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Download a free chapter from The Thai Book, A Field Guide to Thai Political Motivations: "Big Men Always Go Too Far" (pdf)
From Thairath, March 10, 2016
Title: Make yourself more comfortable!
On paper at left: 5-years appointed senator
On paper at bottom: 20-year country strategy
On the man’s suit: Election regime
The man at left is constitution drafter Meechai Ruchuphan
Mouse man: If this makes you happy…
Mouse: He wants to stay longer.
[This shows the constitution drafters replacing the army boots of the military with politician’s dress shoes. This refers to parts of the new constitution that require senators appointed for 5 years along with the junta’s public calls to create a 20-year plan for the country.
All of these plans are meant to play to the Thai political world. They are meant to ensure politicians that there will be no political space for Thaksin to control political parties and engineer his return.
For those wary of a political military–which has dogged Thai politics in previous decades–it portends another long struggle to unseat greedy and self-serving military men from politics at some future date.]
From Lokwannee, March 19-25, 2016 [Oddly enough, the date on this issue is incorrect.]
Main cover reads: When a buffalo doesn’t want to eat the grass offered
The buffalo thinks: I’m a buffalo, not Salim.
Another bubble: Try to be good and then you will be born to be a human in the next life.
[This cartoon illustrates that the Red Shirts will not accept the draft constitution, particularly on the issue on appointed senators. The Red Shirts and many anti-junta activists have called on the public to reject the draft constitution since it is not democratic and it will be a tool for extending military power.
The Red Shirts have been called buffaloes to insult them, but have gradually come to embrace the term. On the cover, the grass is the charter that has been dictated by the junta and served to the people.
Those who oppose Thaksin groups are sometimes nicknamed “Salim.” This is a Thai desert that has many colors. They are so-named because they do not have definite or unified political stands and do not support any particular faction. They simply oppose what Thaksin has done and support all the governments except those guided by Thaksin. (Contrast these Thai-world divisions with the international media that insist that the Thai situation is simply caused by the elite wanting to deny the rights of the poor.)
Also on the cover, in the bubble starting “Try to be good,” is a phrase that refers to Buddhist lore, in which, people who do good things can expect to be born into a better station in the next life. Here it seems to imply that the junta is telling the buffaloes that voting yes on the charter is the right thing to do.]
From Matichon Weekly, March 25, 2016
Main cover reads: Easily pass Constitution (Camouflage)
[The man is Head of Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) Meechai Ruchuphan.
Refers to the draft constitution which believed to be passed easily due to the junta’s influence. To illustrate this, the cover shows Meechai is holding a green transparent gem meaning that the draft will pass easily.]
Top right: ‘JAS’ Chuan ‘Chuen’? Lost in ‘4G’ trend; Pay 600 million ‘easy’ pay 70 billion more ‘difficult’
[The man in the picture is JAS CEO Pete Bodharamik. This refers to a case of JAS Mobile Broadband defaulting on the final 4G license payment. Due to this, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) could confiscate the guarantee that JAS already gave to the commission in the amount of 645 million baht. JAS had won the 4G license bidding with a bid of 75.654 billion baht. The headline of the article makes fun of them by adding the famous comedian’s family name Chuan Cheun (meaning “happy”). It implies that is is funny that JAS had the high bid, but ultimately could not find the money to pay for it.
This incident was covered breathlessly in the Thai press, with lots of fascination at how this company could have won the bid and now risks losing hundreds of millions of baht already paid by defaulting.]
From Nation Weekend, March 25, 2016
Main cover reads: Teacher Nui’s flag [yellow and green colors] Camouflage teacher
[The man on the cover is Gen. Dapong Ratanasuwan, Minister of Education (nicknamed “Nui”). Refers to the use of Section 44 to reform the structure of the Ministry of Education in order to push forward reform plans.]
Left: Shaking Europe. ISIS attack. From Paris to Brussels
[Refers to the latest attack by ISIS in Brussels.]
