4 Years After the Thai Coup: Activists Protest Against the Military, But No Critical Mass Yet
Originally published on Channel NewsAsia on May 21, 2018
Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the 4th anniversary of the military coup and it has outlawed political protests ever since. But that hasn't stopped some groups from rallying against the military government.
TRANSCRIPT
It’s a Saturday afternoon on the campus of Thammasat University.
People are chatting, sitting on benches, enjoying their weekend.
But one look at the stage and it's clear they're not here for a concert but for a rare political rally against Thailand’s military government.
RANGSIMAN ROME; Activist "Democracy Restoration Group":
"I believe that after these 4 years we should think about the future. If you ask me if we have a future under the mask of General Prayuth Chan-ocha, I believe this country won’t have a future if we don’t fight together."
Rangsiman Rome is a young activist who wants a swift return to democratic elections.
He and his friends are members of the 'Democracy Restoration Group', founded soon after the military seized power in the 2014 coup.
But public displays of discontent with the military government are few and far between, owing to a ban on public gatherings of more than five people.
Thailand’s military government has solidified its rule, four years after it toppled the democratically elected government of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
It is the longest rule by the military since the 1970s - something many political observers did not anticipate.
SAKSITH SAIYASOMBUT, Bangkok, Thailand:
"In the past four years, the military government has often cited the absence of political protest as a sign of the peace and security it has given the Thai people. But analysts say that doesn’t mean that everybody is content with their rule... but that it just hasn’t translated to a widespread opposition, whether out of fear or indifference."
Analysts say current dissatisfaction is unlikely to build up into bigger protests - for now.
THITINAN PONGSUDHIRAK; Director Institute of Security and International Studies, Chulalongkorn University:
"This time [the] middle class Bangkok bought into the coup. So we’re seeing students, younger people, newer faces - they haven’t reached a critical mass, but I think the criticism, the opposition are mounting. And Thai people are also pretty tolerant compared to others, they’re waiting to have their say when the elections comes."
The delay by the military government to hold a general election has fuelled calls for a return to democratic rule.
RANGSIMAN ROME; Activist "Democracy Restoration Group":
"Our stance is that the people will win their freedom back. We may not be in charge today, but we are proposing a solution to solve the problems one step at a time. If we don’t begin with the freedom of the people today, we won’t be able to start anything. so let me start today by saying: elections are the answer."
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha has assured the public the election will definitely be held in early 2019...
but he has also said that if pro-democracy protests continue, there is no guarantee that polls will be held peacefully.
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Bangkok
4 Years After the Coup: New Generation of Politicians Waiting for Return of Elections
Originally published on Channel NewsAsia on May 20, 2018
We continue our series on four years after the military coup and today we look at the new crop of politicians is slowly gearing up for the campaign (whenever the govt allows and actually holds it). So what do Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit (Future Forward Party) and Varawut Silpa-archa (Chartthaipattana Party) think they can do to woo voters and their vision for Thailand’s political future?
TRANSCRIPT
Among the flurry of new parties, is the Future Forward party of billionaire Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.
It's grabbed the headlines with a progressive and anti-military stance.
The 39-year-old, vice president of his late father’s car parts empire, says that after years of political polarization and military rule, now is the time for change.
THANATHORN JUANGROONGRUANGKIT; Future Forward Party:
"For us, something that is equally important is winning the war; the war of ideas. So the war for seats and the war of ideas are equally important. We have to win the domination of ideas. We have to challenge the conservative ideas that we, the people of Thailand, are not ready for democracy, we have to challenge this idea."
Mr. Thanathorn is offering his party platform as an alternative to those of established parties among them, the Chart Thai Pattana party... A key personality here is Varawut Silpa-archa, also regarded as a new-generation politician.
His late father Banharn was the party's long-time leader, and for a brief time, prime minister. Mr. Varawut believes he can learn from his father's mistakes.
VARAWUT SILPA-ARCHA; Chart Thai Pattana Party:
"After all, he was a former Prime Minister of Thailand. In order to run away from his shadow, I have to cast a bigger shadow than him. If I can’t run away from it, I shall embrace it. I shall embrace the way he ran his political party, utilize on his experiences, learn from the mistakes that he made, the success that he did - then we can move forward."
Mr Varawut and Mr Tharnathon are part of a new generation of politicians who have registered their parties ahead of potential polls next year.
SAKSITH SAIYASOMBUT; Bangkok, Thailand:
"It’s still a long road until any democratically elected candidate can come here to parliament. There's still a lot to be done - never mind that political parties are still not allowed to campaign or talk specific policies without permission by the military government. However, this new group of politicians - the so-called young bloods - have the rare opportunity to tap into a new generation of potential voters."
