<p>After a series of arrests and the detention of junta opponents, activists across the country have come up with new tactics to campaign for fair play in the August referendum. Instead of hosting seminars, handing out flyers, and marching, they are using more creative non-violent protest methods like balloons, dolls, and cartoon figures.&nbsp;</p> <p></p>

<div>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.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>The contents of the draft are not as interesting as are its intentions and political objectives. </div>

<div> <p dir="ltr">I was relieved to read Ajan Nidhi Eoseewong’s <a href="http://prachatai.org/english/node/5892">article</a> in <em>Prachatai English</em> this past Tuesday, March 1st, about the rise of Islamophobia amongst Buddhist groups in northern Thailand. Ajan Nidhi’s article addresses the recent opposition to the construction of a halal industrial park in Chiang Mai on the part of a consortium of influential Buddhist groups. Sadly, this is only the most recent example of Buddhist objection to Muslim religious expression in the north.</p> </div>

<div>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. </div>

<p>To question “What’s the point of having a military?” will certainly cause a problem. The problem, however, does not belong to those who are high-ranking soldiers. They might have a problem but it is minor. Even if we consider bribes from weapons transactions, it’s still a minor problem. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p> <p>A Facebook page called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/368163720033873/photos/pcb.488471361336441/488466848003559/?type=3&amp;theater">Pokpong Sangkha Monthon</a>&nbsp;(Protect the Buddhist County) on Tuesday, 16 February 2016, posted a letter signed by 12 organisations based in Chiang Mai. &nbsp;</p>

<div>The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) explains that summoning people for attitude adjustment and detention is carried out in accordance with the law. I say the NCPO because this explanation has been repeated by the head, deputy head, and on down to the spokesperson. </div>

<p dir="ltr"><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-53f9b86e-d24d-e80a-e18f-f6474d7a8f9a">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.</span></em></p>

<div><em>Note: This essay first appeared in Matichon newspaper on 25 September 2014. Nidhi Eoseewong offers a comparative analysis of totalitarianism, nationalism, and love. </em></div>

<div><em>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.&nbsp;</em></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>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. </div>

<p>The junta cabinet has approved a bill on religion which can be used to prosecute, with jail terms, people who propagate ‘incorrect’ versions of Buddhist doctrines or cause harm to Buddhism. The bill also posts jail terms specifically for homosexual monks.</p> <p></p>

<div>The military and police on Thursday evening detained four academics and three student activists for organizing and participating in a seminar about the end of dictatorial regimes in foreign countries after forcing the seminar to be stopped. They were released about 9.30pm.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>The seminar was a part of the political seminar series “Democracy Classroom”, organized by League of Liberal Thammasat for Democracy (LLTD), a progressive Thammasat student group. </div>