From Manager Weekly, March 26-April 1, 2016
Main cover reads: National (eastern) tiger [white] Road map to bureaucratic state
The people on the cover: (left) PM Prayuth, (right) Deputy PM Prawit and the groups of main characters in Thai drama named ‘National Tiger’
[Refers to the power of an influential military group known as the Eastern Tigers including PM Prayuth and Deputy PM Prawit. This refers to the junta’s vows to reform the nation. The title of the cover comes from the name of the drama the ‘National Tiger’ which is about the group of people trying to protect the country from foreigners.]
Top: National issue. Social media people call for a return of Beer ‘The voice’ from Cutto
[The woman is Passaranan ‘Beer’ Ussadomangkol. This refers to Passaranan ‘Beer’ Ussadomangkol knows as “Beer the voice.” She is known from the variety show ‘The Voice’ and now is a girlfriend of well-known singer Cutto. After shooting a swimsuit layout for a magazine, many people in the social media made a funny campaign calling for ‘Cutto’ for to return Beer to the public so that others may date her.]
Below: ‘JAS’ drops [pink] 4G [blue] Get more and more advantages
[The man in the picture is JAS CEO Pete Bodharamik. Refers to a case of JAS Mobile Broadband defaulting the 4G license payment (as described above). Although the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) could confiscate the guarantee which JAS placed before the auction worth 645 million baht, JAS is believed to still benefit from its default and its stock price has risen.]
From Thairath, March 24, 2016
Title: A new house builder
On paper held by Meechai: Constitution, Democracy
On his suit: CDC [Constitution Drafting Committee]
On paper held by the soldier: Extend the power
Phi Nooring: You guys build it and then just stay in it yourselves.
A mouse: Don’t accept the constitution!
[Refers to the draft constitution written by the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) led by Meechai Ruchupan. The cartoon shows that while the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) led by the military promised to bring the country back to democracy soon, the reality is the opposite. The cartoonist contends that the draft constitution is the opposite of democracy and people have raised concern that this draft will be a tool to extend the power of the military.]
From a roadside sign: State Railway Workers’ Union of Thailand
Stop! The holding company draft bill “Improvement on Monitoring and Governing State Enterprise Act of year …” [white] before it causes [red] a catastrophe [white] to the country and the people.
[Refers to the protest against the draft bill “Improvement on Monitoring and Governing State Enterprise Act of year …” which has been approved by the Comptroller General’s Department, Ministry of Finance.
This bill aims to reform state enterprises to be more effective and transparent.
However, many state enterprises and their unions are afraid that this will lead to a privatization of the organizations, something they vigorously resisted during Thaksin’s time a prime minister.
This privatization is feared to be a sale of government (or people’s) assets to foreign interests.]
No-holds-barred: Graphic 1960s train safety posters bring back fond memories – coconuts.co, March 22, 2015
From Arun, from March 23, 2016
Title: Shrimp buffet, Mekong’s water buffet
On a sign: [left] Mekong [yellow]: Mekong river buffet [right] China’s dams
In the yellow circles: [left] Mengsong dam, Ganlanba dam, Dachaoshan dam, Jinghong dam [right] Manwan dam, Gonguoqiao dam, Nuazhadu dam
[The cartoon compares the actions of Chinese tourists at a shrimp buffet with the construction of Chinese dams along the Mekong River. Chinese tourists recently have been criticized after a video surfaced showing tourists using plates as shovels to gather up shrimp at a hotel buffet in Thailand.
Some in the region criticized China from building dams on the Mekong River that impact downstream countries. Those countries have called on China to share the use of the river with others.]
(Chavalit illustration from Matichon Weekly in 2007)
Gen. Chavalit has long been a part of Thaksin’s periodic media initiatives. As both former army commander-in-chief and prime minister, Chavalit’s statements are intended to demonstrate that the military is divided and not universally adverse to Thaksin rule.
Chavalit was part of Thaksin’s media push this year as well, even bringing up the idea of a “third force” under his command that would halt political conflict. In the frame of Thai “big men,” such a plan is meant to evoke the possibility that a man of Chavalit’s influence could unleash a real force to “settle” things once and for all unless those he speaks out against heed his demands.
His current “third force” idea hearkens back to the Red Shirt “People’s Army” he threatened to field in 2010 in the lead up to the Red Shirt siege of Bangkok in that year.
