I am so sorry for Kasit that he was not successful in Germany. 🙂
The plane will stay sealed and the county court in Landshut was telling that the papers of the plane gave not enough validity for the ownership of the CP. Maybe we will see in the next days a Thai fabrication of new papers. Another interesting point is that the Thai government is not willing to make a security payment to release the plane. Werner Schneider was making such an offer but it was rejected.
Here is the press note thereabout at Spiegel online (in German): http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/soziales/0,1518,774794,00.html
Laos continues to be the forgotten country of SEA and Beijing knows well that China is unchallenged here so the the Kunming comrades are allowed to “develop”, contract and play (exploit) as they please until further notice to assure Chinese domination.
On multiple trips in the last 10years and particularly in the past year, I was surprised to learn, however, how much resentment against Chinese investment and Chinese tourists are growing among Laotians. The white devil is now more welcome than the northern horde…
Jaffee: Agree that there is a lot of good will, work and enthusiasm from individuals who love the country & culture and aim to preserve the natural habitat. There are good grassroots activities – almost all started and nurtured by idealistic “Maksidaa” and Japanese individuals. But the Lao government and its local administrators are so inept/weak/clueless and corrupt that, once money enters a scene, each and any of these grassroots projects are wiped off the table if they interfere with “business” and “development”.
So I am afraid that JFL is correct in his assessment…
“They had a moral obligation to hang those responsible out to dry regardless of who was responsible and they didn’t even try.”
Not arguing that the government at the time can’t/shouldn’t be blamed, but can you name any civilian government that has ever been able to hang the Thai military out to dry? Because that’s who you’re talking about – and you know it.
Quote from heading-for-the-exit Abhisit in Khao Sod’s report:
“There was no need for seizure of property… if the final court verdict said Thailand must pay the debt, we would comply anyhow.”
Well, of course, we know the standard Thai definition of “final” when it comes to court verdicts – i.e. it’s only final when it’s in your favour. Rather like Abhisit’s “wishful reading” approach to the 1962 ICJ verdict on Preah Vihear.
The issue of Thailand’s compliance, or ahem, non-compliance, with arbitration awards is worthy of more detailed consideration.
Consider the Hopewell Project. See Bangkok Post November 17, 2008: “…Early this month an arbitration committee ruled that the SRT (State Railways of Thailand) and the Transport Ministry should pay 11.8 billion Baht plus 7.5% interest per year, and return a letter of guarantee worth 500 million Baht to the Hong Kong based Hopewell (Thailand) in compensation for terminating a concession contract to build a 60km elevated system for ordinary and electric trains, a tollway and frontage fronts…” Wonder if Gordon Woo was paid?
And what of the construction of the Bangna-Trad elevated road? In an arbitration between the contractor BBCD and the Expressway and Rapid Transit Authority, the ETA was ordered to pay Bt6.2 billion for delays in construction due to late hand over of land. This award was upheld in the Civil Court but reversed by the Supreme Court.
The latter case resulted in a Thai cabinet resolution that: (1) arbitration clauses may not be used in contracts between Thai public authorities and public sector entities and (2) that such contracts may only be in Thai language (obviously putting foreign contractors at a disadvantage).
So it looks like Thailand public entities are rather sensitive about complying with arbitration awards, particularly if it involves paying out large sums of money.
“Could you say the same about former PM’s Chuan or Abhisit? Nah . . . because these two former Thai PM’s had been honest and near religious about getting ‘personally’ implicated in any corruption period.”
Oh – “painter Chuan”, you mean? That nickname, of course, having nothing whatever to do with the whitewash job he was so ready to do so repeatedly for his many corrupt ministerial colleagues – as well as for his younger brother Raluek charged with embezzling 231.8 million THB (approx. 9 million USD in 1987) from Thai Farmers Bank who fled prosecution and only returned to Thailand in 2004 after the statute of limitations expired on his crime and he couldn’t be prosecuted. Yes – a great and “clean” example to follow…..
Similarly not even near consistent – never mind “near religious” – about corruption is Abhisit….. whose “iron rules” proved to be rather elastic and difficult to remember where his consortium colleagues were concerned. You can insert the ” ‘personally’ implicated” weasel words – but you conveniently ignore the very real responsibilities (and powers – if he only chooses to exercise them) of a Prime Minister.
Still, do keep cranking out your history re-writes. These are potentially grim times and we all need some light relief.
‘Good cop bad cop’ . . .Tarrin picked a shoddy metaphor (#21).
