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Suthichai at The Nation has tweeted this open letter to CNN is เด็ด (really good). The letter quickly spread through Facebook and Twitter. It is a letter by Napas Na Pombejra on Facebook. Let's evaluate the claims:
BP: All details of the government have come from secondary resources? Check this CNN link for an interview with Finance Minister Korn. Click on this CNN link for an interview with Panitan. All within the last couple of days. CNN have shown such interviews repeatedly so don't know how she could have missed it. [UPDATE: Look on the left-hand side of the page on the respective links and you will see Korn and Panitan's face respectively. Click on that and the video will pop up.] On those effected by protest "Battle for downtown Bangkok hits economy". On statements by those effected, CNN:
BP: This link and click on the video of "Thai Residents Living in Chaos", CNN interviews someone who is stuck in the zone and doesn't know where to go. This doesn't count as none. It is three instances in the last 4 days. CNN only does so many stories on Thailand. The letter continues:
BP: Sole civilian casaulty? What about the 34 civilians killed since Thursday? This story quotes Abhisit as stating:
BP: For the other parts, she provides a myraid of links, but not specifically in relation to her accusations of things that CNN is not showing. The letter continues:
BP: It is hard to critique this as she doesn't point to any particular report. You know when you critique someone, you usually quote what you think is wrong with something, but she just asserts something without backing anything she states up. BP: Then below she provides an assortment of evidence without specificially stating or hightlighting how any of the below are better. For example, for the NYT article in (1), does she want CNN to report this:
BP: Obstructing ambulances. This what she accuses the red shirts of doing, but the links she supplies states one instance of the military doing this. Now, perhaps she is right that CNN's coverage is "one-sided, shallow and sensational half-truths", but she does not demonstrate this. Her complaint seems to be about CNN going to the street and seeing the fighting on the ground which is something the foreign media do a much better job of than the Thai media (some exceptions in the Thai media like ThaiPBS and TNN). For example, Bangkok Street Battles. CNN see guys using slingshots. CNN see unarmed people and rescue workers shot. CNN then goes to the army side to see what the army is shooting, you can see the army shooting quite freely. The part that the CNN gets wrong is when they state that two soldiers had died. Only one soldier has been killed. Below is the evidence she includes:
BP: This is getting pointless. Check the rest on your own. If you are going to send videos to a news organization, you should include an explanation for each video and how it is relevant. If you want CNN to show videos from April then CNN should be showing videos of injured reds from back then too, but this is not her point. The rest is below:
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This is Zeze's last note. All of a sudden i feel like I've missed something. There's an odd yearning to do something with my hands, work with it. Some laborious job, like perhaps chores on a ranch, or baking in a bakery. It's like i'm coming to the realization that until you do these things, you haven't yet lived, truly LIVED. Sometimes I wish I could have a simple life...simple, yet fulfilling. God, I dream too much. Perhaps she should head out and do a bit of rice planting for the sufficiency economy in order to reach her goal of a simple life.
The Nation itself have never report it fairly!
The one who wrote this should review & come to a sense of what he wrote "shallow and sensational half-truths" that's what all Thai media including this Nation do to the locals. Spread only half-truths and one-sided. Now they are barking at those who are revealing the rest of the truths that the locals never report. Shame on them!
Shame on you. How can you blame CNN? The Nation is really bias and try to incite military to killed people.
Wow she even put The Nation in there, now the CNN should know what kind of people they are dealing with.
Are you Dan Rivers or what? bp: how does that relate to the analysis?
Well done BP. A thorough taking apart of an ill-considered and boorish letter. Given that CNN's BKK resources are limited they have done a decent job. I dont see much to call between the BBC, Al-Jazeera and CNN. Kristie Lu Stout gave Panitan a thorough grilling on World Report this afternoon.
I've often thought Dan R is sometimes too easy on the Government. He often states a fact and then qualifies it as, " I have only seen myself, In this area XYZ. But ...." Which I guess is the correct thing to do in reality. As far as CNN reporting goes... bp: this is a blog about Thai politics so keep to CNN's coverage on that subject
Very useful analysis. But even if CNN's coverage is not biased, it is invariably shallow and sensational. Even worse it is poorly written. Surely CNN could do better. There are are a lot of good journalists out there just aching for a chance to prove themselves.
