Joseph Strachan has appointed himself spokesman for the “vast majority” in Thailand. On top of that he knows that all Thaksin’s supporters are paid and has heard Thaksin say that he is going to bring down the country. Sounds eerily familiar. Blame Thaksin for everything while claiming to speak for all the good people. Who was it that did that? A few people sitting around plotting a coup perhaps?
The vast majority of us living in Thailand are sick and tired of Thaksin and his paid nodders, and we just wish for some peace, and for our incomes to return to the level they were before Thaksin came to power. Now, for the first time in many years, we have both a functioning government and a respected Prime Minister who has no record of corruption.
The 30,000 strong screaming mob organised by Thaksin is being led by opposition Members of Parliament. How does this reconcile with their supposed respect for the law and democracy? How can an opposition party take part in inciting civil unrest and still retain any respect from us? Why are they even permitted to do so?
The delusional ex-PM, probably the most corrupt politician Thailand has ever had, has sworn to take the whole Nation down with him. even if it takes all of the tax-free cash he has stashed away in foreign bank accounts.
If you want to find out more about the social and intellectual background of Buddhadasa’s teachings, listen to this excellent talk clarifying many aspects of it:
More seriously, anyone who cliams that the number of Red marchers is relative, or linked, to Thaksin’s money I challenge him/her to produce evidence. (Sodhi L of course says each day that all Red marchers are paid. But is Sidh S a ‘paid’ emplyee of Sondhi L, so that repeating such craps is mandatory?)
Of course everybody, including the marchers, know that Thaksin probably contributes to the funds used for such rally. So did probably many TRT politicians. But why should one think the marchers themselves – their ‘number’ – depend on these money? Give ordinary people some credits. In fact I’ve often found they are more respectable for their self-sacrify and their love of political principle – above all, that the right to choose government belongs to the people themselve not the unelected, unaccountable group of royalist privy councilors, judges and militarymen. Certainly more respectble in this regard than pretenteous ‘educated’ person like Sidh S.
P.S. I never write that the PAD marchers were paid for or in any case joined the PAD rally because of anyone’s money either.
Sidh S. Either PMThaksin has not ‘invested’ enough and/or the Red leadership took too large commissions
How much have Prem and his royalist circles ‘invested’ to get your service, then?
Of course, I don’t really believe you get paid for doing this. But, whatever the number of marchers yesterday (and from what I saw, I believe it’s much larger than any of the numbers mentioned above), to link it to Thaksin’s money is simply a pretenteous, snobbish, crappy piece of reasoning, but too often typical of our ‘educated’, middle class intellectuals these days.
The KNU/KNLA PC helped to raise awareness of the situation and condition of the people who were affected by the cyclone Nargis when at that time much of the international community were greatly distressed and had given up on even trying to help the people and didn’t really know anything about what was going on. In response to the interview there was increased aid sent to Burma which, through the efforts of many local churches and organisations, have reached the people.
We must look at the results and fruit of the activities and actions. Peace, Aid, Support and Encouragement have been the result and have been received by the people themselves not the KNU/KNLA PC. I’m sure their intentions were not for their own but if their “connections” or whatever have allowed the people to receive help then they have done a lot better than many others who are in positions of leadership and who have “connections” , and they are actually using it for the right reasons.
