Eric Loh

Without martial law, chaos will beback quickly in Bangkok streets.....

Without martial law, red mobs will beback to burn city......

Chaos was choreographed with martial law.

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We keep avoiding the big elephant in the room when we talk about political reform. It's simply not sufficient for the existing political enemies to leave the scene to get out of this vicious cycle. The military is also part of the problem and need a paradigm change to their behavior in this modern times. The establishment handy men in the courts and agencies would also need to be depart voluntarily so there will be no more suspicion or sceptism from all sides. If you want everyone to understand democracy, leave democracy alone without truncation from coups and the people will grow to trust the system and confident that they have the penultimate decision and mandate on who choosing the best leaders. Look around in our closest neighbors like Indonesia and Phillipines on how their democracy have been strengthened without repeated coups. Add Singapore and Malaysia that never had any coups and how far they have progressed economically and democratically.

Many folks would strongly challenge your claims that both Malaysia and Singapore have made big advances in the building of democracy and for different reasons.

Look what just happened in Malaysia to Anwar. Now that's a real case of political interference with the justice systems.

In Singapore there is effectively a one party state under the Peoples Action Party (PAP) and has been since 1959.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Singapore

quote Wiki "Foreign political analysts and several opposition parties including the Workers' Party of Singapore and the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) have argued that Singapore is a de facto one-party state. The Economist Intelligence Unit classifies Singapore as a "hybrid" country, with authoritarian and democratic elements. Freedom House does not consider Singapore an "electoral democracy" and ranks the country as "partly free". Reporters Without Borders ranked Singapore 140th out of 167 countries in its 2005 Press Freedom Index

Lee Kuan Yew became the First Minister (aka PM) and his son Lee Hsien Loong is now First minister.

Hey Eric do you still think that Singapore is such a democratic country?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Kuan_Yew

quote Wiki "

As the co-founder and first Secretary-General of the People's Action Party (PAP), he led the party to eight victories from 1959 to 1990, and oversaw the separation of Singapore from Malaysia in 1965 and its subsequent transformation from a relatively underdeveloped colonial outpost with no natural resources into a "First World" Asian Tiger. He is one of the most influential political figures in Asia.^[7]

Singapore's second prime minister, Goh Chok Tong, appointed him Senior Minister in 1990. He held the advisory post of Minister Mentor, created by his son Lee Hsien Loong, when the latter became the nation's third prime minister in August 2004.^[8][9] With his successive ministerial positions spanning over 50 years, Lee is also one of history's longest-serving ministers. On 14 May 2011, Lee and Goh announced their retirement from the cabinet after the 2011 general election.^[10]

Singapore has yet to achieved a level of successful democracy like Taiwan or South Korea. There are still elements of undemocratic practices like blocking civil societies and public from speaking out and also banning public protests plus using courts to silence political opponents. But it has provided its citizens with democratic safeguards like easy assess to education, housing, healthcare, safety and security. Will that be enough for the large middle class who has raised their voices louder each year for better participation in running the city state and not dominated by policies of strong men. That has been manifested in recent election results and the ruling PAP has woken up to this challenge. Anyway,isn't it refreshing to know that the citizens voices can be heard and change a government without the use of guns.

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We keep avoiding the big elephant in the room when we talk about political reform. It's simply not sufficient for the existing political enemies to leave the scene to get out of this vicious cycle. The military is also part of the problem and need a paradigm change to their behavior in this modern times. The establishment handy men in the courts and agencies would also need to be depart voluntarily so there will be no more suspicion or sceptism from all sides. If you want everyone to understand democracy, leave democracy alone without truncation from coups and the people will grow to trust the system and confident that they have the penultimate decision and mandate on who choosing the best leaders. Look around in our closest neighbors like Indonesia and Phillipines on how their democracy have been strengthened without repeated coups. Add Singapore and Malaysia that never had any coups and how far they have progressed economically and democratically.

Many folks would strongly challenge your claims that both Malaysia and Singapore have made big advances in the building of democracy and for different reasons.

Look what just happened in Malaysia to Anwar. Now that's a real case of political interference with the justice systems.

I am aware of the reasons and frankly as a citizen, I am not impressed with the PAP use of the courts to silence oppositions. Same can be said of Malaysia. There are discontent and growing in these two countries and have seen in recent election results of huge migration of voters against the incumbents. That's the type of democracy maturity I am refering to. Power in the hands of voters; not in hands of guns.

