HAPPY BIRTHDAY
The Birthday Party
It's a very happy day
We are at lots of fun fun fun
And it's ice-cream and jelly
And a punch in the belly
How much can you throw over the walls?
And see how his face glows
It's a bike! What a surprise.
It's a big bike. What a big surprise.
It's a red bike. What a red surprise.
Oh, what a surprise.
But the best thing there
But the best thing there
Was the wonderful dog chair
Was the beautiful dog chair
That could count right up to ten
It could count right up to ten
It went woof, woof, woof, woof, woof,
Woof, woof, woof, woof, woof.
And it's another happy day
He was born eleven years ago
And this year it's long trousers
And a very smart tie.
Just think in five years he'll be shaving.
And see how his face glows
It's a ninja sword. What a surprise!
It's a samurai sword. What a metal surprise.
He'll remember this day for the rest of his life.
But the best thing there
But the best thing there
Is that sensuous dog chair
The immaculate dog chair
That could count right up to eleven
It could count right up to eleven
It went woof, woof, woof, woof, woof, woof, woof, woof, woof,
Woof, woof.
But the best thing there
But the best thing there
Was my darling the dog chair
The cool, cool dog chair
That could count right up to eleven
It could count right up to eleven.
And it ran round and round the house.
It ran round the house.
The Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM) is off to an excellent start, especially with the endorsement of our revered King and support from an overwhelming 83.9% of Thais from all walks of life, nationwide (source: Suan Dusit poll). As its name states, the purpose of the CDRM's existence and that of the interim government it is forming is to implement political reform which will promote democracy.
To have government of the people, by the people and for the people, I suggest that it institutionalise broad participation by ordinary citizens in making important decisions so that our government reflects the needs of we the people, not those of any narrow group.
For example, it should aid private parties in forming a not-for-profit, nonpartisan political organisation like the US League of Women Voters, whose mission is to encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in government, work to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influence public policy through education and advocacy.
Also, in all things, the watchword should be transparency - whether it be in appointing the interim government, investigating corruption by public servants and ministers, revising our Constitution, or organising elections. We have a golden opportunity to make our democracy more robust than ever before, more responsive to we the people than ever before. Let's not let this chance slip by, for it's one in a million.
BURIN KANTABUTRA
Bogus champions of democracy
I find it pretty irritating that the United States is condemning our coup when their own government was taken over some time ago by militarists who have constantly frightened the populace, bullied their critics, spied on everyone, started two wars which have killed tens of thousands, operated secret prisons, tortured people, and denied people the right of habeas corpus, etc, all in the name of fighting terrorism and defending democracy.
The fear-mongering, illegal and bullying actions of this military junta wearing civilian suits in the US is far more damaging to the ideals of democracy in the world than any coup here could ever be. And it is we who should be reviewing our relations with them, because it is a big black mark on our history that Thaksin sacrificed some of our brave soldiers when he cooperated with them in the illegal occupation of Iraq.
DISGUSTED
Ignorant White House
So the Bush administration condemns the coup. The US is again showing ignorance in dictating policy to a foreign government without bothering to study the situation. They talk about democracy but do they know what it means? Thaksin was destroying the democratic system in this country. He was intimidating dissenters and using his power to discredit his opponents while maintaining his popularity through money and propaganda among the rural poor. At the time of the coup, Thailand was on the verge of violence and was no longer able to select a government by general election.
It is time the US started recognising the difference between real democracy and corrupt manipulators of the political system. It is time the Bush administration started wanting what is good for the people of the world and not only what serves their own immediate interests.
MALCOLM SCHAVERIEN
Thaksin and his govt
The latest coup was so well-timed it must have left the PM with no options but to hole up in London, lost. I can just hear him reeling orders to vague emptiness over AIS and the lines jamming. His demise will be shown by just how much corruption his government did to damage Thailand and its people. He was too greedy to pay taxes, yet he lives in the ways of people like Marcos and Sukarno, whose tactics were exactly the same: manipulate the poor and you have the country at your knees. Power and greed surpassed all expectations to lead to his eventual demise - as it does with them all.