NEITHER RED NOR YELLOW I started the day slating the sloppiness and sensationalism of the international press, but have finished it reading a spin off Napas Na Pombejra's note that I was sent by email. bp: provide a link is better
I checked the first link, it's not an interview with Korn. The second link also not an interview with Panitan. Are you too rush too publish this article? bp: Look on the left-hand side of the page on the respective links and you will see Korn and Panitan's face respectively. Click on that and the video will pop up
It's a shame how quick this letter has spread through social media amongst Thais. Coincidently, the same group of people who feel the government isn't cracking down hard enough. Thanks for the analysis and clear response. I'll be mass-forwarding links to this post.
Thank you BP for going to the trouble to present a balanced view on this. As soon as I saw the anti-Rivers tweets I was wishing I had the time to go through all the evidence to the contrary that the authors were conveniently forgetting. The same goes for this 'open letter' which is full of unsubstantiated assertions, and a highly selective and subjective choice of supporting 'evidence'. As ever your blog is a key source of reliable information and objective thinking that can be relied upon when I'm away from Thailand.
If anything, it would be nice for a report to put the conflict in a bit more perspective. Living near but not in the conflict zone (Suanplu), it is striking how localized the violence is. The article linked from BP's recent post points out that the LA riots were in most respects far more violent and dangerous to residents than the conflict in Bangkok. The violence should not be ignored, but again placed in perspective. A statistic I would like to see is total violent crime (i.e. including this conflict) for 2010 in Bangkok vs. Detroit.
CNN or not, all news agencies are all biased (either intentionally or not). But CNN has a bigger potential to steer the international feelings towards the current crisis. I get my sources directly from many journalists, the observing eyes and ears of the story, and maybe the rest of the world should. But then we would all know that CNN is conveniently a flip of a remote button away. PS: I respect the girl's effort and we should all hold to this attitude.
From first BP: You liked to this article in CNN's website. http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05/13/thailand.anti-government.protests/?hpt=T2 Where was Finance Minister Korn as you tried to claim interviewed in that article? And for this link: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05/15/thailand.scene.sidner/ Where was Panitan that you claim interviewed in that article again? bp: Look on the left-hand side of the page on the respective links and you will see Korn and Panitan's face respectively. Click on that and the video will pop up Thank you.
No mention of the media censorship by the Thai Government. They can't have it both ways.
Nation is the slave of government. Can't trust at all.
Thank you so much for this. The Thai facebook world is going crazy raving about this note, which is obviously just as one-sided as she perceives CNN to be. Hypocrisy at its best. By the way, she's known to come from an elite family of politicians. Of course she's going to be vehemently anti-red.
Thank you so much for this. The Thai facebook world is going crazy raving about this note, which is obviously just as one-sided as she perceives CNN to be. Hypocrisy at its best. By the way, she's known to come from an elite family of politicians. Of course she's going to be vehemently anti-red.
she is rite!!! you just have nothing else to do except be a critic. FAIL!
I really want to see your face, BP. Why are you hiding? Show your face and your real name please. If a person believe to do the right thing, not paid to do so, You should be very proud of yourself. On the contrary, if you paid to do something to cause the more troubles like all the red shirts, you should be very ashamed of yourself and very disgrace to your family. When someone paid to kill people, killing soldier, burning buildings, use women and child as shield, they are called terrorists or in Thai's way believed to be a lower species than animal even animal love their offspring. In your case, you are using your pen to support this terrorists act indirectly, you are also have the part in this horrible act.
Each side has their own "truth narrative" which can't be altered no matter what you show, say, or explain. Each side has real truths, half-truths, and down right lies. Herein lies the problem. Each side incessantly looks for incidents (micro-events) to blame the other and exonerate themselves. CRES can say whatever it wants but nobody in the red camp is listening nor cares. Likewise the government supporters don't listen or care about what is said on the red stage. Everyone keeps wasting their time and energy blaming each other, meanwhile people are killed and the country sinks. Thailand has made its own bed and now must sleep in it. I've voiced my opinion many times that the only way out is a grand compromise with all actors, which would include an agreement on the political rules of the game. This is the reality of the situation but the leaders have their own plan and agenda. As an aside, the Democrats are in a deadly trap now. They can't lose power because if they do then you can expect the reds to seek retribution. From red thinking, if the Democrats can imprison, freeze assets, kill protester/terrorist (whatever fits your narrative), and shut down media, etc.--then it will be very tempting to for the reds to do the same if they win power. The red shirts may show restraint, anything is possible, but I wouldn't beat on it--remember where you live. Most worrisome is that future governments will spend the majority of their time defending against mobs, engaging in legal vendettas, and fighting past battles rather than focusing on governing the present.
