Two articles today in the news made me think of an apt description for media and political figures in Thai society who twist reality so much that we forget what the original issue was about.
First up is Luksna Kornsilpa, who I joked wrote about here. She is in the news again, and this time it’s even more ludicrous than her initial charge against the FCCT. Here are some excerpts from the press release:
In addition to the charges under article 112 of Thai Criminal Law further charges are to be filed this day against Thaksin Shinawatra, Jakrapob Penkhair, Veera Musikapong, Nattawoot Saikuea, Jatuporn Prompan, Marwaan Macan-Makar, Jonathan Head, other FCCT directors and UDD members that are implicated in crimes against the nation.
Instant action is demanded as the cases expose a co-ordinated gang of conspirators committing acts of treason and concealment that not only threaten the Kingdom of Thailand and her national security but also insult Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the constitutional monarchy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain…
To represent the Kingdom of Thailand and her people Ms. Luksna Kornsilpa, 57 years of age; an analyst, management system auditor, industrial sector consultant and hazard analysis specialist having an engineering education with a solid management background shall file the charges against all conspirators identified herein and hereafter.
Presently she is working on her doctoral research in visualization (forming correct and twisted perceptions, understandings and misunderstandings through graphical and textual information).
Ms Luksna has researched, detected, analyzed and documented evidences of numerous acts of treason and treachery using sound academic principles.
This is almost surreal. Khun Luksna clearly has more than a screw loose – but the sad thing is she is allowed to press ahead with these charges and the media (or anyone else for that matter) hasn’t denounced her actions.
Secondly, we have the PAD threatening to sue the PM and the police over the terrorism charges (finally) brought against them over their occupation of the airport last year:
Mr Suwat (their lawyer) said the accused found the charges to be baseless because the siege of the two airports “caused no damage to aviation”.
The rest of the accused PAD members will deny the charges when they report to police and then lay criminal charges against the police investigation team and Mr Abhisit, he said.
The prime minister was included because he allowed the police to proceed with the action. Mr Abhisit and the police will face criminal charges for malfeasance and false incrimination, the lawyer said.
Core PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang yesterday insisted he and his colleagues were not worried about the charges because they were the product of a false allegation.
“We believe the charges are exaggerated and disproportionate for actions of ordinary citizens like us,” Maj Gen Chamlong said. “We’re determined to take legal action against everyone involved in this move against us.”
No damage to aviation? Millions of baht in lost revenue, tourists stranded for over a week, Amazing Thailand’s image further down the drain and armed PAD guards firing into crowds – yes, of course, no damage at all.
Chamlong, who like his co-conspirator Sondhi, is no ordinary citizen either. From Wikipedia:
Chamlong had supported the military junta that overthrew Thaksin in a coup. A devout Buddhist and follower of the controversial Santi Asoke sect, he is now celibate, a vegetarian, and claims to have no worldly possessions.
It’s convenient to start a sect which preaches truth, righteousness, and integrity and then to act so thoroughly immoral yourself.