New Mandala

Further to Nich Farrelly’s previous post, Chang Noi has a fascinating article in todays Nation about political thinker (and failed politician) Anek Laothamatas’ current thinking on populism. Here are some extracts:
In his book, “Thaksina-prachaniyom” (Thaksin-style populism) Anek worries that Thaksin could be a signal of even worse to come. Thaksin gave people things they wanted, and [...]

[Read more →]

Here on New Mandala, wide-ranging debates about the impact of Thailand’s many Royal Projects have been common.  There has been much vigorous discussion of the merits of some royally initiated and sponsored activities.�
Today, the BBC and many others report that Tanzania has been granted the King’s permission to use his patented rain-making technique.  For more on the [...]

[Read more →]

Last week, the Australian House of Representatives debated a motion expressing concern about the political situation in Burma.  The transcript of the debate is available and - for anybody keen to see how it took shape – pages 44-49 of Hansard on Monday 12 February 2007 are essential reading.
A big thanks to Cheri, from the ever-informative and useful Burma Gateway, [...]

[Read more →]

A new academic blog about life on the Thai-Burma border has been launched.  Called “the crooked line“, it already carries posts on Karen cartoons, tattoos, and the murky space that divides Thailand from Burma.�
Writing of the people who live in that space, the author asserts:
They live in no-man’s land. They have no country, no papers, no [...]

[Read more →]