Thanet

You seem to be 'conveniently' forgetting the last Thaksin Yingluck government wanting to change how Senators were selected, among other changes to the Constitution. Of course, you have been consistently one-sided in your posts.

BTW, if it weren't for the occasional coup, Thailand would have an oligarchy by now because the form of populist democracy they have been following is unsustainable. Thaksin would have been the equivalent of Cambodia's Hun Sen i.e. President for Life, if it hadn't been for a coup. (Not that that matters to you; who loves Thaksin more than Thai people)

Thailand has always been an oligarchy. Now it's a tyranny.

People here have been telling me so many times that THailand was a democracy that I almost started to believe that. Luckily you as Thai put me on the right track again.

Things are not always as they seem. In 1994, for example, Alexander Lukashenko seized power on an anti-corruption ticket. They all do, and he's been in total control ever since.

He's one of the good guys, right?

Do you believe all that you are told in Prayuth's Friday Prayers? Doesn't it grate on you that it gets in the way of regular programming?

About time, alcohol causes more deaths than illegal drugs and legal drugs like cigarettes which have warnings already.

Moderation in all things and all things in moderation.

People have the right to exercise free will, without too much interference from the state.

Isn't this just another word for Social Security?

Sounds populist to me. The junta are breaking their own rules.

The article suggests the idea is being proposed by civil servants rather than by the junta themselves. I'd be pleasantly surprised if the junta did decide to implement it, even on a trial basis amongst the very poorest, though. If they did, even I might begin to accept that the coup could leave a positive legacy in this one respect at least. I'd actually go much further as I'm in favour of a basic citizen's income which guarantees a minimum standard of living to every citizen as a right. But this would be a very positive step towards that eventual goal. Of course, people make the same old moral hazard argument that people will just stop working and decide to be lazy if you just give them money. Actually in one trial I heard about, which took place in impoverished rural villages in Bangladesh, they found that productivity and entrepreneurialism actually increased. Contrary to popular belief, not having to worry about starvation can actually lead to more creativity rather than less. Also to the person above who was discussing education as a solution, to my mind it would surely be much easier to find time and enthusiasm for education if you're not having to work 16 hours a day to survive.

It's actually ironic that terryp describes the idea as Keynesian because the person the article mentions as being one of the most influential proponents of this idea, Milton Friedman, is also one of the key architects of the right-wing economic doctrine (now generally known as neoliberalism) which was adopted by Thatcher and Reagan in the 80s, beginning a radical shift away from the post-war Keynesian consensus which had hitherto prevailed. It's actually strange that an idea favoured by a right-wing economist and a right-wing president (Nixon) is now thought to be some sort of totally insane communist scheme. I suppose it shows how far to the right things have swung since the early 70s. This now actually seems to be one of the few things most on the left and some of the libertarians who favour the idea can agree on. The difference is that I guess the libertarians, like Friedman, think that the negative income tax should replace all state entitlements. I don't agree with that. I think it should be an adjunct to other redistributive policies & part of a social support system that guarantees every citizen certain rights, including free access to a decent standard of health care and education.

Very well put.

People who oppose social security usually give the same reasons: Thailand is a poor country, and social security makes people lazy.

Thailand is not a poor country, but it is a wasteful country that could produce a lot more than it does. A properly managed social security scheme is the hallmark of any civilised country -- one that maintains a level of dignity for citizens who have, through no fault of their own, fallen on hard times.

There but for the grace of God go all of us.

Junta to protestors - Those who violate the ban on public protests may be sent to face trial in martial court and sentenced to one year in prison

PTP to protestors - Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi threatened to arrest protesters who showed up at the 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit in Chiang Mai.

Junta request protestors - "Anyone who genuinely has problems about their livelihood or agricultural crops must send representatives to submit petitions through complaint centers"

PTP request to protestors - Comparing them to "garbage", suggesting that there was no place for them and that their concerns and that their opinions were worthless.

The only thing analogous to the ease at which Bach composed masterpieces in his youth is the ease at which one can compare the PTP to a dictatorship and to think, THAT dictatorship was elected. Just as the magic of Bach's compositions that swim in the sub conscience of ones soul is lost on the deaf, the injustices of the PTP is lost on the blind. That is why reform is needed. So the blind can see.

The road to true democracy is hard fought as history has shown. The Junta have a battle ahead and some liberties need to held back to ensure the infestation of violence does not resurface. This is an example of the Right Honorable General Prayuth saving lives again like he did on the 22nd of May when the PDRC protests ceased.

Good luck.

PTP were elected, time and time again (TRT, PPP) and will be again.

(In fact, they will win with greater ease than your dead friend Bach ever achieved anything)

Despite all of humanities flaws we somehow mange to get it right in the end, much to the chagrin of those who stand in the way of progress.

