bumpkin

The many amusing comments written here demonstrate one thing, that there is great confidence in ignorance !

And for our dear USA friends, there is another version of history apart for that emanating from Hollywood and Walt Disney.

Is there any cost justification for this? Or is it about the Shinawatra clan?

HSR was first pushed in the early-mid 1990s around the time Thaksin entered politics but was then dropped after the 1997 financial crisis. It is unlikely he has been pushing it since the beginning. The most recent round of promotion for HSR really started picking up steam in 2008 under the PPP-led Samak administration. Some initial preliminary feasibility work was undertaken and the idea kept kicking around through Abhisit's administration, even going as far as a Market Sounding event. As there is a lot of money at stake and genuine interest from the Chinese (and less so the Japanese) in terms of financing, it makes political sense to keep it alive.

From a rational perspective, high speed rail is unnecessary in Thailand. The proposed budget for HSR should be used to accelerate the current double-tracking and rehabilitation efforts currently underway nationwide. This would lead to increased benefits in logistics (very important) and some small gains in passenger service. Certain corridors like Bangkok to Rayong could be provided with an upgraded passenger service such as an electrified meter-gauge system traveling around 150 km/h using existing tracks or just extending the Airport Link from Suvarnibhumi down south.

Are we missing the point ? Is the HSR link being considered solely for the benefit of the Thai people ? Could it possible be part of the plan for the new Chinese world order ? And, maybe there will be a future time when aviation fuel costs are unacceptably high, and some form of mass movement by land transport is more economic. I guess the real planners behind this idea are thinking very long term !

Another political vanity project. They would do far better to use half the money and upgrade all the lines in the country to a reasonable standard and double-track them where needed (to the South) for example.

Nobody really needs 350kph trains, but if they could lift Thailand's services reliably above 35kph it would be a start.

But then again, the Chinese are always happy to test unproven technology or engineering shortcuts in other countries before exposing their own citizens to the problems.

Not always true. The Chinese authorities are not strangers to the idea of doing the 'field tests' after the projects have been completed. They are not above inflicitng this on their own population. Sadly !

But first, give us the free iPad.

We assume this is meant as a joke. Ipads are no substitute for good education. Maybe they can help pass the time between real Lessons?

Yes, the Thais would do well to listen to him. I read something last week, I think from the Sovereign Man guy, who visited Vietnam and said it's the next big thing, due to work ethic, emphasis on education, organization and things like that. Of course they have kind of a handicap being commies but it has not seemed to hurt China too much.

Not so sure about that. China's education system is not good. They have reached a certain level of development, because they started from such a low point. Some educationists (inside China ) are questioning if the current Chinese education system is capable of taking the nation's development much further, and certainly not at the rate of development in the previous 10 years. Learning by rote usually has a low educational ceiling. That country needs to produce and accept creative thinkers for it's future prosperity.

Name me a country that has no stupid laws on its books... Thailands no different,

in her position as a former NSW chairperson of the Australia Thai Business Council she should / will have known about this law, it's no secret..

Some people have to learn the hard way...

If there is any truth in the accusation that this person made defamatory comments, surely this is most surprising from someone who held a senior position in the ATBC. She is not a novice. So, why did she make any such comments? The work of a Council is to council. Personal observations are seldom necessary.

Why is he not already in Jail? Prior drug dealings and free to continue dealing? These Farangs are nothing but trouble.....

Well, given his appearance and the name Hall, the defenders of supposed British purity can't very well claim he's not a pukka sahib Brit who doesn't look British (whatever that means in the 21st century) or that his name doesn't really sound British.

from another thread involving a Brit arrested by Thai police:

before I even entered the thread I knew I would see a foreign name, not racist or bigoted, I just knew it

The surname HALL has origins in many countries, including Scandinavia, Germany, Austria in addition to the UK. Quite apart from the diaspora to the 'colonies'.

But your implication is probably correct. There are many naughty boys born in the UK, and not a few have migrated to Thailand.

Never mind the technical feasibility what about the economic feasibility?

How muchwill the tickets cost and how many Thais will be able or willing to fork out huge sums of money to buy one?

How many people per day actually want to make these journeys?

Have the Thais been polled to ask if they this is needed and how much use they would make of it?

Why no mention of these basic questions?

Are there any independantly audited accounts / budgets for building and operating High Speed trains from any country ?

I believe that none are profitable on straight economic terms. Cost v. direct income.

They are justified on "social" terms, or political grounds. Terms such as "green benefits" "national prestige" begin to surface. mmmm !

BUT, the truly worrying aspect must be "high speed" anything in any country where corruption is prevalent

Pity you didn't shown the train crash involving Amtrak outside Nevado. Huh, double standards - are you a Thai Politician

Is the California Zephyr a High Speed Train ?

There are rail accidents every day somewhere in the world. Why is the Reno crash relevant to this discussion about High Speed trains ?

The whole topic of GMOs has been subject to inaccurate and subjective reporting since the first GM animal development was disclosed in 1987 and the first commercially available GM food plant (a tomato) was announced ten years later. Many of the counter arguments are spurious, and some of the supporting statements must await the test of time. It is an area of science that touches the emotive sentiments of a largly, science-ignorant population. The fact that there are "scientists" on both sides of the debate, in itself is not surprising and is proof of nothing. This diversity of opinion has been evident in nearly every scientific discovery and development throughout history.

All dams have an effect on the environment. That is indisputable. Mae Wong dam will be no exception.

