blabth

A lot of people using nice words without having any idea what it means pure democracy could be the nonsense word of the year. Until now none of the protest leader ever clearly did define what is the ultimate target and objective,. Ruling of the elite? Ruling of the intelligent (which would include most protestors on each side of the aisle)? Ruling of the King ( which of course by definition is monarchy and not democracy)? Changing the constitution to exclude some or the majorities from politics?

May be somebody could enlighten us what the ultimate goal is beside removing of the Thaksin clan?

The chances for a civil war is always there as even the last coup did not solve anything. For a short time we had this interim government led by the Democrats and than after the election the reds gained control again. If S is successful and will be able to change the constitution in such away that the people from the rural area will not be properly represented that the next clash is programmed. This situation here will not be defused with S. win it will linger until the next election when may be than the reds will boycott the election.

As everybody is to confident (S and Democrats) to have the majority behind them than why they have boycotted the election. A constitutional change or even apply the present constitution could be than implemented by the parliament with a strong monitoring process by the opposition ( whoever that will be). The process would be transparent and the people could see potential changes before they are manifested. Constitutional changes have to be voted with at least 2/3 of the parliament members.

Come on wait for some years than u will be one of us. All the older guys that their attractiveness has shifted from the front part of their trousers to the backside where their purse is.

It still does not justified that guys are running around in sleepless shirts shorts etc. when they are going out into a restaurant discotheque or for a matter of fact even a bar and that is regardless of their age

I don't understand what you are talking The question was how did Thailand change and not about the behavior of your neighbors I guess. That would be a different question.

If I have been unclear ...my apologies....I understand that English is not everybody's first language.

The question IS NOT how did Thailand change?

BUT ....Has living in Thailand...changed YOU in anyway....made you a better person? or worse?

Basicly it is has Thailand had any affect on your view of life and how have you responded to that stimulus?

Sorry my poor English

As I came to Thailand to live here (16years ago) I wanted everything in my office working in the way I was used to it. Starting that I asked my secretary to draft a letter and I will only correct it, only to found out that the correction takes longer than to type by myself. Many small things wen on my nerves before I made my peace with it and sometimes even went into mai pen rai mode. I have become much more patient and forgiving.

In my private life I am blessed with my wife which has more adopted and understanding my thinking than I do hers. Many problems which I may be had and have resulting more out of misunderstanding the language than out of Thai or Farang mentality.

I think it is a problem with the school system have a look in the book ask for some translation and than u see that the content is boring. Now after everybody has Internet even the comics are out as they can see the Korean soap operates at any time of the day.

My Wife ( Thai) want to through away books when I finished reading them. which I can't do. For me a book is something special. I never did hear about a famous Thai poet at least which I know, therefore I never read any Thai poetry may be is boring?

I don't understand what you are talking The question was how did Thailand change and not about the behavior of your neighbors I guess. That would be a different question.

S is not putting a siege on Bangkok but he his taking a complete country hostage only to get his personnel vendetta through. The present government is sitting duck to avoid any confrontation with the military as they of course are afraid of a military coup. The complete governmental task are on a stand still. Get it over get you military coup to get back Thailand out of this misary. The election will not serve the purpose as the guys around S are nut heads which will not accept a democratic process. Each country will get the government the deserve. Obviously Thailand will deserve a system where a minority is ruling the masses.

After they find you with 8 bullet holes in your back the police will announce it as the most terrible suicide of a Farang in the last decade.

Therefore take it easy order a drink for the guy.

Like it or not, the Thai people voted for the current shower.

Hitler was democratically elected and immensely popular. Is getting 51% of the vote really a blank slate for corruption?

No, Hitler wasn't democratically elected.

You are very wrong Hitler was democratically elected and only used later his power to eliminate the opposition, therefore it is so important to have a strong opposition in the parliament. If the election in Thailand will take place (which I doubt), and if the results are excepted by the Majesty the King than it would be a parliament without any strong opposition. Therefore it was extremely irresponsible not to take part in the election but to gamble that the election will not take place.

I do understand double pricing policies for historic monuments and public parks etc. as I feel every Thai should be able to visit these places regardless if they have the money or not. But if I see double price policies applied in Golf Courses, Restaurants, entertainment venues that p...ed me on. If I noticed that I stop to patronize this place.

How can a whole nation be kept hostage by a single person. The consequences Thailand will be coming soon. Tourist from all over the world will think twice now to book there holiday 2014 in Thailand. Companies are thinking to invest in Asia will look around for more stable opportunities such as Vietnam and Indonesia. People like S don't care as they have the resources. But the demonstrators on the street will feel the pain. Khun S does not belong into a Jail but in a padded cell of a madhouse. I must have lost his marbles on the road.

