

In order to get the best view, members of the public began taking up places along the river in the early afternoon. Some of the most popular spots included Pin Khlao Bridge, Suan Santichaiprakarn and the bank under the Rama VIII Bridge.

"This is my second royal barge procession. I have brought along all of my family to witness this grand event. After this, we plan to visit Siriraj Hospital to offer our good wishes to His Majesty," said Thongmee from Angthong province.

"I wanted to see the real thing instead of watching on TV. I intended to watch from Wat Arun but I couldn't get there because it was blocked. So I decided to come over here," said 71-year-old Samai Simthin, who went by herself to Pin Khlao Bridge to view the procession.

Jacques Myers, accompanied by his wife Barbara, was so delighted to get a glimpse of the royal barge procession that his eyes welled with tears.

"It's so beautiful and so powerful," Myers said.

He and his wife visited the riverside Siriraj Hospital to sign get-well messages for His Majesty yesterday and quickly bought tickets for seats on the riverbank in the hospital's compound. Each of the limited seats cost Bt100.

For hundreds of years, Thai kings have taken part in royal barge processions for the Royal Kathin Ceremony, Coronation ceremonies or pilgrimages to important religious sites. The Ayutthayan kings journeyed by barge from Ayutthaya to the Shrine of the Lord Buddha's Footprint in Saraburi as part of the Royal Kathin Ceremony.

According to the Rama IX Art Museum, King Boromtrailokanat of Ayutthaya made decrees on the use of the royal barges. During the 11th lunar month, a race was to be held between two of the major barges - "Samatthachai", the king's barge, and "Kraisonramuk", which was used by the queen. A victory by the queen's barge would signify fertility and abundance, but if the king's barge won, the populace could expect hardship and famine. Thus, in the actual event, the "Samatthachai" normally yielded to the "Kraisonramuk".

King Naresuan the Great, the warrior king who liberated Ayutthaya from Burmese rule, was believed to have travelled to southern Burma in a royal barge procession. His "Suphannahongse" barge set off bearing a golden Buddha image that contained a holy relic enshrined under the name "Phra Phichai" - "the Buddha of Victory".

The front part of the battle formation followed the royal barge. When King Naresuan led his forces to counter a Burmese force led by the viceroy of that country, a naval battle formation led by the "Suphannahongse" carrying the Buddha of Victory was again in the lead.

In the 17th century, King Narai the Great of Ayutthaya made several river journeys in royal barge processions arranged in the four-line "Phet Phuang" configuration. The royal barge was at the centre of a formation that consisted of more than 100 other barges.

An account by Nicholas Gervaise, a French envoy to the court of King Narai, describes the stunning spectacle of a royal barge procession of over 200 vessels. The barges, in pairs, were propelled by well-trained oarsmen attired in red with hoods, arm-bands and knee-bands that flashed with gold. The oars, also gilded, were raised and lowered simultaneously with choreographed precision. Each time the oars touched the water, a traditional boat song, praising the king's majesty and power, was chanted to provide the necessary rhythm.

One classic example of such a song was composed by Prince Thammathibet during the late Ayutthaya Period. Its verses describe the character, beauty and uniqueness of the royal barges in procession, and it has served as a model for boat songs composed during the centuries since.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/11/06/headlines/headlines_30055048.php

GWR

07-11-07, 12:04 PM

HM the King leaves Siriraj Hospital
HM the King leaves Siriraj Hospital after receiving medial treatment for weak legs 26 days ago.

Dressed in pink suit, HM the King pays respect to statue of Princess Mother before leaving the hospital.

At first, HM the King sit in a wheelchair. Later he stood up and walked with helper to his car.

A lot of Thai subjects clad in yellow shirts or t-shirts occupied the ground at the hospital waiting to see HM the King leave the hospital.

The Metropolitan Police Bureau deployed 250 policemen to keep security along the route that His Majesty takes back to the Palace.

Her Majesty the Queen went to the hospital at 10:45 am to accompany His Majesty back to the Palace.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30055200

Wisarut

07-11-07, 01:27 PM

More Photo of His Majesty coming out of Siriraj to go back to Chitladda palace

http://www.manager.co.th/QOL/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9500000132089
http://www.manager.co.th/QOL/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9500000132117
http://www.manager.co.th/QOL/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9500000132102

GWR

28-11-07, 12:11 AM

Yellow-top bikers oppose vote buying

Some of the 200 motorcycle taxi drivers wearing yellow crash helmets in a bid to stamp out vote-buying in the December 23 general election.

http://www.phuketgazette.com/newsimages/bull11272007-6125-1.jpg
[Photo: Phuket Gazette]

PHUKET CITY: Phuket Vice-Governor Tri Augkaradacha gave out 200 yellow crash helmets to motorcycle-taxi riders at Phuket Community Hall on Monday November 26.

The color yellow symbolizes devotion to the king and are part of a campaign to discourage vote buying in the upcoming government elections on December 23.

The helmets were donated by Ruam Pong Motor Co Ltd. and are adorned with a sticker that reads “Do good for our nation’s father - do not sell your votes”.

During the ceremony, Vice-Gov Tri said, “About 30,000 people who work in Phuket are registered to lodge postal votes. These people can vote, but will not do so on election day on December 23. They will vote on December 15 and 16. Anybody else who cannot vote on December 23 can cast their ballots at Phuket Community Hall on December 15 and 16 as well.”

Preecha Suekeaw, vice president of the Motorcycle-Taxi Riders’ Association, said, “We will help with this campaign by wearing our helmets to show that we support honesty and are against vote buying.”
http://www.phuketgazette.com/news/index.asp?id=6125

GWR

28-11-07, 11:49 AM

Frenzy of yellow, in honour of the King
Published on November 28, 2007
All Thais are encouraged to wear yellow between December 1 and December 5 in honour of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who celebrates his 80th birthday next Wednesday.