Thank you very much for sharing that. I have translated an interesting part from Sondhi’s speech that you have pointed out. Someone has posted this part on YouTube. You can watch it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN_Oq6COVlk
“General Surayuth, basically… I know before he became the prime minisiter. At the time I was fighting against Thaksin, he would confidentially call me and say, “Khun Sondhi, keep up fighting. Please tolerate.” Today I am disillusioned. You let me be wounded. You let me be soaked in blood. And then you came to enjoy the power. But that’s OK. To gain more benefits [р╕Бр╕┤р╕Щ], the work for the country is a minor matter. Just tolerate. Then… The reason I say this is not that I’m demanding something in return. [Surayuth said] “Sondhi, I admit that today the nation lacks knowledge. When I become the PM, I will give you a free television channel so that you will use it to educate people.” This is from Surayuth’s mouth. About Gen. Sondhi… After I presented my appeal letter to him at the army headquarters at the time Thaksin was the PM and then the next day he gave an interview criticizing me… Do you remember that? Then I said that my friends at PAD were angry at Gen. Sondhi. I said that don’t be angry. Gen. Sondhi might be in a predicament. So, he must speak in this way to not make Thaksin suspicious of him. After they had seized the power… Shortly before they seized the power, he called me. He sent Gen. Panthep, who was his senior friend, and Gen. Charoensak to meet me. … They said that “Bang [Gen.Sondhi] said that ‘Sondhi, please tolerate.’ I told him that nowadays Sondhi L nearly had to fight for food with dogs. He said that, ‘it’s gonna be fine. After the work is done, I will give you a television channel so that you can work for people.’ “”
Sidh, You raised lots of interesting points and I do agree with u abt educational reform, but don’t u think the reform of LM law is also crucial to(or at least enhances educational reform(esp in terms of the general populace’s critical thinking)?
I want to write more in reponse to yr interesting post but at the moment I’m deadly tired coz I have just submitted my thesis. BTW, regarding western powers, i agree that there is a certainly a room for improvement in their international policies and their approach to political situations in non-western societies. However, this does not mean that because western societies are not perfect, thailand has no need to strive to be a better nation. You mentioned something abt Thailand today as being quite open and pluralistic (esp when compared to Thailand in the past).. I’m not so sure if I agree with u, but I’ve notspent much time in Thailand for many years so I reckon I would have to actually start living there again to see if there is any difference betw the Thailand of the 1990s and 2000s..
David Brown #31 – that is truly a deep Red statement to say PMPrem got PMThaksin off his “honest mistake”. It is highly likely that the more than capable PMThaksin (or his then partner in every crime, KYPotjaman) manipulated the courts himself…
hclau#30 – you intentionally keep missing the point. If you go strictly by the law he does even not ‘own’ the companies as it is all held under nominees’ names. What led to urban middleclasses mass anger and protests was the issue of perception of ‘fairness’. ShinCorp is perceived to have disproportionally benefited from PMThaksin’s political position. In this case, the middleclasses expected that he should compensate the government, that he leads, with some of the money from the sale – if not by taxes (as it would be illegal as you say), then in the form of donations (as MajGenChamlong, then his ally also advised). It is a very reasonable expectation, as the middleclass see that PMThaksin used their taxes for his populist policies that benefits the poor, PMThaksin should also contribute to the same coffers. So Portman is probably right there and PMThaksin’s stingyness and greed fuelled urban middleclass anger led to his downfall.
We are now much clearer why PMThaksin refused to come clean and chose to dissolve parliament rather than simply answers questions on the ShinCorp sale. The ShinCorp deal involved abuse of state power (questionable law changes), concealment of assets, fraud, the utilization of offshore nominees etc. (similar to the unethical tricks that the Wall Street Gods of the Universe used to bring the world economy to its knees). Let’s not equate the law with ethics hclau, you surely know better than that…
On both what PMThaksin, GenPanlop, TycoonSonthi or others say, regardless of the accuracy we also have to keep in mind that they are not ‘passive’ observers, nor are they secondary actors. They are the key, active players in all this and it will be very hard to determine – impossible if you ask them directly – what their exact actions and roles were/are (GenPanlop in particular is very interesting – as he seems to be a double-agent). With PMThaksin, at least we’ll get some inkling through piecing evidences that arises from his many court cases together and, besides, he’s heading the Reds show now telling his version of the story and naming names. However, it will likely lead to nothing as long as he does not admit his own incriminating role. For example, to bring down former allies turned enemy (whether TycoonSonthi or Mr.Newin), he will have to admit his own wrongdoings – all those questionable deals turned sour. I doubt PMThaksin has the guts for that and hence his increased isolation.
