Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
er cost the lives of at least 180 Muslims, many of them unarmed civilians. In 2005, mar-
tial law was declared in the area.
After more than a decade of violence, Thailand's national government announced
peace talks with Barisan Revolusion Nasional (BNR), a Malaysian-based insurgent group
claiming a leading role in the southern war. But meetings have been suspended due to
spikes in violence and concerns that BNR doesn't exert significant organisational control.
SIGNS OF ELECTION
Preceding an election, Thai candidates paper the roadways and electricity poles with political billboards and
signs. Traditional posters show the candidate posing seriously in an official uniform but recent trends include ad-
like approaches with catchy slogans and evocative imagery.
Always a trendsetter, Chuvit Kamolvisit, former brothel owner turned political whistle-blower, won over
voters with his 2011 'Angry Man' campaign ads, featuring him in grimacing and glaring poses expressing frus-
tration and anger with the government. (Incidentally, one of his first acts in office was to expose an illegal
Bangkok casino run by high-ranking police.)
Residents complain about the signs' obstruction of traffic but signmakers like the boost in business. All can-
didate posters are vulnerable to vandalism or theft, but the plastic ones are particularly desired as makeshift sun-
shades or roof patches.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search