Eric Loh

The NLA suddenly spring to life after 19 months of docile and routine existence. Who would have thought that they now have debates and suggestions on a very serious matter. Hope that is spontaneous reacting to the people concerns.

confused? indeed as am I 'beneficial to the nation'? at last the truth comes out and it's obvious to all that she did what she thought was right (but it turned out badly as do many decisions by governments around the world)

but then 'potentially fraudulent'? everything is 'potentially fraudulent' but I'm pretty sure she will be found innocent of fraud claims and some TVF posters will look pretty dumb

good news for her anyway

There is no way this was 'beneficial to the nation' - it was a cynical ploy by Thaksin to woo the rural voters and to drum up more of his ruinous populism. Setting up a scam like this, where there was reported corruption from top to bottom, paying 100% over the world market value for rice is not

'beneficial to the nation'. This was politics, pure and simple, bad politics at that. The Thai Finance Ministry stated the scheme lost $15.8 billion - now how is that a benefit? When

deputy auditor-general Ms Prapee Angkinanda blew the whistle on the rampant corruption, she was attacked by the Yingluck government.

@Bobo, As far as I am aware only New Zealand of the agricultural nations does not have farm subsidies.

1) Please show me how it is ever possible for any country to make money out of farm subsidies.

However they do other beneficial things such as prevent the depopulation of the rural areas and reduce the over population of Bangkok. These factors should not be taken so lightly.

How many times do you have to be told - The Rice Scam was never a subsidy, even PTP will admit that. It was an off budget vote buying scam, ie a bribe to the farmers to get PTP elected, using the money for the Thai treasury. The aim was always to get an amnesty for all the criminals, and in the end benefited very few small rice farmers. Rice millers, rice traders, rice warehouses and rich land owners made most of the money[/quote

The rubber scheme paid higher than the market price and was called a subsidy. What's so different Sherlock?

The elites are done supporting this government and they ordered the election next year to stop the rot.

I am sure he left out mentioning the scandal of the high-tech microphones and the expensive clocks in his lecture.

Thailand should seriously consider rising the retirement age from 55. Life expectancy on the average has increased. Not only is there a strain on the pension expenditure, we are also losing experience and skillful older people. Singapore retirement age is 65 while Denmark is 75. Thailand retirement age has not change over the last few decades.

Tell me why he was invited to go, by the USA government. He is a non elected PM !

The US government should not endorse( US policy).

The US supports the Saudis and other non elected officials so why not Thailand.

Saudi Arabia is a monarchy government. There are many other countries like Brunei that are similar. None of these countries become the government from coup. See the difference?

Ohh I see. They have regional elections of sorts (of which women are excluded) beheads and stones its citizens to death, makes it illegal for women to drive nor leave the country without there husbands permission, funds terrorism around the world promoting it extreme version of islam and strangly they have the full support of the US despite having a government that is not elected by its citizens of which women are treated as second class not to mention the slaughter of its own people in the Arab spring uprising of which all foreign media were banned to prevent the outside world knowing about its crimes. And Thailand should be excluded because of a coup?

Don't get too emotionally defensive for your love of the junta. Thailand not excluded in this summit and Saudi Arabia is not invited. Their Islamic laws are harsh and there are geo-political reasons for US support. Similar other countries will also judge our harsh LM laws, slaughtered of our own people and media intimidation. Fact is that Saudi is an absolute monarchy while Thailand is a constitutional monarchy and governments are elected; not by military staging a coup.

Tell me why he was invited to go, by the USA government. He is a non elected PM !

The US government should not endorse( US policy).

The US supports the Saudis and other non elected officials so why not Thailand.

Saudi Arabia is a monarchy government. There are many other countries like Brunei that are similar. None of these countries become the government from coup. See the difference?

He will be the odd man out being the only PM not elected.

Reply by Sansern.

Dear Ceruhe, you didn't state which part of Thailand you from. If you are from the North, I suggest that you make that voluntary visit to the AA camp nearest to your home. Your sarcasm is not appreciated. However if you are a rubber framer in the south, we will be happy to consider the good points in your letter.

Doubt they will summon all critics. Ahbisit, members of '06 CDC, former NRC members etc etc??? Just those who they don't like and need to get rid. Nothing like an excuse to harass and intimidate their political enemies.

