What's up Thailand - update august 2014

                                                     

What happened to the rule of law in Thailand? You could say it’s like the old Vietnam War era GI saying - same, same but different, except in this case it’s same, same but tougher.  Though, mostly effecting Thai's with the enforcement of martial law laid down by the military junta and then Thai's subsequent loss of their freedoms. 

So okay, I’m a tourist how does all this political unrest, coup, marshal law and whole lot affect me?  Well the curfew might have been a problem but it was only in a effect for a few weeks and is history now.  However, you might see a  greater amount of military activity but from a tourists point of view it can be looked at as an enhancement to locale color,  Though, be sure to remember and ask permission before including a solder in your selfie.    One last word to the unaware, keep track off what's going on around you, stay away from any large gatherings of civilians or military and stay on the beaten track.

Since the coup - nor a disparaging word, not even a small one is tolerated.  The new government has O tolerance for desenters speaking out against martial law or any of the junta’s policies. Also, as usual, negative opinions regarding the King or the royal family are also off limits.

Thai's love their 86 year old, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Though if anyone was ever tempted to step over to the dark side and go against the king or the royal's, Thailand's lese majeste law deals with these transgressions.  Here are the basic lese majeste law guidelines - Thai or foreigners living in Thailand who question the kings decisions, insult him, ridicules or make fun of the king or of the royal's are pretty much assured of a jail term of up to 15 years.  Keep in mind your guilty until proven other wise.

Meanwhile, public decent against the junta can get you into a whole heap of trouble as dissident, Sombat Boonngram found out. He openly protested against the coup as it was happening which got him arrested and detained for 25 days. Now released but facing charges in a military court for instigating public unrest and a second charge of violating the computer crime act for his anti government writings.  Then in a second court he is charged with acts violating the lese majeste law.  He is a civilian with no violent agenda and is being tried in a military court. Who is now due all this is unemployed, lost his position with his TV work along with losing his board member status with an NGO.

What Thai's are reading and electronic games they are playing are being monitored - George Orwell's book 1984 is banned, along with the video game Tropico 5, along with the three finger salute from the movie Hunger Games just to name a few documented transgressions. 

86 year old King Blinghumibol Adulyadej's has endorsed the junta's provisional charter a precursor for the new Thai constitution.  As the previous constitution drawn up after the coup of 2006 which removed Thaksin as the PM of Thailand, was torn up as General Prayuth's new political party the National Council for Peace and Order took control of Thailand.  As a result the duly elected pre-coup NLA (National Legislation Assembly) was removed from office and has since been replaced by representatives picked by General Prayuth's party.   

Sabi, sabi a couple Chang beers and all this political stuff will just fade away.

Thanks, for stopping by -  Doug

Thailand coup update, 27 June 2014

Thailand's Army commander Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha,
(AP Photo/ASTV Manager newspaper)

And the beat goes on - as Thia's live under martial law in the after math of the recent coup. Lead by the Thai Chief General Prayuth Chau-Ocha. This bloodless coup removed Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from her leadership position of the Kingdom and instaled the military.

First line of business for the general was a new title  "Chief of the national council for Peace and order" (NCPO). 

The general justifed the coup d'etat as a means to bring stability to Thai politics by halting the bickering between pro and anti government factions. While laying the groundwork for a more effective and efficient Thai government of the future. 

For example, Thailand's economy shrink by 2.1% in the first half the year compared to the first quater last year. General Prayuth falted the present goverment and it's bickering detractors as the cause of the econamic decline. To get Thailand economy growing again he appointed Air Chief Marchal Ptachin Chau Tang to lay a plan that will allow for a 6.1 % economic expansion in 2015.

The kingdom's present constitution was created after the coup of 2006, resulting in the removal of PM Yingluck's brother Thakson. The coup effecivly made this constiturion nul and void which resuted in the removal of the present democratly elected government. Excisting government agencies and enterprises where allowed to continue operation but are required to justify their existence (or resign) to a council of  junta officials.  

To control political dissent the general used martial law to halt assembly of 5 of more people, including political fundraising or any meetings of a political nature. A curfew was put into effect but has since been lifted in the hopes of encouraging tourism and to raise the moral of normally, very social Thai people.

When commenting on the ban of assembly the General suggested that "all Thia's stay at home and talk quietly to themselves".

Phase one  under the military junta is the creation of a provisional charter until the new Constitution is completed. The provisional charter was released last Friday, June 27, 2014. This charter and ultimately the new constitution will create reforms affecting economic and environmental issues, energy policy's, civic issues, along with, according to the general improvement of Thailand's political and judicial system. 

The transitional 200 person Parliament will be comprised of half civilian office holders, no mention of where they will come from or how they will be picked, the other half, bet you guessed it, high ranking military officers.. 

General Prayuth has made a commitment that the new constitution will be in effect by August 15, 2015.  The ensuing election would require 3 months of organization by the junta, all will be done under the guidance of the military, what can go wrong with that. 

The general was quoted from his weekly TV address saying " You (Thai people) will get a democratically elected government by 2015. Please take it easy, we need time for reform". He went on to say "it will be a fair and just election to guarantee Thailand will be better governed in the future".