A tale of two newspapers: HM The Queen's speech
- November 19, 2004
Yesterday the Thai-language world was abuzz with speculation on
whether the Nation Group and other anti-government leaning press
correctly reported the tone of HM The Queen's speech on November
16, 2004 about the Southern troubles.
The claim is that HM The Queen's speech was in no way a "tearful
plea" as The Nation stated in their headline (CALL
FOR UNITY : Queen makes tearful plea, November 17, 2004). The
Bangkok Post does a much better job explaining exactly what
was said in the speech (Queen
urges unity, peace - Feels compelled to speak out on South,
November 17, 2004).
To the non-Thai there is perhaps not a large difference in the articles,
but the nuances many Thais found when comparing the actual speech
to the way it was reported in the press are indicative of the range
of opinions over the issues in the South. Many Thais--especially
those who want to take a harder line against the 'troublemakers'--felt
that the reporting of the speech in The Nation was intended
to insinuate that the government must heed a call to moderation
and that this shows The Nation's continuing anti-government
stance. As most foreign reports on Thailand are based on the English-language
dailies, The Nation's take on events influences news in international
publications.
Contrary to the way it was reported in The Nation, the actual
text of the speech in Thai is widely interpreted as encouragement
to stand firm to defend that country along with a plea that soldiers,
police and government must work together to halt the violence. HM
The Queen also explained how troops had successfully taught village
women how to shoot guns and this had enabled them to defend themselves.
The speech ended with the Queen wondering, in jest, whether she
herself should learn to shoot a gun without wearing glasses even
though HM is 72 years old. The audience appreciated the joke and
laughed (full
Thai-language text of the speech).
The world over, pronouncements by royalty are closely scrutinized
and the most successful of speeches appeal to the widest group of
people while allowing individuals to feel that the speech is for
them. Perhaps the local media being able to find slightly different
shades of meaning in the speech is indicative of the Thai Royals'
abiding appeal to all strata of Thai political life.
Whether or not any particular way of reporting a speech would be
an effective way of shaping public opinion (as some claim), the
interest in this issue shows the passionate feelings raised by nationhood
and the threats posed in the South. As these problems persist and
an election looms with historic ramifications for the Thai political
scene, the image Thailand presents to the world will continue to
be of critical interest to all sides of the political spectrum.
* The full
Thai-language text of HM The Queen's speech is at the Manager
Daily site.
* On November 17, HM The King made a speech to newly promoted generals
and admirals about interservice cooperation to extinguish the Southern
conflagration. Full-text is here.
* TNA's reporting of the speech: Queen
urges all Thai to be grateful to motherland - TNA, November
17, 2004
Her Majesty the Queen has called for all Thais with all religions
to be loyal and grateful to their motherland, and has urged all
parties concerned to brainstorm ideas for solutions to the current
spate of violence and unrest in the country's deep South...
More on Troubles in the South Also:
Nationalism & Right-wing Politics
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