Yellow is the colour associated with His Majesty's birthday.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont yesterday instructed his Cabinet and all government agencies to push for yellow dress over the five days.

"The premier has asked his Cabinet members to wear yellow on all five days, except at events where they are required to wear a uniform or specific formal wear," an informed source at the Government House said.

PM's Office Minister Khunying Dhipavadee Meksa-wan said there would be a series of events marking His Majesty's birthday. On December 1, Surayud will chair the opening of an exhibition in honour of the King at the Impact Muang Thong Thani.

On Dec 2, His Majesty's guards will parade and declare their allegiance to the King. On Dec 3, civil servants will take an oath at Government House in a ceremony chaired by Surayud.

On December 4, the Royal Household Bureau will prepare books for people to sign birthday messages for the King. At 5pm, His Majesty will grant an audience to his well-wishers at the Dusidalai Throne Hall, Chitralada Royal Villa.

On December 5, a procession with holy water will start from Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimol-mangklararm Rajwaramahavi-harn to the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, where His Majesty will grant a public audience at 10.30am. From 6pm to 6.30pm, His Majesty will travel from the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall to the Chitralada Royal Villa where well-wishers will light candles to honour him. The event will be televised.

At 7.19pm, Surayud will lead a ceremony to light candles and express best wishes to His Majesty. At 9pm, there will be a fireworks display between the Rama IX Bridge and the Industrial Ring Road Bridge.

On Dec 7, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will represent His Majesty in a grand party at Government House.

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/11/28/headlines/headlines_30057613.php

GWR

04-12-07, 11:30 PM

Even Tongdaeng turned up in a yellow shirt!: ;) King urges government to spend more

BANGKOK, Dec 4 (TNA) - His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Tuesday emphasised the country's need to boost its spending in light of the strengthened Thai currency.

"Now that the baht is exceedingly strong and the government has plenty of cash, it should spend more. Sufficiency economy means those who have money should spend. There is no need to be stingy," His Majesty said.

The King made his address to Cabinet members, privy councillors and high-ranking officials at Dusidalai Pavilion in Chitralada Palace on the eve of his 80th birthday.

He noted that it might not be appropriate for the present government which has only a few months in office to spend on arms and ammunition but the next government should feel free to do so.

"I raise this issue because we must seriously consider how to purchase arms and munitions which are necessary," the monarch said. "These days the army also must help the people when there are floods."

"You have good ideas; so don't feel inferior. If you want to buy ships, aircraft or tanks, do it," King Bhumibol said.

The King also urged the Thai people to unite, otherwise the country would collapse and "if that happens, many consequences will follow."

Comparing the nation to a body, he said if bones in the body are broken, the person will need to be hospitalised.

"If we are not careful, the country will collapse. If the country collapses, where shall we live?" the King added.

Touching on the construction of dams, King Bhumibol said the issue has always been criticised due to misunderstanding, indicating that a dam must be well managed after it is built.

"In order to operate a project, management is the key," he said. "Everything has to be well managed, be it the project itself or the financial aspects." (TNA)

http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=1636

ROYAL BIRTHDAY MESSAGE
'Spend more, but wisely'
Published on December 5, 2007
Frugality is not so essential to sufficiency, says Thai monarch

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej yesterday urged the country to spend more if it could afford to do so as the royal initiatives on the sufficiency economy do not discourage big spending.

In his 80th birthday speech, His Majesty cited arms procurement as an example, suggesting a particular coastguard ship being planned by the authorities could be too small. He said there should be no optimal size for the ship as that was not the philosophy of the sufficiency economy.

On national reconciliation, he said: "I may look healthy, as I intended to be so, so that I could welcome all of you. However, walking properly is difficult because the two legs are not united.

"The other day, I said the military and civilians all have to unite so that the country could move forward, instead of stumbling. If we do not reconcile, we will be facing a disaster, the consequences of which would be broken bones or hospitalisation for a long period.

Continuing on the spending, he said: "I heard Thailand [with foreign exchange reserves running at more than US$100 billion] has a lot of funds. Based on the sufficiency economy, we should spend, such as buying military aeroplanes, ships or tanks, etc."

"If we do have a lot of funds, but we do not spend, it's not good. The rich should also spend so as to help the have-nots."

However, His Majesty said arms procurement should be left to the next government as the current administration was drawing to a close.

The country needed to consider these spending programmes thoroughly, he added.

At present, the Navy is seeking approval to buy a submarine as part of its multi-billion-baht modernisation programme, while the Air Force and Army are planning to buy Swedish fighter jets and Ukrainian APCs, respectively.

"As for submarines, a Russian one may cost just half the price of a German-made or a US-made one, but if we bought one from Russia, the US, for instance, might be upset. However, Russian submarines are very good," the King said.

"I'm talking about state secrets, but here state secrets are often revealed. While we should buy a submarine from Russia, the Air Force should not buy Russian planes.

"As for the planes from Sweden [the Air Force is planning to buy the Gripen], they might be outdated when delivered in the next two years. The Army is also planning to buy outdated tanks, but Thailand probably cannot use more advanced tanks because they're too heavy for local soil."

On the environment, he said 100-per-cent biogasoline and 100-per-cent biodiesel were now available, with the latter being made from palm oil.

"We can grow palm oil trees and turn them into energy. Vehicles using biodiesel may go a bit slower, but the price is cheaper. It may not be as good as high-speed diesel, but it's economical. We should produce indigenous diesel from crops," he said.

His Majesty noted Thais would be economically better off if the country avoided making "losses" in sales and purchases.

Based on the philosophy of the sufficiency economy, business people should not be profiteers nor make losses.

"The understanding of this philosophy has improved in the past couple of months. We can make a profit, but some economists may think that's odd [or against this philosophy]," he said.