When it comes to bad Thai cops Tarrin, extra-judicially bent Thaksin S. and extortion-notorious Chalerm Y. are living apodictic inspirations to Thai police rookies-wannabes. The worship of Thaksin/Chalerm perhaps is why there’s a scarcity of honest policemen in Thailand.
For Nuomi: I do recall Peau Thai (and former policeman) Chalerm Yubamrung mocking the Democrat Party about seven months ago because the DP picked ‘penniless’ lawyers like Chuan to be their party leader . . . whereas Peau Thai Party of course righteously demand ‘money’ above anything else from their leader.
Don’t you Tarrin/Noumi both sense something ethically amiss with the Thaksin mantra: “Yes I am corrupt, but everybody else is corrupt, and it is o/k to be corrupt”?
Hugely entertaining to see the Thai elites running around the world displaying the same attitudes they display when running around in Thailand.
Even more entertaining to see Kasit have a porterhouse blue about it all. Perhaps he’ll sue the German government for breaking Thai laws while in Germany.
I was just wondering if Werner will face arrest for LM should he dare visit Thailand anytime during the lifetime of our you know who…
@Tarrin
Actually, I feel more sorry for the incoming Thai government (any party except DP). The DP + Army left such a big mess locally and internationally…
@Ricky: Stories like this get held up for serious editorial review and discussion, for obvious reasons. Not being the first to stick your neck out has some advantages too.
I’m with the Germans on this one. Time to pay up, RTG.
Just in case anyone is naive enough to get taken in by the kiddy Ekram statement that “they were arrested for having communist T-shirts”, I would like to inform the general readers that the communist T-shirts is sold in Pertama and Cambell complex (Kuala Lumpur) for RM28/- if you bargain!… go figure
@Chris B #12 said: “Poor old CP may have to come back on Thai Inter – no doubt he’ll insist on piloting it; just glad I won’t be on it.”
I don’t think he has the license to pilot B747. He can pilot the 734, and he pilots it sometimes domestically. (Rumour has it that he’ll call himself “Captain Somchai” if he pilots a 734.) He usually travels in First Class if he boards Thai Air to Munich; he does not pilot the 747 as far as I am aware of 🙂
We are witnessing some of the very best characterizations of “Thainess,” that unique quality that makes real Thais who they really are. And it explains why Thais who go abroad are often ashamed of coming back. The pretension is nauseating after some exposure to reality – and not as it’s defined in the LOS.
“Kasit said he had placed Schneider on the “persona non grata” list banning him from entering Thailand.” – The Nation
What a childish, petulant response from someone so utterly removed from the real world. Does this prat live on the moon? He reminds me of a spoilt child stamping its foot on the playing field: “Not fair – I’m not going to play with you anymore”.
Everyone is casting doubt on me – however if you look at the article – the links go directly to NDI’s website, directly to Malaysian press quoting Bersih’s leadership, and directly to brochures and fliers covering NED events featuring Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim – along with an official biography from a US university.
It is not a matter of who I am and where I am coming from – I am pointing out self-evident truths that do not rely on my character. Look at the article, click on the links and see for yourself – ask yourself why New Mandala doesn’t report this and why the CFR is so pleased with their “fine coverage.”
I also note that the University of Melbourne got the gig and not the ANU. Very forgiving of you to promote the project anyway. Kudos! The embassy should really make the effort and walk the extra mile for a reconciliation. I wonder if Yingluck will continue the hissy fit.
Probably better for PT that they didn’t win in South, as such can just continue with the DP policy to let the army do as they wish. Also read that an influential person funds village scouts down there, another reason to just leave it be from a political perspective. To actually deliver a potential solution would have caused many problems for them, more so of course if nothing had changed and the bombings, hate murders of men women, children and monks, decapitation, and all those things the truly devout do so well had continued.
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Plane audacity in Thai dispute
Stuart at #18: Do you have a link for the Nation story? I can’t find that line yet.
Plane audacity in Thai dispute
I am so sorry for Kasit that he was not successful in Germany. 🙂
The plane will stay sealed and the county court in Landshut was telling that the papers of the plane gave not enough validity for the ownership of the CP. Maybe we will see in the next days a Thai fabrication of new papers. Another interesting point is that the Thai government is not willing to make a security payment to release the plane. Werner Schneider was making such an offer but it was rejected.
Here is the press note thereabout at Spiegel online (in German): http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/soziales/0,1518,774794,00.html
Unlocking Laos
Laos continues to be the forgotten country of SEA and Beijing knows well that China is unchallenged here so the the Kunming comrades are allowed to “develop”, contract and play (exploit) as they please until further notice to assure Chinese domination.
