CalgaryII

Politically contextualizing the Red Shirts as being the primary political movement in the country, being anti-coup and pro-elections which are their strength. They unsurprisingly comprise the current Government, and would automatically be in opposition to the BJT, never mind frivolous 'traitor' type stuff. Opposition parties don't 'struggle to survive' by virtue of being in opposition. Only if they offer little alternative or discrete and distinctive policies to the electorate, might that be true. Perhaps that is more accurately the problem BJT has.

On the one hand trying to create the impression how many people are excluded, and in the next breath complaining about pending overuse. The medical profession, along with Government officials, the underground lottery people, teachers and some other groups have reasons to be anti-Ms. Y, considering their treatment at the hands of Mr. T.

To be specific, the 30 baht scheme was not kind to the financial well-being of above noted health professionals, Government officials considered themselves above being civil SERVANTS, the underground lottery people didn't appreciate losing their 'golden goose', and teachers didn't enjoy being faced with Performance Standards.

So it is not surprising to see conflict between health professionals and the Ms. Y. people.

"Jatuporn said Thaksin will be in Vientiane on April 12-to-13 to meet his red supporters from Udon Thani and Nong Khai".

One can denigrate the political phenomenon of the Red Shirts, and follow the opinions of the political minority who are disadvantaged by Thaksin, which made the last election painful for them, but their political force cannot be denied. The gathering at Vientiane noted above, is now reaching well beyond Nong Khai and Udon Thani. Locals organizing transportation are being overwhelmed with demand.

It has been calculated that bussing to Nong Khai, acquisition of border paperwork at City Hall, transportation from the border to Vientiane, and then everything in reverse for the return, will cost 800.00 baht per person. There is no shortage of those prepared to ante up 800.00 Baht. If this is happening elsewhere, one can imagine the conditions at that border bottleneck the day of.

And where might you get your insider information?

He works with (or for) them, as evidenced by his statements in Thai Women's Fund Open To All: Nalinee.

Hey, I have no problem providing some background to these questions. There is nothing secretive nor untoward . I live in a heavily populated area of Red Shirts. Not a Red Shirt Village, but there is one not far away. I also sympathise with their cause, and make no effort to be impartial. Nothing nuetral about me, as I dare say is the case for most on this board..... Which is good........ Nuetrality is boring.

Non-nuetrality does not equate to being an operative for the side that is favored. If that was the case, there would be a lot of operatives here, who like me, share my non-nuetrality favoring whatever side they do.

With regard to the Thai Womens fund, it is a program heavily subscribed to here, and talked about a lot. Even though it is in a start-up phase, anticipation runs high for it, with applications being submitted. Administratively, the program is still being organized.

There is nothing more or less to it than that. I dare say that being in such a heavy Red Shirt environment, is unique to a Farang, and you benefit from my sharing what they are up to......whether you agree or not is immaterial..... Information is provided when I think it may be of interest......You are welcome....With a dose of opinionating of course, which is not exclusive to my Posts.

I trust the questions were sincere, as is my response.

Role model? After the King, Prem is the 2nd best role model. Third is Mark. Follow closely by Sondhi who dare to fight evil Thaksin.

I guees this must be a joke!

Prem is probably the main reason of the lack of democracy in Thailand and he never did anything for Thai people. Mark is responsible for 92 death and for allowing corruption to increase at a higher level than under Thaksin and for Democracy to be reduced and Sondhi is an anti-democracy facist! If those are your role model why not chosing Mussolini, Stalin and Bush!!!!

'Amen' to that!

Never mind the botched vote. And I have no idea what the remaining option was, which was sponsored by Dr. Weng, as the article does not reveal it. But suffice it to say, if it is good enough for Dr. Weng, it is good enough for me. It most likely was the best choice anyway.

Isn't that the issue Sanan was querying? The Red Shirts often wear a T-shirt with nothing, other than a large eyeball. How does that song go again, "I can see clearly now the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way" There, may it stick in your mind for the rest of the day

Inaccurate information or inconvenient truths, as some would see it.