THITINAN PONGSUDHIRAK; Director Institute of Security and International Studies, Chulalongkorn University:
"We need new ideas. We need new people, younger people. And remember that we haven’t had elections in Thailand since 2011! We’ve had protest, turmoil, polarizations in Thailand since 2005. So there’s been an entire generation who’ve grown up seeing this conflict in Thailand - so they probably wanna have a say."
Analysts say this new generation of politicians is unlikely to dramatically alter Thailand's political landscape, at least not just yet.
The military government's ban on political parties' activity has silenced debate but when the ban is lifted, it may give the new breed of politicians a chance to prove themselves.
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Bangkok
4 Years After the Thai coup: Assessing the Military's Anti-Corruption Fight
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on May 19, 2018
May 22 marks the 4th anniversary of the 2014 military coup. Time for us to reflect on what has happened since then. In part 1 of a 3-part-series, we're assessing the military's anti-corruption fight, something they have pledged to take head on when they took over. Four years later the results are mixed to say the least.
TRANSCRIPT
GEN. PRAYUTH CHAN-OCHA; Thai Prime Minister:
"...I hereby swear, that I will conduct myself with honesty, that I will not commit corruption, and I will uphold the values of justice…"
Thai prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's message denouncing corruption was loud and clear. It has always been so.
Mr Prayut used corruption to justify the military’s takeover of power in the 2014 coup.
It said the administration of then Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was corrupt and needed to go.
Several politicians from Ms Yingluck's toppled government were prosecuted following the coup, charged with corruption and in the case of the former prime minister herself, with criminal negligence in a rice pledging scheme.
She fled the country before a court sentenced her to five years in prison.
But corruption continues to be a problem, according to a report this year by Thailand's Court of Justice.
GEN. PRAYUTH CHAN-OCHA; Thai Prime Minister:
"The government is aware of the issue and is pushing this issue [of anti-corruption] as a national agenda. We’re already amending laws, and other mechanisms of checks and balances. The next step is how to make these changes into a reality."
Thailand's score in the latest Corruption Perception Index by Transparency International shows little improvement in its anti-corruption performance.
On a score of zero to a hundred, where the higher the score, the cleaner the country... Thailand scored 37 in 2017, compared to 38 in 2014, the year Ms Yingluck's government was overthrown.
ILHAM MOHAMED; Regional Advisor Asia Pacific, Transparency International
"What you do find in Thailand is grand corruption, illicit enrichment and illicit financial flows. This is what needs to be tackled and this is where you need to focus on if you would like to make changes."
SAKSITH SAIYASOMBUT, Bangkok, Thailand:
"The military is one of those institutions in Thai politics that has always had corruption allegations levelled at it. Things did not get better when it took over power here in 2014. Quite the contrary, a few scandals involving senior army officials have become major headaches for the government."
The Rajabhakti Park near Hua Hin for instance - the army's project to honour the monarchy.
Critics allege the park's giant bronze statues of seven past kings were massively overpriced, raising suspicion of kickbacks for the military officers who commissioned them.
Government investigations later cleared them of any wrongdoing.
And then, the saga of Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and the luxury watches he allegedly owns.
The probe by Thailand's National anti-Corruption Commission is still in place but critics fear the case will be buried.
Observers have asked if it's only the small fish that are getting caught.
MANA NIMITMONGKOL; Secretar General, Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand
"But at the moment, those measures have not yielded any results yet. And the public is doubting that, while they they seem to be focusing on local politicians and low-ranking civil servants, whether senior officials in the government or in the bureaucracy will be under the same scrutiny. Which leads to the question about how effective the crackdown was in the last 4 years?"
Prime Minister Prayut has announced that Thailand will hold its election in February next year.
And when it does, the country's anti-corruption track record will once again be closely scrutinised by the people.
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Bangkok
Thai PM visits Buriram to meet local stalwart Newin
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on May 7, 2018
Thai PM Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha visits Buriram today, not only to meet thousands of locals at the Chang Arena, but also with senior members of the Bhumjaithai Party and its ex-leader, Newin Chidchob - also known as the local stalwart of Buriram. Here's my live cross from earlier today.
Pro-democracy activists step up rallies as coup anniversary nears
Originally published on Channel NewsAsia on May 5, 2018
The กลุ่มฟื้นฟูประชาธิปไตย Democracy Restoration Group - DRG is holding their first rally in a month as the 4th anniversary of the coup is soon.
TRANSCRIPT
As the forth anniversary of the 2014 military coup is coming closer on the 22nd later this month, so are the anti-government protests by pro-democracy activists.
The so-called “Democracy Restoration Group” are staging a new rally after a month’s break, yet again calling the military government to stage democratic elections immediately.
They say that after four years in power, it’s time for the military to step aside.