His alliance with the Red Shirts and what that implies for military unity is still strong enough that it triggered an army raid on Red Shirt TV when Chavalit was scheduled to speak.
Ultimately, aging Chavalit is not considered a significant political force anymore nor a good ally for Thaksin. He has a record of repeatedly backing down on his threats and withdrawing from Thaksin’s cause at the first sign of trouble.
Most often political cartoonists of all stripes portray him as a dead dog–meaning he is a spent force of no use anymore. Another cartoonist portrayed him as masochist who loves making big threats and then being humiliated by having to retract them.
Chavalit sets up “Third Force” to end conflict – Bangkok Post, March 13, 2016
…In a move seen to coincide with Thaksin’s political offensive, Gen Chavalit on Feb 24 held a press conference at his residence and called on the NCPO to relinquish power and hold elections to restore democracy this year, instead of 2017. In an open letter, “Big Jiew” accused the military regime of causing more conflict and economic hardship…
Oddly enough, the Nation seems to have purposely misinterpret Chavalit’s very clear pronouncements as a threat to Thaksin instead (Chavalit resurfaces, issues veiled warning to Thaksin).
2014: Chavalit warn junta of counter coup
This is a particularly interesting and illuminating incident for the Thai world. Due to Chavalit’s long association with Thaksin, this incident was initially assumed to be part of the periodic statements on Thaksin’s behalf.
However, it later emerged that Chavalit was willing to posit chaos and strife for the nation merely over a failed attempt to protect a former aide from being declared unusually rich. Something like this is exactly in keeping with the psychology and actions of the Thai “big man.”
From a bus-side advertisement
A little thing called love [blue] and [red] care.
[From a campaign to promote the use of condoms.]
From Naewna, March 9, 2016
Above Thaksin’s bag of money: The world’s richest man ranking has revealed that Thaksin’s income has decreased more than three-billion…
Caption: Better that way, when he has more money he loves to use it to burn the country.
[This refers to the Red Shirt protests in 2010 when Red Shirt leaders threatened arson (not uncommon during Thai political or labor protests). As protest intensified, Shinawatra family members and associated companies withdrew billion of baht from bank accounts.]
From Matichon Weekly, March 18, 2016
Main cover reads: For your acknowledgement
[The man on the cover is Gen. Theerachai Nakvanich.
Refers to the comments on the draft constitution from a group called “the four rivers” consisting of the cabinet, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), and National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA), submitted to the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC).
The cover implies the comments, signed by Army chief Gen. Theerachai Nakvanich implies that the Constitution Drafting Commission cannot reject the military’s demands.]
Top right: Jiew focuses to hit in the ‘middle.’ Promote ‘third force.’ To end the conflict among two sides?
[The man in the picture is former PM Gen. Chanvalit Yongchaiyudh (nicknamed “Jiew”). He again claimed he has a ‘third force’ comprised of millions of people from various groups aiming to end the conflicts between the military and Thaksin. Since he has a close ties with Thaksin, his alleged political movement is looked upon with skepticism.]
From Nation Weekend, March 18, 2016
Main cover reads: Seniority system
[The man on the cover is Deputy PM Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan. He is a respected senior member of the ‘Eastern Tigers’ that includes PM Prayut. Prawit has emerged as perhaps the most powerful personality in the government.]
Left: The military moves forward [yellow] break the referendum [white] fight with anti-group
[Refers to the attempt to pass the draft constitution which has been opposed by many groups.]
From Manager Weekly, March 19-25, 2016
Main cover reads: Woman: You can’t secretly put something inside the constitution.
Man: But you can’t dissatisfy me like this.
[This conversation mimics a famous conversation from the TV drama “Diary of Tootsies.” It refers to the draft constitution which has been written to serve the military and junta’s interests. The woman represents people who are against the draft constitution while the man has the role of the military and junta. The woman is Pattarasaya ‘Peak’ Kreursawansiri and the man is Thongchai ‘Ping-pong’ Tongkantoom]
Top: Step on other’s heads or it’s her day. [white] 2 different views [red] ‘Mai-Choompoo’
[The woman on the left is Davika Hoorne or Mai while on the right is Araya A. Hargate or Choompoo.