I think she should start sending her educated letter to BBC and ITV UK as well. As far as I have followed the news from those news agents. they try to show two sides of the situation and yes, some of pictures and interviews were coming from Red Side. Moreover, I find that news' comments quite hit the point and I bet she may be angry to read or see most of the news. I don't know what she has heard. All I know, the government attempts to twist the information and make Thai people hating each other. How and Why? Does she comment on the closing of 200 websites? well, she should see this as an significant fact and start asking questions...If people in Thailand can see everything correctly. Why the government has to shut everything down then? Why the gov has tried to delete clips that show violent caused by soldiers. I have seen many clips but they are deleted...Why?? Bias?? Not include the government have tried to repeat the clips that red shirts were trying to fight back..I see only three or four but the government has repeated in 100 times!! why then??? Why the government is so happy to accuse Red Shirts in everything?? Is that the real act of government?? creating hatred among people..well done!! Unless you got her on your side!! One question to her...where were you when the yellow came out and CNN reported news that Yellow shirts were not that bad and not terrorists?? why did you write to CNN like this?? Ping Pong!!! she was in the mob!! C'mon!! If you can access her FB, you can see pictures and comments. She is Thai, I accept this mere fact but I wont believe that she is impartial since she has involved yellow activities. (Girl, I spotted you swear on the red shirts on your status. Buffaloes?? stupid?? Prove yourself on this fact before starting teaching non-bias theory to other!!) Ta!! PS I am Thai! My English is not that good like her but I cant sit still and read fairly tales!!
Not only her who feel like this. I and other millions Thai people feel the same. Such a shame for the writer of BP and Andrew.
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_xg0l6-oHY From video you see protester red shirts who stay in the red area, (if you have ever pass that area, you will know it is soi saphan khu, from a lot of news and point of view, you must know soldier area will be on left of video) Why you do not know the black hood guy is a red shirt guy? If he is a soldier or unknown terrorist, why protester do not escape from him? This psychological reaction prove they are the same group. 4. http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=4hmSPbugDAA&feature=related How do you know your link is real M79? Are you a expert weapon? http://is.gd/cdyoD and http://is.gd/cdyri are M79. What is the code name of the both? If you cannot answer, you should ask someone who can classify it for you.
I think BBC has the most extensive coverage.
Yes i can post comments woohoo
I think your analysis is right and very convincing. However, what i think about the western media is the attitude about Asia. So let admit that both sides shares the responsibility of this tragic. However, It can not deny that plot 'sells' -- innocent people fighting for democracy being cracked down by ruthless oppressors-- is really matter in this business. Culturally, western mindset also disadventages military and sympatize with innocent people who fight with authority. To my dear western media, this mindset must be adjusted in Thailand where conflicts triggered by the nexus of power, class, economic and so on. So please bare in your mind before saying anything because what you said and penned are also used as a tool from both sides. Now we see that both govt and RED are wrong; Govt used violence unneccesarily, in the same way, RED are not really peaceful protesters as you have thought. There are many clips proves well that how bad both sides are. As international news, I'm honestly asking you to balance both sides. Background of conflict must be mentioned while you are reporting. Please realize that your news coverage not only just telling what exactly happen but also bring about something that can be better and worse in situation in Thailand. PS: One more thing, please read about Thai culture like Thai name or Nickname. Dan Rivers made me laugh while he reporting Seh Deang means the Commander of RED. Actually, Deang, which literally means red, is his nickname, Seh is military title. Many Thai have Deang as their nickname. So please have cultural awareness and make sure what you say is right.
Not, it's not biased, just facile, like listening to a kindergarten teacher, or a first time Phuket tourist trying to describe what they see. BBC, Jazeera better, more informative, more news-focused rather than CNN Big-Drama-PLus-Soothing-Soft-Touch. Why does it always feel like Entertainment Tonight?
In the land of hypocricy, those in power feed twisted, one-sided facts to its people. Just like before. It's a huge gamble. Do or die. And they can kill thousands, if necessary, to survive. Thanks CNN and BP for not letting this happen.