On multiple trips in the last 10years and particularly in the past year, I was surprised to learn, however, how much resentment against Chinese investment and Chinese tourists are growing among Laotians. The white devil is now more welcome than the northern horde…
Jaffee: Agree that there is a lot of good will, work and enthusiasm from individuals who love the country & culture and aim to preserve the natural habitat. There are good grassroots activities – almost all started and nurtured by idealistic “Maksidaa” and Japanese individuals. But the Lao government and its local administrators are so inept/weak/clueless and corrupt that, once money enters a scene, each and any of these grassroots projects are wiped off the table if they interfere with “business” and “development”.
So I am afraid that JFL is correct in his assessment…
Democrat dominance in the deep south
c5
“They had a moral obligation to hang those responsible out to dry regardless of who was responsible and they didn’t even try.”
Not arguing that the government at the time can’t/shouldn’t be blamed, but can you name any civilian government that has ever been able to hang the Thai military out to dry? Because that’s who you’re talking about – and you know it.
Plane audacity in Thai dispute
Quote from heading-for-the-exit Abhisit in Khao Sod’s report:
“There was no need for seizure of property… if the final court verdict said Thailand must pay the debt, we would comply anyhow.”
Well, of course, we know the standard Thai definition of “final” when it comes to court verdicts – i.e. it’s only final when it’s in your favour. Rather like Abhisit’s “wishful reading” approach to the 1962 ICJ verdict on Preah Vihear.
Plane audacity in Thai dispute
The issue of Thailand’s compliance, or ahem, non-compliance, with arbitration awards is worthy of more detailed consideration.
Consider the Hopewell Project. See Bangkok Post November 17, 2008: “…Early this month an arbitration committee ruled that the SRT (State Railways of Thailand) and the Transport Ministry should pay 11.8 billion Baht plus 7.5% interest per year, and return a letter of guarantee worth 500 million Baht to the Hong Kong based Hopewell (Thailand) in compensation for terminating a concession contract to build a 60km elevated system for ordinary and electric trains, a tollway and frontage fronts…” Wonder if Gordon Woo was paid?
And what of the construction of the Bangna-Trad elevated road? In an arbitration between the contractor BBCD and the Expressway and Rapid Transit Authority, the ETA was ordered to pay Bt6.2 billion for delays in construction due to late hand over of land. This award was upheld in the Civil Court but reversed by the Supreme Court.
The latter case resulted in a Thai cabinet resolution that: (1) arbitration clauses may not be used in contracts between Thai public authorities and public sector entities and (2) that such contracts may only be in Thai language (obviously putting foreign contractors at a disadvantage).
So it looks like Thailand public entities are rather sensitive about complying with arbitration awards, particularly if it involves paying out large sums of money.
Thailand’s corruption record
c18
“Could you say the same about former PM’s Chuan or Abhisit? Nah . . . because these two former Thai PM’s had been honest and near religious about getting ‘personally’ implicated in any corruption period.”
Oh – “painter Chuan”, you mean? That nickname, of course, having nothing whatever to do with the whitewash job he was so ready to do so repeatedly for his many corrupt ministerial colleagues – as well as for his younger brother Raluek charged with embezzling 231.8 million THB (approx. 9 million USD in 1987) from Thai Farmers Bank who fled prosecution and only returned to Thailand in 2004 after the statute of limitations expired on his crime and he couldn’t be prosecuted. Yes – a great and “clean” example to follow…..
Similarly not even near consistent – never mind “near religious” – about corruption is Abhisit….. whose “iron rules” proved to be rather elastic and difficult to remember where his consortium colleagues were concerned. You can insert the ” ‘personally’ implicated” weasel words – but you conveniently ignore the very real responsibilities (and powers – if he only chooses to exercise them) of a Prime Minister.
Still, do keep cranking out your history re-writes. These are potentially grim times and we all need some light relief.
Malaysia: a Clean sweep?
May God Have mercy on the people of Malaysia !
Thailand’s corruption record
‘Good cop bad cop’ . . .Tarrin picked a shoddy metaphor (#21).
When it comes to bad Thai cops Tarrin, extra-judicially bent Thaksin S. and extortion-notorious Chalerm Y. are living apodictic inspirations to Thai police rookies-wannabes. The worship of Thaksin/Chalerm perhaps is why there’s a scarcity of honest policemen in Thailand.