The New Zealand TPP agreement between the 12 AP countries will still need both USA houses to ratify. There is sill time for Thailand to consider and hear the opinions of local businesses. If congress don't ratify this agreement, it will only be Obama's wet dream. Big corporations are pushing this hard and in America, they carry a big stick.

I see someone broke their new years resolution already.....

And he will break this one too. His urge to speak will overwhelm him in due course. A year plus of silence from him who use to bark orders to his subordinates and like to hog the limelights will be too much for him to bear. Sooner rather than later he will be back in his usual silly self. We need his comedy to lighten up our lives in this time of despair.

Try and grow up it you want to discuss with the adults.

ANU - who rates them or cares about them outside hypocritical Australia. Australia and intellectual engagement - there's an oxymoron. I remember one of their "academics" telling everyone what a wonderful group of power to the people socialists the Shins are. What a plonker - so much of an expert her only framework for contextualization was Western political constructs.

People are entitled to their view, as is the gentleman who wrote the article. He may be genuinely concerned about the new charter and some of the contents. Many will be. But that doesn't mean the Shin kleptocracy nepotistic alternative is acceptable either.

But, as you normally love to demonstrate your keen objective understanding by concurring with the Shin PR claptrap regardless of any facts; we can only assume you are somewhat gullible and easily led.

yawn, blah blah blah....

One, the "Shin Klepto-whatever" could have been voted out of office by the Thai people. That is a choice for the Thai people to make, not the generals.

Two, ANU and their web site has guest contributors from all flavors of the political spectrum. For you to dismiss the entire site out of hand as biased is nonsense.

Three, the author of this article is from Chula which is not known as a bastion of democratic intellectualism... again, ANU gives time to many views.

Fourth, you have a lot of nerve accusing another poster of following "PR claptrap" given your staunch support of the clowns currently running the country...

Just woke up?

The Shins could have been voted out. But their illegal attempts at forcing a whitewash for their paymaster, use of violence, constant threats and intimidation to judges, open defiance of the law, and calls for a separate state suggest otherwise. If they'd won an election it would have been business as usual, ignore laws when it suits, get the boss back a freeman at all costs. If they lost, it would have been a series of made up challenges and shennanigans to try and cling on to office and get the result changed. They don't play by any rules but their own and left themselves wide open for a coup - which was eagerly waiting for an excuse.

Australia is only a serious player academically, politically, and economically in the minds of Australians. Quite frankly, I doubt the current government give a fig about not being able to go there so long as the Aussie politicos and businessmen come here, as they do. No one really cares what institutions down under think.

Doesn't matter where the author is from, he's entitled to his view. Being against aspects in the proposed charter doesn't make him pro Shin.

Who says I staunchly support the current government? That's the usual retort of those who praise the Shins.

They don't play by any rules but their own and left themselves wide open for a coup - which was eagerly waiting for an excuse....

Think you just got up from your afternoon nap. The amnesty has been binned and the previous government has already dissolved Parliment plus the fact that the PM has been dismissed and had stepped down by order from the constitutional court. They didn't clinged to power. What excuse and why the coup is necessary if not to have the excuse to rid their political enemies.

You are lying Eric, The Amnesty Bill, the version craftily amended, against procedure, to favor Thaksin was never binned. Yingluck lied, not for the first or last time, when she said all the versions of the bill had been binned. Several versions had, but strangely, not the one that favored her brother and caused all the protests. They knew that would be returned to the lower house and they could then vote it into law without it having to go to the upper house again.

All well reported on at the time, Eric, including on ThaiVisa.

Appreciate your love of the Shins is undying, but do try and avoid repeating lies they've already been caught out on.

The amnesty bill need 2 houses for approval. It didn't got through and even if the bill is still there, no way it could get pass upper house again and possible the highly idiosyncratic constitution court. There is not a snowflake in hell that this amnesty will continue with internal and external pressures and you know that but continue to procrastinate. No comment on rest of my posting?

Try and grow up it you want to discuss with the adults.

ANU - who rates them or cares about them outside hypocritical Australia. Australia and intellectual engagement - there's an oxymoron. I remember one of their "academics" telling everyone what a wonderful group of power to the people socialists the Shins are. What a plonker - so much of an expert her only framework for contextualization was Western political constructs.

