absolutelyBangkok archive · Politics
Originally published April 17, 2008
On Saturday, April 19, the Olympic torch was expected in Bangkok for a glorious torch run to warm us all up for the historic Olympic Games this summer in Beijing. Games to showcase an open, modern China — in the “Olympic spirit” of mutual understanding, friendship, solidarity and fair play. But watch out if you planned a little pro-Tibet sideshow to emphasize your solidarity.
Thai police warned that those who disrupt the torch relay will be unconditionally arrested and charged with causing public disturbance, police spokesman Pol. Lt. General Watcharaphol Prasarnratchakij said on April 17.
Worse is yet to come: “Foreign protesters will have their rights for immediate residence and their future entry in Thailand revoked, and those with also Thai nationality will have it revoked permanently,”
The Nation quoted the police spokesman.
Deportation and blacklist, in lay terms.
Me wonders how revoking a nationality is that easy on charges of causing public disturbance. Thought there is still such a thing as a constitution. The warning may be a warning against certain known people. But Thai justice is always good for a surprise.
We all know that big bro China asked Thailand to strengthen the security arrangements for the event. And we’re all aware of the Chinese roots of Thailand’s elite. It’s a matter of pleasing the elder. And we all know that, politically, Thailand is no libertarian’s paradise.
In the past at least Bangkok’s authorities tolerated protests of all sorts of foreign lobbyists and governments in exile.
Wouldn’t be surprised if somewhere somehow, all of a sudden, a hyper-powered Songkran water gun shows up. To kind of wipe out that fire with the precision of a sharpshooter.
God help anyone even thinking of such a sacrilege.
But watch out. If something happens they may round up every farang in sight.
Networks and organizations that planned pro-Tibet activities: Free Tibet Network, Thai Labour Campaign Group, Chulalongkorn University social critics, Activists for Social Change, Young People for Democracy Movement and Workers Democracy, Reporters Without Borders and China pro-democracy and pro-Taiwan groups.
Happy Olympics!
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