A disappointing number for PMThaksin that he did not give his full rant/expose last night? Would postponing to today – and maybe Saturday – rally larger numbers? Or is this a tactic to sustain the numbers through many days on the cheap. Either PMThaksin has not ‘invested’ enough and/or the Red leadership took too large commissions combined with the effect of the government’s 2,000 baht cheques. Ah, bad amateurish planning – or maybe they fear that the Red leaning populace could be ‘bought’ and hence had to hold the rally on the same day? Matichon (same article above) noted that ~30 people donated their checks to the Reds movement amounting to 60,ooobaht.
All the while he is negotiating a ‘video phone-in’ to make his case in court for the 70+ billion baht assets seizure case!:
Maybe coming back to coordinate all this (Pheu Thai in parliament, Reds in the streets, fighting court cases as well as suing others while attacking the courts at the same time) from jail would have saved a lot of trouble!
Time for AjarnGile’s video-link as a drawcard and sideshow to PMThaksin’s???
It is interesting to see how quickly this discussion has moved away from being about the future of the UDD and morphed into the (same old) debate about the past of Thaksin.
On the one hand, this is a pity. On the other hand, it does say a lot about where the UDD is stuck…
As for Noi, I just wish you had another head. So at least you’ll have an excuse for your idiotic comment… “Which head are you thinking from? Opps… you only have one head.” Well, that’s a shame isn’t it, now you have no excuse for your idiotic comment.
Yes a democratic system is “the will of the people,” and it’s based on a “one person, one vote,” bla bla bla. We all know that. But when you can “buy the vote,” what seemed like a fair election in a democratic process is no longer true, isn’t it.
(Hint# 1: That’s why it is illegal to buy your vote from the people in an election)
I understand there are a lot of people like you who are either na├пve, uneducated, in denial, just plain stupid, or all four combination.
In case you have been in the cave for the last decade, Thailand is still a third world country. The gap between the rich and the poor is so great there is no realistic way to close bridge it. Corruption is so rampant, from high ranking government officials to regular traffic cops. All these corrupt officials just need a little grease in their pocket and you can do whatever you want. You can get off a traffic violation with a 50 baht, get off a murder case with 20,000 baht, getting away with not having to pay hundreds of millions of baht in taxes each year (I’m sure you heard of Santika Club that burnt down in December 2008); there’s a price for everything. Cops who swore to uphold the laws, are themselves breaking the laws. Members of the congress who were elected to represent the people are taking advantage of the very same people who elected them.
This has been a way of life in Thailand and Thaksin did not change the tradition. Everyone “thought” he would straighten up this corrupt government and strengthen the judicial system of the entire country. But we got it all wrong!!! Thaksin was the “wolf in grandma’s outfit.” Thai Ruk Thai was his wolf pack; all wearing “grandma’s little outfit.” They were all taking advantage of the poor. Back in the second and third reelection, the votes were all bought by Thaksin and his corrupt cabinet members. Most of the people were so poor they were glad to make 200 baht. (4.5 Eur / vote) What was more amazing was that Thaksin was using the tax money to pay these poor villagers for their vote. How could that not win? They literary had nothing to lose; not a Euro out of their pockets.
Perhaps you need to consider your view on a ‘democratic government,’ and take your head out of Thaksin’s ass. Come see what everyone else around the world is seeing. It’s a different view from out here, I assured you.
A couple of pointers for you Noi, besides the one I’ve just mentioned. Go get a “real education,” preferably on government and democracy. When I took it here at Oxford, my recollection was the professors were quite thorough. So I see absolutely nothing wrong with the courses here, that is, if you can get accepted into the university, of course. Second, don’t believe too much about what your idiot friends are telling you. Do some reading and researching on your own to find out the truth. It is only when you know the truth form all sides that you can truly contribute to a democratic society.
In the end, it is ultimately about the people who truly understand the meaning of democracy (regardless of their wealth or social status) verses a group of business men who were taking advantage of a broken system, disguising themselves in democracy.
I am a American Mien girl and speaking from personal experiences, while visiting Thailand, I did notice that the students were forced to have Thai names. My grandparents at Thailand told me that many of the youths are loosing their culture and assimilating into Thai culture. Many youths are moving to the big cities and forgetting families and farms on the hilltribe.
