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Re: Protests update
April 2016
The Dilemma Confronting the U.S.-Thailand Relationship
Pavin Chachavalpongpun
Sarah Sewall, the U.S. under secretary of state for civilian security, democracy, and human rights, visited Thailand in late March. Her visit coincided with an ongoing debate on the country’s controversial military-drafted constitution. Thailand, a treaty ally of the United States, has been in the custody of the army since a coup in May 2014 overthrew the elected government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. The military junta promised to hold elections in 2017, but with a critical royal transition on the horizon, many Thais doubt that the military will step down before the royal succession takes place..... (read more).... http://www.nbr.org/publications/element.aspx?id=896
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Re: Protests update
Teeranai Charuvastra
21 April 2016
Protests Called Off as Watana Released on Bail
BANGKOK — Activists today canceled daily protests demanding the release of Pheu Thai politico Watana Muangsook from military detention after a martial court released him on bail this afternoon.
After spending three days in army custody, Watana was brought to the military court in Bangkok on Thursday afternoon where he was charged with violating the junta’s ban on protests. The 59-year-old veteran politician was subsequently released on a bond of 80,000 baht.
Watana’s lawyer told the media the martial court barred him from “inciting unrest,” participating in political activities and leaving the country without its permission..... (read more)....http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...sid=1461239364
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Re: Protests update
Interesting parallels with recent events in Brazil.....it seems that wealthy, conservative classes elsewhere have found a sure-fire way of getting rid of democratically-elected leaders who don't toe the line!
http://www.theguardian.com/commentis...peached-brazil
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Re: Protests update
Teeranai Charuvastra
22 April 2016
Rallying Public for Release of Watana Exposes Hierarchy of Rights
BANGKOK — They came for the reporters and political cartoonists, and hands were wrung.
Then they came for the academics, and a storm of statements were issued. They arrested an old man for giving flowers, went after student activists for eating sandwiches, detained environmental activists opposing their projects, and still, little happened.
It wasn't until they came for a wealthy, privileged and well-connected... (read more)... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...sid=1461308583
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Re: Protests update
For Thailand, a portrait is crucial to preparations for succession
Thailand prepares the groundwork for its first royal succession in nearly 70 years.
Published APR 21, 2016
BANGKOK, THAILAND (Reuters) - Look around anywhere in Thailand and chances are you will see a portrait of King Bhumibol Adulyadej displayed in offices, schools, banks or on the front of government buildings.
Recently, though, portraits of the king's son, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, have increased as the kingdom of Thailand prepares the groundwork for its first royal succession in nearly 70 years.... (read more)... http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-...for-succession
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Re: Protests update
UN rights chief slams ‘crackdown’ on critics
THE NATION April 23, 2016
Thaksin hits back at Prayut, claims the government has been 'destroying itself'
THE United Nations' human rights chief expressed concern yesterday about the Thai government's clampdown on critics of the draft constitution and the tight curbs on dissent, adding to mounting pressure from the international community.
Meanwhile, fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra dismissed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's claim he had hired foreign lobbyists to campaign against the Thai government.... (read more)...http://www.nationmultimedia.com/poli...-30284532.html
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Re: Protests update
Pravit Rojanaphruk
23 April 2016
Junta’s Desperate Quest for Legitimacy
Dictatorial power can be crude and rude as student activist Rattaphol Supasopon found out recently.
Rattaphol, a member of Liberal Thammasat for Democracy, complained that some junta men paid an unannounced visit to his grandfather’s house, where his address is also registered. They just walked inside and started shooting photos of the home’s interior.... (read more)... http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...te=06§ion=
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Re: Protests update
Interview: Thaksin Shinawatra on Thailand
April 21, 2016
For one of the world’s most polarizing individuals, Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand and a telecom billionaire, cuts an understated figure. The soft-spoken police officer left the force at the age of 38 and the company he founded to rent out computer equipment soon became the largest mobile phone operator in Thailand.... (read more).... http://www.worldpolicy.org/blog/2016...watra-thailand
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Re: Protests update
Editorial Opinion
'No' drama being played out in real life
Published: 23/04/2016
Writer: Kong Rithdee
In October 1988 there was a national referendum. A military dictator, under pressure from the international community.... (read more)....
Please credit and share this article with others using this link: http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/o...t-in-real-life. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip. © Post Publishing PCL. All rights reserved.
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Re: Protests update
Sasiwan Mokkhasen
23 April 2016
500 Monks Gather to Sanction Buddha Isara
Nakhon Pathom — Hundreds of monks gathered in Nakhon Pathom Saturday morning to sanction the activist monk Buddha Isara.
Around 500 monks who said they were from Bangkok and the central region, gathered this morning at the giant stupa Phra Pathommachedi to complain about Buddha Isara. They consider Buddha Isara to be instigating division among monks.... (read more)....http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...809§ion=11