Refers to the conflict between new rising star Mai and famous actress Choompoo. Mai is accused on trying to steal advertisement contracts from Choompoo and copy Choompoo’s career path. Some say Mai become a presenter for because she is very popular and is not stealing anyone’s job. To step on other’s heads is a Thai proverb meaning that someone who does anything, even destroy others, to make themselves look better.]
From Lokwannee, March 19-25, 2016
Main cover reads: Accept–not accept It’s the right! Don’t violate the law!
[This cover insists on the rights of people to accept or reject the draft constitution. It contends that the junta cannot force people to accept it and people should be free to express their comments toward the draft (instead of being silenced by the military).
This appears to be the strategy for those who oppose the draft charter going forward. Red Shirt leaders and Pheu Thai politicians have stated that, if the draft is voted down, the military itself must cede power as they have failed.
What is the meaning of the leaning tower of Pisa here?]
An alley in the area in 2003
The area behind the city wall by Mahakan Fort is to be turned into a “tourist park” (like Santichaiprakarn Park) which would involve the relocation of a community of people living in old wooden houses and shanties on the site. Activists have countered with proposals to use part of the land which is already unoccupied for a park and allow the residents to stay.
Originally proposed in the early 1990s, the plans first came to a head when Thaksin was prime minister and began aggressively pushing long-stalled redevelopment schemes around the city. The push to remove the community lost steam amid the political turmoil of 2006 that unseated Thaksin.
Old postcard, Bangkok (Siam), View looking North, unknown date. The Mahakan Fort community is in the foreground.
In 2015, the junta pushed its own law and order campaign that has proved popular with the public, particularity the clearance of picturesque, but obtrusive markets, like the flower market near the Chao Phraya River. Previously such projects were impossible to implement due to reticence from the Thai police who had no interest in enforcing regulations. With the military in power, the BMA used the opportunity to push the Mahakan Fort community clearance project again and looks likely to finally succeed in the face of the army’s public order drive.
Seeing history as it fades – The Nation, March 28, 2016
…The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has plans to turn Mahakan Fort – which 200 years ago protected the capital from threats across the river – into a canal-side historical park. The community nestled alongside the walls is about to be dispersed forever.
Outsiders might see the community as a crowded, dilapidated slum, another eyesore on the city map. That’s what the BMA sees as well. Looking deeper, though, there’s a lively heart amid the cracked wood of the classic Siamese houses erected a century ago. History is already much in evidence without the need for refurbishing and preservation…
(Source: Siam, Volume 2 – 1938)
Above: The caption to this photo reads: “Aerial views of Bangkok as seen from the Golden Mount Pukow Thong of Wat Sraket.” The Mahakan Fort community is in the foreground.
Community handed eviction notice – The Nation, March 29, 2016
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) yesterday posted an eviction notice informing residents of the century-old Mahakan Fort community that they must vacate the area by April 30…
Plan for ‘old quarter’ should be revived – The Nation, March 28, 2016
…What do you think about the plan by City Hall to turn the Mahakan area into a public park?
It is out of the question. Academics and experts came to the conclusion that the designated area, which is enclosed by towering city walls, is not appropriate as a park. (Many have raised concern that without the community, the planned park would be an isolated area susceptible to crime.) Not a typical public park in what is perceived by society. Therefore kicking out the community for the park is not quite right…
Mahakan eviction still looms large – The Nation, March 19, 2016
…“The area should be developed as a tourist attraction, not a living community,” Pol Gen Asawin said, accusing the locals of occupying public space which is reserved as a national heritage site. “The space would be a source of income for the state…”
Earlier
2003: A walk through the Mahakan Fort Community
2005: Inside Fort Mahakan
2008: Removing the Mahakan Fort Community Main Page
2008: A mirror for Thai national politics: The curious case of Pom Mahakan
2010: Amnesty International: Mahakan Fort News
2011: Recent Views of the Mahakan Fort Community
(Photo: Wally Higgins)
“View west from the Golden Mount – 2-21-1961” 7
This photo contains the clearest view of the Mahakan Fort community houses we have seen in a vintage photo. Also note the plywood curing on a rooftop at the bottom of the photo. This is the lumber district that still exists around the western and northern base of the Golden Mount.