With so much advertising they got now, the authorities counts with new tourism record 2014

True before it was

" Come to Thailand see the ruins of Siam, now it will be come to Siam see the ruins of Thailand"

Let's not forget what got us here. A government who ignored the law of the land, is engaged in massive corruption, and is anything but democratic. Thus, the huge numbers of protesters. Many of whom are not yellow shirts, are not democrats and are not amart. Just tired of the current governments lies. Hard to argue with them.

This could have all been avoided by killing the amnesty bill instead of trying to ram it through. Or at least accept Abhisit's proposal to exclude himself, Suthep and Thaksin from it. That request was ignored.

amnesty bill is long gone - the government has called an election - why are people still dying?...

The amnesty bill is not dead, just so we are correct here. It can be brought back up after 180 days. Big reason people are still protesting. The bill can be passed very quickly now with NO debate.

Not true, and even if it was, so what, if a government proposes a bill and wins the vote, it has every right to enact said bill.

As more it is important that the democrats would have participated in the snap election. Only when there is a real opposition laws can not pass easily. BTW the the system is working you can see it on the amnesty bill, which finally did not pass as there is a strong opposition and a constitutional court. Instead to be proud to have a functional system now S is making a mockery out of it.

Prison first for you" To**er"and maybeA few years on a funny farm.Why is this man still free!!!!!!????

I absolutely do not agree with Bangkok being held hostage. It's over the top. Peaceful protest is OK by me. Mind you once again I post on the subject that people

seem to pass by again and again. The reason they don't want elections with the biased system is here again:

Some people don't seem to understand why the Democrats and yellow shirts do NOT WANT elections right now. It is NOT because Suthep wants to control anything else but the WAY elections are being held. During the Mr. "T" regime the constituencies have been altered to fit the TRT party. Very large constituencies with large numbers of voters would give one party only one seat (These they changed and were Democratic strongholds) much smaller constituencies, with much fewer people were divided up in several constituencies with one seat each. This means that even when people did not vote a 100% for the TRT they would still have a "glorious victory" over the Democrats. It was all made to match the TRT.

In numbers: The TRT and Dems had respectively: 15,744,190 and 11,433,762 people vote for them. A difference in % of the population of resp. (TRT, Dems) 48.41% and 35.15%. (say 13%) This was NOT reflected in the seats in Parliament by the self dividing rule of the TRT who changed the constituencies. (TRT/ Dems) 265 seats against 159 seats or in seats 106 (!!). If this had been in the range of anything like 225 to 196 this would have been a fair and acceptable result. (the difference being about 13%) or in seats 29. Read that again: The difference in what would have been an acceptable and fair divide in seats was 29 but it became 106 !!! This would have allowed (just an example) the Democrats to team up with some other parties and still form a Government. Besides in the opposition it would have given them lots more control.

Then due to certain constituents differences it could have been anything in the range of 210 to 235 for the TRT and 190 to 220 for the Dems and it would be acceptable, justifiable and explainable.

NOW do we understand why this system is unacceptable and nothing near free and fair elections?

Mind you, I do not agree with an interim Government and all that, unless it would be an agreed upon (by both parties) Business Government to boost the country back on the map first. But that would demand restraint, patience and understanding. Values that are the foundation of Buddhism, but are hard to be found in politricks. All in all, I am NOT a Suthep supporter. But fairness needs to be in place before an election is being held and the Shins can claim another

fake victory bought with money and bending the rules.

The democrats under Abhisit Vejjajiva were in Power for 2 years and 239 day if the system is so unfair as you describe why he and his party did not make the changes. They did not do any changes at all. Therefore don't blame it to the Shins.

Rome wasn't built in a day, nor is there much in the way of magic dust: Real education reforms and real rice payment reforms aimed at making those parts of the system better serve the citizens of Thailand were of course reversed (and made sillier) by Thaksin as part of his effort to demonize Abhisit in order to forestall calm, rational policy discussion. Do you support that ?