I have posted background infomation on Sondhi’s speech at Thai-DC Forum, Virginia, in which he revealed Surayut’s role, as well as the origins of the “Blue Scarf” and Thaksin’s alledged remark in New York (at the time of 2006 coup) insulting the king. There are links to complete video and sound files of the speech. See here (sorry, in Thai only) http://www.sameskybooks.org/board/index.php?showtopic=27502
If Thaialand were to develop the nuclear weapon I cannot forsee them using it in a threatening manner. I think they have too much respect for their Royal Family and any foolish use of a weapon could see that family toppled. Also, I dont think the King would allow it.
Let the fool Thaksin name all the names he wants. He will thus discredit a system in which he has long been a very active and avid participant. He will only hasten the dawning realization that he and the other members of Thailand’s elite are an increasing irrelevance.
I would welcome the day when Bangkok Pundit and New Mandala go out and look for some REAL issues that have absolutely nothing to do with the tawdry soap opera of the so-called Thai elite. Your style of punditry only serves to perpetuate the elite in its fantasy of invincibility.
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901, royal politics and Thaksin Shinawatra
Joseph Strachan has appointed himself spokesman for the “vast majority” in Thailand. On top of that he knows that all Thaksin’s supporters are paid and has heard Thaksin say that he is going to bring down the country. Sounds eerily familiar. Blame Thaksin for everything while claiming to speak for all the good people. Who was it that did that? A few people sitting around plotting a coup perhaps?
UDD – where to?
Portman: Do you know what proportion of the Shincorp shares were owned in Ample Rich (the BVI tax haven company)?
901, royal politics and Thaksin Shinawatra
The vast majority of us living in Thailand are sick and tired of Thaksin and his paid nodders, and we just wish for some peace, and for our incomes to return to the level they were before Thaksin came to power. Now, for the first time in many years, we have both a functioning government and a respected Prime Minister who has no record of corruption.
The 30,000 strong screaming mob organised by Thaksin is being led by opposition Members of Parliament. How does this reconcile with their supposed respect for the law and democracy? How can an opposition party take part in inciting civil unrest and still retain any respect from us? Why are they even permitted to do so?
The delusional ex-PM, probably the most corrupt politician Thailand has ever had, has sworn to take the whole Nation down with him. even if it takes all of the tax-free cash he has stashed away in foreign bank accounts.
It’s so sad !
From the archives: Region of Revolt
If you want to find out more about the social and intellectual background of Buddhadasa’s teachings, listen to this excellent talk clarifying many aspects of it:
The Life and Teachings of Buddhadasa Bhikkhu (Part 1) (by Santikaro)
http://www.podnova.com/channel/17787/episode/219/
901, royal politics and Thaksin Shinawatra
More seriously, anyone who cliams that the number of Red marchers is relative, or linked, to Thaksin’s money I challenge him/her to produce evidence. (Sodhi L of course says each day that all Red marchers are paid. But is Sidh S a ‘paid’ emplyee of Sondhi L, so that repeating such craps is mandatory?)
Of course everybody, including the marchers, know that Thaksin probably contributes to the funds used for such rally. So did probably many TRT politicians. But why should one think the marchers themselves – their ‘number’ – depend on these money? Give ordinary people some credits. In fact I’ve often found they are more respectable for their self-sacrify and their love of political principle – above all, that the right to choose government belongs to the people themselve not the unelected, unaccountable group of royalist privy councilors, judges and militarymen. Certainly more respectble in this regard than pretenteous ‘educated’ person like Sidh S.
P.S. I never write that the PAD marchers were paid for or in any case joined the PAD rally because of anyone’s money either.
901, royal politics and Thaksin Shinawatra
Sidh S.
Either PMThaksin has not ‘invested’ enough and/or the Red leadership took too large commissions
How much have Prem and his royalist circles ‘invested’ to get your service, then?
Of course, I don’t really believe you get paid for doing this. But, whatever the number of marchers yesterday (and from what I saw, I believe it’s much larger than any of the numbers mentioned above), to link it to Thaksin’s money is simply a pretenteous, snobbish, crappy piece of reasoning, but too often typical of our ‘educated’, middle class intellectuals these days.
