Above: Thaksin takes over – 1995
Today is Thaksin’s 62nd birthday.
With another Thaksin-directed government coming to power amid high hopes from the public, it will be useful to remember the real roots of the present crisis–a conservative and finely balanced political system being rocked by an ambitious billionaire. Initially, a dominant Thai Rak Thai government arose not because of the expansion and popularity of the party, but because of the purchase and absorption of existing political factions and MPs. The way the existing political establishment so easy folded itself into the Thaksin fold is indicative of the weakness and vacuousness of the political world that Thaksin was consuming and changing forever.
The progressive 1997 people’s constitution was intended to create a few large stable parties to replace the unstable coalition governments of the previous decades. It succeeded in this goal, but the party it created was then able to subvert the checks and balances intended to check political abuse of power.
It was feared that this was leading to a Malaysia- or Singapore-style one party government that would dominate all other parts of society including the press, military and monarchy (all considered informal checks and balances of the political world). In a system where parties, in effect, take turns holding power, the specter of a prime minister for life represented a fundamental change in the Thai political system.
The roots of the present crisis are not easy to find online. Since English-language sources of news like The Nation and Bangkok Post change their link structures about twice a year, it is difficult to easily find news items from this period (2001-2006).
Before the events of 2010, there was a distinct lack of on-the-ground photos and commentary on Thai political events. The coup of 2006 received minimal outside attention. Even the chaotic events of 2008 and 2009 received passing coverage and little in-depth comment in English.
However, this changed in 2010. During the Red Shirt protests that year, dozens of foreign bloggers were roaming around the Red Shirt redoubt in Rajaprasong posting photo essays and commenting on democracy.
Since then there has been an explosion of comment and analysis on Thai affairs on the net across the entire spectrum of opinion. This has coincided with the rise of Facebook and Twitter that has allowed universal access to express content and opinion.
This explosion of info starting in 2010 impacts the way the Thai political situation is reported. Most reporters simply use Google for their background material. The dearth of info prior to 2010 means the definition of the present conflict tends to be, “an elite is trying to keep a democratically elected leader from power.” This is certainly the line the pro-Thaksin groups have wanted to portray from the beginning.
However, the reality is more complex and fascinating. Thaksin, like all self-aggrandizing leaders who ride to power on the backs of a neglected underclass, is also his own worst enemy as well as a threat to freedom of expression. Below is just a sampling of interesting and controversial news items from the Thaksin/Thai Rak Thai years.
The Claims of Dhammakaya – July 31, 2002
[Religious sect often cited as being used by the pro-Thaksin movement.]
‘Foreign debt: We could try the Thai way’ – August 18, 2003
[Thaksin's early repayment of IMF obligations was widely admired.]
What choice do we have? – September 29, 2004
[Early attack on the anti-Thaksin movement that was to become the PAD. Here pointing out that those behind it--Sondhi and Ekkayuth--were both failed businessmen embroiled in financial scandals.]
Thaksin and the National Anthem – October 20, 2004
[The aggrandizement of Thaksin--inserting his image into a National Anthem montage. As with much of the controversy Thaksin courted, there seemed to be very little reason for this other than ego.]
The outrage of Tak Bai – October 31, 2004
The Tak Bai VCDs – December 11, 2004
Do we have another ‘indispensable man’? – December 26, 2004
Pro-Government forumers who are hired to spin debate on forums – January 6, 2005
Thaksin company courts controversy – July 16, 2005
T is for trouble in the age of libel – July 29, 2005
[Massive libel suits brought by companies close to the government.]
Thaksin’s wife owns new party headquarters – July 15, 2005
Notes on canceling Muang Thai Rai Sapdah – September 17, 2005
[The cancelling of anti-government analysis shows while pro-government shows continue.]
Thaksin’s Burma blunder – March 6, 2006
[Thaksin maneuvering over the election boycott by opposition parties.]
The Gutting of iTV – March 7, 2006
[A key impulse during the Thaksin years was to make sure there was no media outlets in the position of being able to critique and expose misdoings of the government. iTV was a special example as it used hidden cameras to expose corruption. Such an unThai-like confrontational approach was sure to face massive pressure from conventional politicians.]
William L Monson vs Thaksin – May 11, 2006
[Another odd event from Thaksin's business past.]
Finland, monarchy: a dangerous mix – May 25, 2006
Extrajudicial killings of alleged drug dealers in Thailand – May 29, 2006
[Perhaps the best known excess of the Thaksin years. However, it is important to note that these tactics were, and continue to be, very popular with the public. This is because in most areas of the country there is neither dependable law enforcement nor an independent judiciary. Occasional purges like this are seen as the only way to tamp down the provincial mafia when they go too far. Also: Chalerm Yubamrung: For drug dealers if they do not want to die, they had better quit staying on that road... drugs suppression in my time as Interior Minister will follow the approach of [former Prime Minister] Thaksin. If that will lead to 3,000-4,000 deaths of those who break the law, then so be it.]
Who wants to lead the United Nations? – June 5, 2006
[Surakiart as UN secretary General: an unfulfilled Thaksin dream and typical of the leadership aspirations he had for Thailand.]
(Photo: 2Bangkok.com)
Above: Voting booth arrangement on April 2, 2006 with booths arranged facing out so the choices of the voters could be seen.
The boycotted election – April 30, 2006
BANGKOK POST 60TH ANNIVERSARY: Thaksin appeals to media – August 3, 2006
[Notable for the common Thaksin plea: if the press criticizes him, they are criticizing Thailand in the world's eyes.]
PM’s role as defender of democracy is a joke – Bangkok Post, July 10, 2006
Consequences of Thaksin’s botched foreign policy – June 8, 2010
Book Review: Thaksin and Thailand’s contentious foreign policy – August 3, 2010
Suvanabhumi Airport Runway Cracks – November 3, 2006
[One of the boldest attempts of the government to silence the press.]
Above: Minister – Made in Hong Kong – Arun, Krungtepturakit, January 27, 2008
It reads: Minister. Made in Hong Kong [Meaning that Thai government ministers are controlled by Thaksin from Hong Kong.]
The People Power Party election win in late 2007 resulted in another year of political high tension. Cabinet-level activities ground to a halt as ruling party members insisted the constitution by amended first (presumably to effect a Thaksin return).
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The title should read “Not remembering the Thaksin Years on his birthday”!
Lots of attention being given to a fugitve, very interesting, but not surprising given the fact that the media scene is paid for/controlled and arranged by you know who. A man who is obssesed by power and money, I pray for the future of the (poor) people of Thailand.
Of course people also remember Prem’s birthday, which falls on the 26th of August (same date but different month from Thaksin). On 26 August 2008, the now-defunct yellow shirts stormed Samak’s Government House and unsuccessfully tried to capture Channel 11. While many red shirts now still have to languish in jail, not a single yellow shirt has been detained because they are mob mee sen (mob with connection). Poor Thailand, you are indeed land of double standard.