RedNIvar

"And, what is more, the current province of Si Sa Ket belonged to the Khmer Empire and still a lot of people there are Khmer speaking Khmer." said DickFarang. In Northern Malaysia, many people speak Thai as well.

You mean in Southern Thailand many people speak Malay and want to join Malaysia. However the Thai speakers in Northern Malaysia have no interest whatsoever in joining Thailand.

However I do agree with you that whatever language spoken in Si Saket has no bearing on the issue. Si Saket belongs to Thailand like how the Pheah Vihear belongs to Cambodia.

The only problem I see here is the word "alleged".

It must be a slow news day when the factual statements are being reported rather than news.

In my 12 years in Thailand, I have encountered at least 15 "alleged" bribe taking policemen. I am not saying that they were corrupt, but for some reason after they stopped me, my wallet ended up being a couple of hundred Baht lighter.

Now show me the elusive mythical un-corruptable cop, that will be worth reading about.

How do they know it had a rubber band around it?

Rubber band, the Thai duct tape.

Through all of this we should not forget that Thaksin is an advisor to the Cambodian Govt.

I wonder how much of his advice is at work on this one?

Another way to destabelise the country.

Complete BS - Cambodia's position on this matter has never changed. Its the PAD working up another issue which the PM will be the enlightened leader over as planned - your scam notion is directly pointed in the wrong direction. PAD work for this government and protest on cue not out of concern. They also bow out of election on cue. Just like other parties that join boycott's of elections for the right price.

One can only really conclude that on certain issues the PAD is running the country by proxy.

Fair conclusion. The PAD did in fact help bring the current PM to power through their self justified terrorism act by laying siege to the Airport. Favors need repayment, backs need scratching, a tit for a tat, and all that.

On the issue of the temple, the is a famous Thai saying that sums it all up.........SOM NUM NAAA

THe element certainly exists in all countries but it is extreme in THailand; Thailand is a wealthy country - and one of the reasons that people keep calling it (wrongly) third world, is that they see everywhere people living on the poverty line - whether it's beggars, security guards or labourers in the fields - they are in fact a symptom of a huge underclass resulting from some of the worst distribution of national wealth in S.E. asia.

Of course this massive pool of poor people helps keep the wealthy were they are and gives the foreigners a false impression of "customer service"- it's just a vast pool of people who are prepared to do incredibly menial, servile tasks simply to stay alive.

Do you really think the sex trade would appeal if the differentiation between a farm girl's life in Issan and the money she an ear in places like Bangkok and Pattaya wasn't so great?

The wealthy elite also control the media and the ruling elements, in principal the army and these are used to maintain their privileged position.

I've always wondered how Thailand ranked compared to other countries in terms of income inequality and decided to do a bit of googling, suspecting the issue was being somewhat exaggerated. I came up with this https://www.cia.gov/...r/2172rank.html

According to this objective measure of inequality, Thailand is not particularly high on the scale. It is apparently more equal than many in the region such as Cambodia, Philippines, and surprisingly Malaysia and Singapore. Not surprisingly it is more equal than the USA. It is more unequal than its "communist" (near) neighbours Vietnam, Laos and China.

I understand the desire to complain about the so-called "elites" exploiting the poor in Thailand and they have undoubtedly done so, as have their counterparts in most other countries. But the facts seem to say that they have not been particularly egregious in doing so compared to elsewhere in the region or internationally despite all the invective being hurled around recently.

Rational and non-insulting responses are appreciated.

The Gini Index measures the area under the curve, and is good at looking at the absolute average. However it does not account for a lopsided curve or income gaps. Someone mentioned earlier, looking at the histogram will give us a better idea of the situation. Comparing the 1 sigma of the distribution will give us comparison of the income gap. I am pretty sure that the distribution will not be a bell curve, but bimodal. Again this is my opinion, tried looking for data to help backup my statement. Could not find any data to support or disprove my hypothesis.

In responce to a couple of others;

there is a large middle class in Thailand, no 'hole' in the distrabution curve as claimed; just look at all the moo baans of ranging values and indeed the diversity of property available.

Also social mobility is entirely possable if peoples priorities are right. Those that study hard, work hard and save , rather than shop, spend and dream, can move up the socio economic ladder just as much as in any western country.

The problem Thailand faces is the lies being spread by the some politicians that wealth is a right achievable by pledging allegience to a patron rather than a result of hard work ie earnt, maybe not even realised by yourself but through your childrens education and future success. Nothing is instantanious appart from winning the lottery.