People are entitled to their view, as is the gentleman who wrote the article. He may be genuinely concerned about the new charter and some of the contents. Many will be. But that doesn't mean the Shin kleptocracy nepotistic alternative is acceptable either.

But, as you normally love to demonstrate your keen objective understanding by concurring with the Shin PR claptrap regardless of any facts; we can only assume you are somewhat gullible and easily led.

yawn, blah blah blah....

One, the "Shin Klepto-whatever" could have been voted out of office by the Thai people. That is a choice for the Thai people to make, not the generals.

Two, ANU and their web site has guest contributors from all flavors of the political spectrum. For you to dismiss the entire site out of hand as biased is nonsense.

Three, the author of this article is from Chula which is not known as a bastion of democratic intellectualism... again, ANU gives time to many views.

Fourth, you have a lot of nerve accusing another poster of following "PR claptrap" given your staunch support of the clowns currently running the country...

Just woke up?

The Shins could have been voted out. But their illegal attempts at forcing a whitewash for their paymaster, use of violence, constant threats and intimidation to judges, open defiance of the law, and calls for a separate state suggest otherwise. If they'd won an election it would have been business as usual, ignore laws when it suits, get the boss back a freeman at all costs. If they lost, it would have been a series of made up challenges and shennanigans to try and cling on to office and get the result changed. They don't play by any rules but their own and left themselves wide open for a coup - which was eagerly waiting for an excuse.

Australia is only a serious player academically, politically, and economically in the minds of Australians. Quite frankly, I doubt the current government give a fig about not being able to go there so long as the Aussie politicos and businessmen come here, as they do. No one really cares what institutions down under think.

Doesn't matter where the author is from, he's entitled to his view. Being against aspects in the proposed charter doesn't make him pro Shin.

Who says I staunchly support the current government? That's the usual retort of those who praise the Shins.

They don't play by any rules but their own and left themselves wide open for a coup - which was eagerly waiting for an excuse....

Think you just got up from your afternoon nap. The amnesty has been binned and the previous government has already dissolved Parliment plus the fact that the PM has been dismissed and had stepped down by order from the constitutional court. They didn't clinged to power. What excuse and why the coup is necessary if not to have the excuse to rid their political enemies.

Meechai need not worry too much as in a recent survey, he is ranked second highest after the Junta PM as people most trusted to believe as far as the charter is concerned. Politicians are ranked lowest. He should be able to sleep well.

Why does he continue to use proxies to apologies.

Ok you believe this "corrupt military" will not eliminate corruption.

Please tell me Who will? The reds?

Why do you have "corrupt military" in quotations like it is a stupid statement?

Did you miss the park scandal? Several generals running for the hills and then the military investigated themselves to SHOCK HORROR find that nothing dodgy had gone on

If it had been the someone PTP related doing that you'd be hear drooling on your keyboard with rage.

And no, I am not a red shirt. I just get sick of people refusing to look at the bigger picture and blaming the bogey man in Dubai for all Thailand's ills.

you mean the convicted criminal Thaksin on the run with his stolen billions

So how are these fleeing generals in the park scandal any different Smedly?

As I mentioned above you make fantastic posts in the KT murder case thread. You know that stinks to high heaven and the real culprits have bribed all and sundry to stay out of prison. This is happening on the super corruption fighting general's watch...

I know you dislike Thaksin and with good reason. But can't you see the bigger picture here?

I actually believe the current PM is trying to achieve what he says, he is by no means perfect but I believe he has good intentions, as already mentioned above - nobody else has ever attempted anything like it in Thailand and very likely never would, as it stands he is the only person in Thai political history that has made an attempt (perhaps first step) at stamping out corruption, not an easy task by any means because not only does he need to write legislation into the new charter and create organic laws but he must also make sure that any future elected government can't simply (easily) ammend the charter and remove the parts that prevent them from abusing power - that is the key, it is also important that the agencies put in place to investigate and prosecute corruption can't simply be dismantled.