"If we fail, we could also fall into the sea because we're next to the sea. We're told the sea tide is rising due to global warming [lok ron], but now people say it's getting cold, so whom should we believe?

"However, the word ron in Thai means it's really hot and you sweat, and duad ron means you're in trouble. If you're duad (hot-tempered), it's no use as it only causes trouble for others.

"People have complained Thailand is in trouble, so we must be careful. Foreign analysts have also made dire predictions, so we must be united. If not, the ship will sink."

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/12/05/headlines/headlines_30058277.php

The King brings colour to his life
Published on December 5, 2007
His Majesty the King, who understands the public's enthusiastic mimicking of what colour clothes he dons, wears more colourful items these days mainly because he doesn't want to look boring.

"I go in and out [of Siriraj Hospital] and it [my outfit] needs to be changed. If I only wear my uniform, it will be too dull," he said in his annual address to the nation.

Since he checked out of hospital on November 7, the King has worn eight different colours. The day he checked out, he wore a pink blazer and a pink-collar dress shirt.

That sparked another craze, with Thais starting to wear pink to honour their beloved monarch. It was fuelled by the belief that pink was the King's lucky colour.

However, His Majesty said his different outfits were doing nothing more than adding some colour to his life.

"I'm old but I don't want to dress in a boring way," he said.

He said he could wear any colour. "The other day I wore pink and there was excitement, but then I wore green and then red. Red is not my auspicious colour but it is the colour of my mother's, sister's and brother's birthdays [Sunday], so it is okay too. Thongdaeng [the royal dog] was born on a Saturday and the other day I wore purple."

His remark on the more colourful outfits was for the public, if they wondered about the King's recent fashion changes.

His Majesty said half-jokingly, referring to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, that the premier's white uniform could also be boring if he was seen in it all the time.

"The premier could be seen as boring as he wears his uniform all the time but as long as he has done his work, he shouldn't be seen as a boring person. The meaning of the white uniform could be his efficient and clean work."

The King said his attire yesterday - a grey blazer, pink shirt and yellow necktie - was not unattractive: "The necktie has a stylish touch [with the shirt]."

He also mentioned his shirt from Monday - a pastel yellow - saying it was like a light moon shade and the right tone. He felt very bright yellow was not quite right.

"The premier's white uniform is right too, as white is also the colour of the moon."

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/12/05/headlines/headlines_30058276.php

GWR

08-12-07, 08:24 PM

Subway fare reduced for King’s firework show

(BangkokPost.com) - Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) will reduce subway fares Saturday night to a flat rate of 15 baht to persuade people to see the fireworks show marking the celebration of His Majesty the King's 80th birthday anniversary.

MRTA director Prapas Chongsangorn said the reduced fare will begin from 9pm until midnight.

The fireworks will be held at Benjakitti Park, located near Sirikit Convention Centre and Sukhumvit subway stations.

The fireworks performances are expected to begin at 8.30pm.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=124307

GWR

19-12-07, 05:59 PM

19 December 2007
Cabinet invites citizens to continue wearing yellow and pink shirts into coming year
Assistant Spokesman of the Office of the Prime Minister Colonel Prachasan Chanasongkram (ประชาสัณห์ ชนะสงคราม) announced following the weekly Cabinet meeting that as citizens have worn yellow and pink shirts in honor of His Majesty the King’s 80th birthday throughout the year, the Cabinet would like to invite citizens to continue wearing the shirts next year.

Colonel Prachasan stated that the Cabinet saw the act as honorable and would like citizens to continue to wear yellow and pink shirts in celebration of His Majesty the King. The Cabinet invites citizens to wear the shirts at their own discretion and does not consider the matter a decree.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255012180036

GWR

08-01-08, 02:00 PM

Monarchy debate defied traditional Thai deference

A debate on the hitherto taboo subject of the role of the monarchy in Thailand starts behind closed doors Tuesday at Bangkok's Thammasat University, at a time of great political uncertainty and an outpouring of national devotion for the revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The prestigious International Conference on Thai Studies, held every three years, has included several potentially explosive seminars that plainly deal with the role and future of the palace in Thai society - a discussion that normally only takes place privately in Thailand for fear of legal and social sanction.

The boldest - in Thai terms - discussion could take place when a panel of foreign and Thai professors debate the merits of a generally hostile and highly controversial recent biography of King Bhumibol, The King Never Smiles, that is banned in Thailand.

The book views the monarchy as an anachronism. The author, a former correspondent for the Far Eastern Economic Review, trashes the king's life to the extent of criticising his painting and saxophone playing.

The American author of the book, Paul Handley, who may never again be allowed into Thailand, will nevertheless present a paper about the powerful Privy Council at the conference, read in absentia by the chair.

The role of the Privy Council in Thailand is delicate because its chief, retired general and former prime minister Prem Tinsulanonda, is thought by many Thai analysts to be the main instigator behind a September 2006 coup that ousted controversial prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Another presentation will consider abolishing the century-old lese majeste laws that are used to squash debate about the role of monarchy and have frequently been used as weapons in political squabbles.

These debates will take place over three days during the mourning period of the king's respected elder sister Princess Galayani, who died last week, reminding the nation that the late princess's brother is also an increasingly frail 80 years old.

The king is widely seen in Thailand as having played a vital restraining, correcting role for most of the time since his coronation in 1950. His son and heir, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, is said by analysts to have little of his father's popularity, experience or dedication in the eyes of ordinary Thais.

This extraordinary examination of the role of the monarchy comes after some foreign academics proposed last year a boycott of the conference if its organisers rejected any papers that grappled with Thailand's contemporary political problems, alluding to a military and older elite contending for power with a ruthless and allegedly corrupt former telecommunications tycoon Thaksin.

This year's conference is officially themed around transnationalism and the erosion of borders in the modern world. Chris Baker, a Thai-based historian, wrote recently of the conference "One border that may be swept away is the thick black line between what can be said inside the country, and what already is being said outside it."