Got to add this too if some here talk about democracy and corruption in the same breathe. Some even claim that good democracy means less corruption. Well, Singapore good example of bad democracy and less corruption.

We keep avoiding the big elephant in the room when we talk about political reform. It's simply not sufficient for the existing political enemies to leave the scene to get out of this vicious cycle. The military is also part of the problem and need a paradigm change to their behavior in this modern times. The establishment handy men in the courts and agencies would also need to be depart voluntarily so there will be no more suspicion or sceptism from all sides. If you want everyone to understand democracy, leave democracy alone without truncation from coups and the people will grow to trust the system and confident that they have the penultimate decision and mandate on who choosing the best leaders. Look around in our closest neighbors like Indonesia and Phillipines on how their democracy have been strengthened without repeated coups. Add Singapore and Malaysia that never had any coups and how far they have progressed economically and democratically.

Just to throw in a few names to establish some perspective here: Chalerm, Plodsaprop, Snoh, hands up who wants that shower back. Forget Barbie, she's an airhead nobody, but a rather effective New Face of Taksinism.

Not sure what you want to say but putting into perspective all those you mentioned are legitimate elected MPs. Now to put that into current perspective, none in the government are elected. Now that is a face of militarism.

What I want to spell out is that that this is the caliber of 'elected' cabinet members Thailand would be stuck with in perpetuity if PTP had been allowed on it's untrammeled way.

I don't believe for one moment all the hysteria about the junta or their alleged appointees being able to turn Thailand into N.Korea II. The World has moved on. Citizens are able to access social media and the fact that protests are reduced to a few students eating sandwiches shows the overwhelming majority understand Taksin and his megalomaniac money grubbing ways had to be stopped.

However I also believe he should have been left to implode, as he surely would have done back in 2006 when his popularity was at an all time low. An opportunity lost. Thailand is balancing itself out. Hard lessons hopefully learned.

You are entitle to your Hyde Park corner but if you wish to be taken seriously, you need to check your facts. Snob was not a cabinet minister.

So much scums being uncovered under the military rule. But I hope these people get real punishment instead of getting slapped and some how forgotten or lost in the judicial system.

It's their job and responsibilties as they are now the government. Nothing unusual.

Got to disagree with Khun Pornkwan when he said that normalcy has not returned due to martial law. Not just this martial law but Thailand democracy has never returned to normal with repeated coups. It seem more like Thailand has been governed more by the military than civilian. We just have glimpse of democracy peeping out of the iron curtain periodically.

haha so funny no one really believes this 700 billion figure right? it's all about ............... (censored) wake up some gullible TVF posters. This was planned for years and NOTHING to do with rice, corruption or high speed trains to pattaya

Not only this was planned for years but repeated 13 times over in the short history of Thailand democracy; not counting the 8 unsuccessful coups. It's so obvious but yet there will always be the gullibles. The establishment and the right wingers will always triumph with brute and democracy will be trampled. They will only allow a short window of democracy to fool the world and clamp it down when threatened.

January is a normal high consuming month in every year and every country due to bonuses. Really desperate to claim credit just about anything.

Probably his biggest achievement after 9 long months. He will be remembered for this.

If you are a regular, tip him well and he will see that he reserve a lot for you everytime you turn up. For that, 200B upwards will do the trick. That's for 1 car and whole night earning I was told, attendants get 2,000B each for a busy club.

All these junta efforts for a short few months before election. Really worthwhile for the UDD leaders to lay low as victory next election is not far away.

Everyone is behaving like the PM. Its all about ordering and intimation in junta time.

You sure about that? Japanese are known for their concern for safety. With no travel insurance due to martial law, they will not come.

Big Kim Jong il also said "I am the object of criticism around the world. But I think that since I am being discussed, than I am on the right track". PM is on a narcissism and power trip high. He is even dressing himself as Prem.

" He is even dressing himself as Prem."

Can you explain this comment, please!

I think dear Eric is referring to the Thai style jackets

Thai style jackets.jpg

Rubi, nope and so wrong. I am referring to Prayuth parading before the cameras dressed as Prem in Thai shirt that Prem made famous when PM in the 1980's. Go goggle 'Prem reincarnated'.

I will not bother you with pictures of Ms. Yingluck in stylish Thai style jackets.

Oh btw yahooing 'prem reincarnated' the first few results are thaipoliticalprisoners webpages. Interesting, almost as interesting as eating noodles.

Dear Rubi, focus. Subject about narcissistic and power trip running wild and the Eastern Tiger clique trying to muscle their way and intimidation and will get their dues one day. Never shake the status quo.