RANGSINAM ROME; Activist "Democracy Restoration Group":
"I believe that after these 4 years we should think about the future. If you ask me if we have a future under the mask of General Prayuth Chan-ocha, I believe this country won’t have future if we don’t fighttogether.".”
Furthermore, the group is planning to march to Government House on the 22nd later this month. Not only is it the coup’s anniversary but also the weekly cabinet meeting of coup leader and prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.
The military government has repeatedly delayed democracy elections, the latest date is now tentatively scheduled for February next year.
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Bangkok
P-Move protests enter third day
Originally published on Channel NewsAsia on May 4, 2018
The P-move, a group representing farmers and the poor, have continued their protests in Bangkok demanding a fairer treatment in land seizures and social disparity.
Thailand’s street food scene in danger of being swept off the sidewalk
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on April 23, 2018
As part of a series this month looking at the street food culture that characterizes so much of ASEAN's diversity, this week we go Thailand’s capital Bangkok, where street food there is popular with locals as well as with tourists from around the world. But is there a threat of street food being wiped off the sidewalks, as announced by authorities last year? And what could this mean for the vendors and their patrons?
TRANSCRIPT
It’s evening in Bangkok and people are leaving work.
That’s when many streets of the Thai capital come alive, with vendors pulling out tables and chairs, and hungry folks waiting for a meal.
Street food in ubiquitous in Bangkok and elsewhere in Thailand, and it's hard to imagine the country without it.
"TUK"; Street Food Vendor:
"We Thais eat all the time around the clock, especially little snacks here and there. Personally, when I see a market or somewhere with a lot of shops, I literally run to there because of its diversity [of food] and our way of life that we grew up with."
Over 8 million stalls, carts, stands and hole-in-the-walls serve meals for relatively cheap almost anywhere, at almost any time of the day and night, to everybody -- whether it's an office worker on a lunch break, or a construction worker after a long night shift.
But not everybody likes the sidewalk eateries taking up the pavement day in, day out.
SAKSITH SAIYASOMBUT; Bangkok, Thailand:
"Last year, Bangkok city officials have shocked foodies here in the city and from abroad alike by announcing a ban on all street food vendors. After some considerable public backlash, the officials have backpedalled - OF COURSE it has all been a misunderstanding. They say they wanted to rein in on all this chaos that makes this city so charming in the first place. But what has happened ever since then?"
While the city wants to preserve some spots popular with tourists like in Chinatown and the backpacker district of Khao San Road, vendors in other parts of Bangkok will have to move somewhere else eventually.
And that could have a severe impact on their businesses - and their very livelihoods.
NARUMOL NIRATHORN; Associate Professor, Faculty of Social Administration, Thammasat University:
"And then [the authorities] tell [the vendors] to sell at a new place for them, and the are concerned whether or not they can sell anything there. And we have found such cases during our research last year, where they say that the costs have risen at the new place and thus reduces their earnings."
According to studies, women and older people are especially at risk from forced relocations from the busy main roads to quieter places, as in most cases they would lose their only source of income.
Critics say that the blanket ban by the city officials, fails to take the specific conditions and needs on the ground into account.
NARUMOL NIRATHORN; Associate Professor, Faculty of Social Administration, Thammasat University:
"In order to effectively manage this, you need to do field research, you really need to know who’s selling there, what the community thinks of them - thus each area needs to be handled differently."
Authorities have not set a definite timeline for these relocations.
For now, the street food vendors will continue to sell on the sidewalks as they have done for decades - but it is uncertain whether city planners still have an appetite to include them in Bangkok's future.
Pheu Thai Party holds pre-Songkran meeting
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on April 4, 2018
The Pheu Thai Party is holding its pre-Songkran meeting, calling for all its members to re-register this year in the runup of democratic elections. But while this is the first time political parties can assemble again, they still can't do everything.
TRANSCRIPT
This meeting signals the slow, the very slow thawing of political activity since the military coup of 2014 that has sidelined the political parties.
Before the coup this would have been a usual Thai New Year’s reception by the party, and they did hold a Songkran ceremony blessing their most senior members, like it is tradition in any Thai family or company.
but since the beginning of this month the military government has allowed the existing political parties to re-register their members as preparations for democratic elections are slowly, very slowly underway.
However, any activity beyond that, such as party meetings or even campaigning is still not allowed by the military government. That is something that is hampering all political parties and that is something they want to get changed ASAP.
PHUMTHAM WECHYACHAI; Secretary-General, Pheu Thai Party:
“The most important thing would be if the [restriction] orders are revoked, there’s no reason to keep them. There are many things in [NCPO] order no. 53 that is contradicting itself and that are problematic. They may have fully stated their case and interpretations about that, but the problem still is that there’s no reason to uphold, not to revoke order no. 53”
Earlier this week, Thai PM Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha has indicated that he would adjust some of the restrictions but would still not lift them entirely until further notice.