Just curious pundit, what has motivated you to leap to Mr River’s and Ms Snider’s defences at 2AM and within hours of Napas Na Pombejra’s letter coming to your attention? bp: Says the person who comments appear at 5a.m. (actually 4am bkk time). This post went up just before 1am. Had something to say then so said it. Given that you concede ‘perhaps she is right [that CNN's coverage is "one-sided, shallow and sensational half-truths"]’ and make no effort to establish anything to the contrary (beyond your extensive demonstration of the author’s failure to substantiate her claims), would I be wrong to assume that this is something personal? bp: Nothing personal. Don't know either Dan or the writer of the open letter. Had heard repeated criticism of CNN over the last 4 days along the lines of CNN is biased without anyone saying how or how. So when this piece started circulating last night, wrote a response to it. The writer of the open letter purports something. It is up to her to prove her thesis. If not, that is a great shame, as there is quite definitely no shortage of very poor/slanted reporting coming from established western media vendors. Given that there are such articles in widespread circulation, and that they are contributing to an, at best, distorted representation of current events in Bangkok. Would such articles not be more worthy targets for your critical zeal than an open letter venting one individual’s frustration? bp: If was of the opinion they were wrong then yes. Lest I get the same treatment as Khun Pombejra, let me give you a clear example: the recent “Terror in Thailand” piece in LIFE.com (incidentally a partner of CNN) which can be found at http://www.life.com/image/99303502/in-gallery/42562/terror-in-thailand Slide 13 - Broken Promises, contains the commentary “Just last week, the Thai government came close to an agreement with the opposition which would result in new elections in the coming months. But after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva shelved a plan for November elections, protesters refused to leave their base in Bangkok's financial district, leading to increased tensions. The government subsequently launched an operation to disperse the protesters who have shut down much of the city for two months.” This text strongly suggests that the ‘broken promise’ of the title was the Prime Minister’s and that it was he who caused (his own) peaceful compromise to falter. This is hardly an accurate representation of the facts. Later, it is stated that “The government subsequently launched an operation to disperse the protesters”, this is incorrect. bp: Well, wouldn't have phrased it the same way as that caption and think you have a point. Slide 16 : Aim and Fire, contains a photo of soldiers, quite clearly, firing into the air yet is captioned “Thai security forces shoot at anti-government Red Shirt protesters…”! bp: This appears to be a caption problem as searching for this caption shows it is from another Getty image which appears to be in the same series showing the guns pointed horizontally. Personally, I find it difficult to believe that the slant these inaccuracies give to the over-all piece can be attributed solely to the incompetency of the writer/editor. Khun Pombejra may not have made a strong case for her claims, but I doubt the western media is deserving of such an eager and fearsome champion as yourself.
Just curious pundit, what has motivated you to leap to Mr River’s and Ms Snider’s defences at 2AM and within hours of Napas Na Pombejra’s letter coming to your attention? Given that you concede ‘perhaps she is right [that CNN's coverage is "one-sided, shallow and sensational half-truths"]’ and make no effort to establish anything to the contrary (beyond your extensive demonstration of the author’s failure to substantiate her claims), would I be wrong to assume that this is something personal? If not, that is a great shame, as there is quite definitely no shortage of very poor/slanted reporting coming from established western media vendors. Given that there are such articles in widespread circulation, and that they are contributing to an, at best, distorted representation of current events in Bangkok. Would such articles not be more worthy targets for your critical zeal than an open letter venting one individual’s frustration? Lest I get the same treatment as Khun Pombejra, let me give you a clear example: the recent “Terror in Thailand” piece in LIFE.com (incidentally a partner of CNN) which can be found at http://www.life.com/image/99303502/in-gallery/42562/terror-in-thailand Slide 13 - Broken Promises, contains the commentary “Just last week, the Thai government came close to an agreement with the opposition which would result in new elections in the coming months. But after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva shelved a plan for November elections, protesters refused to leave their base in Bangkok's financial district, leading to increased tensions. The government subsequently launched an operation to disperse the protesters who have shut down much of the city for two months.” This text strongly suggests that the ‘broken promise’ of the title was the Prime Minister’s and that it was he who caused (his own) peaceful compromise to falter. This is hardly an accurate representation of the facts. Later, it is stated that “The government subsequently launched an operation to disperse the protesters”, this is incorrect. Slide 16 : Aim and Fire, contains a photo of soldiers, quite clearly, firing into the air yet is captioned “Thai security forces shoot at anti-government Red Shirt protesters…”! Personally, I find it difficult to believe that the slant these inaccuracies give to the over-all piece can be attributed solely to the incompetency of the writer/editor. Khun Pombejra may not have made a strong case for her claims, but I doubt the western media is deserving of such an eager and fearsome champion as yourself.