This sounds like something Little Kim would say.

Bizarre statement.

Will come to haunt him.

Fool.

Big Kim Jong il also said "I am the object of criticism around the world. But I think that since I am being discussed, than I am on the right track". PM is on a narcissism and power trip high. He is even dressing himself as Prem.

" He is even dressing himself as Prem."

Can you explain this comment, please!

I think dear Eric is referring to the Thai style jackets

Thai style jackets.jpg

Rubi, nope and so wrong. I am referring to Prayuth parading before the cameras dressed as Prem in Thai shirt that Prem made famous when PM in the 1980's. Go goggle 'Prem reincarnated'.

This sounds like something Little Kim would say.

Bizarre statement.

Will come to haunt him.

Fool.

Big Kim Jong il also said "I am the object of criticism around the world. But I think that since I am being discussed, than I am on the right track". PM is on a narcissism and power trip high. He is even dressing himself as Prem.

" He is even dressing himself as Prem."

Can you explain this comment, please!

I think dear Eric is referring to the Thai style jackets

Thai style jackets.jpg

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Rubi, nope and you so wrong. Referring to the parading before the camera dressed as Prem in the shirt that Prem made famous when he was PMinthe 80's.

This sounds like something Little Kim would say.

Bizarre statement.

Will come to haunt him.

Fool.

Big Kim Jong il also said "I am the object of criticism around the world. But I think that since I am being discussed, than I am on the right track". PM is on a narcissism and power trip high. He is even dressing himself as Prem.

Looking at the train route plan, it will end in Rayong with Pattaya as a stop. So it's not only catering for the tourists but also economic reasons. Rayong houses 11 big industrial parks including Amata and Rojana and fast expanding but lacks the infrastructures and housing needs for a good standard of living for the executives. I do thing that is factored into the planning.

Not too bad a promotion from colonel to major general Sansern for a good spinning job at CRES and his current new job. At least he still keep his skill set.

Some seem to think that the Junta are going to be holding onto power for ever. Some have forgotten that they have promised elections when they can implement reform so all the other principles of democracy that were abused by the previous regime are adhered to.

Of course some that cry "We want Democracy" the loudest are ironically the same people that supported a regime run by an unelected criminal fugitive. Bizzaro world again!

Russel's comments about "Thai citizens feeling that they've been excluded" is the preamble the shin regimes have used to justify acts of terrorism and armed insurrection that have left hundreds of people dead. It is also the narrative used to justify engineered US-backed violence in other nations aimed at regime change.

Russel said "Thai citizens feeling that they've been excluded". Yet not one American said that when thaksin tried to push a free trade agreement though bypassing parliament and the senate. Thai citizens voted for their parliamentarians and they are supposed to represent them. Thai citizens were excluded then. No word from the USA on this exclusion of the Thai citizens. Logic to suit an agenda.

Look at the Siam Paragon bombing. After the bombing, the US Embassy in Thailand neither warned people about the violence, nor condemned it. Instead, the official US Embassy Twitter account congratulated the New England Patriots for winning the Super Bowl. They knew it was a red shirt. That is what the red shirts specialize it. I bet if a PDRC supporter was responsible for the bombing the NY Times would do an analysis of it. Logic to suit an agenda.

Look no further than when millions of Thai citizens that America said are being excluded were protesting. It did not make American news or if it did it was written off as small insignificant protests. When 3 students, I repeat 3 Thai citizens protest and are arrested the NY Times do an analysis and state these 3 are the majority! So millions on the streets are a minority. 3 on a stage. A majority. Logic to suit an agenda.

For the US to defend a prime minister openly serving as a proxy for a convicted criminal hiding abroad, and who presided over a regime that damaged the economy while literally murdering its political opponents in the streets, is a clear breach of diplomatic protocol and unbecoming of the alleged purpose of the US State Department itself. It exists to represent the will of the American people abroad, not to impose its will upon others. A bit like Chalerms Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order or CAPO. The only department that did everything apart from restoring peace and order and in fact fueled just the opposite (bizzaro world). So when the State department support a regime run by an unelected criminal fugitive, but do not support a Junta that is offerering reform to ensure the country is not run by unelected criminal fugitives that is not democracy according to the US. It is a lack there of! Logic to suit an agenda.