PTP were elected, time and time again (TRT, PPP) and will be again.

I was not talking about the regime's election wins previously.

(In fact, they will win with greater ease than your dead friend Bach ever achieved anything)

I don't even know what you are trying to express here?

Despite all of humanities flaws we somehow mange to get it right in the end, much to the chagrin of those who stand in the way of progress.

Completely agree. And that is why reform is needed so progress is not confused with regress when one is allowed to call voters garbage while threatening to arrest them and to suggest that their opinions are worthless.

I see your eyes are opening. Let the music in my dear friend.

Do you really like military music?

Just a puppet on a string

Isn't this just another word for Social Security?

Sounds populist to me. The junta are breaking their own rules.

Next up: Huge pictures of diseased livers on every bottle of Chang.

A knee jerk reaction from a knee jerk government.

This is not a forum about Australia. Thailand's democracy DOES allow for changes in the constitution, piecemeal, as allowed very recently by a Supreme Court decision. Watch the video and then comment on what a democracy is.

Therin lies the problem. Thailand would be a much more stable country if the constitution could only be changed by a referendum, and the military was not able to rip it up with impunity. Coup after coup, because the military are always immune from the consequences of whatever actions they take.

You seem to be 'conveniently' forgetting the last Thaksin Yingluck government wanting to change how Senators were selected, among other changes to the Constitution. Of course, you have been consistently one-sided in your posts.

BTW, if it weren't for the occasional coup, Thailand would have an oligarchy by now because the form of populist democracy they have been following is unsustainable. Thaksin would have been the equivalent of Cambodia's Hun Sen i.e. President for Life, if it hadn't been for a coup. (Not that that matters to you; who loves Thaksin more than Thai people)

Thailand has always been an oligarchy. Now it's a tyranny.

The military seem to be forgetting their old friends very quickly, now that they have total control over everything.

I'll bet those rubber farmers, the ones who sat on the street for months in the blazing sun during the Bangkok shutdown, feel like complete jerks now.

Having voiced their disapproval, I wonder what their chances are of being hand picked by the junta to sit on the NRC?

rametindallas, on 26 Aug 2014 - 11:45, said:

The last thing Thailand needs is 'Democracy'. If destroyed ancient Greece and eventually destroyed Rome. What Thailand need is 'Rule of Law' and not rule by mob/majority that is Democracy. I live in a Republic which respects and assures personal rights by rule of law and not 'whim of politician'. Democracy is what allows Thai politicians to change their constitution at the drop of a hat to suit their current needs. Democracy is fed by populism where the dwindling number of 'haves' support an ever-growing number of 'have nots'. It is unsustainable.

For your edification: The American form of government.

http://www.wimp.com/thegovernment/

Democracy does NOT allow the constitution to be changed, this is the failure, in the first place, to implement a secure constitution, take Australia, the constitution can NOT be changed without the consent of the people, this being in the form of a referendum, something very foreign to Thailand.

This is not a forum about Australia. Thailand's democracy DOES allow for changes in the constitution, piecemeal, as allowed very recently by a Supreme Court decision. Watch the video and then comment on what a democracy is.

Therin lies the problem. Thailand would be a much more stable country if the constitution could only be changed by a referendum, and the military was not able to rip it up with impunity. Coup after coup, because the military are always immune from the consequences of whatever actions they take.

Around 20 years ago, THAI used to have a great product, and was the envy of airlines the world over. The service was friendly and smiling, the aircraft were new and nicely fitted out, the food was good, and the drinks were never in short supply.

Over the years, THAI has let all of the things that that made it great fall by the wayside. These days, many of the planes are old, and some of the staff, particularly the ground staff, are offhand and downright rude. The food is run-of-the-mill.

The result? In spite of its higher prices, there is little to differentiate Thai from budget airlines these days. If I'm paying, I'll always fly Nok Air for domestic and put up with Don Meuang. For international, there are so many better options.

THAI used to exemplify all that was good about Thailand: charming service and traditional good quality. Now it epitomises all that is bad: bloated bureaucracy, indifference and bad temper.

The only time I fly Thai these days is to cash in my frequent flyer points.

"Prayuth might name himself as defence minister in order to have direct control over the military to back up his government."

An odd way to lay the foundation for democracy in Thailand. Prayuth alone makes these decisions.

“There must be no majority decisions, but only responsible persons, and the word ‘council’ must be restored to its original meaning. Surely every man will have advisers by his side, but the decision will be made by one man.” ...and... “The majority can never replace the man” - Adolf Hitler

I don't know why he doesn't just do away with ministers altogether. Bureaucrats are enough. Ministers will get in his way.