Democratic elections have been repeatedly delayed since 2014. The latest date is set for no later than February 2019 - and by that time they’d be in power longer than most elected government in recent Thai history.
Thai police shows off 'largest drug haul'
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on April 3, 2018
My latest report Channel NewsAsia: The Thai police shows off what it claims to be the 'largest ever' drug busts with 1.7 million yaba (methamphetamine) pills, 703kg of ice, 1,380kg of cannabis and 671 grams of cocaine. I explain the significance and what it means for Thailand's ongoing fight against drug trafficking.
Subtitles for POL.-GEN. CHAKTHIP CHAIJINDA; Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police:
"If you’re asking me whether or nots our efforts are brining in results, then I tell you we’re doing our fullest. We wouldn’t be able to catch this much if we wouldn’t. But we can’t tell how much is being produced in the neighboring countries and their capabilities."
Largest eSports event takes places in booming Thailand
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on March 31, 2018
eSports is big and Thailand is one of the biggest countries in Southeast Asia riding the wave. So much so that the Sports Authority of Thailand has officially endorsed as a sport. Here's my report about the national scene and what the next steps are in order to grow further.
Thank you to Garena Thailand for the access. Special thanks to my team Kittiphum Earthling and Theerapong Puengsook for their help. Transcript below as usual.
TRANSCRIPT
The stage is set. The competitors are ready. The battlefield is heating up.
What looks like a colorful flurry is a highly strategic bout of Realm of Valor or ROV- a popular Multiplayer Online Battle Arena video game, where teams of five players face off for points and wins, like a high-speed game of chess.
This is one of many games and competitions at the 6th edition of Garena World.
And there's good reason for the organizers to keep coming back to Bangkok.
FORREST LI; Group CEO Sea:
"Definitely I’d say Thailand is probably leading on the frontline. Here [you have] a very strong gaming culture. So it’s like mainstream. And this is a… Thailand is very good consumer market, so a lot of advertisers really have an eye on it. And they know that from the advertisement that the return of investment is pretty good here."
eSports has seen a rapid growth not only in gamers, but also draws in tens of millions of viewers worldwide, making it an emerging industry with an estimated annual revenue of almost $700 million.
SAKSITH SAIYASOMBUT; Bangkok, Thailand:
"Just like video games themselves have redefined entertainment over the last few decades, esports has done the same for competitive sports. Just look around: the hardware, the huge stages, the prize money, the trophies - it’s all very impressive! But what are the next steps for esports to grow?"
Its rapid development has not gone unnoticed by the governing bodies of traditional sports: it has been a demonstration sport at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games and also later this year the Asian Games in Jakarta.
It will even become a medal event at the 2022 Asian Games.
Just last December, Thailand's national sports authority endorsed it as an official sport.
While there is already a high number of weekly competitions, some say now is the time to raise the professionalism of the sport, in areas such as regulation and standardised rules on conduct, pay, and player welfare.
SANTI LOTHONG; President, Thailand E-Sports Federation:
"Some Thais might think that getting prize money is already the biggest of achievements. But we’re still far from excellence. We have to change their attitude to show that greatness is not what their current state is. Being world class level is much bigger than one imagines and requires a lot of care. That’s what we need to teach them."
And established teams like Mineski Infinity Thailand, an offshoot of one of the most successful teams from the Philippines, can lead the way in that process.
Its co-owner says that unlike traditional sports, the barriers to entry in eSports are lower.
KAMPOL SUDAYUWORN; Project Manager, Mineski Thailand:
"I believe that everyone can become a pro player. Because the good thing about esport is that it doesn’t matter if you’re fat, skinny, black, short or tall - it doesn’t matter. If you’re handicapped you can also play esports. They are no boundaries. It all comes down to your readiness, your passion"
No matter what game is being played or on what platform, there’s no question that eSports is here to stay.
But if it's to have an even brighter future, it needs to raise its game.
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Bangkok
Thai parties anticipate resumption political activities
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on March 28, 2018
As Thai political parties anticipate the very slow and gradual relaxation on the ban on political activities, the Election Commission has briefed them today on the road ahead and the new rules they have to face. Here's my report detailing them and what the parties don't really like about them.
New Progressive Platform Promises New Alternative in Polarized Thai Politics
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on March 15, 2018
The 38-year billionaire Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit is entering politics with his new political party "Future Forward" (or "New Future" in Thai), offering a "new progressive alternative" amidst the ongoing political polarization of the past decade.
TRANSCRIPT
Even before its existence, there was some considerate buzz and hype about the new political platform of 38-year old billionaire Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.