America said "The future of politics will be decided in Asia, not Afghanistan or Iraq, and the United States will be right at the center of the action" and that is why America have been molding Thailand since the Vietnam war to be a united front against China alongside Pakistan, Korea and Japan. It is no secret and the US began this effort during the Vietnam war as shown here. They then highlighted this push again here. Because of that America is not going anywhere and all this noise is just that. Noise. They must be desperately worried that Thailand will go against their dreams by joining China and making noise is their way of showing their frustration that the time and money they invested in swaying Thailand to its agenda is not paying off.

This could not be further from democracy than a drunk blind mans dart from the dart board at 50 meters. Democracy is a swell handle for them to use though. It keeps the gullible hooked.

Not some think but actually is the sad state of Thailand politics. Staging 12 successful and 9 unsuccessful coup since 1912 or 5 years per coup is holding the country hostage by the military and no difference holding power for ever. Rest of your post I not bother to read as your usual irrational self-serving troll.

The yellow shirt leader is in jail for 20 years while the red shirt leaders are walking free. Even with the reality of the situation so vividly clear some still fly against the face of it.
Here are the exceptions you mention just for January this year.

12^th of January - The Election Commissioner (EC) on Wednesday decided to throw out several complaints made against alleged election misconducts by former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra during the most recent general election in February, 2014.

13^th of January - The Administrative Court on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit filed by 28 Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom residents against former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra in which they demanded compensation for damages from alleged mismanagement of floodwaters by her government in 2011.

21^st of January - Former Pheu Thai MP Karoon Hosakul was granted bail after he was found guilty of defaming former Democrat MP Taenkhun Chit-isara

22^nd of January - The Criminal Court on Thursday acquitted two former ministers and a member of the Pheu Thai party of defamation charges lodged against them by former finance minister Korn Chatikavanich

RED SHIRT LEADER;

27^th of January - Jatuporn bailed after receiving a two year jail sentence for defaming a former premier in comments made in 2009.

YELLOW SHIRT LEADER;

The Appeals Court upheld the lower courts 20-year jail sentence on yellow shirt leader Sondhi Limthongkul, founder of the Manager Media Group for falsifying loan documents and fraud.

Ahh, the reds always get a free pass. January has few exceptions to this.

When one side commits most of the crimes logic dictates that that side will be arrested and jailed more often. It is the supporters of that side that scream injustice akin to folk in jail in the west that all feel hard done by and felt they lacked "true" justice.

"When one side commits most of the crimes logic dictates that that side will be arrested and jailed more often. It is the supporters of that side that scream injustice akin to folk in jail in the west that all feel hard done by and felt they lacked "true" justice."

It's pretty clear that Suthep and his minions committed the majority of the crimes in using violence and intimidation to disrupt the Feb 2014 elections. How many of them have been arrested and jailed?

It's pretty clear that the majority of crimes around the 2013/2014 protests lay in the nightly gunfire and grenade attacks on anti-government protesters. Begin of April 2014 the BangkokPost mentioned 100 grenades having been lobbed.

So, back to 2010 with terrorists mingling with peaceful protesters and nightly attacks, grenades lobbed at non-red-shirts, police standing aside,etc., etc. UDD leaders still unwilling to acknowledge any knowledge about 'unknowns', Pheu Thai partylist MP and UDD co-leader Korkaew even voting for his own amnesty as if he needed it.

Rubi, you are wearing your yellow glasses and passing judgement on who may be lobbing the grenades. And in 2010, there are snipers and they took out a prominent protestor, international journalists and nurse. And even the court said that army bullets killed the Italian journalist. Yes the same court declned to hear cases by relatives of those killed in the temple and dismissed murder charges of Ahbisit and Sutherp.

Ah, you mean those grenades in 2013/2014 were lobbed by the anti-government protesters themselves maybe? And now who's passing judgement?

The Court of Inquiry ruled on possibilities without being able to prove. The renegade general Seh Daeng may well be targeted by army personnel, but also his 'own' side was getting annoyed with him. The Japanese reporter may have been killed by army personel while retreating from heavily armed 'peaceful protesters', same with the Italian photographer. The nurse case is equally unclear, armed militants were still around firing at army personel.

So, the Criminal Court threw out a charge of "premeditated murder as private persons' and suggested the OAG to follow the correct prosecure and when they think to have enough proof to charge Abhisit/Suthep' with 'abuse of power' at the Supreme Court for Political Office Holders. If the DSi hadn't tried to 'speed things up' and force the OAG into the Criminal Court path (or should I say if the Great Thinker hadn't pushed for it) the NACC/OAG could have spent more time of such case. Now they even had the police airdrop warrants to find Suthep and have the army deliver him to the court.