News and commentary from Thailand and Southeast Asia. Bird flu, violence in Southern Thailand and continued corruption are current themes in this part of the world. You can also find out about my latest research and publications. Welcome to the Land of Smiles.
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Good morning,
The first day of the parliamentary censure debate has been concluded and the focus of the debate was the charges laid against the born into privilege quisling PM: these included, detailed evidence of financial wrongdoing by the Democrat Party, apparently including money laundering, accepting money improperly and a multi-million baht transaction with the Election Commission (these are all allegations – more details here – I’m not sure whether there is parliamentary privilege in Thailand, I think I saw yesterday some company shills were planning to monitor the debate with a view to possible slander). There was also the allegation that Abhisit had evaded his military service and that the records show he was elected an MP before joining the Democrat Party (this is also illegal – a person must become a party member before elections) – Abhisit denies everything of course – he is now getting a lot of practice at denying things: “Abhisit explained that there was a misprint in the EC records.” I think we know what would happen if the questions were going the other way.
A homemade bomb and an ambush has been used to kill four paramilitary troopers in the southern border region. They were apparently heading back to base in a pickup truck after completing their annual physical.
Unemployment has risen by 63% to 880,000 people – now including many recent graduates who are finding it hard to obtain work, not least because of the mismatch between what is required of someone entering the workplace and what is provided in most Thai undergraduates. It will increase further, no doubt.
Back on Monday.
A result at the Palace would be most graciously received.