The real question is, do the benefits outweigh the inevitable changes that will result from disturbing natural water courses, water tables and water flow.

Where is the motivation ? Children remember what they learn, not what they are taught. The subject must be interesting and have perceived value. The ability to motivate children is an ability sadly lacking in many teachers, and not only teachers in Thailand.

China's recent water management problems and experience are those of Water allocation, rather than flood control.

This is just pandering to the Chinese ego IMO (and the Chinese probably sit back and snigger at it). English is the international language, and a heck of a lot of Chinese students spent a heck of a lot of time and effort learning it.

I would imagine most Chinese hearing this would think - it's good that people from lesser ASEAN countries learn Mandarin, so that they can follow the instructions of their Chinese supervisors on the factory floor and leave the business side of things to the English speaking Chinese bosses.

Lamb's to the slaughter!

"English is the international language, and a heck of a lot of Chinese students spent a heck of a lot of time and effort learning it."

"Lamb's [sic] to the slaughter!"

One wishes that certain posters would spend a little time learning the English that they proclaim to be the international language.

This exemplifies a great advantage that the English language has over many other languages. It is extremely tolerant of variations in spelling, grammar and change of use/meaning with time or location. It is vibrant and constantly changing. So much so, that the major English dictionary compilers find it useful to publish annual updates. In reality, it is not one universal language, but a range of acceptable variants used widely on every continent. Indian English, American English, Chinese English, English English, Malaysian English, etc. Let's not be critical of variation, this is part of what keeps "English" as the principal means of common communication around the world.

A recent forecast of Chinese demographics and labour requirements, indicates that by 2030, China will be importing workers. The population of China is aging fast, which is a major source of concern for the CPC planners.

How is it possible to improve or even to maintain your credit rating by not repaying your debt ? How many other countries will follow Thailand's shining example of financial mastery ?

Subsidies at a farm level have proved beneficial in an emergency situation for short term support, but they are no basis for a sustainable agricultural policy. When used as am electoral bribe, that is disgraceful. It has been demonstrated in numerous countries around the world, educating farmers in modern animal and crop husbandry, along with removal of social and legal obstacles to rural development, is the only way to progress. The money committed to subsidies would be far better spent on providing a competent extension service and other practical measures at a farm and village level.

With some exceptions, many of the Western expats arrived in Thailand running away from work. Gainful employmnet was not their main objective when choosing Thailand as a destination. Whereas most migrants from Asian countries are seriously seeking employment and show themselves prepared to graft. And, Thailand has never seriously encouraged an inflow of skilled and talented Westerners looking for employment. By default, they have encouraged a different category of Western visitor.

^{The whole affair is a sad piece of political chicanery. What all school chidren need is a better standard of education. While it may be an amusing and time-wasting adjunct to a child's life, an electronic toy is no substitute for quality teaching. This is a failed attempt at a quick-fix solution to a serious and long-term problem. As another long-forgotten Prime Minister in a far off country once said, (but failed to implement) Education. Education, Education.}

I am in England now, are the items you need available here? do you know? If they are, I would be happy to send them, at cost and normal postage.

Find a girl with her own, succesful and legitimate business. Establish your own separate career. Dont spend all your income. There are many rainy days in Thailand, but the sunny days are glorious. Speaking with many years practical experience, and no reason to feel pessimistic about the future.

The 'Free Tablet' is a political gimmick. It is a diversionary tactic.

What all children need, including in Thailand, is dedicated, motivated and highly qualified teachers. But, as in most countries, the politicians scramble aroung looking for a cheaper option. Except that this gimmick is no substitute for top quality teaching. Maybe this lady teacher is one of the few.

If they are in power long enough, these same politicians will come to recognise that the Tablet gimmick has not let them of the hook of financing quality education.

There is no greater benefit that any politician can do for the future well-being of their country than providing a well-resouced education system.

"Sadly, in the last 12 months, there were 314 reported deaths and 204 cases of Britons in hospital which were notified to us in Thailand. As a proportion of the total numbers of citizens in the country, these are amongst the highest in the world." -- Asif Ahmad, HM Ambassador, UK

... well ... the Ambassador makes clear one point ... Thailand is not the safe place the TAT portrays it in their glowing advertising campaigns ... thank you Mr. Ambassador for being forthright on what Thailand is and is not as a tourist destination.

... Thailand has a place for tourism ... similar to 3rd world travel ... more for adventure tourists, than for families.

... the numbers are what the numbers are ... no spin there.

Of the 314 reported deaths I would like to see a breakdown, by old age, traffic accident, disease, "suicide".

Maybe we can obtain this breakdown, under the F O I Act ?

A little surprising that some commentators here have little idea of the function of an Embassy.

Travelling and living abroad is not an approriate life style for everyone, it assumes a level of self reliance and responsibility.

Monty, I disagree, the U.K. was rife with this in the 1970's but definately not anymore. Obviously there will be bent cops everywhere in the world but not on this scale in the U.K.

Not at this scale? So there are not 3 bad cops in all of the UK?

Maybe our Scouse friend missed the headlines in the Liverpool Echo last August..... Former top Merseyside Police drug cop turned Chief of Cleveland police Sean Price arrested and suspended on corruption allegations

This should not be a political issue, only in as far as the allocation of sufficent resources and the appointment of a qualified team of experienced experts to manage every aspect of this project. Flood prevention is a technical matter. The quality of the work must take priority over it's speed of completion. This is no excuse for delay, but an encouragement to well meaning politicians to do the right thing.