lovetotravel

The structures were built illegally. The owners know this. If torn down, and done properly, that stretch of beach could be really nice. But it will take a lot of planning and work.

When Taksin was elected to lead the country....

I remember in those days that you had to line up in front of real estate agents their offices in order to buy a property...(so busy with buyers then )

Economics was so booming at that time...All was making money no one was complaining.

Look around you how it is nowadays?

meanwhile most Foreigners have left Thailand new winner Spain..

I remember when you hired line sitters to get you a new home in a development in California and Nevada. Those days are long gone. The current politician in power there has nothing to do with this. It was the ones in power when things were going well.

Am I the only one who has a brain with a memory?

I remember clearly Suthep bragged at a lavish party after the coup about how he and Prayuth had planned the coup two years in advance. The protests only had one purpose and that was to make it impossible for the Yingluck government to function making a perfect excuse for a coup to come and " save" the country.

It was absolutely premeditated power struggle between the taksin bbacked red shirts and the army backed yellows. Surhep contantly begged Prayuth to make a coup this is all in the Bangkok Post!

To premeditate a coup in the previous charter was a crime punishable by death ( I read that somewhere but cannot connfirm)and that is one reason to tear up the charter ammong many others. Prayuth was furious wuth Suthep after the bragging incident and Suthep was sent away to be monk to to keep his mmouth shut.

I also remember Obama said before he was elected the first time that we should not allow genocide to keep us from leaving Iraq but no one remembers that hnow the point being that the press has a vvery short term memory.

And you believe every word out of a politicians mouth? Very possible Suthep lied about this. Only a few people will ever know the truth.

The protests were started when the ruling government tried to ram a bill through giving amnesty to Thaksin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013%E2%80%9314_Thai_political_crisis

The protests were first triggered by a proposed blanket amnesty bill that would have pardoned several politicians from various charges since 2004, including Thaksin, Suthep Thaugsuban and Abhisit Vejjajiva. Opposition from across the political spectrum, including the pro-government Red Shirt movement, caused the bill to be rejected unanimously by the Senate of Thailand.^[27] Anti-government protests continued however, with demonstrators occupying government offices, blocking major road intersections and holding mass rallies in Bangkok to call for the resignation of Yingluck Shinawatra, the sister of Thaksin, and her Pheu Thai government. On 8 December 2013, all 153 opposition Democrat Party MPs resigned and Yingluck dissolved the House of Representatives, calling a snap general election for 2 February

If he was lying do you not think at the time Prayuth would have given him a serious rebuke? Obviously he could not as Suthep probably has plenty of proof.

I thought Prayuth did that?????

Am I the only one who has a brain with a memory?

I remember clearly Suthep bragged at a lavish party after the coup about how he and Prayuth had planned the coup two years in advance. The protests only had one purpose and that was to make it impossible for the Yingluck government to function making a perfect excuse for a coup to come and " save" the country.

It was absolutely premeditated power struggle between the taksin bbacked red shirts and the army backed yellows. Surhep contantly begged Prayuth to make a coup this is all in the Bangkok Post!

To premeditate a coup in the previous charter was a crime punishable by death ( I read that somewhere but cannot connfirm)and that is one reason to tear up the charter ammong many others. Prayuth was furious wuth Suthep after the bragging incident and Suthep was sent away to be monk to to keep his mmouth shut.

I also remember Obama said before he was elected the first time that we should not allow genocide to keep us from leaving Iraq but no one remembers that hnow the point being that the press has a vvery short term memory.

And you believe every word out of a politicians mouth? Very possible Suthep lied about this. Only a few people will ever know the truth.

The protests were started when the ruling government tried to ram a bill through giving amnesty to Thaksin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013%E2%80%9314_Thai_political_crisis

The protests were first triggered by a proposed blanket amnesty bill that would have pardoned several politicians from various charges since 2004, including Thaksin, Suthep Thaugsuban and Abhisit Vejjajiva. Opposition from across the political spectrum, including the pro-government Red Shirt movement, caused the bill to be rejected unanimously by the Senate of Thailand.^[27] Anti-government protests continued however, with demonstrators occupying government offices, blocking major road intersections and holding mass rallies in Bangkok to call for the resignation of Yingluck Shinawatra, the sister of Thaksin, and her Pheu Thai government. On 8 December 2013, all 153 opposition Democrat Party MPs resigned and Yingluck dissolved the House of Representatives, calling a snap general election for 2 February

Chaturon blamed the military for refusing to help the caretaker government solve the political crisis. "They chose to wait until the situation got out of hand and used that as an excuse to stage the coup," he said.