For Nuomi: I do recall Peau Thai (and former policeman) Chalerm Yubamrung mocking the Democrat Party about seven months ago because the DP picked ‘penniless’ lawyers like Chuan to be their party leader . . . whereas Peau Thai Party of course righteously demand ‘money’ above anything else from their leader.
Don’t you Tarrin/Noumi both sense something ethically amiss with the Thaksin mantra: “Yes I am corrupt, but everybody else is corrupt, and it is o/k to be corrupt”?
Plane audacity in Thai dispute
Hugely entertaining to see the Thai elites running around the world displaying the same attitudes they display when running around in Thailand.
Even more entertaining to see Kasit have a porterhouse blue about it all. Perhaps he’ll sue the German government for breaking Thai laws while in Germany.
They just don’t seem to get it…
Plane audacity in Thai dispute
I was just wondering if Werner will face arrest for LM should he dare visit Thailand anytime during the lifetime of our you know who…
@Tarrin
Actually, I feel more sorry for the incoming Thai government (any party except DP). The DP + Army left such a big mess locally and internationally…
Plane audacity in Thai dispute
@Ricky: Stories like this get held up for serious editorial review and discussion, for obvious reasons. Not being the first to stick your neck out has some advantages too.
I’m with the Germans on this one. Time to pay up, RTG.
Malaysia: a Clean sweep?
Just in case anyone is naive enough to get taken in by the kiddy Ekram statement that “they were arrested for having communist T-shirts”, I would like to inform the general readers that the communist T-shirts is sold in Pertama and Cambell complex (Kuala Lumpur) for RM28/- if you bargain!… go figure
Plane audacity in Thai dispute
@Chris B #12 said: “Poor old CP may have to come back on Thai Inter – no doubt he’ll insist on piloting it; just glad I won’t be on it.”
I don’t think he has the license to pilot B747. He can pilot the 734, and he pilots it sometimes domestically. (Rumour has it that he’ll call himself “Captain Somchai” if he pilots a 734.) He usually travels in First Class if he boards Thai Air to Munich; he does not pilot the 747 as far as I am aware of 🙂
Plane audacity in Thai dispute
We are witnessing some of the very best characterizations of “Thainess,” that unique quality that makes real Thais who they really are. And it explains why Thais who go abroad are often ashamed of coming back. The pretension is nauseating after some exposure to reality – and not as it’s defined in the LOS.
Plane audacity in Thai dispute
“Kasit said he had placed Schneider on the “persona non grata” list banning him from entering Thailand.” – The Nation
What a childish, petulant response from someone so utterly removed from the real world. Does this prat live on the moon? He reminds me of a spoilt child stamping its foot on the playing field: “Not fair – I’m not going to play with you anymore”.
Pathetic.
BERSIH 2.0 analysis
Everyone is casting doubt on me – however if you look at the article – the links go directly to NDI’s website, directly to Malaysian press quoting Bersih’s leadership, and directly to brochures and fliers covering NED events featuring Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim – along with an official biography from a US university.
http://landdestroyer.blogspot.com/2011/07/globalist-sedition-takes-to-malaysian.html
It is not a matter of who I am and where I am coming from – I am pointing out self-evident truths that do not rely on my character. Look at the article, click on the links and see for yourself – ask yourself why New Mandala doesn’t report this and why the CFR is so pleased with their “fine coverage.”
http://blogs.cfr.org/asia/2011/07/14/malaysia%E2%80%99s-bersih-movement/
CFR being the collective representatives of the Fortune 500 corporations that constitute its membership.
http://www.cfr.org/about/corporate/roster.html
Between NED and the CFR are we to believe these people truly have “democracy” in mind regarding their meddling in Malaysia’s affairs?
Plane audacity in Thai dispute
It’s not even a “High Court” like the International Court of Justice ICJ, another court Kasit will face in a few days.
The seizure sticker attached to the plane says “Amtsgericht” which means “Local County Court” in German
Thai research grants for Aussies
I also note that the University of Melbourne got the gig and not the ANU. Very forgiving of you to promote the project anyway. Kudos! The embassy should really make the effort and walk the extra mile for a reconciliation. I wonder if Yingluck will continue the hissy fit.
Democrat dominance in the deep south
Probably better for PT that they didn’t win in South, as such can just continue with the DP policy to let the army do as they wish. Also read that an influential person funds village scouts down there, another reason to just leave it be from a political perspective. To actually deliver a potential solution would have caused many problems for them, more so of course if nothing had changed and the bombings, hate murders of men women, children and monks, decapitation, and all those things the truly devout do so well had continued.