This platform has been revealed as the “New Future” Party, or “Future Forward” to use its English name.
The party presents itself as a new, alternative and progressive political platform with a lot of new young blood.
The 27 founding members are - for Thai standards - a diverse group of young entrepreneurs, social activists and progressive thinkers.
Thanathorn himself, whose family runs a successful car parts business, was a social activist in his earlier life and his uncle Suriya was a cabinet member under prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
But he insists that his new political platform will be above the politics polarization that has plagued Thai politics the past decade.
THANATHORN JUANROONGRUANGKIT; Co-Founder Forward Future Party:
"The Forward Future Party will not be an alternative, but a mainstream party. We will be the main voice that paves the way to fixing democracy in order move society forward. We will not be an alternative, but the main party to fix democracy. Every political party will be a competitor to us. We will fight against in every race, every district - for every vote from every sector of society."
The big question going forward for the “Future Forward” Party is how they will reach out and win over as many people as they can in as many places as they can, especially in those places the established parties have a strong foothold.
Because its one thing to gain a following online, it’s a whole another thing to translate that into votes.
Another hurdle that this and other political parties new and old are facing are the current restrictions by the military government that outlaws any form of campaigning so far - that’s also the reason why they can’t announce any policies at this moment.
However it is very clear that the “New Future” sets itself up as a democratic party and will oppose any non-democratic interference, given the possibility of a prolonged military influence in some shape or form.
However, we’re some time away from a democratic election which have been repeatedly delayed and are now slated for February 2019 - but that’s still not a certainty.
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Bangkok
Preah Vihear: Cambodia and Thailand maintain peace to boost restoration efforts
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on March 12, 2018
The Preah Vihear Temple on the Thai-Cambodian border has been the subject of a long territorial dispute between the two countries, at times escalating into a short armed conflict. Then, five years ago, the International Courts of Justice has awarded the territorial sovereignty in and around the temple to Cambodia, ending an almost 50-year old dispute. We made the trek to the ancient temple to see how the situation today.
TRANSCRIPT
I'm standing on a cliff - more than 500 metres above sea level - looking down on the plains of Cambodia. The view is majestic.
Above me, at the cliff's highest point, sits the Prasat Preah Vihear. Ownership of this 11th century Hindu temple was for decades disputed by Thailand and Cambodia. In 2011, it led to deadly clashes at the border between both countries.
Civilians like Chan Chon were shocked at the unprecedented escalation.
CHAN CHON, Resident:
"I was very scared like every one else around here. They used all kinds of weaponry that we have never seen before - and we were never as scared as this before."
SAKSITH SAIYASOMBUT; Preah Vihear, Cambodia:
"41 people have lost their lives - both soldiers and civilians alike. In 2013, the International Courts of Justice in The Hague has confirmed an earlier verdict that not only the temple itself, but also the area surrounding it is indeed Cambodian. Ever since then, both Cambodia and Thailand are not only interested to maintain peace in the border region here but also to cooperate in the conservation efforts of this ancient Hindu temple here."
The damage from the violence can still be seen in a few places, but today the area is seeing more tourists than soldiers, about 130,000 visitors per year come here.
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is also part of a restoration program. Neighboring Thailand, once an adversary, is a vital partner here.
KIM SEDARA; President, National Authority for Preah Vihear:
"The role of Thailand is very important, actually, we are good neighbors right now. Thailand is one of the member states of the ICC Preah Vihear, as well, among the 9 countries, as a member. And Thailand helped in capacity building, in research and planning the conservation of a temple in Kok Ket, another site, in the future. This is the showing of a very positive and good showing of in terms of collaboration and helping each other."
The dispute over Preah Vihear was not the first in Southest Asia, and it's not the last.
Based on its principle of non-interference, ASEAN does not directly intervene in such conflicts but analysts say its existence provides the framework to help its member states find common ground.
THITINAN PONGSUDHIRAK, Director Institute of Security and International Studies, Chulalongkorn University:
"When these bilateral conflicts are mitigated and resolved, it’s more because of the countries in conflict than because of ASEAN. But without ASEAN, they would not have the context and framework to promote a bilateral solution. The resolution is bilateral, but ASEAN provides a regional landscape or environment, but not a direct mechanism of resolution."
Cambodian officials are promoting Preah Vihear as a tourist attraction;
Tucked away in one of the most remote places in the country, it stands as symbol of what peace and cooperation among ASEAN neighbours can achieve.
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Preah Vihear Temple, Cambodia
Angkor Wat: Between Mass Tourism and Heritage Conservation
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on March 5, 2018
Angkor Wat is considered as one of the greatest cultural heritage sites in Southeast Asia, with millions of tourists visiting the ancient temple ruins each year. But how do officials balance mass tourism with conservation? And could this serve as a role model for other heritage sites in the region? We went there to find the answer.