Hmm. Could it be his party was responsible because they didn't solve the political crisis during their term in office? They were given plenty of time, but did nothing. Typical PTP statement. Blame others.

The politician said the root cause of the country's problems had not been solved by the post-coup Prayut government. Also, the rules in new draft constitution were undemocratic, which could lead to increased discontent and more conflict.

The root cause of the country's problems is political. This needs to be solved by the 2 major political parties. Not by the army. Easy for PTP to make the first gesture. Not spew more hated via "Peace" TV.

The army is doing the best they can given the current situation. Which is not good.

How much do you get paid to write stuff like this. Not only are your comments wrong, its debased of any truth. A elected government was forced into an election, an election that they again won, but the third force in this country then denied 20 million people their votes. After 2 hours of mediating the army turned to a coup. May I remind you that reconciliation in this country cant be achieved in 2 hours, it will take years. Until people like you stop hating the people on the other side of the political spectrum there can be no reconciliation and thus no future for this country. Stop blaming the other people and start changing the country by changing yourself.

Wow. The first comment is pretty spot on. The protests were started by the ruling party trying to give Thaksin amnesty. They created the crisis, didn't solve it. Blame needs to be properly placed. P.S. I'm very anti-coup. But I'm also anti-violence. Which was happening to innocent protesters including children. 100% unacceptable, but allowed (and perhaps supported) by the police.

I can guarantee the army didn't just turn this into a coup in 2 hours. Lots more going on behind the scenes than we'll ever know! Unfortunately.

I dislike both political parties. But one was in power a majority of the time over the past decade ore more. Plenty of time for them to solve a political crisis, rather than just blame others. Right?

Peace!!!

From the article:

He said the stable prices under Thaksin had allowed poor farmers to plan their lives, to borrow money and invest in their future.

Stable prices that have put the country seriously into debt. The populist program could not have been continued. Especially considering the slowing global economy.

The farmers would have been better off if the government just gave them money. At least a majority of it would have gone into their pockets instead of those up stream from them. And lost via corruption.

Education is the key here, methinks.

lovetotravel

are you even on this planet,Corruption was here way before the shins

I wasn't talking about corruption. I was referring to political turmoil. Which both parties are causing. But neither will admit.

I'm speechless. How could anybody write something like this. Didn't they just execute a military official with an anti-aircraft gun? Absolutely no humanity there. You reap what you sow.

Chaturon blamed the military for refusing to help the caretaker government solve the political crisis. "They chose to wait until the situation got out of hand and used that as an excuse to stage the coup," he said.

Hmm. Could it be his party was responsible because they didn't solve the political crisis during their term in office? They were given plenty of time, but did nothing. Typical PTP statement. Blame others.

The politician said the root cause of the country's problems had not been solved by the post-coup Prayut government. Also, the rules in new draft constitution were undemocratic, which could lead to increased discontent and more conflict.

The root cause of the country's problems is political. This needs to be solved by the 2 major political parties. Not by the army. Easy for PTP to make the first gesture. Not spew more hated via "Peace" TV.

The army is doing the best they can given the current situation. Which is not good.

Let's see.... Suthep was major force behind all the turmoil. Isn't he from the South.... so..... unexpected motivation.... trouble in BKK and tea money in South. (Nah, he's not smart enough for that).

The #1 force behind the turmoil here is the Shin family. Who cares where they are from, because it doesn't matter. But the current structure of the police force is Thaksin's design. Corrupt to the core.

I think it should read:

Police profit delayed crackdown on trafficking gangs: police

I sure feel sorry for these people, but you need to solve this at the source. Myanmar. Pressure needs to be put on them to recognize this minority and to treat them with respect.