You know when you have a small heart, and being bias yourself, you will never be able accept other people's perspective of view, So when you hear someone talking about stuff you don't like, deny deny deny....the story is bias bias bias,,, that's what you are going to blah blah blah... with angry. To make it clear, almost Thai regardless educated or not, all are the same, that's their trait "being bias", they don't like bad story about themselves or about something or someones they like or being side with. Well that's not just Thai though. So when an outsider say something about them, when they don't like it, what we get is ... the westerner don't understand a thing about Thailand...or they are bias. isn't it what we have heard many times for the last 4 years. For Thai, if you live in Bangkok, you will have perception that all people in Bangkok think the same as you about politic, then sometime you write stuff like you are a representative for the whole group of people. I've seen many Thais are like that. To Thai, if they hate something, they hate to the core, it doesn't matter what happen, their perception will hardly change. To short it out, they have a pre-perception of thing going around them, like in Politic, If they believe the government is good and the red is bad, they will never buy in any negative news about the govt, they will embrace the positive news only, that is the same for those who are on red side.
In the land of hypocricy, those in power feed twisted, one-sided facts to its people to justify and even incite mass killings, just like the 6th October 1976 massacre. The differences between these two situations are : children of "peasant scouts" who participated in beating the hell out of the students in Thammasat University are now the Red Shirt themselves, and quick, online international news coverage. Thanks CNN and BP for not letting this happen again.
I do not believe this open letter is meant to be taken as an attack on CNN in general, but rather written as a response to an earlier article put out by Dan Rivers and Sarah Snider. I was not able to find it mentioned or linked to in her letter, but I believe that this is the article: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05/15/thailand.anti-government.protests/index.html?iref=allsearch If you were to read this article and then read her letter, you would see that critiques and accusations against CNN do have a valid point. bp: so we have a quote from the PM and Panitan in this article? With all that being said, I currently do not reside in Thailand, but still keep up with the news and what's going on. And unfortunately, I find that most articles I read are, in a large part, written by misinformed journalist, and in a few cases, those who are biased and trying to push an agenda. As a whole, the majority of Western journalist reporting on Thailand do have a habit of sensationalizing the most recent events and fail to take into consideration the entire story of Thailand's recent political instability (I would say beginning with the events leading up to the 2006 coup). Due to this, and the lack of cultural mistranslation that can occur, I would say most Western media sources are misinformed and just plain unaware of the complexities of this situation and how far back it goes. And unfortunately, this shows in the work they produce and just adds to the confusion and misinformation surrounding the issue. Anybody can stand in the back and be an anonymous critic. It takes real courage to stand up for an issue when you see an injustice and attach your name to it, so kudos to Napas for that
I do not believe this open letter is meant to be taken as an attack on CNN in general, but rather written as a response to an earlier article put out by Dan Rivers and Sarah Snider. I was not able to find it mentioned or linked to in her letter, but I believe that this is the article: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05/15/thailand.anti-government.protests/index.html?iref=allsearch If you were to read this article and then read her letter, you would see that critiques and accusations against CNN do have a valid point. With all that being said, I currently do not reside in Thailand, but still keep up with the news and what's going on. And unfortunately, I find that most articles I read are, in a large part, written by misinformed journalist, and in a few cases, those who are biased and trying to push an agenda. As a whole, the majority of Western journalist reporting on Thailand do have a habit of sensationalizing the most recent events and fail to take into consideration the entire story of Thailand's recent political instability (I would say beginning with the events leading up to the 2006 coup). Due to this, and the lack of cultural mistranslation that can occur, I would say most Western media sources are misinformed and just plain unaware of the complexities of this situation and how far back it goes. And unfortunately, this shows in the work they produce and just adds to the confusion and misinformation surrounding the issue. Anybody can stand in the back and be an anonymous critic. It takes real courage to stand up for an issue when you see an injustice and attach your name to it, so kudos to Napas for that
It seems pathetic doing analysis on an open letter, rather than on CNN's journalsts work.