TRANSCRIPT
A new day over Angkor Wat, one of the largest ancient temples in the world.
Built around 900 years ago, it has seen the rise and fall of the Khmer Empire and now stands as a symbol for modern day Cambodia.
But its popularity as a tourist destination means it's a marvel you won't be able to enjoy in quiet isolation.
About 5 million people visit Angkor Wat and its surrounding grounds every year, and though it may seem over-crowded, park officials disagree.
They say in this area, measuring some 400 square kilometres, there’s still plenty of space to move around.
SOK SANGVAR; Deputy Director General, Authority for the Protection of the Site and Management of the Region of Angkor (APSARA):
"I think we’re very far from the ceiling, from the maximum. I think, once again, it’s really about how you move people around. We’re only 5 million [visitors] and so many space actually in [around] here, so many things you can visit. So we are still full of potential, still! Either you can spend time in the temples, or you can spend time with the villagers in the park."
Tourism plays a key role in Cambodia’s economy. It contributes 12 per cent to the country’s GDP,
and revenue from it amounts to some 4 billion US dollars. Angkor Wat alone pulled in more than a hundred-million in tourist dollars last year.
SAKSITH SAIYASOMBUT; ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA:
"It’s been 25 years since and its surrounding areas have been designated as an UNESCO World Heritage site. Now, managing the millions of tourists that are coming here is just one part of the job. The other are the conservation efforts, that is not only much sought after here in Cambodia but also beyond its borders in ASEAN."
LONG KOSAL; Spokesman, Authority for the Protection of the Site and Management of the Region of Angkor (APSARA):
"In ASEAN, we can say proudly that we are leading in stone conservation, as well as brick conservation - because why? Because our temples are made of stone and brick. And we have a lot of Asian friends coming over to request us to share our experience."
Fellow ASEAN members such as Indonesia and Thailand have worked together with Angkor Park officials to restore and maintain the ancient religious sites in their own countries.
One such project is along the Thai-Cambodian border: After their dispute over territory was resolved in 2013, both countries are cooperating on the conservation of temples - such as Preah Vihear - on both sides of the border.
Requests for restoration help have also come from further afield - for example, Syria whose many historic sites have been damaged in the civil war.
As the sun sets another day over Angkor Wat, there’s no let-up in its popularity and importance to Cambodia.
Its people are working hard to ensure that its heritage will remain for future generations to admire - even if you have to share it with others.
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Something old, something new at registration for new political parties
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on March 2, 2018
The Election Commission of Thailand opened its doors today for the first new political parties to sign up. It marks the first time formal political activities are taking place in Thailand since the 2014 military coup. Among the new parties are some familiar faces. Here's my observation.
TRANSCRIPT
It is the first day where you can register your new political party in Thailand. We’re here at the Election Office of Thailand. What you need is a name - in both Thai and English - a logo and at least 15 members. But that is just the first step.
At least 30 parties have come here to sign up and many familiar faces are among them. One of them is the New Palang Dharma Party, it is the spiritual successor of the old Palang Dharma Party of Chamlong Srimuang. Now their policy platform is a "rule of good virtue and good morals" - a "Dharmacracy" so to speak. But according to the founder that is not a contradiction to the democratic system itself.
RAWEE MACHAMADOL; Founder New Palang Dharma Party:
"The party’s ideology is based on the concept of "Dharmacracy" which does not contradict democratic system. But our policies will based on this ideology and those will be a true and just policies. We disagree with Western democracy, because it’s starting to show its failures in many places like the USA, England and Europe, which were supposed to be the role models of democracy"
Now the big question here is who else is going to sign up in the following days. There have been some rumors and some talk that the group of former protest leader Suthep Thuagsuban is also going to come here to register their political party.
Now if you remember, Suthep Thuagsuban’s protest rallies against the government of Yingluck Shinawatra back in 2013 and ’14 paved the way for the military coup.
So the concern among some people is that this party and other parties are only there to support the current military government and prime minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha in a post-election scenario.
Nevertheless, going forward, there are still some hurdles for political parties new and old alike. Under current rules, they’re not allowed to campaign publicly whatsoever. Public gatherings of more than 5 people are not allowed. So there’s some catch 22 here: even though they are allowed to register, they’re not allowed to campaign.
And another uncertainty is over the next election date. The current military government has delayed democratic elections repeatedly. Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha has recently said that the next election date will be February 2019, so a year from now on. The question is, will he keep his promise or not?
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Bangkok
Anti-Coal Power Plant Protest Called Off as Govt Scraps Plans
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on February 20, 2018
Local environmental activists form the South of Thailand have scored a victory as the Thai Ministry of Energy has signed agreement with them guaranteeing that the plans to build a coal power plant in Krabi have been officially shelved.
