There is little to be gained from further interpretation and evaluation of Meechai Ruchuphan’s draft constitution. The drafters felt no need for concealment or obfuscation concerning who they want to hold power and who they would prevent from gaining power. On these points it is the clearest of any constitution we’ve ever had, so clear that interpretation is hardly needed.   The contents of the draft are not as interesting as are its intentions and political objectives.

I was surprised and disappointed at a recent statement opposing plans to site a Halal industrial park anywhere in Chiang Mai. The statement was issued to the Governor in late January by a group of Buddhist monks and laity including the head of the Chiang Mai Sangha and members of the Association of Village Heads of Chiang Mai.

Buddhist hardliners and monks in the northern province of Chiang Mai have voiced opposition to a plan to establish a Halal food industrial zone, claiming that it will destroy the cultural heritage of the province. A Facebook page called Pokpong Sangkha Monthon (Protect the Buddhist County) on Tuesday, 16 February 2016, posted a letter signed by 12 organisations based in Chiang Mai.  

Prefatory note to the English translation: During the crackdown on red shirt protestors during April-May 2010, at least 94 people were killed and over 2000 injured.

Note: This essay was first published in Thai in Matichon over six months ago on 16 December 2014. The truths contained within it, however, remain unchanged. The NCPO remains in power and continues to exercise domination without hegemony.—translator.    The ruling power of the state is comprised of two aspects. The first is domination, which refers to the control of the state apparatuses, such as the armed forces, the civil service, the organs of communication, etc.