I am not saying that all the reforms could be done during the short time of the leadership of Abhisit , but what did he do at all, any program any reform comes to your mind? Educational program? What did he do? Still until now the rural area people hardly can effort proper education for their kids? The old government have always neglected the North Part of Thailand as it not industrialized. The government in the past were only driven by the Bangkokanians as a elite driven Governement, and when you read what Khun S. Is talking it will go back to this road. I went to the homepage of the democrats try to find something about the party program you will find nothing. The same applies to all parties. Nobody here in Thailand knows what he is electing except all the promises during the election campaign. Read the financial analysis of Thailand for the last 20 years you will hardly find any deviation regardless who is in power. The obsession with Thaksin will only strengthen the supporters of him. Don't talk about him ignore him after some time most of the people will forget that he ever existed.

It is a phenomena of Thailand may be coming from the educational system as it not polite to criticize or even question the older the teacher the boss etc. I am very sure that the majority of the protestors on both sides are not knowing much what they are protesting for. It's so easy to manipulate people, telling Thaksin is a bad or Suthep is a criminal. But if you ask most of the people don't know what will be the target of the demonstration kicking out t,he PM and than? A elected committee will follow, and than? What will be done next? What will be the way to rule the country during this time? What will be the politically direction? How will be the international relationship? 18 month is a long time in politics specially when an appointed government should not take steps or measures which will impact the future of Thailand.

Did anybody read what the HRH the King said in the speech on 26 April 2006 in a similar situation: quote Article 7 has two lines: whatever is not stated by the Constitution should follow traditional practices. But asking for a Royally appointed prime minister is undemocratic. It is, pardon me, a mess. It is irrational. Unquote. Here the link to the speech

http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/04/27/headlines/headlines_30002592.php

It's nice to see that TV people did not lose their humor by finding out if and when Police is wearing underwear. If that is your only problem be happy that u are in Thailand.

I absolutely do not agree with Bangkok being held hostage. It's over the top. Peaceful protest is OK by me. Mind you once again I post on the subject that people

seem to pass by again and again. The reason they don't want elections with the biased system is here again:

Some people don't seem to understand why the Democrats and yellow shirts do NOT WANT elections right now. It is NOT because Suthep wants to control anything else but the WAY elections are being held. During the Mr. "T" regime the constituencies have been altered to fit the TRT party. Very large constituencies with large numbers of voters would give one party only one seat (These they changed and were Democratic strongholds) much smaller constituencies, with much fewer people were divided up in several constituencies with one seat each. This means that even when people did not vote a 100% for the TRT they would still have a "glorious victory" over the Democrats. It was all made to match the TRT.

In numbers: The TRT and Dems had respectively: 15,744,190 and 11,433,762 people vote for them. A difference in % of the population of resp. (TRT, Dems) 48.41% and 35.15%. (say 13%) This was NOT reflected in the seats in Parliament by the self dividing rule of the TRT who changed the constituencies. (TRT/ Dems) 265 seats against 159 seats or in seats 106 (!!). If this had been in the range of anything like 225 to 196 this would have been a fair and acceptable result. (the difference being about 13%) or in seats 29. Read that again: The difference in what would have been an acceptable and fair divide in seats was 29 but it became 106 !!! This would have allowed (just an example) the Democrats to team up with some other parties and still form a Government. Besides in the opposition it would have given them lots more control.

Then due to certain constituents differences it could have been anything in the range of 210 to 235 for the TRT and 190 to 220 for the Dems and it would be acceptable, justifiable and explainable.

NOW do we understand why this system is unacceptable and nothing near free and fair elections?

Mind you, I do not agree with an interim Government and all that, unless it would be an agreed upon (by both parties) Business Government to boost the country back on the map first. But that would demand restraint, patience and understanding. Values that are the foundation of Buddhism, but are hard to be found in politricks. All in all, I am NOT a Suthep supporter. But fairness needs to be in place before an election is being held and the Shins can claim another

fake victory bought with money and bending the rules.

The democrats under Abhisit Vejjajiva were in Power for 2 years and 239 day if the system is so unfair as you describe why he and his party did not make the changes. They did not do any changes at all. Therefore don't blame it to the Shins.

It's not understandable for almost all foreigners why an election is not the solution specially when all concerned parties are confidence to succeed. With a strong opposition (red or yellow) constitutional reforms and other changes can be implemented. As much as I dislike S and the demonstrations they also a legitimate democratic process if their area in the framework of the constitution. I am sure that all present and future government ruling in Thailand will be more careful and transparent in the future ( this includes also Big T).