The boycott call appears to have fizzled out and popular Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is scheduled to open the conference. All participants have been requested to wear black in memory of Princess Galayani. dpa

Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=124954

Online debate on this debate at New Mandala:
http://rspas.anu.edu.au/rmap/newmandala/2008/01/08/time-for-academic-frankness/

Stephen Cleary

08-01-08, 03:46 PM

Can you believe this? And Paul Handley is to present a paper. Quite unbelievable! Anyone know how to get tickets/invitation to this?

Asia-Pacific News

Groundbreaking monarchy debate defies traditional Thai deference

Jan 8, 2008, 6:06 GMT

[Mod: Text of this article is the same as in the last post, so I thought it best to merge the threads and delete the main text here.]

Source: http://news.monstersandcritics.com/asiapacific/news/article_1385235.php/Groundbreaking_monarchy_debate_defies_traditional_ Thai_deference

mdechgan

08-01-08, 05:31 PM

Is this debate legal?
A lot of people talking behind closed doors about royalty?
I don't think the monarchy would approve of this.
I wouldn't be surprised if many people are arrested if they have any ideas or thoughts that people in higher places won't approve of.

I know many people that were arrested for saying some things about the monarchy in a taxi, only for the taxi driver to drive the passenger to a police station. Many of these taxi drivers are informants for various agencies.

Stephen Cleary

09-01-08, 02:42 PM

In response to Mdechgan. I can't seriously see anyone getting arrested here! In fact, debate has to be allowed, otherwise a lot of the academics would have boycotted it. (See Ron's excellent link to New Mandala above). Also, Paul Handley ought to turn up and face the fire, he can't be arrested of course, as his book 'doesn't exist'. And even if he was, there would be such an international outcry, that he would have to be released anyway!

I think Thailand is slowly opening up and Thais themselves have admitted that to me. Just a couple of months ago, i was totally amazed when i saw the Thai language book 'Khadee Prawathisat Lorp Palangphrachon' (The Historical Case of The Murder of King Rama VIII) listed as a Top 20 bestseller down at my local book store, i bought a copy.

I don't think, Mdechgan, you can state that the monarchy wouldn't agree, as even HM himself said a while back that he doesn't believe that he should be above criticism.

Can i say something about those recently closed website forums Fah Diew Kan? Folk on the Internet have been complaining that all they did was 'discuss', well, let me say that wasn't the complete truth. I was on there a few times and read innumerable comments that were completely malice and defamatory. I don't feel sorry for them, as they should have hired at least a couple of moderators, no comments were ever deleted on that site. If there was no lese-majeste applicable, the site could have been closed down anyway for breaking another law - defamation, could even call it blasphemy. In fact, i noticed that a lot of the posters at Fah Diew Kan where the same folk posting at formerly jailed blogger's Phra Phichai forums. The two sites promoted each other.

Of course, i don't believe in Draconian lese-majeste laws, but i would like those who have never read forums such as Fah Diew Kan to understand that a lot of these folk posting are not having 'a simple discussion'. Can you remember all the folk who expressed their shock and anger when Phichai and Giyotin were arrested? Even Prachatai were on their case straight away. Friends of Giyotin claimed she only 'discussed'. Are they being serious? honestly? She could simply have been arrested for pornography!..... and she was..

I agree that discussion should be promoted, but i would like to see that disgruntled Thai youths (many of whom studied abroad) who have a loud opinion, express their views in a sensible manner, and not in a style which resembles that of YouTubers. Otherwise, their arrogant manner is not gonna help change the views of royalists.
Finally, i hope that Jon Ungpakorn, Prachatai and the folk at FACT (Freedom Against Censorship Thailand) get to read this.

Wisarut

09-01-08, 03:05 PM

I think Thailand is slowly opening up and Thais themselves have admitted that to me. Just a couple of months ago, i was totally amazed when i saw the Thai language book 'Khadee Prawathisat Lorp Palangphrachon' (The Historical Case of The Murder of King Rama VIII) listed as a Top 20 bestseller down at my local book store, i bought a copy.

I have that book in my hand alogn with "Before Faded Away" ... These 2 books are about the Assasination of King Anadamahidol and the aftermath ... and 'Khadee Prawathisat Lorp Palangphrachon' is the detailedd explanation og the eyewithenss acount recorded by the author of "Before Faded Away".

Can i say something about those recently closed website forums Fah Diew Kan? Folk on the Internet have been complaining that all they did was 'discuss', well, let me say that wasn't the complete truth. I was on there a few times and read innumerable comments that were completely malice and defamatory. I don't feel sorry for them, as they should have hired at least a couple of moderators, no comments were ever deleted on that site. If there was no lese-majeste applicable, the site could have been closed down anyway for breaking another law - defamation, could even call it blasphemy. In fact, i noticed that a lot of the posters at Fah Diew Kan where the same folk posting at formerly jailed blogger's Phra Phichai forums. The two sites promoted each other.

Of course, i don't believe in Draconian lese-majeste laws, but i would like those who have never read forums such as Fah Diew Kan to understand that a lot of these folk posting are not having 'a simple discussion'. Can you remember all the folk who expressed their shock and anger when Phichai and Giyotin were arrested? Even Prachatai were on their case straight away. Friends of Giyotin claimed she only 'discussed'. Are they being serious? honestly? She could simply have been arrested for pornography!..... and she was..

I agree that discussion should be promoted, but i would like to see that disgruntled Thai youths (many of whom studied abroad) who have a loud opinion, express their views in a sensible manner, and not in a style which resembles that of YouTubers. Otherwise, their arrogant manner is not gonna help change the views of royalists.
Finally, i hope that Jon Ungpakorn, Prachatai and the folk at FACT (Freedom Against Censorship Thailand) get to read this.