Aid, politics and propaganda: The Karen “Peace Council” in the Delta
The KNU/KNLA PC helped to raise awareness of the situation and condition of the people who were affected by the cyclone Nargis when at that time much of the international community were greatly distressed and had given up on even trying to help the people and didn’t really know anything about what was going on. In response to the interview there was increased aid sent to Burma which, through the efforts of many local churches and organisations, have reached the people.
We must look at the results and fruit of the activities and actions. Peace, Aid, Support and Encouragement have been the result and have been received by the people themselves not the KNU/KNLA PC. I’m sure their intentions were not for their own but if their “connections” or whatever have allowed the people to receive help then they have done a lot better than many others who are in positions of leadership and who have “connections” , and they are actually using it for the right reasons.
901, royal politics and Thaksin Shinawatra
Re: Somsak #23
Thank you very much for sharing that. I have translated an interesting part from Sondhi’s speech that you have pointed out. Someone has posted this part on YouTube. You can watch it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN_Oq6COVlk
“General Surayuth, basically… I know before he became the prime minisiter. At the time I was fighting against Thaksin, he would confidentially call me and say, “Khun Sondhi, keep up fighting. Please tolerate.” Today I am disillusioned. You let me be wounded. You let me be soaked in blood. And then you came to enjoy the power. But that’s OK. To gain more benefits [р╕Бр╕┤р╕Щ], the work for the country is a minor matter. Just tolerate. Then… The reason I say this is not that I’m demanding something in return. [Surayuth said] “Sondhi, I admit that today the nation lacks knowledge. When I become the PM, I will give you a free television channel so that you will use it to educate people.” This is from Surayuth’s mouth. About Gen. Sondhi… After I presented my appeal letter to him at the army headquarters at the time Thaksin was the PM and then the next day he gave an interview criticizing me… Do you remember that? Then I said that my friends at PAD were angry at Gen. Sondhi. I said that don’t be angry. Gen. Sondhi might be in a predicament. So, he must speak in this way to not make Thaksin suspicious of him. After they had seized the power… Shortly before they seized the power, he called me. He sent Gen. Panthep, who was his senior friend, and Gen. Charoensak to meet me. … They said that “Bang [Gen.Sondhi] said that ‘Sondhi, please tolerate.’ I told him that nowadays Sondhi L nearly had to fight for food with dogs. He said that, ‘it’s gonna be fine. After the work is done, I will give you a television channel so that you can work for people.’ “”
From the archives: Region of Revolt
BTW, I agree with u that the victories of ‘small people’ are highly significant and I do want to see more and more victories of its kind.
From the archives: Region of Revolt
Sidh, You raised lots of interesting points and I do agree with u abt educational reform, but don’t u think the reform of LM law is also crucial to(or at least enhances educational reform(esp in terms of the general populace’s critical thinking)?
I want to write more in reponse to yr interesting post but at the moment I’m deadly tired coz I have just submitted my thesis. BTW, regarding western powers, i agree that there is a certainly a room for improvement in their international policies and their approach to political situations in non-western societies. However, this does not mean that because western societies are not perfect, thailand has no need to strive to be a better nation. You mentioned something abt Thailand today as being quite open and pluralistic (esp when compared to Thailand in the past).. I’m not so sure if I agree with u, but I’ve notspent much time in Thailand for many years so I reckon I would have to actually start living there again to see if there is any difference betw the Thailand of the 1990s and 2000s..
UDD – where to?
David Brown #31 – that is truly a deep Red statement to say PMPrem got PMThaksin off his “honest mistake”. It is highly likely that the more than capable PMThaksin (or his then partner in every crime, KYPotjaman) manipulated the courts himself…
hclau#30 – you intentionally keep missing the point. If you go strictly by the law he does even not ‘own’ the companies as it is all held under nominees’ names. What led to urban middleclasses mass anger and protests was the issue of perception of ‘fairness’. ShinCorp is perceived to have disproportionally benefited from PMThaksin’s political position. In this case, the middleclasses expected that he should compensate the government, that he leads, with some of the money from the sale – if not by taxes (as it would be illegal as you say), then in the form of donations (as MajGenChamlong, then his ally also advised). It is a very reasonable expectation, as the middleclass see that PMThaksin used their taxes for his populist policies that benefits the poor, PMThaksin should also contribute to the same coffers. So Portman is probably right there and PMThaksin’s stingyness and greed fuelled urban middleclass anger led to his downfall.
