truethailand

Everyday here, there are posted some of the worst examples of journalism you may ever read. It's a toss-up if this or the virgin valentine poll story marks a new low. Maybe ThaiVisa should focus a little bit more on rather than quantity.

Where are these stories with quality?

Here's a pretty good one, though not specifically Thai related:

http://www.atimes.co...a/MB02Ae01.html

I can see how this could possibly relate to Thailand in a few years...Good article

The main difference seems to be the role of the army which in Thailand will use violence against its own citizens (or rather subjects) at the drop of a hat.

If the military did actually use violence "at the drop of a hat" then the April to May 2010 protests would not have lasted that long.

You are also ignoring the fact that protesters here used military weapons, and were supported by an opposition party and an ex-PM wanting to regain power.

Remember in the 70's and the 90's (twice) they openly slaughtered their own people so 2010 was different. They tried to coral them in April to committ another slaughtered , where 500 dead was the projection..and that would have been an acceptable body count for the world. Saw in on tv, protestors giving soldiers a good slap then picking them up and sending them on their way or carrying them to Ambulances. It went up a notch between April and March because of the armys first attempt to gain control. Uncomfirmed reports say that soldiers refused to open fire, with a 50 calibre machine gun, on protestors and another refused to drive his armoured vehicle at them (it thats substantiated those soldiers should be given the highest honour this country can bestow).

Yes there is a link on a previous thread to the above but cant find it. Look for a site called thaiaccountability. Before you decry it remember that the army will not comply with the committee set up to look into the protests by not giving evidence. As for the army officers that got killed in April, look no further than their own for the killers. We are still waiting for the Porntip report into a grenade attack, must implicate the 'good guys' it will never be published

"Some say a coup is unlikely because there aren't enough reasons to justify it" - When is a military coup ever justified?

The most obvious reason for a coup is that someone in the military wants to be in control, (power).

We see this on both sides, Burma and Cambodia where the coup leaders have stayed on and intend to stay.

The latest Thai coup was different.

It had a purpose in evicting someone who was looking to try to hang on to power for his own ends.

The fact that the military held elections not long after the coup in which they took no direct part showed they were not interested in running the country but had achieved their purpose and wanted to return the country to democracy.

OK back on topic:

What a cheek the yellows have to 'demand' (always demand, never ask or suggest) a letter from Gvt asking them to move on.

Hope both colors get theit asses kicked good and proper with the ISA and General C ends up where he says he is prepared to be.

held elections shortly after the coup... 2 years is shortly after. They ousted the main man because he had been chipping away at the very same powerbase that ordered the coup. During there two years and especially near the end they tried to push thru laws to suit them once back in the barracks. We can only imagine how much they creamed off the top because they pushed thru a large budget increase for the army. Sure Thakky was a crook but do you think he is the biggest crook in this country.

"..return this country to democracy" compare the definitions of 'democracy' and 'plutocracy' and honestly tell me this place is a democracy

You must be on something

Buddhists believe that they make merit, or boon, when they donate money to temples. Just think how happy they would be if their money went to help improving the livelihoods and futures of needy children in the form of educational funds.

Holy buffalo shit. They do make merits, some of them are so superficial that they're even asking for the upcoming lottery numbers. Please ask Thai students who Siddhartha Gautama was and you'll see how much they know about their religion. :jap:

Dont worry about

Siddhartha Gautama

I have shown the picture of Nelson Mandela to 2 teachers I chat too online both had no idea who he was. I gave one the clue 'He was the most important black man anywhere in the world over the last 30 years' expecting the answer Michael Jackson I was totally shocked when the reply came on my screen....'I dont know I dont teach history'. I kid you not if it was not so important I would p1ss myself. The same teacher told me she had been to the River Kwai, to the bridge so I asked her did she know who built it and she told me the Japanese soldiers built it. Its not funny these teachers are able to vote and they breed. As for the monks one visited my sons school every friday and the english teacher could not see the point of him being there as for two lessons he just showed videos of people dying of aids. My son was 4 at the time. FUBAR does not fully explain the incompetence of the Thai State Education system.

I have been using an English curriculum from my old primary school which was sent to me after I explain the dire state of things here. Thinking I would fill in the blanks with this curriculum I soon found everything I was teaching him he had not done at school. Only today he showed me some homework about addition something we covered over 10 months ago (now hes six). When you consider the English schools program allows for 190 -1 days (dependant on if the school is to be used for election purposes) for teaching 38 weeks with 5 hours teaching per day = 25 a week. A child in England will receive aprox 950 hours per year plus sporting activities.