This is one of many ways which Thai netters have acted with total lack of MATURITY and RESPONBSIBILITY ... They have to Pay Heavy Price in prison cells for their IMMATURITY and IRRESPONBSIBILITY.

Parinand

10-01-08, 03:53 PM

If Thailand claims to be an open society, it must allow open academic discussion on important issues related to the monarchy. Banning or interfering the forum will bring bad reputation to our country. However, the participants must touch on this subject reasonably and responsibly.

GWR

11-01-08, 03:30 PM

Conference link that also asks conference-goers to wear black for the current royal funeral arrangements:

http://www.thaiconference.tu.ac.th

To bypass the 'wear black' splashsheet:
http://www.thaiconference.tu.ac.th/index1.html

Post on a B.J. Terwiel article that seems to have arisen from this conference:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=19214#post19214

Conference schedule:
http://www.thaiconference.tu.ac.th/program.html

THAI STUDIES / INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Princess: Outsiders' views useful

SANITSUDA EKACHAI & ACHARA ASHAYAGACHAT

Academic research and diverse views on Thailand supplied by foreign scholars help Thai society see itself more objectively, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn said yesterday.

''As outsiders, they can see us from afar more clearly because we ourselves are too close to the subject,'' the Princess said while addressing some 500 academics at the opening of an international conference on Thai Studies at Thammasat University.

A wide range of topics and papers will be presented and discussed over the three-day conference, including the ''sufficiency economy'', censorship, the southern violence, Buddhism, sexuality, gender inequality and the monarchy.

In the seminar yesterday, academics lashed out at the inapplicability and irrelevance of the sufficiency economy concept in Thailand, saying the promotion of the principle was a political manoeuvre of the coup-installed government and Thailand's elite.

One of the critics, Peter Bell from the State University of New York at Purchase said the principle was not a coherent and viable economic theory. The United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) recommendation for other countries to apply the approach was not relevant, he added.

''The concept is simply a strong critique of Thai capitalist development. It comes with a sense of anti-globalisation in light of the financial crisis in 1997,'' Mr Bell said.

Andrew Walker of the Australian National University's Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, said the sufficiency economy had become an ideological tool used by the elite to take the pressure off them to address any serious redistribution of income or resources.

HRH Princess Sirindhorn said Thai scholars should conduct their own local research to compare notes with foreign academics' work because better understanding can help the country solve its problems more effectively.

Prof Charles Keyes, a respected anthropologist at the University of Washington, traced the changes of Thailand over the past 40 years in his keynote speech.

He said that Thai villagers had left the sufficiency economy behind to unequivocally embrace the global capitalist system, but their economic decisions, aspirations and life choices remain significantly tempered by the Buddhist teachings based on moderation and self-reliance.

Piriya Krairiksh, an art historian, said that although research on Thailand has shifted from the hands of amateurs a century ago to professional academics, their common aim to create a ''united, free and good'' Thailand remains elusive.

Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/100108_News/10Jan2008_news04.php

There does appear to be a message in the above - that HRH Princess Sirindhorn, as a joint sovereign, might well try to preside over a more 'open' system. The big 'if' in that is, of course, the temperament of her brother and how much he has been influenced by charismatic others (bearing in mind the current clash of two charismatic titans/ogres).

Wisarut

11-01-08, 05:20 PM

Even Comrades from Mainland China have comparedThai Monarchy the monarchy in hte neogibor countries that

He felt very SHcoked when he knew that Princess Kalayaniwatthana passedd away! - Thai Monarchy system is SO in touch and has active interactions with their subject that the comrades would NOT dare to suport the overthrow of the system depsite of theri anti-Class nature

King Sihanuk was active outside the country ... so much that the Cambodian people pointed out that he did not have active interaction with his subjects - rendering the Monachy system irrelevent ...

Lao Monarchy also did not have active interaction with theri subject, so it was overthown ... depite of the good nature of King Savangvatthana and other members of Lao royal family ...

The author has prointed out that if Monarchy did not have continuing active interaction with theri people, they would become irrelevent institute. Even worse, if the individual within Royal family has very bad behaviors, it will IGNITE the wave of revolution ... Look what happened to Emperor of Qin Dynasty and Czar Nicolas II and Czarina of Imperial Russia as a few good examples of Bad Monarchy ...

This should be a wanting to Thai Monarchy to keep in touch with their subjects as well as a warnign tho tose who want to establish the New Capitalist Dynasty through Peresidential SYstem .... :eek:

http://www.manager.co.th/Daily/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000003166

Nekochan

12-01-08, 02:23 AM

When it comes to the time to discuss about Thai monarchy, it does. I often visit Prachatai and the Same Sky and only find increasing topics about Thai monarchy after Sep 19. Based on my judgement, they range from very moderate to extreme ones (very obnoxious, of course). But as they are operated under the law (I do not khow much about this), that should be allowed.

Prachatai has been very quiet since the arrest of Pichai and Ton Chan. They were later released with bail. Since lese majeste' is so universal that it can be intrepreted into...anything, they were not actually pressed charges. (I am not sure)

The nature of the lese majeste' law allows a person to be charged by a third party (actually by anyone) who claims a person made such offence to the monarchy. This becomes a political tool to oppress free speech. Thaksin and CDR did use the same tool and was very effective.

I agree to one thing published in Asia Sentinel lately that Thai monarchy is not truely "institutionised". I presume they meant it depended on personal charisma which person was subjected to natural changes (Could I be more specific?). Therefore, it will be a tough job ahead for the successor whether he (or she) will be.

Paul Handley made a right move by staying in the US. His appearence in Thailand will make everything more complicated. OK! it has been really complicated in this country for the last few years!

GWR

12-01-08, 06:50 PM

Academics Hail Freedom That Comes With Conformism

Beautiful minds from across the globe joined together in Bangkok this week to deconstruct the Socratic method and discuss taboo subjects like vote buying.

