Thailand's (R)evolving Politics

Every Prime Minister in Thailand has his/her own very unique challenges. After the controversial Thaksin Shinawatra was forced out of power by a coup more than 6 years ago, politics has been topsy-turvy in this Kingdom. The Democrats, with the backing of the generals, successfully put Abhisit Vejjajiva at the helm, only to be disturbed by a massive Red Shirt protests that put to test his mantle as a statesmen.

The handling of the Red Shirt protests and the assassination of the former military officer leading them sunk Vejjajiva and his Democrats' popularity. Another election followed and it was time for the Red Shirts, known alternatively as Thaksin's thugs (or band of brothers), to take a revenge. The newly-formed Phuae Thai party (after Thaksin's party was dissolved due allegedly for election violations) fielded Thaksin's loving sister Yingluck. And the rest was history. She is Thailand's first prime minister. It was not because the Thai people were ready to have a female leader. It was more of Thaksin's influence (and his money) rubbed on her.

Yingluck Shinawatra: The Loving Sister

The pro-democracy movement, also known as the anti-Thaksins, are now occupying the streets where the Red Shirts where once before. They no longer wear the royalist yellow colour but are garbed in white mask ala V for Vendetta.

Supalak Ganjanakhundee, a veteran political journalist with The Nation newspaper (which is known as anti-Thaksin paper--Thaksin bullied the paper when he was in power so there's reason for the antipathy), wrote a sobber explanation on what's happening recently. He said instead of sitting in the park in front of the Royal Palace protesting against the prime minister, why do these protesters start to campaign not to elect Thaksin's annointed next time.

Comments

The Filipino Diaspora Abroad: One Foot in Motherland

I was privileged to give a reaction during the book launch of DIASPORA JOURNEY: PHILIPPINE MIGRATION AND DIASPORA NARRATIVES last October 30. The authors are Filipinos from various parts of the world. A majority of them have lived most of their lives in the US. In light of the recent elections in the US where migration was one of the most pressing issues, and unfortunately the rightwing campaign of the Republicans has demonised certain migrant groups as criminals and opportunists, I am publishing the reaction I gave during the launch. Magandang hapon po, good afternoon to all of you! To Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya, Consuls Jari, Nomer, Kay, friends at the embassy and the Filipino community, and the authors who are here – AVE RODRIGUEZ-BAXA, MYRLA DANAO, RUBY LANGEVELD-CUMBA, MALU PADILLA, JEFFREY MORALES, MAYA, AND CARLO BUTALID. It is my honor and pleasure to briefly react to this book, DIASPORA JOURNEY: PHILIPPINE MIGRATION AND DIASPORA NARRATIVES. When we propose a man...

Oh Osaka!

Osaka is a vibrant metropolis that pulsates with a unique blend of ancient tradition and modern dynamism. Often regarded as the culinary capital of Japan, this city is a gastronomic paradise, renowned for its delicious street food delights like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). Beyond its culinary prowess, Osaka's skyline is a testament to its futuristic ambitions, with dazzling skyscrapers standing tall against the backdrop of historical landmarks such as Osaka Castle, a remnant of Japan’s feudal past. Osaka's neighborhoods each tell their own story, from the bustling shopping streets of Shinsaibashi and the neon-lit entertainment district of Dotonbori, to the tranquil, cherry blossom-lined pathways of Osaka Castle Park. The city thrives on its unwavering energy, embodied in its residents, known for their warmth and distinctive Kansai dialect, which adds a colorful charm to everyday interactions. Culturally rich, it is home to an array of museums, the...

First Dutch Recipe Book of Well-loved Filipino Dishes

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS: If someone asks about Dutch cuisine, the standard answer would be mashed potatoes with sausage topped with gravy or deep-fried fish fillet called ‘kibbeling’. And that ends there. It is the perceived ‘nothingness’ of the Dutch gastronomy that has paved way to the immense popularity of Indonesian, Indian, Chinese, Suriname, Japanese, and Thai food in the Netherlands. Every city has restaurants and takeaways that offer ‘orientalist’ food. But what is missing in the Netherlands is recognition of the Filipino food. The Dutch don’t have any idea about the Filipino dish unless they have been to the Philippines or married to a Filipino. The two Filipino restaurants, both located in The Hague, mostly have Filipino patrons (and their Dutch partners or friends). There is no Filipino equivalent yet to sushi , satay , pho , roti or pad Thai – popular dishes that are easily identifiable to an Asian country. So when Dutch couple and missi...

Stories & Photographs by Jofelle Tesorio

Search This Blog