This is an Asian problem. I hope the US doesn't get involved other than pressuring Myanmar.

An absolutely horrible human disaster.

He was a sick, sick man.

In one year Egypt had a military coup, wrote a new constitution, held a referendum on the constitution, and had open and free elections to install a democratic government. And all this occurred in spite of an active and violent insurgency from the Muslim Brotherhood.

In one year Thailand has not progressed beyond its military coup.

There is no road ahead, just tank tracks across the backs of the Thai people's sovereignty.

And look where Egypt is now. It's a mess. Controlled by the junta and an a horrible record on human rights:

https://www.amnesty.org/en/articles/news/2014/01/egypt-three-years-wide-scale-repression-continues-unabated/

Great article in the Post today. Interview with Abhisit. He's got it pretty spot on. Don't rush elections or you'll have the same problems we have today. Get it right. Politicians can wait.

Just walked about 4km up and down Suk around Ekamai. Bloody hot! Almost the whole way I had to dodge scooters on the sidewalks. So much for that crackdown!

But, NO restaurants on the sidewalks on Thong Lor. At least they got that part right.

Yes, trials for elected officials, amnesty for coup leaders, and no investigations of military commanders who allowed appalling crimes to take place in the areas they were "guarding".

Trials for corrupt elected officials is a good thing. Not much you can do about the coup leaders. Again, the coup was caused due to the actions of the corrupt elected officials.

One army colonel has been moved from their position and is being investigated for problems in the South. But yes, more need to be investigated, on all fronts, unfortunately.

The Chinese are writing this.

Reality is the "" hostage situation continues""

The truth is harder to define and sanctions loom large.

TV stations shut down

Fear grows

And opponents prosecuted .

World watches as Thailand goes to the edge.

No jargon or "" Slants on truth"" can spin their intent if Yingluck is jailed.

Revolution and civil war is in the balance .

If they dare do it ...( Jail her) it will not remain peaceful..

And while peace is induced by fear of guns to head it is something different to that which is from the heart

Sanctions loom large due to policies of corrupt politicians in power previously (red or yellow)

Only one propaganda TV station has been shut down. And for good reason. Most western countries would have never allowed a station like that on the air. It spewed hate and for sure spread fear.

I don't see fear growing with anybody I associate with. Unhappy with the media limitations? Absolutely. Afraid? No way.

If Yingluck is jailed, it will be because of her previous actions. Perhaps it's time a senior corrupt politician here is jailed? Either color would be fine. An example needs to be set.

Peace is upon us because the military are doing what the police couldn't do, or didn't want to do. Stop the violence. That is what prompted this coup. Remember?

It's far from perfect here, but no protesters. No protester deaths. Streets in Bangkok are clear. Well, relatively clear.

I have no problem with Thaksin as long as he is not interfering in the progress of Thailand or plotting to return to power. I do wish him a slow, painful death for what he has already done, though. I'll wait until I hear what the creature has to say before I can know if he is being his typical, self-serving self or has risen above self interest on this one occasion. Anyone following my posts knows I am one of those, "anti-Thaksin elements".

He is the reason Thailand has a military government today because his last puppet government tried to cover up all his and their corruption with a 'blanket' amnesty bill that nearly led to civil war.

And the reasons before for military governments were what?

You still don't see that the army ARE the driving force behind the country's inability to move forwards as it means they could lose their power if they like most other armies in the world came under a government and answered to them, and not to a group of dinosaurs lurking behind the scenes?

The army would not have stepped in civilians weren't being killed in large numbers at the protests. Which as we know, were started by trying to give Thaksin amnesty. In many countries around the world, the army does fine being under the control of the government.

The army is not the main reason Thailand is not moving forward. The problems we have today were mainly created by corrupt politicians. And a slowing global economy.

How about quickly removing cars parked illegally on the major roads. Drove around yesterday and I was amazed at how many were parked in the left lane completely blocking traffic. Even right on lower Sukhumvit. Made the road a mess. Something like this would work great. And the coppers could even make some money off it and help the city all at once!

Agreed. The PTP is constantly harping on about elections being the basis for democracy. As you state, it's so much more than that. But many do listen to speeches and buy off on this. Unfortunately.