Old postcard views: Looking North from Golden Mount
Old postcard views: “Birds Eye View of Bangkok”
Old postcard views: Mahakan Fort
1938 (towards the bottom of the page): View of Fort Mahakan community
1961: View of Fort Mahakan community
Also in the area: Remembering Chalerm Thai Theater
Related: The Missing House
From Manager, March 8, 2016
Monk: These are called devils, they are here to impede Somdet [Somdet Chuang] from achieving nirvana… we have to protect him!!
Caption: [Their fight is] a fight against devils?
[This refers to the fight to appoint apparently Dhammakaya-friendly Somdet Chuang as Supreme Patriarch. The Dhammakaya Movement is considered heretical by mainstream Thai Buddhists, but the real source of contention is that the movement has long been known to be part of Thaksin’s political web.
Here, several symbols support the appointment–such as Thaksin’s Red Shirts (represented by buffaloes) and Red Shirt leader Jatuporn (represented by a frog). At left is the Dhammakaya’s UFO-styled temple with its leader sitting on top of it. A Mercedes Benz logo looms in the background as Somdet Chuang has been embroiled in a scandal involving an illegally imported vintage Mercedes Benz.
In Buddhism, things that prevent one from obtaining nirvana are personified as devils. Thus, the joke of the cartoon is the irony of politically compromised powers like Dhammakaya and the Red Shirts defending Somdet Chuang and trying to make sure he reaches his destiny as Supreme Patriarch.]
From 2002: The Weird Claims of Dhammakaya
From 2014: Thaksin’s Temple: Dhammakaya
From 2015: Roundup of editorial cartoons on Dhammakaya
From Thairath, March 29, 2003
Cartoon title: War Criminal
[The aftermath of 9/11 and subsequent invasions were going on during Thaksin’s time as PM.]
From Thairath, March 3, 2016
Title: Situation of the Thai police’s honor
Swords on the back of the chairs from top to bottom: News on position-buying, Position, Controlled by the NCPO, Reform, Source of benefits
A paper close to the dead police officer: Problems of debt, work
Phi Nooring: Crisis in the organization
A mouse: Serving the people.
[This shows the military junta, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), trying to reform the police force amid many challenges such as tradition of having to buy one’s rank and a rash of suicides in the force.
This implies that the reforms are impacting the rank and file police negatively and causes stress and the resulting suicides.
The death of Pol Lt. Col Chan Chaisawat, who hanged himself, is one example. He was under heavy pressure from his boss for submitting a petition to the PM against the completed overhaul of the police inspector force as ordered by the prime minister. Such a petition is seen as an embarrassing protest for the junta that is using its absolute power to make a wholesale reorganization of parts of the police force.
The subtext of all of this is that the police have been loyal to Thaksin and supportive of his political moves and legal attacks on his foes. The reorganization of the force is key to the military ensuring that the police can never again be independent enough to support one politician or thwart military resolve to intervene in politics.]
From Thairath, March 2, 2016
Title: People who are afraid of a shadow
[This shows Thaksin who recently gave multiple interviews in the foreign press casting scorn on the the junta and the draft constitution. He was also invited by the World Policy Institute to give a talk in the U.S. where he also denounced the constitution. Anti-Thaksin groups protested the speech.
Here, the cartoonist shows Westerners lauding Thaksin while anti-Thaksin agitators become overexcited by Thaksin’s presence.]
From Thairath, March 1, 2016
Title: Climb up a tower to seek the truth.
Phi Nooring: Planting vegetables to protect democracy.
A mouse: It’s like being jailed
[The lady is former PM Yingluck. The peeking soldier is current PM Prayuth.
This refers to Yingluck who welcomed both the Thai and international press to her house and showed the vegetable garden planted at her house. This PR offensive coincided with Thaksin giving multiple interviews overseas and a U.N. mission to the country that met with political leaders, including Yingluck.]
