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Black May : 18 / 5 / 1992
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Censorship issue, p. 2-3 - Bangkok Post, May 18, 1992
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Censorship issue, p. 3-4 - Bangkok Post, May 18, 1992
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CDC chief urges 'silent' masses to reject conflict
WATTANA CHAMCHU
May 18, 2015 1:00 am
CONSTITUTION Drafting Commit-tee chairman Borwornsak Uwanno yesterday took the two major political camps to task for their portrayal of "distrust", saying their action was a bad sign that political division and disparity would not be resolved easily.
"The two major parties still hold on to their stance, speaking the same language [they did] eight years ago. Political leaders must project optimistic views and hope and give people the chance to participate in political decisions," he said.
He was delivering the address at an event marking the 23rd anniversary of the May 1992 bloodshed on Rajdamnoen Road.
Borwornsak said that people who had been merely the silent power must clearly exhibit their intentions not to accept violent conflict and lies - otherwise their silence would become a major obstacle for the country, he said.
"The media must stop taking political sides. They report political conflict by giving only one side of the story," Borwornsak said.
He said as long as double standards exist, society would not achieve peace.
"Justice, which is the key and the first step to reconciliation, should not be just lip service," he said.
While Borwornsak was giving his speech, a group of four women calling themselves "maled prik", or chili, held placards with the message "No to 2015 charter"; "No reconciliation with murder"; and "Leading legal expert hired to destroy democracy".
They read a statement saying society before the May bloodshed in 1992 protested to amend the charter to block the military from rising to power and pushed for elected governments. They were cracked down on by the military, resulting in heavy casualties.
No military officials stood trial following these incidents.
The group called on the current military-installed government to scrap the amnesty bills that pardoned those who seized control of the state on February 23, 1991 and put military officials linked to the May bloodshed on trial.
They called for an elected PM and Senate and for public participation in drafting the new charter.
None of the group was arrested after their demonstration but their placards were destroyed.
nationmultimedia.com
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At Black May event, new hope for democracy
May 18, 2015 1:00 am
HIGH-PROFILE politicians and political groups yesterday attended a memorial service to remember those who lost their lives in the Black May 1992 political uprising.Jatuporn Promphan and yellow-shirt co-leader of the People's Democratic Reform Committee Pipop Thongchai.
The Democrat Party was represented by Chamni Sakdiset and Ongart Klampaiboon. Former co-leaders of Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT) Phra Uthai Chiyo [Yodmani] also attended the event.
Christine Schraner Burgener, ambassador of Switzerland to Thailand was also present at the ceremony.
A religious ceremony for Buddhist, Christian and Muslims was organised along with a wreath- laying for those who lost their lives over two decades ago.
Meanwhile, a blood donation was organised as a symbolic act to give blood for life instead of losing it.
ML Panadda said that the incident which took place on May 17, 1992 marked an important change in Thailand's political history as the people's uprising showed the public's will to achieve democracy.
He added that Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha had recognised the people of Thailand's wish to see real democracy in the country and had urged all to help achieve this goal by uniting and through reconciliation.
Rosana Tositrakul member of the NRC and chairperson of the event said, "The May 1992 demonstration occurred because all the heroic people wanted to see reform of the political system without any influence. They hoped that the election would lead to the development of a strong democracy and that it would not result in a coup."
She added that in contrast, people of the 1992 demonstration had similar hope when another coup occurred 20 years later - a coup that took place as a result of political divisiveness.
"Whether the current coup could led to the birth of a democracy, the ideology of 'May people' is not representative democracy, but an inclusive and participative democracy where people can scrutinise administrative power as well as taking part in the making of national policy,"Ekachai said.
Ekachai said that regime change had always resulted in conflict between people and the state. Violence occurred every 20 years.
"We cannot let the time pass and allow violence to take place in the next 20 years. We should find a solution to these repetitive problems for them not to occur ever again," he said. Ekacai put emphasis on a peaceful solution that would be a sustainable way to solve conflict.
nationmultimedia.com
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'Black May' government minister named to head NRSA
13/10/2015
Tinnapan Nakata, 81, served as PM's Office minister during the brief, turbulent tenure of Suchinda Kraprayoon, who resigned after seven weeks in office following street protests in which 52 people officially were confirmed dead while hundreds went missing after soldiers opened fire on unarmed students and demonstrators.
The cabinet at the time granted amnesty to those involved in the student uprising, which left relatives no recourse to sue the government.
Before the vote, relatives of Black May protest victims protested any move to nominate Capt Tinnapan as NRSA chairman.
"What is the NCPO thinking?," said Adul Khieuboribun, chairman of the May 1992 Relatives group. "Is there nobody else for this post?"
Capt Tinnapan's joined the government after Gen Suchinda seized power in a military coup from the elected government of Gen Chatchai Choonhavan in late 1991. At the time, Gen Suchinda repeatedly vowed he would not serve as prime minister following elections in March 1992. However, he ended up doing just that, sparking protests from students who also were dissatisfied with undemocratic elements of a new, military-drafted constitution.
Capt Tinnapan, in fact, was the only candidate for the chairmanship, nominated by Gen Thitiwat Kamlang-ek and approved by acclamation.
Gen Lertrat Rattanavanit, an NRSA member, said most of his assembly colleagues approved of having the elderly former minister lead the body.
Capt Tinnnapan asked other assembly members not to worry about his health, as he always kept fit. He regularly gave lectures lasting several hours, conducted research work and swam, he added.
At Tuesday's inaugural meeting of the 200-member NRSA, members also chose two deputy chairpersons: Alongkorn Ponlaboot and Walairat Sri-arun. They were among three candidates for the posts, the other being Gen Jira Komutthapong.
Mr Alongkorn, who was made the first deputy chairman, said he would be a bridge between the so-called "Five Rivers" of government on work to better society.
The NRSA was created to take over from the National Reform Council to initiate and implement ideas for national reform. It is comprised of 63 former NRC members, about 80 military and police officers and some representatives of political parties.
The NSRA will implement national reform ideas formulated by the NRC and can initiate its own reforms. Its term will depend on the new constitution.
bangkokpost.com
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"What is the NCPO thinking?," said Adul Khieuboribun, chairman of the May 1992 Relatives group. "Is there nobody else for this post?"
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24 Years Ago: Black May 1992
May 18, 2016
Above: Censorship explanation from the Bangkok PostThe Nation and other Thai newspapers ignored the government censorship and printed as usual.
Newspaper AccountsHuge protest in City Bangkok Post Bangkok Post, May 18, 1992
Censorship issue, p.2-3Bangkok Post, May 18, 1992
Enough: End this terrible tragedyBangkok Post, May 19, 1992
Young doctor tells of battles to save lifeBangkok PostBloody battles rage in CityBangkok Post, May 19, 1992Thai Rath, May 20, 1992
Where peace took its last turnThe Nation, May 20, 1992
City braces for more riotsThe Nation, May 20, 1992
No elegance on blood-soaked, battle-scared Rajadamnoern RoadThe Nation, May 20, 1992
Chronology of eventsThe Nation, May 20, 1992
Shootings were in self-defence, says spokesmanThe Nation, May 20, 1992
Cartoon: Joys were goneThai Rath, May 20, 1992Eyewitness Accounts
Part IBackground & A night on the bridge
Part IICrossing the lines
Part IIIA hot afternoon
Part IVThe shooting starts
Part VIan Neumegen, a foreigner killed in the disturbances
Soldiers advance through Banglampoo
Part VIIAftermath
Comments on the Black May 1992 storyAP photos from Black May
From 2005:
From 200
5: The context of Black May and what it led to in Thailand
2bangkok.com
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