In Thailand officially you get less than 160 days per year. When you take out their nap allowance and the time they sit watching cartoons, preparation for religious festivals and all the other arse kissing crap they go thru. the reality is they dont even get half the schooling of a westerner. The bell rings at 15.40 and all the kids pile out only for half of them to go back in 15 mins later for private tuition. What the f##k they teaching between 08.00 and 15.40. Can anybody on this forum remember going to a state school and going back after 16.00 for private lessons about core subjects. Now her indoors thinks my youngest should attend summer school while she should be on holiday, shes another product of the same system and believes she will learn more. If that were not bad enough the quality of most of western teachers in Europe and America are so much superior to most of the teachers here your child will likely be getting nearer a third of the education.

The only upside I see is my sons social skills have improved no end at his present school and I am extremely thankful to his friends and teachers for that. All I can say is thank god for youtube because there is some excellent learning material on there.

Rant about education over..... only for now because the veins are protruding from my temples. Education my ricker

He also said the National Police chief Police General Wichien Podposri's proposed declaration of the promulgation of the Internal Security Act in the areas around Government House to prevent the PAD's occupation will bring about consequences upon himself when the present government is replaced.

when the present government is replaced..replaced by who, Peau Thai not a chance. So there is only one other group with political aspirations... He personally can do nothing to the current police chief but his mate can...when he takes power again. My logic says coup time again. Only in the interests of national security, of course. When a best mate of the coup maker makes statements like that it worries me. Please can somebody see this part of the statement in a different light and explain to me an alternative meaning. Help

So now we know what the army thinks.

What does the government think?

What do the thai people think?

The army does not care what anybody thinks.. Coup coming soon

Are you suggesting that the military is encouraging a confrontation to justify a coup on the premise that it is acting to defend the nation?

Interesting theory..,,,

If one were to follow Dubya's re-election strategy, one would think an election is more likely than a coup?

Dubyas in the West and yes he has many friends, including papa, who benefit from war games but this is a country where the rulers cannot afford to chance an election. We are all only opinions but is it possible that there will be a backlash from last years killings at the ballot box. Most people on here quote Thai press... enough said Taking control of the helm for a couple more years will, in their eyes, see them thru what may be a huge transitional period of Thailand history.

Thai Army Will Retaliate And No Longer Talk With Cambodia: Sansern

Title of this topic and demonstrates who is the agressor and who is calling the shots. Be sure its not Abhisit controlling his troops

The title indicates that Cambodia is the aggressor. What's your point?

Sansern indicates its Cambodias fault with the word retaliate.. but his credibility is lower than a chiuaua's gonads

Thai Army Will Retaliate And No Longer Talk With Cambodia: Sansern

Title of this topic and demonstrates who is the agressor and who is calling the shots. Be sure its not Abhisit controlling his troops

So now we know what the army thinks.

What does the government think?

What do the thai people think?

The army does not care what anybody thinks.. Coup coming soon

I believe a lot of the Khon Kaen guys who were driving taxis in Bangkok are now working back in Khon Kaen and they have not been slow to use the same tactics here. You may be very lucky to find a driver who will use is meter without you requesting it. If you like the quoted price then Pay. I have noticed that now the tuk tuk drivers have a list of destination prices in the tuk tuk same as Vientiane but they will still be overpriced

Lets do a deal if there is no coup or army running this country before the next election I promise not to post on here again. Likewise if the army does take control of the country before an election is held you and your like stay away from this forum. Have we got a deal

If the deal includes all other red shirt apologists, then you have a deal.

I am not an apologist for anything, I am and always have been for social reform which can only be achieved by firstly removing certain elements of the armed forces from any position of influence, and that means from all walks of life and institutions. I do not condone violence by any side and I cannot speak for the others but I am a man of my word. If their is no army take over of power in this country before an election I will withdraw from political forums on thaivisa. if as I expect an army takeover of power in the coming weeks or months you will do likewise. If you are committed to your postings take the bet (it nots gambling honestly)

wow, only 18 posts to the first 'if you don't like it or agree with everything thailand does move elsewhere' post

Hes right you know. One things sure if they not posting they are always monitoring. This is only going one way...army controlling the country... AGAIN. Good time to be in charge for a couple of years if you think what events are on the horizon

In fairness they have been controlling the country since the dems took over, however that is due to change come the election, the dems wont win so the army need to regain visible control now before any election, and as has already been said the army need an excuse this time, and now they have it. they are planning to move from the background to the foreground, and sadly you are correct about the other event.

I am more surprised how someone can be so wrong on so many issues. Do you actually live here or just come up with these theories over a beer with Spooner and Hodge?

Ok TAWP lets talk about the 30 Billion increase in the army budget after May last year, the promotion of many officers involved in the May events, the 70 billion earmarked for a 3rd Cavalry division outside Khon Kaen and last week was it near a trillion was needed for some more military hardware. Where is all that money going, a lot is earmarked for private bank accounts belonging to the brass in khaki. Lets do a deal if there is no coup or army running this country before the next election I promise not to post on here again. Likewise if the army does take control of the country before an election is held you and your like stay away from this forum. Have we got a deal

wow, only 18 posts to the first 'if you don't like it or agree with everything thailand does move elsewhere' post

Hes right you know. One things sure if they not posting they are always monitoring. This is only going one way...army controlling the country... AGAIN. Good time to be in charge for a couple of years if you think what events are on the horizon

In fairness they have been controlling the country since the dems took over, however that is due to change come the election, the dems wont win so the army need to regain visible control now before any election, and as has already been said the army need an excuse this time, and now they have it. they are planning to move from the background to the foreground, and sadly you are correct about the other event.