BANGKOK - The world’s sharpest brains converged in Thailand this week to hail the country’s post-centennial conformism as liberating its population from independent thought.

“Socrates once said, ‘The highest form of Human Excellence is to question oneself and others.’ But he was also a farang from Europe who was put to death,” Dr Julius Tupp, Distinguished Professor of Anthropology at Sydney Community College in Australia, said in a keynote address at the annual Thai Studies Conference this week.

“A thorough deconstructive analysis of the cultural imposition of such values as freedom of thought finds that looks can be deceiving,” said the professor. “For instance, what thoughts are we really free from? Is freedom really free, or will we then simply become slaves of freedom?”

Attendees at the three-day conference were encouraged to wear the same clothes as an expression of the newfound freedom from freedom of thought. It encouraged participants to resist concepts learned from years of Western liberal indoctrination and embrace new ideas that go against the grain of rational thought.

“Some may laugh if everyone wears the same shirt every day. But I like it; one less thing to think about so I can free up my mind to think about the things I really want to think about,” said Dr Tupp, who recently finished the acclaimed piece “Playing on the beach in Hua Hin: A postmodern analysis of the evolution in the relationship between human beings and sand.”

The academic conference has attracted special attention this year due to several panels that focused on the taboo subject of evil politicians who buy votes from poor people in Isan. This controversial subject is frequently the topic of discussion on web boards, but most people are scared to speak about it publicly due to strict laws that prohibit speaking about the subject. It’s the first time this subject has come to light in an academic setting, and some are hoping the increased scrutiny of politicians will finally allow the common man to see just how these individuals attempt to hold on to power.

“We’re just proud to be speaking about bad politicians and vote buying in public for the first time,” said a professor, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. “Isan people need to know once and for all that they can’t just sell their votes to scummy politicians. I’m glad this message will finally get out there.”

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30062039 (http://www.notthenation.com/pages/news/getnews.php?id=340)

Stephen Cleary

14-01-08, 01:28 PM

Police watch Thai Studies Conference

13-01-08

The 10th triennial Thai Studies Conference, held at Thammasat University January 9-11, was themed “Thai Studies in a Tranationalized World”. 619 academics from dozens of countries attended 105 panels, including a keynote speech by HRH Princess Mahachakri Sirindhorn, over the three days.

More than 100 FACT signers were among the Conference participants as well as making up the core of several panels so it was an excellent opportunity to plan and network against censorship. FACT stickers and CD-ROMs, “Beat the Censors–Unblock ICT!” were made available for free throughout the Conference. There was much fruitful discussion about censorship versus academic freedom, banned books, Internet blocking, film censorship and our role and responsibilities as academics, scholars and intellectuals for fighting censorship to enable freedom of information and knowledge within the greater society.

Book sale tables dominated the entrance to TU’s Dome Building including recently-censored Same Sky Books (Fah Diew Kan). FACT t-shirts were for sale at the Fah Diew Kan table.

Some panels related specifically to the issue of censorship in Thailand. “Truth, the Unreal and Censorship” concerned itself with film censorship and FACT signer Chalida Uabumrungjit, director of the Free Thai Cinema Movement and Thai Film Foundation was one of the panellists.

“Free Media and the Democratization of Mass Communications” was chaired by FACT signer Dr. Ubonrat Siriyuvasak of Chulalongkorn University and its panellists included FACT signer Dr. Pirongrong Ramasoota Rananand, Dean of Chula’s Journalism Department and former FACT coordinator, media activist Supinya Klangnarong, chair of the Campaign for Popular Media Reform and a lecturer at Mahidol University. Perhaps the most memorable quote from this panel was Ajarn Pirongrong: “Free speech is speechless in Thailand.”

For the first time, panels were held discussing the Thai monarchy, a topic which has been firmly rejected when proposed to previous Conferences. Many Thai and foreign journalists were in attendance.

The three panels were grouped into “The Monarchy, Lese Majeste, and One Book”, organised by FACT signer Dr. Thongchai Winichakul of the University of Wisconsin and had indisputably the highest numbers of participants..

The first session, titled “The Accessories of the Monarchy as an Institution” included a fascinating, if circumspect by necessity, examination of the Crown Property Bureau after the 1997 economic crisis by Dr. Porphant Ouyyanont of Sukhothai Thammathirat University; a look at the cult following of Thai citizens venerating the fifth Chakri king, King Chulalongkorn, and Thailand’s present monarch by Dr. Irene Stengs of the Meertens Institute in The Netherlands; and a paper written by Paul Handley, author of The King Never Smiles on the development of the Privy Council to the modern day. Of course, Mr. Handley is persona non grata in Thailand due to accusations of lese majeste which led to the banning of his book in Thailand before its publication and his paper was read by the chair.

Special Branch officers of the Royal Thai Police requested attendance from the Conference organisers and this panel was the first one they attended. Perhaps they thought they might catch Paul Handley!

The second panel in the monarchy series concerned “The Lese Majeste Law: How It Works and How It Fails”. Its first paper by Dr. Somchai Preechasilpakul of Chiangmai University and Dr. David Streckfuss of the University of Wisconsin concerned the misuse and abuse of the law and gave consideration to its abolition by comparison to similar laws in other monarchies.

FACT signer and reporter for The Nation, Pravit Rojanaphruk then discussed “Lese Majeste Law and the Thai Print Media” in the context of the Rodolf Jufer case last year. Using this case as a springboard, discussion was generated about Thai culture of self-censorship, patriotism and the taboo for any public critical discussion of the monarchy. Khun Pravit mentioned that his editors had put pressure on him even several days previously for writing about the closing of Fah Diew Kan’s website over alleged lese majeste.

