Back, from, Dead

Thai bloggers Naphat and Tom are both back blogging.

Tom blogs on doublespeak from a recent Surayud government Cabinet Resolution:

Words and expressions in general should be improved to convey a positive meaning by avoiding negative message or negation, for example the text in a preamble that mentions Western civilization, the text in political strategy [policy papers] that uses the phrase “in order to prevent problems in southern border provinces”, and the text in social strategy [policy papers] that uses the phrase “without ethnic factors”. [It is unclear whether these are examples of what to do or what not to do.] In addition, the following words and phrases should be substituted in order to be more appropriate and accurate. “Muslim world” should be substituted with “Muslim community”, “special economic zone” with “special ad hoc development zone” and “Islamic country” with “Muslim country”.

COMMENT: Where are you Winston Smith? Go give Tom's blog a read.

Naphat blogs on my favourite CNS member, the infamous Gen. Saprang who in a recent interview threatens another coup, gives his thoughts on US foreign policy, and calls himself a hero. Quiet and modest, Gen Saprang is not. Naphat's thoughs on Gen. Saprang are:

I think the problem has a lot to do with the image Saprang seems to be projecting - one of slight arrogance. Our military rulers , perhaps taking their cue from Prem, have tried to project an image of benevolent “good soldiers,” responding to criticism in kindly, civil tones and imploring all to care about Thailand’s unity. From what I’ve read, Saprang has consistently been the combative one in answering criticisms of the junta with barbs of his own. It just doesn’t fit the mold of a senior statesman, General.

COMMENT: I agree. Prem will decide who the next Army C-in-C is and I don't think Prem is that stupid to go for Gen. Saprang so we will just see the little fella shooting from the hip for the next year or so threatening more coups. Having seen the door stop interview that Naphat mentions you really have to see one of them to believe them. As Naphat alludes it was really a media mob surrounding Gen. Saprang. I personally am amazed on how close the media get to some senior figures in Thailand and they often don't hold back on questions. Some 20-30 journalists swarm around the person they are interviewing and the person is basically stuck where they are with questions coming in all directions. They have to push their way through the media scrum.

Now, back to that urgent work I am meant to be doing.