We are now much clearer why PMThaksin refused to come clean and chose to dissolve parliament rather than simply answers questions on the ShinCorp sale. The ShinCorp deal involved abuse of state power (questionable law changes), concealment of assets, fraud, the utilization of offshore nominees etc. (similar to the unethical tricks that the Wall Street Gods of the Universe used to bring the world economy to its knees). Let’s not equate the law with ethics hclau, you surely know better than that…
901, royal politics and Thaksin Shinawatra
On both what PMThaksin, GenPanlop, TycoonSonthi or others say, regardless of the accuracy we also have to keep in mind that they are not ‘passive’ observers, nor are they secondary actors. They are the key, active players in all this and it will be very hard to determine – impossible if you ask them directly – what their exact actions and roles were/are (GenPanlop in particular is very interesting – as he seems to be a double-agent). With PMThaksin, at least we’ll get some inkling through piecing evidences that arises from his many court cases together and, besides, he’s heading the Reds show now telling his version of the story and naming names. However, it will likely lead to nothing as long as he does not admit his own incriminating role. For example, to bring down former allies turned enemy (whether TycoonSonthi or Mr.Newin), he will have to admit his own wrongdoings – all those questionable deals turned sour. I doubt PMThaksin has the guts for that and hence his increased isolation.
901, royal politics and Thaksin Shinawatra
DAY 1: Thairath estimated 30,ooo Reds:
http://www.thairath.co.th/offline.php?section=hotnews&content=129976
Nation gave it 40,ooo Reds:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/03/27/politics/politics_30098982.php
Bangkokpost 20,ooo Reds:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/14041/udd-demonstration-goes-ahead-without-thaksin
Matichon also gave it 20,000 Reds (noting that the Red leadership estimated 50,000):
http://www.matichon.co.th/matichon/view_news.php?newsid=01p0102270352§ionid=0101&day=2009-03-27
A disappointing number for PMThaksin that he did not give his full rant/expose last night? Would postponing to today – and maybe Saturday – rally larger numbers? Or is this a tactic to sustain the numbers through many days on the cheap. Either PMThaksin has not ‘invested’ enough and/or the Red leadership took too large commissions combined with the effect of the government’s 2,000 baht cheques. Ah, bad amateurish planning – or maybe they fear that the Red leaning populace could be ‘bought’ and hence had to hold the rally on the same day? Matichon (same article above) noted that ~30 people donated their checks to the Reds movement amounting to 60,ooobaht.
All the while he is negotiating a ‘video phone-in’ to make his case in court for the 70+ billion baht assets seizure case!:
http://www.matichon.co.th/news_detail.php?newsid=1238047387&grpid=05&catid=01
Maybe coming back to coordinate all this (Pheu Thai in parliament, Reds in the streets, fighting court cases as well as suing others while attacking the courts at the same time) from jail would have saved a lot of trouble!
Time for AjarnGile’s video-link as a drawcard and sideshow to PMThaksin’s???
UDD – where to?
It is interesting to see how quickly this discussion has moved away from being about the future of the UDD and morphed into the (same old) debate about the past of Thaksin.
On the one hand, this is a pity. On the other hand, it does say a lot about where the UDD is stuck…
Full text of Abhisit speech in Oxford
Here here James !!! I second your position.
As for Noi, I just wish you had another head. So at least you’ll have an excuse for your idiotic comment… “Which head are you thinking from? Opps… you only have one head.” Well, that’s a shame isn’t it, now you have no excuse for your idiotic comment.
Yes a democratic system is “the will of the people,” and it’s based on a “one person, one vote,” bla bla bla. We all know that. But when you can “buy the vote,” what seemed like a fair election in a democratic process is no longer true, isn’t it.