All Thaksin had to do was donate a billion baht to the Thai people from the tax he never paid, and he would have been rewarded as a hero to live comfortably on the interest he would have received from the rest of his billions. Instead he stayed on the path of power at all costs.
I commend our armed forces for their move to restore Thailand back to normality. Well done, and right on time.
SOMCHAI L
Well done, Gen Sonthi
I got a call from a friend in the US expressing concern about the recent military coup d'etat. I asked him, what coup d'etat he was talking about? He said the coup he saw on CNN and other news networks. I told him what he saw was not a real coup. It was a Hollywood production that was shooting in Bangkok.
The scene called for a welcome takeover of power from the caretaker government by the armed forces: tanks and soldiers carrying M16s roaming the streets of Bangkok during the early morning hours; beautiful temples and Buddhist monks serving as a backdrop, drizzling rain making the streets wet - perfectly surreal by Hollywood standards.
Later on in the day, people come out and applaud the soldiers for a successful takeover and give them flowers, food and drinks. Kids ride up on their bicycles to get a closer look at the tanks, with the soldiers accommodating them. Tourists take pictures in front of the tanks with smiling faces. The whole time, not a single shot is fired and no one feels threatened by the situation. It is a peaceful takeover of power with much support from the people. A few hours later, the director declares the movie a wrap.
My friend asked me what is the name of the movie. I said I didn't know, but if it was up to me, I'd call it Amazing Thailand. Well done, General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin.
SUPREECHA D
The best possible move
I would like to address the leaders mentioned in the article "International leaders speak out against military coup" (Bangkok Post, Sept 21). As an expat living in Thailand for the past 18 years, I must say I feel more safe today than I did a week ago. One reason was the potential of conflict between the PAD and Thaksin supporters. Another reason is the situation in the South, which has only got worse under the Thaksin regime, and which I now believe will certainly improve with Thaksin out of the picture.
Some of these countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and others, have advised their countrymen to avoid travelling to Thailand. This is foolish advice. There is no rioting. The military coup leaders are not threatening the public, people on the streets are all in favour of the change, and we expats are in no trouble with the authorities whatsoever.
Although coups are not the favoured way of changing governments, in this case, since Thaksin had not clearly stated his plans for the future, leaving the country in disarray and continuing to reject calls to retire from government, the coup was the best move possible to contain the problems.
What the people of Thailand need now is understanding and support from friendly governments; not for governments to advise people to stay away.
CHARLIE BROWN
Pattaya
Tourist in London
So Mr Thaksin and his family are all in London, again. Does anybody know how many times he's been to London recently? Let's hope that he is not excluded for 90 days the next time he tries to enter the UK.
A CONCERNED EXPAT
Much hope for South
Sanitsuda Ekachai's commentary of Sept 21 posed a question whether there should now be hope for the southernmost region under the watch of a new strongman, Army Commander-in-Chief Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, a Muslim. My answer is a resounding yes. Where else in the world can one find a country with her population predominantly believing in one religion have its military force be vested in the hand of a person believing in another faith? Without an iota of doubt, all the Muslim population in Thailand must now be very proud of their fellow man in a country open-minded enough to recognise a man's ability irrespective of his faith or appearance.At one time, our chief of the Supreme Court was a Sikh, one minister of finance was a Christian and the current auditor-general is also a Christian. There seems to be something right about this country.
Talks between two Muslims would definitely be more accommodating. I am even more confident when I read in your breaking news of the reactions of one chief of the Pattani freedom fighters (Pulo) welcoming Gen Sonthi and optimistic of the resolution since he viewed the general as the only one who knows the real problems. In the past, Pulo has never said anything nice about Thailand.
Not only are Thai skies clearer now, there is also the bonus of an achievable peace in the South.