The final panel, “Critical Comments on Paul Handley’s The King Never Smiles”, chaired by Dr. Michael Herzfeld of Harvard University, was far and away the best-attended panel of the entire Conference. 350-400 people were accommodated in one lecture hall, a separate room, the hallway, the stairs and another lecture hall upstairs to which the panel was televised. At least three Special Branch police officers were also in attendance.

FACT signer and Midnight University founder, Dr. Nithi Eoseewong, discussed the impact of the book on Thai society as the first biography of King Bhumiphol to be published. FACT signer Dr. Craig Reynolds of the Australian National University spoke about the book’s critical intellectual commentary. Dr. Annette Hamilton of the University of New South Wales commented that freedom of speech does not deny loyalty and love for the King. Only Dr. Kobkua Suwannathat-Pian of Malaysia’s Universiti Perguruan Sultan Idris seemed restrained in the lively discussion and many questions from the floor.

The book, its successes and failings, were critically examined during this panel. It is undeniable that The King Never Smiles is a valuable contribution to scholarship on Thailand and opens up a field of enquiry long closed by law and by social convention.

It is at least partly due to the book’s publication that panels on the monarchy were held during the Thai Studies Conference. Perhaps discussion of this vital part of Thai life will be expanded during the next Conference three years from now, to be held at Mahidol University.

The real question is, why have a police presence at an academic conference. The Conference is hardly a hotbed of revolution and includes distinguished academics from around the world. Did they expect us to be intimidated? Did the police find what they were looking for?

CJ Hinke / Freedom Against Censorship Thailand (FACT)

http://facthai.wordpress.com/2008/01/13/police-watch-thai-studies-conference/

Stephen Cleary

14-01-08, 01:36 PM

FACT also mention that Paul Handley has been afforded 'persona non grata'.

According to an interview though with Handley over at New Mandela last September, he himself doesn't know whether or not he has been blacklisted. Does anyone have any evidence that Handley is blacklisted? I mean we have read it on several occasions before but i haven't seen any proof.

The same goes for his book, we have read that it is banned (like FACT says) and we have also read that it is not (as it simply doesn't exist) and the reason you can't buy it is because the bookstores simply won't sell it. Anyone got anything concrete on this?

Stephen Cleary

16-01-08, 04:53 PM

Ron posted on the main page today that Fah Diew Kan is back online.

According to the Fah Diew Kan 'adminstrator', he wrote that they have moved their server abroad and that's why they are back online.

I noticed that their posters are continuing the same discussions before, let's see if they get blocked.

Stephen Cleary

06-02-08, 08:57 PM

I have that book in my hand alogn with "Before Faded Away" ... These 2 books are about the Assasination of King Anadamahidol and the aftermath ... and 'Khadee Prawathisat Lorp Palangphrachon' is the detailedd explanation og the eyewithenss acount recorded by the author of "Before Faded Away".

Extremely surprised to have seen this week that this book has soared up the charts.
It is now the #4 best seller at Se-Ed Books..... Seems like there are a lot more Thais interested in this story than before...

Parinand

07-02-08, 11:34 AM

The death of King Ananda Mahidol, Rama VIII, is still a mystery nowadays.
Noone really knows that the case was a regicide (assassination), suicide, or accident. The trial after the Coup of 1947 was a set-up as it was later revealed by the main witness that he was bribed to give a false testimony in the court. So the execution verdict was a mistake. The main witness, Mr. Tee Srisuwan, confessed in a letter to the late Venerable Panyananda Bhikkhu in 1979 that he was bribed by Phra Pinij Chanakhadi, the chief investigator, to give a false testimony for political reason.

Supoj Dantrakul, Director of the Institute of Social Sciences, wrote a number of interesting books about this case. For example, King Rama VIII's Death Case Investigation Records (2000); Facts about Mr. Pridi and the Royal Death Case; Pridi Banomyong, the Monarchy, and the Royal Death Case (http://www.pridiinstitute.com/autopage/show_page.php?h=12&s_id=5&d_id=8). However, all the books and articles were written in Thai.

The most interesting English book on this subject is the Devil's Discus by Rayne Kruger, which is banned in Thailand. I have read this book at the University of Wisconsin library. I found it pretty interesting although I didn't agree with his conclusion.

Maybe this case should be left in mystery for the time being. Anyone can make his/her own conclusion from existing evidence, but the truth shall never die anyway.

Wisarut

14-02-08, 06:46 PM

Hope that the owner of Sukhthai Palace woudl NOTy block the project of Purple line Subway to City center .... :(

Wisarut

17-02-08, 09:44 PM

The Liar whill keep lying the public as th way for to save theri skin ... even though they cannot high theri own UGLeY past.
http://www.manager.co.th/Daily/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000019888

Ai Maew is amking a fiegn Dead to Fool the public at large

Even though we upset with Ammatayathippatai run by backward bureaucrats, we still keep LYING ourself that the Putocrats like at Maew is the True form of Democracy despite of the evil deeds he had done to the country ...

AI maew and theri cronies will wait until Ai Sam is slipping and they will chop the head of AI Samak for sure ...

http://www.manager.co.th/Daily/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000019768

Wisarut

23-02-08, 09:45 PM

Now, Ekkayut and the gang has made a comment about teh followign Issues:

1. It is Totally SHAMEFUL for thsoe bureaucrats within Ministry of Foreign Affairt to please the New boss with odd eyes by returngin a diplomat Passort to Ai Maew and Potjamarn ... HJow cvan they Betray His Majesty by returng such an important docuemnt to the fugitive?

Ai Samak who has become unrulied pupet ... sio Ai maew has to go back to cotnrol him ... however, Ai Samk has began to shown once he got a chance to be reinvigorate, he 'll the stamina from stubborness that STUN and SHOCK Ai maew and thsoe Communists within PPP ... by goign to the market and talki with those petty merchants in the way of the old and humble common man ... which Ai maew could Never Imitate ... and then Ai Samak and Ai Chaloem dared to play with FIRE on the 6 October 1976 Political Purge issue ...

