Stories about Thailand from December, 2008
Thailand: Revenge of the reds
Forget the yellow protesters who occupied Thailand’s airports last month. Today’s anti-government protests in Bangkok are organized by supporters of the ousted government. They have vowed to launch bigger street actions “to restore democracy.” Do not confuse them with the Left. They just like the color red.
Thailand: Text messages from the Prime Minister
On his first day in office, Thai PM Abhisit Vejjajiva sent SMS to his constituents. A sample of the text message: “I am your new PM. I would like to...
Southeast Asia: Controversies and tragedies of 2008
In the previous post (Southeast Asia: Newsmakers of 2008), I wrote about the major events that took place in Southeast Asia. In this article, I will highlight other stories which became controversial as well.
Southeast Asia: Newsmakers of 2008
For Southeast Asia, 2008 was a year of terrible disasters, both natural and man-made. Rice consumption was reduced, milk products were contaminated with melamine, jobs were lost, bloggers were arrested, and homes were destroyed. But the situation is not hopeless.
Thailand: Blocked websites
The Freedom Against Censorship Thailand has just received a secret list of blocked websites leaked from Thailand’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology. The report mentioned 1,303 websites which were...
Thailand: Academic calls for rule of law
Bangkok Pundit has posted a statement from Thongchai Winichakul calling for rule of law in Thailand as a means to end conflict. Bangkok Pundit also criticises the National Human Rights...
Thailand's new Prime Minister again
Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva is now the new Prime Minister of Thailand. Thai Politico probes the education background of the new leader.
Thailand: Flights cancelled because of ‘political conditions’
How did airline companies explain the cancelled flights in Thailand two weeks ago? Instead of citing weather conditions, they blamed “political conditions”. These words were stamped in the passengers’ tickets.
Thailand: Foreigner who stayed in the airport blockade
Majority of foreigners stayed away from Bangkok airports two weeks ago. But there was a foreigner who stayed inside the airport blockade. Janus Putkonen from Finland joined the protesters for five days and nights. Fortunately he had a video camera.
Thailand political crisis: Reactions from the region
Thailand’s airport takeover has affected hundreds of thousands of passengers from nearby countries. What are the reactions of bloggers in the region? What is the situation in Thailand today?
Thailand: Mastermind behind the crisis
Thai Intelligent News Weblog wonders who might be the “mastermind” behind the conspiracy to undermine Thailand's ruling party and former leader Thaksin Shinawatra.
Wife of ousted Thai leader returns to Bangkok
Potjaman Shinawatra, the wife of ousted Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra arrived in Thailand on the first day of reopening of Bangkok's airport. The Thaksin couple was earlier found guilty by...
Thailand: Why did they choose the airport?
Thai Politico explains why anti-government protesters chose Thailand's new airport to stage their “decisive battle” against the government.
Thailand: Protesters honor their fallen comrades
Anti-government protesters from the People's Alliance for Democracy have been conducting street actions for the past 193 days. PAD said 7 of its members were killed, one comatosed, six crippled,...
Thailand: Journalists caught in the crossfire
Journalists criticize both the pro and anti government groups for harassing and attacking reporters during the airport crisis.
Thailand: Complaint of stranded Filipinos
Coffee Stains & Inks from the Philippines hints that embassy officials were slow in helping Filipinos who were stranded in Thailand during the airport crisis.
Thailand: Airports reopen but crisis not yet over
Bangkok’s airports are now open. The protesters have agreed to end their protests. But the crisis is not yet over. The ruling party is still dominant. Protesters could still launch similar daring actions in the future. The next few weeks will not be quiet for Thailand.
Thailand: Going Home Finally
Oakmonster is happy that she can finally go back to Thailand. The opposition supporters had occupied the main airports in Bangkok and disrupted air services.
Thailand: PAD to Stop Airport Blockade
The Bangkok airport blockade by Thai opposition supporters might come to an end in the next couple of hours.
Thailand: Airport crisis hurting ordinary persons
The airport chaos is hurting Thailand’s tourism industry, even the economy of its neighbors. But it must be pointed out that ordinary persons, Thais and foreigners, are suffering more. Tourists are stranded; Bangkok residents are losing their jobs, especially those who are working in the airports.
Thailand: How will the airport chaos end?
The airport chaos and political crisis in Thailand are still not over. Dozens of empty planes were allowed to leave Bangkok, but protesters still control the two major airports in Thailand. Pro-government supporters have been conducting street assemblies already. How will the crisis end? Will it be peaceful?