All this talk about reconcilliation (a Thaksins buzz word which really means his amnesty) is hogwash, enforce the law and prosecute those that break it - simple, the people of Thailand have had enough of this endless string of corrupt governments and officials stealing their money and abusing power, it has to end

Only those that use corruption as a means to enrich themselves will be complaing about this new constitution - that pleases me no end

He is just a puppet on a string and is powerless in his intention. You should know that if you here long enough. No coup leader staged on their own beliefs but were ordered. The highest law in the country is chaired by the elites right winger and writtened to have the establishment lorded over the subjects. The most corrupted agencies RTP and RTA are left untouched as they are the muscle for the establishment. Corruption has not ended and is in full swing.

I thought soldiers were meant to defend the country from invaders. NOT convince their own people to vote for and approve a new charter. How can it be justified using military money and personnel to do this?

They also help flood victims. Do you object to that also?

Helping flood victims or any natural disasters are the military civic responsibilities as in all other countries. Certainly not the same as convincing people how to vote. That's intimidation and a gross misuse of military personnel and tax payer money. I hope the corruption agencies will take this up as malfeasance. Wishful thinking?

Minority-------what sort of crazy propaganda is that ??? it's so outrageous your on an agenda with the MINORITY on TVF---FACT

You have the gall to talk about AMNESTY it was that that brought the downfall of the SHIN undemocratically run government.....and VIOLENT uprising----someone telling OTT porky pies deserves any retribution here in Thailand---SHAME

I do agree some items you mentioned are in place---BUT they are there because of extremists like you with your slagging of the said government... criticise but your little crowd on here should not go overboard as you do. point out some things that are so very harsh --as I do. Your OTT criticism is too extreme. and it shows.

Yes, Suthep's yellow mob were/are certainly a minority. They knew they had to violently, yes violently obstruct the election as they would lose like they have time & time again.

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Just compare Sutheps with Jutaporns paid lot--------now wake up-------compare mobs---but do it fairly (impossible) I have no agenda---you have----or you would tell the truth not half of it.

Whenever Suthep's mob was mentioned, I can't help link him to the largest uniform mob that will mow down their own people to achieve their agenda. To think of it, Suthep made no secret of the pact.

Conditional freedom is an oxymoron.

I hope the 3 days locked in the office will give him tranquility to reflect on the charter. When even his supporters are unhappy with the charter, then surely that send a strong signal that the referendum will be a waste of money. He may promised a lot when he stage the coup but a strong leader should have the humility to make unpopular changes. Hope he does and keep assuring that the election time-table will be meet. That will being back some investors and consumer confidence.

Could I have a pint of whatever you're on please Eric!

Junta Juice.

My quick survey revealed that ain't going to happen. No happy ending and he is no strong leader.

I hope the 3 days locked in the office will give him tranquility to reflect on the charter. When even his supporters are unhappy with the charter, then surely that send a strong signal that the referendum will be a waste of money. He may promised a lot when he stage the coup but a strong leader should have the humility to make unpopular changes. Hope he does and keep assuring that the election time-table will be meet. That will being back some investors and consumer confidence.

No need for a committee, there is a national super expert on this subject just waiting in the wings along with his reformed nasty thug sons.

This is the super expert who wrote the nepotism manual.

Just ensure there's a free flow of ear medicine.

You mean the Thaugsuban family and the nasty thug sons.

Did you have too much of his ear medicine Khun Eric...? Or just the usefull twisting? 'But, but Suthep', when 'scorecard' is pointing at Chalerm and sons?

If we are having some sort of nepotism Olympics here then everyone is going to win gold.

Reds, yellows, army...they are all at it boys and just as bad as each other. Give it a rest.

That was exactly my point to quote the Thaugsuban thuggish sons that all reds, yellow, green and blue practiced nepotism and all bad. But Shin haters just can't accept that and give the "but but" monotonous repeative posting just for the sake of getting into the thread. They must be bore stiff nowadays.

Judging from what I've read in the English press about this 1.5million Baht 4 hour meeting, I'd probably not want to talk to the press either!

Not quite right. It should be 1.5 M Bt tax payer money for 20 seconds unproductive meeting.

No need for a committee, there is a national super expert on this subject just waiting in the wings along with his reformed nasty thug sons.

This is the super expert who wrote the nepotism manual.

Just ensure there's a free flow of ear medicine.

You mean the Thaugsuban family and the nasty thug sons.