Bangkok’s ‘deadly rich kids’ get away with murder – AP, March 23, 2016
…The Mercedes driver, Janepob Verraporn, 37, now tops a list of “Bangkok’s deadly rich kids,” as one Thai newspaper calls the children of privilege who have killed with their fancy cars. TV talk shows, social media forums and editorials have chimed in on a debate that asks whether justice will be served this time or — if history is any guide — if Janepob will walk away from the crime without serving time.
Police have rushed to defend themselves against criticism for initially mishandling the case and acting to shield Janepob, whose father owns a luxury car import company.
“The law is the law — whether you are rich or poor, you have to pay for what you’ve done,” national police spokesman Songpol Wattanachai said Monday, asking skeptics to have faith in the police. “Justice will be served. Just because he is rich doesn’t mean he won’t go to jail. I’m asking people not to think that way…”
From 2013: Hit-and-Run Case Seen as Reflection of Inequality in Thailand
From 2008: Thailand’s wealthy untouchables
From 2001: Chalerm and “the brawling brats of the Thai Elite”
How America Can Put Thailand Back on Track – NYT, March 22, 2016
…And if the country’s conservative elites have fallen out of love with democracy, they continue to favor the West over China for their investments, their children’s education and their holidays.
Taking advantage of this exposure, the United States should lead an effort to subject these elites and the generals involved in the 2014 coup to restrictions on travel and financial transactions…
[There are several broad, dubious claims in this article, such as “the threat of social unrest is rising.” On the contrary, Thaksin’s recent moves to challenge the junta seemed to bring into focus a surprising lack of cohesion in his supporters and pointed up the apparent waning of his political influence.
From the Thai perspective, this push for elections is only debated in terms of “what ulterior motive does the U.S. have for wanting to return Thaksin to power?”]
Southeast Asia’s ‘Proxy’ Presidents – thediplomat.com, March 22, 2016
Myanmar isn’t the first case where a Southeast Asian country has recently been led by an alleged ‘proxy’…
From Thairath, February 27, 2016
Title: Get it out before it’s too late, Big Jiew warned you.
Paper held by Big Jiew [Chavalit Yongjiyut]: Return power to the people.
On the soldier’s neck: Power
On paper held by the soldier: Ask to remain the power 5 more years for this revolution period.
Mouse: flowers or bricks.
Mouse man: This makes enough sorrow.
[Refers to the warning issued by former army commander-in-chief Chavalit Yongjiyut for the junta to step down and hold elections this year. Statements by Chavalit are usually part of any Thaksin PR push and capped off a flurry of Thaksin activity in January and February.]
ha
From Naewna, February 28, 2016
Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan: Thank you, Big Jiew for your kind advice. You can rest now, we don’t need you anymore.
Caption: The tree stump is already dead.
[Despite Chavalit’s credentials as both commander-in-chief and former prime minister, his frequent forays into the press on Thaksin’s behalf are now widely ridiculed. This is because of his advanced age, his frequent retreats from his pledges, and no follow through at all on any of his threats.
He is frequently lampooned in editorial cartoons, sometimes as a clown, a dead dog, or even a sadist who enjoys public ridicule. More about him here: Dead Dog Chavalit
More cartoons about him here.]
From Matichon Weekly, March 11, 2016
Cover reads: Pha Pha Pha ‘Jun’
[The man on the cover is National Reform Steering Assembly member and Prem’s former aide Adm. Phajun Tamprateep.
This refers to the latest eclipse which, according to Thai astrological beliefs, brings bad luck to people. The cover implies that Adm. Phajun received an influence from the eclipse as he is now facing a defamation charge for posting on his Line app about the traditional of the buying of rank in the police force.]
Top right: Uthai Pimchaichon teaches how to ‘get down from the tiger’s back’
[The man in the photo is former House speaker Uthai Pimchaichon. Refers to an article about Uthai who provides advice to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPC) on how to withdraw from power and conduct elections. This caption refers to the Thai proverb (also in English) ‘to ride on the tiger’s back’ referring to the difficulty of stepping down from power and losing the ability to protect oneself.]
From Nation Weekend, March 11, 2016
Main cover reads: Fox talismans [white] tells that I am… a champion?