The army for all their faults are not stupid and despite all the blustering about the popularity of the Dems they know there is a distinct possibility that the backlash from their little killing suaree on Ratchaprasong may well and truly turn round and bite them on their arse and put the Peau Thai back iin power without a coalition. Once in power, not that they have ever had to justify their actions, how can they remove an elected government for a second time. Many apolitical voters who may previously have wasted their vote for some cash will now feel enough is enough its time to make a change for Thailand. If they intervene now because effectively Thailand is at war (without the declaration) with Cambodia, regrdless that they are provoking it, they will believe taking control of the country can be justified to other countries. Its only a shame it can not be justified to most of this nation

wow, only 18 posts to the first 'if you don't like it or agree with everything thailand does move elsewhere' post

Hes right you know. One things sure if they not posting they are always monitoring. This is only going one way...army controlling the country... AGAIN. Good time to be in charge for a couple of years if you think what events are on the horizon

After Prems alleged comments to the American Ambassador...will he be next

He did not make them in public, but in a private conversation.

It makes no matter if the corespondent was from USA or Thai,

saying something privately is not illegal.

The ones to prosecute are those that a stole those conversations

and those that published them illegally.

It is my understanding that you can have a conversation in private with somebody or know of a conversation where the law was broken and any individual can make a complaint. It is then the job of the accused to prove he did not say them. Does the law make exceptions for things said in private. Please enlightem me

UPDATE: There is now 150 taxis in Khon Kaen and they have fixed rates for journeys beyond the ring road eg. Khon Kaen to Ban Phai 38kms is 500 baht

After Prems alleged comments to the American Ambassador...will he be next

It is a big deal. It is very clear now that in a fair election, the Thai democrats will get more votes than the Thaksin party next time. It's a big accomplishment for Abhisit to turn the tide that way and he is to be congratulated for it.

These comments are 'anchored to a ghost' Call the election if the confidence is so high. It is very clear..... no proof of that at all. Lets chat again after a fair election

What next?

The government won't be able to handle it, Its different fighting with another country as opposed to slaughtering your own civilians, the army will come out and say the government don't know how to handle it, and then fast forward to the coup that we all know is coming based on the reds coming back into power at the next election, and a desire by the elite to stop that at all costs.

Couldn't (DIS)agree with you more on everything in your posting!!!!!

Totally agree with your posting. Random nailed it on the head, I think amongst my ramblings yestreday I pointed out this scenario but dont want any credit,

How can the army refuse to co-operate with a government committee. Whos running this country

Read between the lines...

Even the PT know that a coup at this point would be illogical, the military can't actually govern by themselves, they need a democratic front and in the present administration they have the best option they could wish for. Why seize power from your allies, only to cause yourself greater ill feeling among the popular and international community.

What the coup mongers are doing (and there will always be plenty of people in Thailand to fuel the gossip of a coup) is setting up public opinion against any possibility of a coup in the future, since now is a ripe opportunity for 'rumours'. This will give the military something to think about if ever they should decide that a PT victory at the next poll is too unpalatable.

Remember, if PT come to power - and there is a distinct possibility - they will move much more quickly and boldly this time to vote out the 2007 charter and pave the way for a swift return of Thaksin, before the establishment has a chance to block their moves.

To a point I agree with your post that what would drive another army intervention is the possibility that the PT take power at the next election. They must be prepared, if they believe PT will win an election to prevent that election, maybe why this Cambodia nonsense is allowed to roll on. if need be toss a few shells over and then the army has a reason to be in charge. Not a coup but a situation that does not allow an election. It sounds stupid but hey ...where r we!

No one is paying for the yellows now, which is why they only have 3,000 protesters lol

Do you know who paid for them before

<snip>

Hopefully Amsterdams actions will bring evidence one way or the other, either for or against then we can move on from this sorry tale.

Amsterdam has no evidence. He has conjecture, half truths and lies. He has basically published everything that he has, and it isn't worth the paper it's written on.

You sound like Suthep. I cannot think of any other individual who more represents all that is bad about Thailand.

just &lt;deleted&gt; shoot them all and have done with it

Your intelligent contribution is duly noted and discarded.

Only having a larf . Dont shoot em... just pray they were trespassing in a minefield

"The grass roots red shirts have some very valid issues". Can you explain what these issues are and how you would go about correcting them....without mentioning any politician.

I asked you why you weren't talking about social issues in the Thaksin's Lawyer thread (several times) ... I see you still aren't talking about them.

Show me the several times please