A military coup that throws out an elected government lectures the masses about "true democracy." He forgot his fifth principle of disenfranchisement. A pentagon of Thainess democracy.

Was the previous "elected" government truly democratic? No way. Was the coup good? Some say yes, some say no. Only time will tell.

Just read this. Wow! Even the PM gets it! Now the rest of the country needs to understand this.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/825780-democracy-is-more-than-polls/

"Over the past one year, the government and myself often hear likewise questions: When Thailand will be democratic and when the general election will be held? This question is based on the belief that the two things are cause and effect of one another. As if when there is an election, then that is democracy," he said.

True democracy, he said, was actually based on four principles: justice, equality, freedom and representation. "If a government cannot rule under these four principles, it can't be regarded as ruling with democracy. If there is only an election and lack other three principles, we are still far from democracy.

Democracy is not JUST about elections.

Ask them what the Pillars of Democracy are. This is a trick question. I doubt one could give them all to you. Try it yourself before looking it up on Google.

not to stray from the topic, but if you google "pillars of democracy" then you will see that no one can agree on what they are, much less how many of them there are....

There are 4 basic pillars of democracy. That is standard. Some quote 3, some 11, but it includes the 4. Did you at least get 4? Here they are:

http://www.mrberrigan.com/SocialStudies/PillarsDemocracy.html

The big one that's always missed here is Equality. Well, that and freedom of speech. Rival political parties don't want equality. They want it all for themselves. That's the main problem with the political mess here. It's all about me.

Right on topic.

I don’t believe for a moment that the author of the article had reconciliation on the mind when writing it and was more inclined to put fuel into the remnants to get the fire started again.

Anybody speaking of armed protesters and referring to a demonstration that is supposed to be based on rules, which are well established and governed by laws in democracies, hasn’t a glimpse what the roots of the problems are in Thailand. That also applies to the events that have been broadcasted worldwide when a different group of protestors invaded the main police station in Bangkok only this time we had a government that subscribed to a different political colour.

As long as we in Thailand don’t understand what democracy actually means we don’t deserve it! We will repeat the errors and mistakes of our past and feel justified to use violence to bring down a government that hasn’t got our vote.

Our problem is an educational one and the fact that we don’t talk about the wrongs we committed in the past, and that includes all governments I have watched for over 20 years from abroad and the ones I had to live under when returning to Thailand. Taking our political parties and the so called well educated elite we notice that they all talk about democracy but for each of them the meaning is obscured by their inability to consider compromise, which is essential in a democracy.

Before Thailand can achieve democracy it will have to change her educational system and start teaching children how democracies function. That violence to express dissent is not a democratic expression but the first step on the road to anarchy.

I believe that your view of Thai democracy and democracy in general is precisely upside down.

Thai democracy has never been a problem of educating the people but a problem of elites and generals.

(I do agree about the issue of political compromise but that is not fundamental IMO to the reason that democracy hasn't survived in Thailand...)

The general population here sure doesn't know what democracy is all about. They are taught about it by the elites (from both parties). I doubt the general population in many Western nations fully understand it either.

I have to disagree with the foundation of your statement.

When it comes to how much people understand about the details of their own systems, then every country has many people - educated and not - who don't understand how their own systems work.

But as for understanding democracy ... I haven't met a single (non-elite) Thai who has a problem understanding democracy.

Ask them what the Pillars of Democracy are. This is a trick question. I doubt one could give them all to you. Try it yourself before looking it up on Google.

With 20000+ condo waiting to be sold //

Seems a ridiculous figure to me.

Certainly not 20'000 finished condo units for sell right now in Pattaya.

Not 20,000 finished now but easily 20,000 in the process of being built. There are 2,000 within 200 metres of my condo.

I've seen numbers like that being reported before. Here's one:

http://www.ddproperty.com/en/property-news/2014/9/63345/pattayas-oversupply-predicament

Take a drive down Jomtien 2nd road. Where it turns to Sukhumvit at the southern end, do a U-turn and continue on towards Huay Yai road. Amazing how many new condos are going up.

Just drove up Thepprasit. A bunch there also. I think the previous buyers were mainly Russians? Don't see many around now.