Winthai corrects Prayuth, saying Cabinet to be appointed in September

BANGKOK: -- Col Winthai Suvaree, a spokesman of the National Council for Peace and Order, said the Cabinet of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha will be appointed in September instead of October as Prayuth said earlier.

Winthai explained that Prayuth made an error during his live speech after he received a royal command appointing him as the PM.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Winthai-corrects-Prayuth-saying-Cabinet-to-be-appo-30241710.html

-- The Nation 2014-08-25

Corrected Prayuth?

So that's the end of Winthai then.

Tough choice? I don't think so. The job requirements are:

1) Only those in military uniforms need apply

2) Only those who agree with everything I say need apply

3) Only those who will help me to cover my tracks need apply

4) Former classmates will be given special preference

Hmmm, I wonder if they'll use the same tactics as those used in the last war on drugs?

As long as they don't try to eat any sandwiches, they'll be fine.

1984 kindle edition only allowed.

Let them eat cake.

Rubber prices are 50 Baht per kilo and it costs 50 Baht per kilo to produce.

You must be right coz the general said so on Friday Prayers. Each and every one of the public suggestions that don't agree with NCPO suggestions will be adopted, and the nationalist agenda will be thrown onto the dump where it belongs because that's not what parents want their kids to learn.

The NCPO has already told us that criticism and opposition are off limits, locking people up who disobey, so it logically follows that they'll drop everything and bend over backwards to do whatever the public suggests.

And the NRC has nothing to do with my opinion, being a mere reflection of the NCPO's opinion and nothing more.

I guess you'd rather go back to the seven month chaos?

BTW nice to hear you speak for 'the Thai'. If you were representative I would indeed despair.

Instead of fixating on Friday Prayers, and assuming that you speak the lingo, then feel free to ask around. Thai people have the full spectrum of aspirations and political viewpoints.

Just like in Holland. I guess.

Eh? What on earth for? It's a puppet to the NCPO, nothing more than fallacious window dressing to placate fools, with the end result a foregone conclusion. Do you really think that people who disagree with the NCPO would stand a snowflake in hell's chance of getting in? Are you really that naive? Asking me to join is as absurd as me asking you to join the Hitler Youth, for goodness sake.

All this nonsense is in any case just a straw man. We were talking about education, remember? You said that work hadn't started, which clearly isn't true as the MOE is already tasked with the creation of the ideal Thai. Khaosod was simply quoting the junta on that one, so your suggestion that this was mere negativity is clearly a falsehood.

I wonder what will happen to the ones who are not ideal.

So, I might have been wrong. Does happen, I must admit.

Mind you, you seem to like

""The Ministry of Education already had plans to reform our curriculum before [the general's speech] but since then we have been charged with including [the junta's] ideas into the curriculum," said Valaitat, an official inside the ministry who did not want to give her full name."

but ignore

"The ministry are also canvassing the public for ideas on how to improve an agency that has long been criticised by commentators and politicians.

They have set up a website which will give concerned citizens an opportunity to voice their ideas as well as clarify the junta's education reform programs."

What you think of the NRC is up to you, your opinion. You can stick to it, no problem. Also helps when the NRC can't come up with meaningful reforms and the NCPO has to force through some or stay on to give the NRC more time.

You must be right coz the general said so on Friday Prayers. Each and every one of the public suggestions that don't agree with NCPO suggestions will be adopted, and the nationalist agenda will be thrown onto the dump where it belongs because that's not what parents want their kids to learn.

The NCPO has already told us that criticism and opposition are off limits, locking people up who disobey, so it logically follows that they'll drop everything and bend over backwards to do whatever the public suggests.

And the NRC has nothing to do with my opinion, being a mere reflection of the NCPO's opinion and nothing more.

Apart from what one military man tells you on Friday Prayers, what on earth else makes you think that this is temporary? What they say and what they do are not the same.

That's your opinion.

So, are you going to apply for an NRC seat?

Eh? What on earth for? It's a puppet to the NCPO, nothing more than fallacious window dressing to placate fools, with the end result a foregone conclusion. Do you really think that people who disagree with the NCPO would stand a snowflake in hell's chance of getting in? Are you really that naive? Asking me to join is as absurd as me asking you to join the Hitler Youth, for goodness sake.

All this nonsense is in any case just a straw man. We were talking about education, remember? You said that work hadn't started, which clearly isn't true as the MOE is already tasked with the creation of the ideal Thai. Khaosod was simply quoting the junta on that one, so your suggestion that this was mere negativity is clearly a falsehood.

I wonder what will happen to the ones who are not ideal.

Apart from what one military man tells you on Friday Prayers, what on earth else makes you think that this is temporary? What they say and what they do are not the same.