[The monk on the cover is Phra Prommangkalachan. This refers to the English football team Leicester City owned by Thai millionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. Since Vichai is a devout Buddhist, he invited Phra Prommangkalachan to the team headquarters to pray success and luck in the game. Now Leicester City, which uses the fox as its symbol, is in the top rank of the Premier League. Phra Prommangkalachan also gave the players some amulets and fabric talismans as good luck charms.]
Left: Agenda on [yellow] ‘NCPO’ [white] nominated senator for 5-year term guaranteed the new power.
[Refers to the draft constitution which includes nominated senators. This raises a concern whether the new constitution will be used as a tool to transform the power of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) in the future.]
From Manager Weekly, March 12-18, 2016
Main cover reads: Death star coming [yellow] Ramoo will swallow for a long time.
[Refers to the recent eclipse. Astrlogically, Thai mythology explains that Rahu, the severed head of a divine being called Svarbhanu, swallows the sun causing the eclipse which will bring bad luck. In the cartoon, Rahu is shown as Deputy PM Prawit whose nickname is “Moo” (“pig” in English). The author combines “Rahu” with “moo” to create “Ramoo.” All of this is to warn people that the military are swallowing the country for a long time meaning they will have continued pervasive influence.]
Top right: [yellow] Popcorn gunman, a hero who was left? And misses ‘Lung Kamnun’
[Refers to Wiwat Yodprasit, known as the “Popcorn gunman,” who was arrested and charged with attempted murder and possession of a gun. He was a member of the anti-Yingluck government groups led by Phra Buddha Isara. He was a hero for some anti-government protestors when he opened fire at a political clash with an assault rifle covered with a popcorn bag to fend off counter protests by Red Shirts. Suthep, known as “Lung Kamnun,” has remained silent on this issue.
All this alludes to the politics of both Thaksin and those who oppose them. Both sides use “little people” to come out on the streets to fight and die or post threats against the monarchy. When these people are arrested and charged, no big politicians who were trying to benefit from their actions are willing to protect them.]
[White] ‘Boob’ How she get them!!!?? When an actress gets bored with the innocent look and want to put the silicone in.
[Refers to the recent trend of many young actresses to change their looks to be sexier by having breast implants.]
From Lokwannee, March 12-18, 2016
Main cover reads: Death star [small letter] Disturbing mission… for (not) transforming?
[Refers to Uranus which recently completed its journey around the sun. It shifted to the Aries on early March 2016. For Thai astrologers, Uranus is a harbinger of doom and causes widespread anxiety. The last time when the Uranus entered Aries was 84 years ago which marked a revolution in Thai politics leading to the overthrow of the absolute monarchy.
As a pro-Thaksin and Red Shirt magazine, the cover insinuates that the latest move of Uranus could lead to another revolution in Thai politics that would oust the junta.]
Politically Incorrect Map ‘Ugly But True,’ Cartographer Says – Khao Sod, March 22, 2016
Amateur cartographer Rackchart Wong-arthichart’s “Politically Incorrect” map of how the rest of Thailand and its neighbors are viewed by Bangkokians relegates most of the nation to the status of weekend getaways, dangerous places to be avoided or merely of no consequence…
From Manager, February 28, 2016
Left: Abbot of Dhammakaya temple, Dhamachayo: This hammer is the one that can pound the heaven door when you want to enjoy happiness in heaven. [Refers to the symbolic hammer one would employ to enter a heavenly peace. The Dhammakaya adherant, following the temples controversial doctrine of money for merit, sits in front of a pile of money to be given to the temple for the hammer.]
Caption: Trying to sell the hammer.
Right: Thaksin: This one is for you, my venerable monk. The hammer to pound the prison door to escape when you want to enjoy happiness in the outside world.
Caption: In order to buy another hammer. [This refers to the allegations that the Dhammakaya Movement has conducted suspicious financial transactions and supports and is supported by Thaksin as part of his political clique.]
Earlier: Thaksin’s Temple: Dhammakaya
From Thairath, March 2, 2016
Chavalit says: You did not come from an election. Put that down right now!
