Thursday 29 May 2008

A change from Nepal

Finally, Nepal has become the world's newest republic after a majority of constituent assembly has voted to abolish the 240-year-old monarchy. A brief news is here.

What does this situation tells us?

It depends on how the rulers rule their countries, no matter what kind of regimes there are. The country would still be, more or less, stable as long as the people are happy i.e. having money in thier pockets.

This leads me to think that: At the end of the day, is the rightest regime really a regime, or a management of people's selfishness? Do people actually need any kind of regime or they just want the ruler to make them prosper?

I think it is too extreme. Because if everyone's selfish, how can we instill a sense of public responsibility to the people?

What does it take to make a change?

The ruler, or the people?

Thursday 8 May 2008

Military Rules in Southeast Asia

Whilst I am studying for the exam, a question emerged on the topic about the military rule in Southeast Asia.

In 1960s many countries in the region were ruled by military cliques; Burma under Ne Win; Thailand under Thanom; Indonesia under Suharto. It looks like these countries were moving into an "effective body of administration" after the chaotic period that preceded it.

Basically, because the army had arms, it then pocessed coercive power which by that time was the most effective way to control the restless situation under the shortest time being. However, more importantly, some groups gained interest from being involved in the politics; military regimes were main investors in Burma and Indonesia during the time. In Thailand, the leaders seemed to enjoy a personal interest from US aid programme especially the Military Assistant Programme. That is why they still wanted to cling onto power.

What about the west? or What about those countries that mil. has divorced from the government already?



Tuesday 6 May 2008

Lese Majeste charges against Chotisak.

I think what Chotisak is doing is too early, too soon. There are other methods he could adopt rather than not standing up in the cinema. I am not saying that he hasn't have the right to do it but he fails to realize that the other side could turn violent on him. Too risky.

If talking about "The King Never Smile" is still being banned, you are not doing it in the right time, Chotisak (and others). Wait first, the situation is not ripe yet.
Ps.
- I mourne for those who has lost thier lives in Burma due to the cyclone Nargis. The number is here.
- I see two changes in the world today:
1) Olmert and Abbas are moving towards easing Israeli-Palestinian tension.
2) Hu Jin Tao is scheduled to visit Japan.