How have they proposed to reform education this far? By focusing on creativity, innovative thinking and the sciences perhaps? Or by focusing on nationalism, jingoism and blind veneration of the establishment?

Which of the above skills better equips Thailand for the future, in an ever more competitive world?

The NRC hasn't focused on anything yet, it hasn't really started without being fully peopled. Please hurry, You may still apply.

BTW even Gen. Prayuth had education on his mind when he mentioned in one of his 'Friday" talks that the change in the visa system had a considerable effect on groups like English teachers. He said that should be resolved. Clearly he was worried about education.

The NRC, like the NLA, is just another puppet, and whatever it focuses on will probably take years to come into effect.

Seems like its boss has been focussing on education for a while though. If you do a bit of Googling, you'll find articles like this one:

http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1405400955

Hmmmm. The perfect Thai, eh? Kind of like a master race. Sounds a bit totalitarian, don't you think?

Anyway, as the old saying goes, actions speak louder than words. Don't believe all you hear in Friday prayers.

The Khaosod has an interesting way of describing things. Mostly a bit sensational and at times negative to Yingluck government opponents.

Of course, you repeat these activities in similar negative words. Mind you, you might agree with

"Junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha complained on Friday in his weekly address to the nation that Thais were lacking in morality which leads to corruption and a decline in national prestige."

So, will you apply for the NRC teams or do you not qualify?

Oh and how about this from the Khaosod article:

"The ministry are also canvassing the public for ideas on how to improve an agency that has long been criticised by commentators and politicians.

They have set up a website which will give concerned citizens an opportunity to voice their ideas as well as clarify the junta's education reform programs."

I think that you may be confusing things as there is a difference between negativity and stating the perfectly obvious fact, that the NRC is merely a puppet of the junta. Were it not, it would be independent from the junta's direct control.

I'd also expect that, as a Dutchman who was born not long after the second world war, you'd think twice before putting all your trust in just one man, and an ultra right wing military man who is in total control to boot.

Doesn't that bother you? Didn't your mother tell you to be wary of such people, that they may in fact be a wolf in sheep's clothing?

Your post and attitude is a near perfect example why especially education reforms are so urgent.

How have they proposed to reform education this far? By focusing on creativity, innovative thinking and the sciences perhaps? Or by focusing on nationalism, jingoism and blind veneration of the establishment?

Which of the above skills better equips Thailand for the future, in an ever more competitive world?

The NRC hasn't focused on anything yet, it hasn't really started without being fully peopled. Please hurry, You may still apply.

BTW even Gen. Prayuth had education on his mind when he mentioned in one of his 'Friday" talks that the change in the visa system had a considerable effect on groups like English teachers. He said that should be resolved. Clearly he was worried about education.

The NRC, like the NLA, is just another puppet, and whatever it focuses on will probably take years to come into effect.

Seems like its boss has been focussing on education for a while though. If you do a bit of Googling, you'll find articles like this one:

http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1405400955

Hmmmm. The perfect Thai, eh? Kind of like a master race. Sounds a bit totalitarian, don't you think?

Anyway, as the old saying goes, actions speak louder than words. Don't believe all you hear in Friday prayers.

The Khaosod has an interesting way of describing things. Mostly a bit sensational and at times negative to Yingluck government opponents.

Of course, you repeat these activities in similar negative words. Mind you, you might agree with

"Junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha complained on Friday in his weekly address to the nation that Thais were lacking in morality which leads to corruption and a decline in national prestige."

So, will you apply for the NRC teams or do you not qualify?

Oh and how about this from the Khaosod article:

"The ministry are also canvassing the public for ideas on how to improve an agency that has long been criticised by commentators and politicians.

They have set up a website which will give concerned citizens an opportunity to voice their ideas as well as clarify the junta's education reform programs."

I think that you may be confusing things as there is a difference between negativity and stating the perfectly obvious fact, that the NRC is merely a puppet of the junta. Were it not, it would be independent from the junta'a direct control.

I'd also expect that, as a Dutchman who was born not long after the second world war, you'd think twice before putting all your trust in just one man, and an ultra right wing military man who is in total control to boot.

Doesn't that bother you? Didn't your mother tell you to be wary of such people, that they may in fact be a wolf in sheep's clothing?

While the EC was expecting 3,000 registrations, the 1,900 is more than sufficient to meet the membership needs of the NRC as the NCPO will choose a maximum of 250 persons to serve as NRC members. If any sectors fall short of candidates, Gen. Prayuth can just order military personnel to occupy vacant seats and exempt them from EC candidate qualification requirements. Or he can choose to simply reduce the planned membership of the NRC to whatever levels he decides.

True, and if none of that works he can just write another constitution and do away with the NRC altogether. That might save a lot of wasted time.