SuperScouse

Well said, Soupdragon. Waza, suggest you do some independent research! I'm neither Red nor Yellow, I recently left Thailand (after many years) because there is no hope for the country until corruption is sorted out, and the only way to achieve that is through a sound education system. (And, yes, I know, pretty much every country is corrupt!)

For the staunchly pro-yellows, it's probably best to read an unofficial biography of a certain person. It's a handley (sorry, handy) read, I assure you.

For the staunchly pro-reds, how can you explain a certain person saying (don't bother asking for links, just use google and you-tube) to the heartfelt plees of a peasant woman asking why he had been quiet for a few days, hadn't 'phoned-in' admist rumours that he was a little over-weight and looking unwell, 'Don't worry about me, I've been in Russia, and I simply drank too much champagne and ate too much caviar' (words to that affect). Truly a working-class hero.

Yellow/red - probably best that people have a good read of the UN report regarding the 'slight disturbances' that occured in the centre of BKK two and a half years ago. Both sides were found to be at fault.

As far as the Sondhi/Thaksin debate is concerned, I've not much time for either of them. However, at least one of them has stayed in the country and has actually attended numerous court proceedings....

Have a look at my post on the marriage and children (?) thread.

I certainly wouldn't disagree with Mario 2008, he seems to be 'in the know'.

Just ensure that you are awarded full Parental Power re. education (irrespective of the usual 50/50 custody rights that are awarded by the Thai Family Courts) - you can then legally take your child out of Thailand. Just make sure that you take the court documents with you, and then there won't be any problems passing immigration at Swampy.

Good luck!

Mario 2008 - thanks for your insightful views on a number of topics - I've been (passively) reading ThaiVisa for a number of years, but this is the first time I've actually posted a comment.

Custody of children is a very sensitive topic - I recently returned to UK after a protracted divorce, from a Thai woman who was both mentally and physically abusive to my child (and I must be quick to add that I am not a 'Thai-basher', I still have some good friends in Thailand, and obviously some woman can be very cruel, regardless of nationality). For anyone in a situation where they feel that divorce and seeking custody of their child is the only option, I can say that the Thai Family Courts are, in my own experience, very professional and only act in the best interests of the child.

If anyone feels that they must take their child back to their home country, then it is ESSENTIAL to obtain 100% Parental Power regarding educational decisions. Obviously, a good (and, therefore, expensive!) lawyer is necessary to facilitate this.