Eric Loh

He should have not asked amnesty almost everyone agrees that was the catalyst for the street protests. I am not saying the coup would not have happened, it might (no way to know for sure) as there as an other reason for the coup too. But I do know that support for the coup would be real low if not for the street protests and his amnesty. So he gave them the chance because he did not want to face the courts for all the other cases still pending against him far more serious as what he is convicted for. But hey.. just blame the military its easier.

you mean I misread the current "government" got amnesty too??? for all current deeds and future??? but you don't mention that but hey... just tell half the truth

The current government got an amnesty, because they had to react you could say they were forced into it. (or at least they can use it as an excuse because of Thaksins amnesty and the street protests). Kinda like defending yourself when a burglar gets into your house. Most people are excused then too unless they use excessive force.

No half truths from me at all his amnesty started it (or gave it the perfect excuse) that is a fact nobody can deny. That the current goverment got an amnesty is not something I loose sleep over at night. Just as I wont loose sleep over it if they are convicted for staging the coup. I have not much love for them, just prefer them over the previous government but not as much as before.

I would not say his amnesty started it. Thai people did not care if he got an amnesty or not in the same way nobody cares that the army got an amnesty. The army in collusion with Suthep just needed any excuse to get out on the streets and stir up trouble. It could have been the rice scheme etc etc

Your all wrong, did you not read the articles during that time how people rallied because of the amnesty. Also I have spoken with anti government protesters and they came out because of the amnesty. So your wrong his amnesty was the catalyst even PTP members have said so. Admitted it was a bad idea and brought the people to the streets.

you mean I misread the current "government" got amnesty too??? for all current deeds and future??? but you don't mention that but hey... just tell half the truth

One thing at a time and first things first. We haven't got the last guy to go to jail for even one day yet or even stand trial for some his confirmed charges. I am not aware of any court judgements or outstanding charges against the incumbent. Lets clean up the last lot first before we even begin speculating too much about the present. In other words, YOURS FIRST!!!

I agree, there is a lot of finger pointing instead of looking into the mirror. We have to start somewhere and the point where this all mess started was under Thaksins administration, hence we need to start from him. I know pro-thaksin supporters will be like he is not the first to be corrupt and all, but thats just too bad, the protest and uproar started with him, so thats how the card should be played out.

You mean to say that previous coups were also started by Thaksin mess? Don't think Thaksin is a constant since 1932 but the 18 coups are certainly a constant. See the pattern?

Did I say previous coups were started by Thaksin? Like I said before, we need to focus on the present not the past. Pro Thaksin supporter like you keep on saying the same things, coups from the past or no democracy because a General is running the country. You are totally ignoring all the events that occured in between and why.

It started because of Thaksins corruption charges. Protest under Yingluck started because TRT was trying to push for Amnesty to pardon all political cases dating back to 10 years ago. See the pattern? What the PAD did was wrong and should be held accountable too. But you will not agree with most fo what I say as you see it as an "Elite" holding to power issue that is why there is a coup to get rid of Thaksin.

You are trying to pin point all the problems on coups, yes perhaps that was the case before the 90s. But we are in the 2000s, its very different. The coup is not the problem here, instead it is the corrupted politicians or absurd things they are trying to pass. I don't believe coups would have ever happen if politicians follow the law and not try to pardon all corrupt politicians from 10 years ago with the Amnesty Law, that is simply absurd!

I don't support the coup, but it does bring some stability to the country which is what the country needs, the two political sides are at it for too long and turning too violent with their "peaceful" protests. There is no rule of law under "Democracy", whats the use of a Democracy when protesters can continue to take the city hostage? throw bombs?

I believe Thailand needs changes like this in order to move forward again, take two steps back to progress. When you think about how more than 50% of thais think a little corruption is fine, and that their majority vote is the key to democracy and whats best for the nation - Wow that should be a smack in the face and wake up call. Clearly Thailand is going down the wrong path with a mindset like that. As a society develops the people should too, but sadly Thailand is also sliding backwards with their education, the kids are getting dumb and dumber, scoring lower and lower each year! (starting to get off topic, but you get the point, politics can't progress if the human don't progress for the better at a faster pace)

The establishment and the military are dragging their insistence to dominate in the past to the present. I can safely predict that there will be future coups whether we have Thaksin around or not so long as the establishment see that their dominance is being threatened. Even the current military leaders could not commit to an end to more coups.

The military did end the mayhem and could have done that without a coup. The coup has been in their scope when the PT won the election. They just have to find the right moment and the right person. They got their rabble rouser in Sondhi in "05 and Suthep in '14.

I agreed with you that we have to move on but the coup is no answer and has done more damages than good. 20 months post coup and we have yet to see meaningful reforms and decrease in corruption. Meanwhile the loyalist charter drafters are trying to take away more people rights while corruption are occurring within that can't be questioned.