TRANSCRIPT
Local environmental activists form the South of Thailand have scored a victory as the Thai government has guaranteed that the plans to build a coal power plant have been officially shelved.
About 100 protesters have camped out in front of Bangkok’s United Nations building, even some of them going on hunger strike until the Thai military government would agree to their demands.
The proposal to build coal powered power plant in the southern provinces of Krabi on the andaman sea, which is a famous tourist spot famed for its beaches and underwater nature. Obviously a coal plant would have not only severely affected the region’s nature, but also the heath of the locals.
The government has previously insisted that additional power plants are necessary to keep up with rising energy demands in the south.
Now, there were plans by to march on government house earlier today but the situation has been ultimately defused as the Ministry of Energy and the protesters have come to an written agreement to ultimately scrap the plans for a coal power plant in the south.
It is a rare display of compromise by the Thai military government, which has outlawed public assemblies and protests ever since they took over powers in a coup. This protest coincides with other small but vocal protests against what could be yet another delay of democratic elections.
Among the protesters here, the mood is evidently jubilant and they are planning disperse and return to their homes in the south of Thailand knowing that the air and nature will be clean and free of a coal plant for the foreseeable future.
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Bangkok
Thailand's Economy Kept Growing in Q4 2017, But Less Than Expected
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on February 18, 2018
TRANSCRIPT
Thailand’s economy new by 4.0 per cent in the last quarter of 2017, which is less than expected but still pretty good. Now, the officials and experts have estimated that the economy might have grown by 4.6 per cent in the last quarter of 2017, but in reality it’s less than expected.
Overall, the GDP for the 2017 as a whole year is at 3.9, which is actually the best growth rate since 2012 and definitely the best rate for the Thai military government ever since they have taken over power in a military coup in 2014 - but then again, anything is better when you start at almost zero back in 2014 after months of sustained anti-government protests and political violence.
Now, what are the big portfolios boosting Thailand’s economy? It’s almost a deja vu here, because every time we’ve been talking about Thailand’s economic growth in the past few quarters, it’s always the same winners and losers.
Tourism and export are definitely those portfolios that are sustaining the economic growth. Exports have grown 13 per cent year on year, confirming an upwards trend and also tourism as well. That is the biggest juggernaught, actually.
Last year in 2017, we had a record number of visitors: 34 million people have come here to the Land of Smiles to see the sights and sounds. And just last week during Chinese New Years, it was estimated that 300.000 tourists from China alone would come here. So that already gives you an idea where most of the tourists come from.
Then on the other hand, private investment is still lacking. Public investment, as well, has gone down now that the government has spend all that money in infrastructure - $46 billion, I might add.
And going forward - now, there are still the same problems as well, talking about that deja vu: there’s still few private investment as we mentioned before, and the economic growth is not broad enough, meaning that it doesn’t down to everybody, especially those in the lower-income sector.
For 2018, the question will be for Thailand’s economy is: Is this as good as it gets or is the best still yet to come?
Chinese Opera in Thailand: A Dying Art?
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on February 18, 2018
Despite the fact that many in Bangkok still have some form of Chinese heritage (mostly Teochew) in them, many Chinese traditions are at risk of vanishing - one of them being the Chinese opera. But there are still groups out there keeping the performance art alive and adapting to a new generation.
TRANSCRIPT
Nestled in the back alleys and canals of Taling Chan, on the outskirts of Bangkok, is the Jao Mae Tubtim Shrine.
It's been part of the Thai-Chinese community here for more than a century.
Across from the shrine, a group of young women and men are preparing to perform Chinese opera, the same way others before them have done for decades.
Pongsakorn Nanarnkawin is the third generation of his family running a theatre dedicated to Chinese opera.
His parents were performers themselves, when Chinese opera was in its heyday.
PONGSAKORN NANARNKAWIN; Chinese Opera Owner:
"I’m a child of the Chinese opera, I’m sure when my mother was pregnant with me, she was performing Chinese opera. My father was a very skilled instructor from China […] There were no roads here back then so everything came by boat. Even the unloading of the equipment drew in a massive crowd - contrary to today where less and less are watching."
Bangkok has a sizable population of people whose ancestors came from China, and this is reflected in arts such as Chinese opera. But tastes have changed, and theatres like these aren't pulling in the crowds as they used to. Many are now looking at how they can interest the new generation, and keep the heritage alive.
It is estimated that about 70 per cent of Bangkok residents with Chinese heritage are of Teochew descent, but very few speak this dialect today, let alone understand the dialogue in the opera.
So Pongsakorn found ways to get around this.
