Dear Thai and International Friends:

Thank you very much for your kind attention.  Please read below to understand why I asked you to help sign this petition. Please also check links above in case you need more information before deciding.  The petition be accessed via the form at the bottom of this page or at the actual site.

 

Thais are generally known to be friendly, easy-going, peace-loving, hospitable and forgiving people. Sadly, their pure natures have been perpetually manipulated and betrayed by the ruling classes as manifested in almost 20 coups in its only 7 decades of "democracy"!  The recent coup staged successfully on September 19, 2006 is probably the most disgusting and oppressive one, because it was conducted when Thailand was enjoying its social, economical, educational, and other progresses despite its usual political chaos and admiration for its exemplary democratic governance, and especially after it had just adopted its most democratic constitution drafted by representatives of all Thais and since in 1997, i.e. for only a decade.  After the coup, the junta has committed a series of detrimental and undemocratic deeds. They have, for examples,:

• shamelessly abrogated the 1997 constitution and been drafting a tyrannical one that will potentially allow for more coups and for their political advantages;

• ousted the democratically elected prime minister for alleged corruptions, but been unable to find enough evidence to prove any of their allegations after more than seven months in absolute power;

• ripped the villagers and their children of their rights to well-being and progress in life by abolishing a lot of projects that used to, or would otherwise continue to, yield benefits to the poor;

• controlled and manipulated all mainstream media in all possible, uncivilized ways;

• issued conservative and naive economic policies that led to protests by foreign investors, bringing damages to the country's economy and diplomatic relationships with countries around the globe;

• blocked websites, radio stations, and other means of voicing opposing opinions by Thais who demand their rights to free speech and democratic governance when the mainstream media are at best useless;

• bled the country's budget on useless, military and political projects that have no implications for the well-being of Thais, except for the gains among themselves and their allies in the coup;

• uncivilly threatened leaders of movements against the junta;

• played political games while almost totally ignoring the plights of the poor and the suffering Thais in the Deep South;

• shown their intention to use violence against Thais who peacefully demand their democratic rights;

• started to use force against the UUD leaders despite the suggestive verdict by the Thai court to leave the protest leaders untouched;

• etc.

If you believe in the basic rights of Thai people to be represented democratically or care for the future of this beautiful land that has granted pleasure, fun and comfort to people worldwide during their vacations and for its lovely people, please join us in signing a petition to be submitted to the Thai military regime, concerned people and the media in Thailand. In essence, we are asking the regime to return power to the Thai people by stopping any effort to draft a new, tyrannical constitution that would perpetuate their power and a vicious cycle of military interventions in the people's politics.  We also demand that they step down and allow the mechanism under the 1997 constitution to work in an effort to set up a countrywide, general elections as soon as possible so that Thais will have their rightful representatives to govern the country. You can read the English version of this petition HERE.

Our fear is that the junta, or the regime, may not even consider these options, unless there are substantive forces from both Thais around the world and our friends in the international community. The worst fear is that violence may be used against an increasing number of Thais who are now very frustrated with the whole development and who adamantly want their democracy back.  You can help, my friends.  Please consider signing the below petition.  If you have any questions about the petition, please write to us via sthinsan@indiana.edu.  Thank you for your kind support.