Now we are in the process of keep face S with his Victory Day and S with her date of election. Get over it and save Thailand from the embarrassment to become the first freely elected dictatorship in the world. Looks like the lemming suicide.

so what is his great idea to achieve peace?... overthrow the government so the red-shirts can come and turn bangkok into a war zone again?...

i don't believe anyone from st johns could be so stupid (notwithstanding the mess tony blair created in the middle east)...

i can only assume abhisit is scared to say what he must surely really think through fear to offend the old robber barons / shysters who hold the power in the anti-democrats (formerly known as democrats) party

This government deserves to be overthrown for the number of reasons. It's actually nothing to do with the red shirts, it's sheer criminality of their actions. You've got take off your blinkers. I'm not saying Suthep is doing the right thing but what's the alternative. Let these criminals further destroy Thai economy and drive the country totally into ground. I'm certain British or any other European government would simply being called upon to resign for losing over 13 billion USD just to stay popular. Not to mention blatantly ignoring the constitution. That's not democracy. Anyway, Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. They do not need the western style democracy. Two party system, where both parties are owned by corporations and big business and elected politicians do as they're told. And then you delude yourself that your vote actually counts. It counts for nothing.

It was a cynical decision to schedule the election for 3rd February 2014 as it falls with Chinese New Year celebration when the majority of Thais, especially the ones of Chinese origin, take their families to travel around the country. Many Bangkokians won't be at home. And naturally, they would not be able to cast their vote. I'm certain if the election is scheduled for some time in May 2014 that everyone would agree. And that is what the current corrupted government should do, compromise instead of adding fuel to the fire,

Cynical is your comment. The government has a certain time schedule for new elections and that small window is closing. The request to delay by 1 or 2 month was never put to the PM as the Great Leader has already make it clear first changes than election. Therefore even a proposal from PM would only fuel the fire as you said.

The constitutional monarchy is based on the Thai Constitution which clearly indicates election and not selection as the process to fill up the parliament seats.

How deep must be e frustration of suthep that he is willing to push this country in trouble. How much money must he have got from the people behind him? To organize a protest like happens you need money more than Suthep has.

I have to admit that I admire Suthep for his rhetoric skills to ask people to go on the street, neglect their work, bringing themselves in trouble only with one topic "remove the Thaksins". That is fascinating. He does not tell what will be happens after except the vague info to establish a democratic forum which is appointed from intelligent people of all classes, that it will take at least 12-18 month etc. nothing what the politic will be, nothing what he will he do in the field of economics, what will he do with the inequality of rural contra urban population etc.!

I am sure he knows more than he tells but if he would reveal the true reason may be he would loose the support of many.

A bunch of brave man here acting her from behind your computer.

I suppose you are out in the BKK streets waving your red flag to support the government rather than sitting behind your computer commenting on the situation from the safety of your anonymity.

I am now Bangkok and I am observing. Today, we watched the helicopter landing to collect the registration documents. We also saw some of the older women from the various parties get accosted. This is the sacrifice that must be made to keep democracy alive in Thailand.

Those of you who wish to ridicule the PM who was legally elected and who had a legal mandate to govern demonstrate a perverse arrogance. Launching misogynistic tirades, heaping scorn on people who stood up to the various military dictatorships through the years and trying to impose your narrow minded views on the Thai people.

Yes, Thailand teeters on the brink of chaos and this is precisely what Suthep wants so that he can have his military coup.

Well here's a news flash. If Suthep and his cronies get in, it's ball game over for a large number of foreigners, many of whom are his most fervent supporters. The residency requirements will be tightened up and there will be a crackdown the likes that have been unseen before. If the elections are blocked and there is another military coup, I anticipate economic sanctions will be imposed and for those foreigners who rely on exports, good luck to you.

It is sad. 1 person died today. Yingluck must be held responsible for another Death.

I think so far almost 10 people died from the brutality of the Police, under the command of Yingluck/Thaksin.

The election rules and constitution must be changed so that evil Thaksin can no longer win.

Else it is the end of Thailand.

Don't forget that the Thaksin clan is also responsible for the cold weather the Tsunami and......

The policeman from today you can add to S's list of killed people.

Y can say whatever she wants in any way she wants it will be always critiqued by the anti government group. She is following the constitution of the Kingdom by stepping down she had to announce new elections and than maintain the role of the PM in a caretaker government. It would be than the chance for the opposition to mobilize the people to cast the vote for them. Instead the play chicken and boycott the election and spend millions of Baht for the demonstration which could be used in their election process. Taking a risk that Thailand will fall in to a chaos as the pros will not let it go as well. S and his "Democrat" friendsis telling we are not afraid of election if that is the case go for it and become the govern party in Thailand. Use the next legislation period to change the laws, show that they can do it better having a strong opposition in the parliament.