PONGSAKORN NANARNKAWIN; Chinese Opera Owner:
"When we started to translate it into Thai, people slowly started to come in. After that, I decided to create an original story or adaptations. When we performed for a museum, we retold the story of Mulan, which is pretty popular. So we took bits from it and made a Chinese opera out of it in Thai both in spoken words and singing."
It is hard to say for now, whether Chinese Opera is making a comeback in Thailand, but there is a new generation of performers still passionate about it, and they hope to carry the torch.
PAILIN KAMKAEW; Chinese opera performer:
"I would like to tell people to study Thai-Chinese culture and to keep the tradition alive and so that the Chinese opera can further develop itself."
Thailand's Ministry of Culture has suggested ways to preserve the performing art, but those are still in their infancy -
It could well boil down to succeeding generations to secure a new lease of life for Chinese opera to keep the artform centrestage for more New Years to come.
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Bangkok
British Embassy in Bangkok Sold in Record Deal
Originally aired on Channel NewsAsia on February 1, 2018
The British Embassy in Bangkok has been sold for almost $600 million to a joint-venture that includes the Central Group. Here I explain a little bit of the history of that place and how much more expensive things have gotten around here.
Special thanks to the British Embassy Bangkok for the permission to film in front of their gates.
TRANSCRIPT
Back in 1922, when the British Embassy moved in here for the first time, there was nothing around it but farmlands and water buffaloes.
But a lot has changed in almost a century in what is now considered to be one of the most expensive areas in Bangkok.
How expensive? $12,700 per square meter! There are a lot of luxury condos, hotels and many embassies.
Now, the Foreign Ministry in London has announced that they’re selling the British Embassy here for a whopping $600 million. They’re now moving into a rather nondescript office building, 29 stories high, in the commercial district.
The buyers in what is considered to be a record deal is a joint-venture between Hongkong Land and the Central Group, one of the biggest retail giants in the country. And actually right around here we have one of their luxury malls in the neighborhood right next to the British Embassy.
Now Hongkong Land and the Central Group have not responded to inquiries by Channel NewsAsia. But it is expected that they’re going to make an announcement soon and we’re going to see what’s going to happen with this little piece of Bangkok history.
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Bangkok
Thailand Passes Bill, Causing Yet Another Election Delay
Originally published on Channel NewsAsia on January 26, 2018
Thailand's National Legislative Assembly have passed a bill that will delay elections into 2019. This is not the first time that the can has been kicked down the road under the current military government. Here's my report explaining why and what's next.
TRANSCRIPT
It was a long day and night for Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly as they debated for 14 hours before eventually passing a bill that will very likely delay democratic elections into 2019.
The bill on MP Elections has been passed with 213 to zero votes and four abstentions by the fully-appointed parliament. The crucial amendment that they have included is a delayed enforcement of the bill of 90 days after it has been endorsed by The King, which according to the constitution is supposed to happen by this summer.
This and three other electoral laws are required to be done before an election can be held, which were originally aimed for November 2018 later this year. However, now that one of the bills comes into effect 90 days later, it means were are going to miss that date.
But the military government’s legal expert, Deputy-PM Wissanu Krea-ngam, has reassured that the delay won’t be long.
WISSANU KREA-NGAM; Thai Deputy Prime Minister:
"90 days doesn’t mean within 90 days. It means that it’s not in effect before 90 days, it is in effect on the 90th day - no sooner, no later. But the elections will take place WITHIN 150 days [after law comes into effect]. So that can be after 1 month, after 2 months, after 3 months, after 4 months, after 5 months - but no longer than that!"
Nevertheless, we are now looking at the possibility of elections in February 2019 at the latest.
Obviously, the political parties that have been sidelined since the military coup of 2014 and prohibited from any activity - they’re not happy about the prospect of yet another election delay.
WATTANA MUANGSOOK; Former MP, Pheu Thai Party:
"Once you’re in the same boat, you owe the captain a favor. But the National Legislative Assembly has a short memory. They forgot that even though the [military government] appointed them, but their salary doesn’t come from the government, it’s from the taxes of the people who want an election."
One of the pressing questions is how does this affect the military government. Some observers think that they are clinging to power, others say they are just stalling and buying themselves more time.
DR. TITIPOL PHAKDEEWANICH; Dean Faculty of Political Science, Ubon Ratchathani University:
"The NCPO are quite certain that they would be able to maintain power after elections. Now I think they are trying to get more space to think through their strategy and also actually to handle the situation or to make deals, perhaps, with different parties or the Pheu Thai [Party].
It is not the first time that elections have been delayed under Thailand’s military government, which has been at the helm for nearly four years - that is ironically longer than some elected governments in recent history.
Saksith Saiyasombut, Channel NewsAsia, Bangkok