It is doubly gratifying to hear of Gen Sonthi's commitment to stay in power for only two weeks, with an interim civilian government lasting not more than one year to pave the way for an improved democracy by October 2007.
SONGDEJ PRADITSMANONT
Perfect timing So
Thaksin has fled to London, where he bought a mansion only weeks ago. I only hope he is politely asked by the British to find somewhere else to hide.
To quote Thaksin: "On my way here [to New York] I was prime minister. On my way back I'm jobless... If they don't want me to work, it's okay. I won't."
Well, excuse me Mr Thaksin, you were not prime minister; you were a caretaker. Your sophistry knows no bounds. Jobless? Jobless, Mr Thaksin? Your choice of words is astonishing. You didn't do a day's work in your life, save for robbing the Kingdom of Thailand to such an extent that the military had to step in to oust you.
To their credit, the military's move was faultless, expertly timed to cause Thaksin maximum international embarrassment; they waited until he was out of the kingdom at a high-profile UN meeting and then they swooped. Now that's what I call military planning. Thaksin, you are history. A foot-in-the-mouth note in history.
To see pictures of Thai and farang handing smiling troops red roses and yellow ribbons warms the heart. And not a drop of blood spilt. We must hope that similar bloodless coups happen on Capitol Hill and at Downing Street; they are sorely needed in more places than just Thailand.
ANON IN UDON
An assumption
Most foreign governments seem to be critical of the coup in Thailand having abrogated Thai democracy. Presumably these governments would also assume democracy exists in Singapore. I rest my case.
DALLAS FIELD
Insulting, incorrect
I have read with special interest the analysis from local and Western media on recent events in Bangkok. The International Herald Tribune published an editorial condemning the Thai Army C-in-C and added a column by Phillip Bowring espousing his expertise on Thailand and the monarchy. Both were insulting and factually incorrect.
Local media and especially the street mob which had been demanding army intervention both seemed less than enthusiastic with the result. The core of those in the street were not handed their much desired "People's Republic" or any seat of power. The army commander moved not only to remove the PM, but to preclude politicians and the mobs from dividing the military into political wings. He seemed to understand how this invited a bloodbath with weaponry able to devastate the major cities.
The Left and politicians are always ready to demand the army stay out of politics and equally ready to demand the military remove someone they do not like. The IHT claims nothing good ever came from military coups and taking power. They have not considered "Pa Prem". The very place this kingdom occupies in Asia and the social and economic advances made may be rightly laid at the feet of Gen Prem, acting always with clear royal advice.
The ship of state has weathered the storm once again. The army will hand over power to either an interim appointed government or one elected. They will return to barracks and hope the next group taking the elected reins does not allow that power to corrupt or turn them into ignorant/arrogant snobs who refuse to listen to sage advice.
Who will be dissatisfied by the result? The mob, with its dream of a socialist state and the Phillip Bowrings of the world, who set themselves up as experts on things they obviously know little about.
MAJOR MARK A. SMITH
US Army, Retired
Poking around
If a parallel situation occurred in the US with an identical sequence of events such as a president who made billion-dollar deals with foreign companies and paid no tax, or found a way to dissolve Congress whenever it wanted to consider an impeachment process, I can assure you that half a million or so rednecks with shotguns would besiege the White House and escort the gentleman to the border.
The US is doing itself no service by poking around in a situation it does not understand. Further, I don't believe the Bush administration can afford to lose any more friends. JOHN ARNONE Yasothon Nothing overthrown I would like to urge foreign dignitaries who have expressed their concern over what they call the overthrow of a democratically elected government in Thailand, to check their notes more carefully.
After the dissolution of parliament and the annulment of the April elections, Thailand did not really have a government, let alone a democratically elected one.
Thaksin & Co had simply continued to govern under the guise of a caretaker government, but without a clear mandate. There was no democracy in Thailand to overthrow on Tuesday, Sept 19, 2006.
CHA-AM JAMAL