Sure schools in the sticks could be better and corruption needs to be addressed in the police, but fundamentaly the problem lies with individuals, famillies and how they chose to live their lives. Listen Buddha and king will get you far; listen politics of jelliousy, gossip and advertising and no good will come of it.

What you see in Bangkok is not representative of the entire country. Try leaving Bangkok/Chiangmai for the "up country" and see if you agree with your statement above.

But Thailand is still an IT "hub" isn't it?

I'm not sure about that. I know that Malaysia and Singapore are more IT savvy. There is no tax for computer and all IT hardware especially in Malaysia. All the big IT companies have their bases there as well.

I do know that Thailand is a hub for bootleg software. If that qualifies it as an IT hub, then Yes.

"Many countries have even wider gaps between rich and poor, USA is a good example. You really don't want a totally flat country, that is impossible and will only result in misery."

just to reiterate - the first part is patently untrue and no-one is advocating "a totally flat country".

Ideally 2/3 of the population has to fit in the middle class bucket. The rest make up the other two extremes. The problem with Thailand is that the middle class bucket is a little too light.

Clearly written by Farang for Farang gains only. Thai people, TOT & CAT will loose out.

Old man Piengrudee, it is time for you and your like to get with the program. All your so called backward neighbors have gone to 3G. Thailand is left behind, because you cannot figure out which corrupt politician will be able to line his pocket. BTW, for every dollar a farang earns in Thailand, up to 37% goes back to the government. Most Thai's I know try finding various loop holes to get out of paying taxes and all Farang's I know pay their taxes.

Many countries have even wider gaps between rich and poor, USA is a good example. You really don't want a totally flat country, that is impossible and will only result in misery.

Well, I don't think the actual gap size is a good measurement, rather the distribution curve.

In the US there's a middle class, here there's a "hole" in the middle of the curve.

This gap is a big hinderance for any "poor" person to move upwards. No "American Dream" here, really..

To compare Thailand with the US and conclude that US is poorer is not only absurd, but downright stupid IMHO.

I'm sure you'd find a bimodal distribution with a very long tail.

It boils down to improving the social standards and education. Thailand as a society is a lot more liberated with their sexuality compared to their neighbors. This and poverty creates a climate where there is incest, rape and domestic violence. What comes next is exploitation of women and children. It is very unsettling to know that there is no comfort zone for these poor people. We all take it for granted that our home and family is our safe zone where we all look out for each other and have not known otherwise.

Educating the right family values and castration of these low life predators is a must in curbing this heinous act.

I would think the last riots in town would highlight the fact that there is a fundamental problem with the distribution of wealth in the country. There is a systematic increase in the gap between the have's and not have's. This is very apparent, and you would have to be blind to not see this. Thailand has a middle class, that is mostly found around Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Hatyai. The gap has constantly been growing larger, and something has to be done to slow this down and eventually bring more from the low income group into the middle class. Failure to do so will eventually cause more uprising and riots. The riots in Indonesia in May of 1998 is a prime example of what happens when the gap gets too wide. Mild initial riots turned to a pogrom against the wealthy Chinese community.

The arrogance among the Thai elite today is due to backing from the military. In a nation that is susceptible to corruption, that is not too wise. You never know when the floor will collapse under you. The only way to protect your wealth is to ensure that everyone gets a taste of the riches. Well that is what I think.

Fairy tales are real in the LOST.

LOST - Land of Smiling Thai's.

Hmmm, likely story. Someone must have lost their new BMW booking fee.

Very good reading. very comprehensive. Unfortunately it is in Thai Perhaps google translate may help. . http://www.manager.c...D=9530000098345

Poor Child. First she states: The ICJ ruling is not fair, said the PAD. I'm assuming, although I could be wrong, that she agrees with PAD and that statement. Now she's putting links to The Manager, which is owned and run by Sondhi of PAD. She apparently has no idea that The Manager is a totally and completely biased media outlet that reflects the views and beliefs of Sondhi and PAD, with very little truth in it.

I wonder if she, and others, realize that should PAD somehow come to power, that they would set Thailand backwards about 100 years. Sondhi has stated, more than once, and on national television and in the other news media that the "rural poor are too stupid to vote". Now, it that isn't a racist comment about his own countrymen and women, then I don't know what is. Does she realize that PAD wants to do away with Parliament as it is now and replace it with one which is 70% appointed, and only 30% elected? The 70% appointed would be appointed by the elite, the military and the academics, while the 30% that is elected would only be voted on by the elite, the military and the academics. Anyone who does not hold at least a Bachelor's Degree would NOT be allowed to vote and have no say so in who runs the country.