[This illustrates the recent coordinated round of criticism of the junta that started with Thaksin raising his profile. He gave many interviews to international publications criticizing the junta and insisting the junta must negotiate with him. Then other allies chimed in, capped off by a call from former commander-in-chief and prime minister Chavalit Yongjiyut for the junta to step down and hold elections this year.
For those who oppose Thaksin, the calls seemed self-serving. They contend military control of the government is vital to restoring unity (the highest Thai ideal) and instituting reforms and law and order measures that elected governments never would. In the cartoon this is likened to fighting a fire.
In the cartoon, Pheu Thai politicians are depicted as “fierce animals”–cunning people who are dangerous to be around.]
[These are from a popular Facebook account that highlights ironic or hypocritical situations in Thai society.]
#Scenario
Left, man: You’re being unfaithful to me.
Comments below: You bastard, why slap her?; Even if she is wrong, you have no right to hurt her; Pantywaist man
Right, woman: You’re a bad man, being unfaithful to me.
Comments below: good, bad man deserve it. center: if it were me, I will make it more harder. right: we should cut their penis.
.
Top left: Man: I’d like to ask you to marry Nong Bo. [“Nong” means “younger sister,” Bo is the girl’s name)
Father: No, I will never give my daughter to marry some one like you.
Top right: Man: But I love Nong Bo.
Father: You don’t even have a bride-price [a male dowry, common in Thailand]. How can you take care of my daughter?
Below left: Nong bo: I’m pregnant Dad.
Below right, at a wedding ceremony: Father: Chai yo… Chai yo. [a word like “hooray”]
From Manager, February 24, 2016
Prayuth: Kai Ou… when it time to scold at the news reporters call me out… I can handle them.
Caption: With these guys, he is not good.
[Kai Ou is Sansern Kaewkumnerd is spokesman of this current government. PM Prayuth seems to relish admonishing local news reporters, yet when Thaksin or his Red Shirts speak out against him, Prayuth defers to the government spokesman for a response.]
Below is another cartoon from the LINE account of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology. This cartoon is about corruption, an ever-present concern in the Thai world. The context of this lesson from MICT is the idea that, most Thais, while decrying corrupt behavior in others, find it reasonable to engage in corruption themselves when they have an opportunity.
Earlier cartoons
MICT Teaches Thais How to Be Happy
From MICT: One day, Thailand will have discipline like Japanese people
From MICT: Thai students learn about democracy
From MICT: Why do we have to love Thai culture?
MICT booklet explaining Thai internet laws
Title: The story of “Sticker”
1st: I have told many of my stories…
But…
2nd: There is one story I have never told anybody.
Because it’s not a good story…
3rd: [pink] But today… I want to talk about… want to confess that what I did was (a very) bad thing!
Sticker: The bad thing I did I will remember my whole life. Continue reading
From Thairath, February 25, 2016
Thaksin: I would like to ask for consideration in discussing the problem in our country so that the country can move forward…
…I am ready!…
…why is no one answering me? what is happening here?
[This refers to Thaksin’s PR blitz when he asked for the junta to negotiate with him. However, the junta shrugged off Thaksin’s demands and there seemed to be little reaction from local politicians and Red Shirt groups. This led some to speculate that Thaksin’s influence is waning in the face of apparent military resolve to continue to prevent amnesty bids and constitutional rewrites for years to come.]
The dark age of cowardly dumbed-down TV – The Nation, March 18, 2002
From Komchadluek, February 24, 2016
Thaksin says: The best constitution that contain a perfect democracy is the 40 constitution [the 1997 constitution], believe me!
[The 1997 constitution was the “People’s Constitution” that was drafted in the wake of the 1991 Black May protests. It was undoubtedly Thailand’s most democratic and innovative charter. Among other things, it allowed a fully elected senate, independent organizations to check the elected government, and rules that made it harder for MPs to switch coalitions (intended to create more stable governments).
Thaksin and his party at the time, the Thai Rak Thai, seemed to focus on neutering all the provisions in the 1997 charter that would check the actions of a sitting government. Thus, it not surprising that Thaksin and the Red Shirts constantly extol the merits of the charter that Thaksin was so easily able to circumvent at every turn.]