(Hint# 1: That’s why it is illegal to buy your vote from the people in an election)
I understand there are a lot of people like you who are either na├пve, uneducated, in denial, just plain stupid, or all four combination.
In case you have been in the cave for the last decade, Thailand is still a third world country. The gap between the rich and the poor is so great there is no realistic way to close bridge it. Corruption is so rampant, from high ranking government officials to regular traffic cops. All these corrupt officials just need a little grease in their pocket and you can do whatever you want. You can get off a traffic violation with a 50 baht, get off a murder case with 20,000 baht, getting away with not having to pay hundreds of millions of baht in taxes each year (I’m sure you heard of Santika Club that burnt down in December 2008); there’s a price for everything. Cops who swore to uphold the laws, are themselves breaking the laws. Members of the congress who were elected to represent the people are taking advantage of the very same people who elected them.
This has been a way of life in Thailand and Thaksin did not change the tradition. Everyone “thought” he would straighten up this corrupt government and strengthen the judicial system of the entire country. But we got it all wrong!!! Thaksin was the “wolf in grandma’s outfit.” Thai Ruk Thai was his wolf pack; all wearing “grandma’s little outfit.” They were all taking advantage of the poor. Back in the second and third reelection, the votes were all bought by Thaksin and his corrupt cabinet members. Most of the people were so poor they were glad to make 200 baht. (4.5 Eur / vote) What was more amazing was that Thaksin was using the tax money to pay these poor villagers for their vote. How could that not win? They literary had nothing to lose; not a Euro out of their pockets.
Perhaps you need to consider your view on a ‘democratic government,’ and take your head out of Thaksin’s ass. Come see what everyone else around the world is seeing. It’s a different view from out here, I assured you.
A couple of pointers for you Noi, besides the one I’ve just mentioned. Go get a “real education,” preferably on government and democracy. When I took it here at Oxford, my recollection was the professors were quite thorough. So I see absolutely nothing wrong with the courses here, that is, if you can get accepted into the university, of course. Second, don’t believe too much about what your idiot friends are telling you. Do some reading and researching on your own to find out the truth. It is only when you know the truth form all sides that you can truly contribute to a democratic society.
In the end, it is ultimately about the people who truly understand the meaning of democracy (regardless of their wealth or social status) verses a group of business men who were taking advantage of a broken system, disguising themselves in democracy.
Mien sports and heritage
Hi
I am a American Mien girl and speaking from personal experiences, while visiting Thailand, I did notice that the students were forced to have Thai names. My grandparents at Thailand told me that many of the youths are loosing their culture and assimilating into Thai culture. Many youths are moving to the big cities and forgetting families and farms on the hilltribe.
901, royal politics and Thaksin Shinawatra
Re: #10
I have posted background infomation on Sondhi’s speech at Thai-DC Forum, Virginia, in which he revealed Surayut’s role, as well as the origins of the “Blue Scarf” and Thaksin’s alledged remark in New York (at the time of 2006 coup) insulting the king. There are links to complete video and sound files of the speech. See here (sorry, in Thai only)
http://www.sameskybooks.org/board/index.php?showtopic=27502
or here
http://www.prachataiwebboard.com/webboard/wbtopic.php?id=787664
The date of the speech is Monday 20 August 2007 Virginia time (not 24 or 25 August as widely reported)
Nuclear sufficiency
If Thaialand were to develop the nuclear weapon I cannot forsee them using it in a threatening manner. I think they have too much respect for their Royal Family and any foolish use of a weapon could see that family toppled. Also, I dont think the King would allow it.
901, royal politics and Thaksin Shinawatra
Let the fool Thaksin name all the names he wants. He will thus discredit a system in which he has long been a very active and avid participant. He will only hasten the dawning realization that he and the other members of Thailand’s elite are an increasing irrelevance.
901, royal politics and Thaksin Shinawatra
I would welcome the day when Bangkok Pundit and New Mandala go out and look for some REAL issues that have absolutely nothing to do with the tawdry soap opera of the so-called Thai elite. Your style of punditry only serves to perpetuate the elite in its fantasy of invincibility.