The political infighting,....er'.. the political diversity...will continue for how many years?....10?.....I certainly hope not. Democracy is made of such diversity, so infinitum, I hope...... More deeply rooted ideological divide than between political parties in other Democracies?....... Didn't the election of last year put an end to political conflict, as most elections are wont to do, in spite of their imperfections?......... I would posit that it was encouraging progress.....although perhaps not for those politically disadvantaged currently. But perhaps their day will come.

It all seems to be 'perspective'.

How is it that many people continue to put faith in a dead fish, otherwise known as 'reconciliation'. The initiative will dredge up inconvenient truths which will make some just 'walk away'........... Only elections, as faulty as they are, can manage Thai power relationships going forward.

One can denigrate the political phenomenon of the Red Shirts, and follow the opinions of the political minority who are disadvantaged by Thaksin, which made the last election painful for them, but their political force cannot be denied. The gathering at Vientiane noted above, is now reaching well beyond Nong Khai and Udon Thani. Locals organizing transportation are being overwhelmed with demand.

It has been calculated that bussing to Nong Khai, acquisition of border paperwork at City Hall, transportation from the border to Vientiane, and then everything in reverse for the return, will cost 800.00 baht per person. There is no shortage of those prepared to ante up 800.00 Baht. If this is happening elsewhere, one can imagine the conditions at that border bottleneck the day of.

It isn't?

Reconciliation efforts sometimes surfaces 'inconvenient truths'. Be careful what you wish for when projecting a reconciliation-friendly image.

Only in Thaland........ Governing parties in most Democracies have what are called 'party whips' to enforce internal discipline, which is a necessary function in case members go off the reservation. This is more gentle and civilized......... Only in Thailand.

From Udon Thani and Nong Khai?....the preparations currently being made elsewhere - busses and vans - in addition to those locations, will create a traffic jam at the border like never before, and an economic boom for Nong Khai all the way to Vientiane. If anyone has ideas of going to Vientiane at that time...Fohget it.

Ms. Y is posing for the camera's, Bak is fixated on her.....Hmmmm. I recall a similar Obama photo..... Wot a babe!

Can 'bitter political relations" be ameliorized via fuzzy, feel-good reconciliation stuff? Are 'bitter political relationships' in fact 'bitter', or just "political diversity"? Are political realities bitter for those on the political sidelines only? Would elections accomplish what 'reconciliation fuzzies' cannot?............questions, questions, questions.

Reconciliation is like "kicking a dead horse"........ Fohget about it......... Is 'reconciliation' code for seeking what one cannot get via other means? Besides, who should be the reconcilors and who are those who need to be reconciled. Without admissions, just stick to elections.

What is good for the goose, is good for the gander, if ya know wot I mean. To single out some politicians for criminalization, while ignoring others is what is called 'double standards', or agenda, or self-serving, or deception....or perhaps all of the above.

All of the above, while retaining her grassroots, constituant support, in spite of their mindset vis-a-vis this military. Politically an impressive accomplishment.

The court spokesman said bail application is subject to approval by judges in each case and that typically the approval rate is 80 percent.

Does anyone have up-to-date information on the number of 2010 protesters being released on bail?

At the beginning of February, after the Justice Fund was increased, it was very close to zero % and all I've seen since is that the red shirt bail cases at the end of February (around 5) had all been rejected.

None have been granted bail, according to sources......sources than launched into a 'double standards" discussion vis-a-vis political types from other pursuasions being granted bail immediately.

Can Angela Merkel of Germany speak English?

It is my experience that Germany doesn't have a similar educational emphasis on teaching English, as compared for example, to the Dutch.

Does this apply to Merkel?

Elections have a way of settling political relationships and conflicts. Much more effectively than 'warm and fuzzy' reconciliation stuff. Quick and easy and black-and-white, when there is an electoral majority.

I wonder how the current constitution would be viewed by all parties, if it was not rooted in a coupist administration.

Many things are best understood when looked at 'comparatively'. Comparing National disaster management effectiveness and leader language proficiencies, put everything in perspective.

Elections have essentially settled political conflict, with political disagreements continuing, as is the case in all Democracies.

Quite difficult to have a willingness for negotiation with ones' opposite, when that opposite is disdainful.