Suthichai at Nation has always been on the yellow side. So does Nation. It was funny though, because when yellows seized the Airport, Abhisit told Government to dissolve....
The only way that internationa media remain unbiased and just in this girl's point of view is to report anything that shows and emphasizes how the Red-shirted people are inhumane, violent, stupid and etc...Or simply repeatedly saying that the Reds are the real terrorists just like the Thai Government has claimed. Oh...also heavily and solely interviewing the government representatives and the soldiers how the Reds have been treated and handled with 'rubber' bullets. Basically, international media, please report according to what the Thai government wants and go with the flow with the rest of Thai media. That way, you will prove to be unbiased indeed...Period
Why this girl is not questioning Thai media ethics? Does she really think that Thai media is not biased?? Have they proved to us all that they handle their journalism code of conducts with integrity and ethics without being controled and put heavy censorship on by the Thai government? Her letter merely reflects nothing more than the biased perspective and hatred she has towards those who go against the government and who do not wear the 'same' color of the shirt she is wearing...God bless Thailand
As usual, the real complaint of the person who wrote this letter is that the international media is not sufficiently one-sided. This quote is the most revealing of the mindset of these people: "Silom incident of April 24, 2010, thereby resulting in the sole civilian casualty?" She obviously knows of the 50+ other civilian deaths, but in her mind these people do not count as persons. Animals, maybe, or 3/5 of a man or something. The fact that Nation "journalists" are promoting this letter is not for the purpose of discrediting CNN. It is simply a dog whistle that signals to some of their readers that they, like this woman, are delighted that the government is finally putting these horrible people in their place.
Cracking response 'Open letter to Foreign Journalists who have not yet been Shot.': http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=124092547616782&topic=96
why would CNN be biased while they don't get any benefit except risking their lives in the war zone? and Thai news such as "The Nation"? of course they report for the government, which gives them the most benefit, unless they want to be closed down just like the red channel and be tagged as "terrorists" or "spread false news" without any solid evidence other then some pictures/videos which you could intentionally make them
I do feel the same way as the writer. I believe that the yellows were obviously wrong to occupy the airport. The reds denounced them but then carry out similar kind of actions. What the red shirt spokesman say in English and in Thai is very different, and CNN have missed this point. The protest leaders have repeatedly played a doctored clip of the PM allegedly ordering the soldiers to kill protesters, but it was taken out of context. They were taken from a collection of the PM's weekly program and rearrange so it sounded like so in order to incite anger and hatred into the mob. The evidence are there that it has been doctored as you can see from the original program. I do not know whether you understand Thai, so I could post a link on youtube here. This kind fabrication of evidence for the sole purpose of inciting hatred is similar to what occurred prior and during the Rwandan genocide. Another thing which the international press like the CNN does not question is the legitimacy of the mob and Thaksin's involvement, which is totally illegitimate after they turned down the offer of an election. Since it questions of the legitimacy of the Govt. it should question this too. They had achieved what they have been demanding for months, an election. The Govt offered to hold an election on Nov 14th and while the Chairman of the red shirts, Veera Musigapong and some others, accepted the terms and ceased their public activities relating to the protest. But others continued. Why? Could it be that the red shirt leaders turned down the offer of an election in Nov is because they couldn't risk the possibility that Abhisit would look like the man who had steered the country peacefully through the crisis? Since Thaksin could no longer guarantee that the electoral processes would be able to return him to power. Democracy is just a tool it seems, once it's no longer useful you replace it with a gun. I supported the election offer and talks to end the crisis, but the Reds have turned it down. I realize you made this point, but while the press question the legitimacy of the Govt, they hardly place any emphasis on the legitimacy of the mob after they had rejected the objective that they have been yearning for all along? Perhaps it would be more comprehensive to interview foreign sources who are very familiar with Thailand as well. Such as Professor Stephen Young. I know you are probably not a big fan of the Nation, but just trying to give a more comprehensive outlook. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8ErOdS3wVs&feature=related