People's Alliance for Democracy is more a case of Politburo AGAINST Democracy, and more Fascist than Democratic in nature. Their favorite trick is to try and stir up "Nationalism" by mixing facts and fiction, and THEIR version of the truth in an effort to further their own goals, which have absolutely NOTHING to do, or benefit, the average Thai.

I apologize to the monitors for getting somewhat "off topic", and hope they will forgive me.

BTW, she lists herself in her profile as being of the Male gender. Explains the confusion, I guess.

do you see many prisoners in say USA, UK, Canada, Aus, NZ , Swiss etc with massive chains strapped around their legs?

Yes indeed. Regulations for the US Marshal Service require leg-irons to be placed on all prisoners during transportation, in hospitals, and during court appearances.

Slightly different chains

TIT, Here proper etiquette of prisoner treatment was taught by watching HBO and Cinemax. These guys were lucky that they were not rolled into court ala 'Hannibal Lecter'.

I think Cambodia should give PREAH VIHEAR which is rightfully theirs back to Thailand. You do not want PAD vexed, they might throw a temper tantrum and close the Airport again.

Question is, who has the most to gain with the bombing? Nothing is clear and I guess we have to wait until the BIB complete their investigation (I would not hold my breath, if I were you). It looks like this SOE is likely to be around until the next elections. Honestly as a foreigner, the SOE does not really bother me. I'm neither Red, Yellow or any other color. As a foreigner I have no say or influence in Thai politics. After 12 years in Thailand, all I can say is everyone I've seen run this country had their hand in some form of corruption. However in my honest opinion the best economic and social improvements I've seen was during the Thaksin regime. Although he was beyond taking money from drug dealers or pimps, greed got the better of him and he messed up, was found guilty and paid for it somewhat.

I see many Yellow versions of "Jeff Savage" and "Conner Purcell" here out on a witch hunt. It seems like they blame everything from the riots to the latest traffic jam on one man. That is just being ridiculous, IMHO.

a 10 point victory (in politics) is NOT close

now w bush losing to gore (in the popular vote) yet still becoming prez .; now that's close

Agree, not close based on actual votes. But I think their comparison is based on eligible voters. There was less than 50% turn out.

Eligible votes 380000 Democracts 96000 25.3% PTP 81000 21.3% Majority 15000 3.9%

I am not really interested in politics. But I do believe all countries are the same....... power corrupts and thus it is hard to have honest people in power.

Thailand currently is not a democracy, but a police/military state. Under this condition Thaksin would be crazy to surrender himself to the will of his opponents.

I read all the posts painting him as an evil person who harmed Thailand. These people obviously know nothing of the recent political history of Thailand.

Thaksin was elected & re-elected by the people of Thailand, he was & is popular with the majority of Thais. He was ousted while he was out of the country by his opponents with the backing of the military.

Was he good for Thailand? I believe he was ... he is a good businessman and Thailand was prospering. Was he corrupt? Probably. Are there any honest politicians taking his place? Not likely. If all politicians are the same, isn't better to have one that does good things for Thailand?

Well said. Has there every been an honest Politician in Thailand?

Well, I guess someone has to remain upbeat about the Thai economy.

26 million cards at Bt902million, hmmm. Rough guesstimate, Bt300million kick back. This is what happens when the Information and Communication Technology ministry fails to share the wealth with the Interior ministry. Greed. TIT.

26 million cards at 902 million baht is 35 baht per smart ID card. How much do you think they should cost?

The basic 8K card is less than USD$2/unit for small volume purchase. It is about USD$1.00 for more than 10,000 units. I would think that for 26,000,000 units, the price should be sub USD$1 or way below 30 baht. This product cost is volume driven. IMHO.

26 million cards at Bt902million, hmmm. Rough guesstimate, Bt300million kick back. This is what happens when the Information and Communication Technology ministry fails to share the wealth with the Interior ministry. Greed. TIT.

Had the same problem with True during the weekend. Download speeds with Bit Torrent returned back to normal as of yesterday. Like you I am still in the dark as to what happened.

Surely its time to get tough with these students.

Cant they introduce public stonings for girls having their skirts not down to their knees?

Its good enough for Iran.

Yes, this is the time to get tough. If your skirt is too short, you have to go through the rest of the day without it.

Or, the other way around, and force everyone into super mini skirts. It can be the beginning of a short skirt revolution.