No wonder, the Hi Thaksin web runned by Newin and the Soutehrn Isan comrades was flamign Ai Chaloem and then Ai Samak ... and AI Liab (the old doctor who has done abortion) has been at odd with the follow comrades within PPP.

Ai Samak better use the Asset Investigation COmmitted for his own advantage by turnign thsoe committeeer to investigate Ee Surakiat and her boyfried (AKA Mr. Suddam fo Thailand) .... who is abotu go retire from mjnistry of Foreign Affairs to work in Privy COuncil as the deputy head of Privy Council ....

Ee Surakiat and her boyfried (AKA Mr. Suddam fo Thailand) have konw abotu the consipiracy in May 2008 which is abotu to brun the Royal Palace into Ash ... so Ai Samak betterr use Ai Nopphadol to intrrogate Ee Surakiat and her boyfried (AKA Mr. Suddam fo Thailand) on the consipracy

http://thaiinsider.info/portal/content/view/6548/23/
http://thaiinsider.info/portal/content/view/6548/23/

Wisarut

23-02-08, 10:59 PM

Arts of Lying tyhe Public
http://www.manager.co.th/Daily/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000021790

Trying to Understand Ee Phen who are atrying manipulater the Media as the way ignite Civil War to Overthrow Consitution Monarxchy as the way to ebw pave for Ai maew to be the first presidetn of Thai Republic :eek:
http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000021737
http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000021792

Wisarut

29-02-08, 11:02 PM

Now, someone has setn a virus People's Republic of Thailand (PRT) to disable you from makign propered exit out of the PC :eek:

Solution for virus B]People's Republic of Thailand (PRT) [/B] can be seen here:

http://km.ra.mahidol.ac.th/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=250

Wisarut

02-03-08, 09:36 PM

Read to Full Scal Amaggedon ... Politicians are bullying governemnt officers who stand on theri way ... a cvealr sign that thsoe political hoodlums are goign to burn down the country ...
http://www.manager.co.th/Daily/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000025762

Power of the Scorndrels to remove the bureaucrats as they please by Pramote Nakhasab
http://www.manager.co.th/Daily/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000025834

Even thogh Managrer Daiuly men never love Ai Samak, He is the only a few chpoice left to counter Ai maew and Communist MD.
http://www.manager.co.th/Daily/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000025653

GWR

11-03-08, 11:47 AM

11 March 2008
HRH Princess Soamsavali presents Her Majesty the Queen with soup

Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsavali traveled yesterday to inspect on the recovery of Her Majesty the Queen at the Red Cross building of Chulalongkorn Hospital. Her Royal Highness made her way to Her Majesty amidst throngs of citizens that had turned up at the hospital to express their concern and support for Her Majesty.

Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsavali presented Her Majesty with a clear mushroom soup as a gesture to bid her a steady recovery. Shortly after Her Royal Highness’ visit the second address of the Bureau of the Royal Household was issued and met with great jubilance from all citizens present at the hospital.

The latest tally of signed names in support of Her Majesty has exceeded 3 thousand with such high profile names as the Prime Minister and his wife.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter01
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255103110005

Which really begs the question as to whether PM Samak prepared one of his special spicy som-tams.

Wisarut

11-03-08, 01:24 PM

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255103110005

Which really begs the question as to whether PM Samak prepared one of his special spicy som-tams.

SInce Her Majesty got Influza, Ai Samak better cooks something suitable for those who catch flu instead :D:rolleyes::cool::) This will please both the Big One and Hermajesty as well as His Majesty ... creating the great armours protecting himself agaisnt PPP men who are about to remove him ...

Wisarut

12-03-08, 11:05 AM

Ai Maew has told FInancial Times on 3 March 2008 that

TS: What [do you] mean by military? Military means the whole group of soldiers. … It [did] not really benefit the military. …Subordinates just [did] whatever their boss said. It depends on the top people – a few of them.

FT: And those who led this coup?

TS: Some have retired; some are about to retire. So they will enjoy their lives with their families.

FT: Do you think the balance of power between civilian politicians and the military has changed as a result of the coup?

TS: No. This constitution [introduced by the military-backed government last year] … has to be changed. Otherwise the respect of the people’s rights is not there. You don’t regard democracy as the people power. …The constitution is like the plan to build a house. Before you build a good house, you have to have a good plan. The good plan should start with the wish of the tenants who are going to live there. You have to ask them, talk to them. What do they want? How many bedrooms? How many bathrooms? En suite or not en suite? You have to talk to them. And secondly, you have to have a professional architect. But this [constitution was not done by] a professional architect. [They wrote] a plan without asking the tenant – the owner of the house.

FT: This constitution does give the military greater power than in the 1997 constitution, when the military was clearly under civilian control, doesn’t it?

TS: If this parliament does not do anything to amend this constitution, I think the whole parliament is not really faithful to their people. They come from them as democracy – they have to amend this constitution.

FT: Are there specific things you think need to be amended?

TS: So many things. .... The major one is the respect of the people’s power. You form a company – shareholders are supposed to have the most power. ... Now the people have less power, the structure is wrong. …Those key people who were involved in drafting the constitution are not the democratic men. When the non-professional architects write a plan without asking the owner, when the house is finished, its not the house that you want to live in.

FT: You say are you are out of politics, and don’t want to be politically active any more. But many Thai voters definitely associate the People’s Power Party with you, and they voted for the PPP because they thought it would be voting for you. So what responsibility do you feel for the successful performance for the PPP government?

TS: If you remember on the day that they dissolved the Thai Rak Thai party (Mr Thaksin’s former ruling party), I wrote a letter to the people, and I urged the former TRT politicians to pack together and continue their political work for the benefit of the country and the people. They did whatever I told them to do. [So]