I am at odds with the presentation given in most of the media. I can't believe the redshirts are self motivated or this is a clash between rural poor and urban rich. I think the redshirts are tools of wealthy pan-national Thai that reside wherever they care to. I think it has little to do with rural programs or rights of the poor, and much to do with who is going to control the land and natural resources of the countryside. If the redshirts are actually the poor and disenfranchised, then they are being duped by wealthy individuals that pay them to make the trip to BKK and protest. While some may be poor, they are carrying out the design of some very wealthy people. This is to prevent interference in the retitling of land provided to landless families under previous redistribution programs, and accelerated under Chuan, a democrat and mentor of the present PM. Taksin was able to change the status of many of these titles in the north and become the largest land holder. Then, once PM, he accelerated the program and in my area for instance opened up vast stretches of rural land for tourism development and estates for the rich. The poor sell for little, strapped for cash and having been given the land by the government, then someone with strings to pull gets the title changed from an indefinite use or family inheritance title to one of the two types that are true title deeds, These people are then able to invest typically corrupt money in resorts or elaborate homes. Under Taksin many roads were rebuilt into fine highways to service these newly opened areas, whereas the roads in the villages are broken, worn and never repaired. Taksin bought off the poor with a useless health care program -- no one that cared about his life or had a real problem, or means to seek help would use it -- and an underfunded microcredit scheme that no one uses, but didn't really help the countryside. NYT likes to harp on the succession as well, which is inappropriate and if relevant, only a smokescreen for a power grab by Taksin and his cronies. However it will soon be out of Taksin's hands as other of his ilk see the benefit in screwing the democrats and sowing havoc in the country. You can see the different types of land title at http://www.thailand-lawyer.com/land-title-deeds.html but this innocuous web page belies the terrible inequity being heaped on rural people by Taksin and others that benefit from his policies. Land is the fundamental and common denominator of resource conflict in Asia, but its attributes (forest, water and access) play into it and once the land is secured then the fight begins over these resources. Of course whoever controls the government will determine that outcome. The democrats are in general not corrupt, which gives them a chance at helping the rural people, but for now they are denied access by the redshirts, who would not want to see them succeed in that effort. This is at least how I see it.
Once she wrote that only one civilian had died there was no point in continuing to read what she wrote. At that moment you have objective evidence that you are dealing with someone operating in another reality.
I do feel the same way as the writer. I believe that the yellows were obviously wrong to occupy the airport. The reds denounced them but then carry out similar kind of actions. What the red shirt spokesman say in English and in Thai is very different, and CNN have missed this point. The protest leaders have repeatedly played a doctored clip of the PM allegedly ordering the soldiers to kill protesters, but it was taken out of context. They were taken from a collection of the PM's weekly program and rearrange so it sounded like so in order to incite anger and hatred into the mob. The evidence are there that it has been doctored as you can see from the original program. I do not know whether you understand Thai, so I could post a link on youtube here. This kind fabrication of evidence for the sole purpose of inciting hatred is similar to what occurred prior and during the Rwandan genocide. Another thing which the international press like the CNN does not question is the legitimacy of the mob and Thaksin's involvement, which is totally illegitimate after they turned down the offer of an election. Since it questions of the legitimacy of the Govt. it should question this too. They had achieved what they have been demanding for months, an election. The Govt offered to hold an election on Nov 14th and while the Chairman of the red shirts, Veera Musigapong and some others, accepted the terms and ceased their public activities relating to the protest. But others continued. Why? Could it be that the red shirt leaders turned down the offer of an election in Nov is because they couldn't risk the possibility that Abhisit would look like the man who had steered the country peacefully through the crisis? Since Thaksin could no longer guarantee that the electoral processes would be able to return him to power. Democracy is just a tool it seems, once it's no longer useful you replace it with a gun. I supported the election offer and talks to end the crisis, but the Reds have turned it down. I realize you made this point, but while the press question the legitimacy of the Govt, they hardly place any emphasis on the legitimacy of the mob after they had rejected the objective that they have been yearning for all along? Perhaps it would be more comprehensive to interview foreign sources who are very familiar with Thailand as well. Such as Professor Stephen Young. I know you are probably not a big fan of the Nation, but just trying to give a more comprehensive outlook. Click on the link below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8ErOdS3wVs&feature=related
Suthichai at The Nation is the father of bias media in bangkok, so he look other media biased too.
sure , becasue the main point is to draw attention to who read the news * is kind of marketing tactic * |
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