I say give and trust the people to decide their future and select their representatives. Sooner or later, the people will wise up to their leaders' corrupt ways and poor performance at the ballot box.

He should have not asked amnesty almost everyone agrees that was the catalyst for the street protests. I am not saying the coup would not have happened, it might (no way to know for sure) as there as an other reason for the coup too. But I do know that support for the coup would be real low if not for the street protests and his amnesty. So he gave them the chance because he did not want to face the courts for all the other cases still pending against him far more serious as what he is convicted for. But hey.. just blame the military its easier.

you mean I misread the current "government" got amnesty too??? for all current deeds and future??? but you don't mention that but hey... just tell half the truth

One thing at a time and first things first. We haven't got the last guy to go to jail for even one day yet or even stand trial for some his confirmed charges. I am not aware of any court judgements or outstanding charges against the incumbent. Lets clean up the last lot first before we even begin speculating too much about the present. In other words, YOURS FIRST!!!

I agree, there is a lot of finger pointing instead of looking into the mirror. We have to start somewhere and the point where this all mess started was under Thaksins administration, hence we need to start from him. I know pro-thaksin supporters will be like he is not the first to be corrupt and all, but thats just too bad, the protest and uproar started with him, so thats how the card should be played out.

You mean to say that previous coups were also started by Thaksin mess? Don't think Thaksin is a constant since 1932 but the 18 coups are certainly a constant. See the pattern?

comes to something when the only opposition available to the current government is an old man in exile....

especially when that old man is a corrupt criminal whose in exile because he's a fugitive who chose to leg it!

The saddest part is the choice Thais seemingly have - current military government, elite hiso puppet government, or a puppet government controlled by one man for the benefit of his family.

Makes Trump and Clinton look like a real choice.

Did you really said "choice"? No Thais choose the current military government. Junta kool aid overdose.

There was an interesting interview with Thaksin by Al Jazeera which is probably on their web site

Also available in video.

Thaksin was critical of the Junta's new draft constitution:

"... when it comes to the draft constitution, [this] is the worst constitution ever, ... Thaksin told Al Jazeera, comparing it with something that could have been written in North Korea.¹

I think the situation will not allow them to enjoy the power that much because of the way they run the country. Any regime that is careless about their own people will not last long,"

Thaksin also gave similar interviews with The Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times and Reuters. Seems he is no longer playing dead. In a sense the Junta has resurrected Thaksin's political involement.

¹ The Junta draft constitution is not on par with the1972 North Korean constitution. I find the NK constitution to be more honest as to who controls the people's sovereignty - the Communsit Party. Whereas the Junta draft constitution seeks in effect covert military control of the Thai people's sovereignty.

Translated NK Constitution edited for easier reading 1972 NKConstitution.pdf

That was some mean words and harsh condemnation of the junta government. Yet Gen Prawit is sending a mild request to Thaksin to speak good. His boss also has not spoken in his usual angry retort. Sharp contrast with previous events that caused Thaksin to lose his passport. Maybe a game changer time and the deflated junta at their last legs.

Someday there will be an audit of the Fed in the US...??

Someday there will be an audit of

the Royal Household Bureau? Both will show willful negligence and incompetence

and waste which will amount to more than 1000 times the Rice Scheme could of ever

have totaled.

Why go so far. Have a audit of the Royal Thai Army or previous schemes like the Thailand Khem Khaeg (Strong Thailand) and you see willful negligence and incompetence.

Build the gallows high, me boys!!

It is essentially 100% certain that they will convict her. That is why this whole charade is taking place.

It's 100% certain to anyone with an ounce of sense that she was negligent. How many meetings did she attend and chair, pray tell us again? Who appointed her chair? What actions did she take when internal responsible people and external prestigious organizations flagged up problems and warnings?

Whether the mitigation should be "she was only following her brother's orders" or continue to lie, fudge and obscure and hope to weasel the way out remains to be seen.

That's a lot of question marks BB. So you don't know much. If you don't know, why instigate.

That's as good as avoiding and telling the farmers to solve their own problems. This year is El Nina and drought is expected. The weather will resume its normal pattern come next year. Changing a crop just for this year and back to rice is just ludicrous. The government should be talking about improving and innovating current poor irrigation system. Much to learn from improving the Infrastructure and using rice grain that use less water like in Philippines.

best wishes to her

Bleak is what most analysts said. 9 of the judges that ruled against Thaksin case are ruling her case. Will see how the judge or rather the junta has in store for her. The maximum sentencing is 10 years. If the sentencing is too harsh, it can trigger chaos and USA will surely have harsh words since they have called this politically motivated trial. If too lenient, it will embolden their supporters. Perhaps somewhere in the middle which I have no clue what it will be.

And Khun Eric, in his usual unbiased ways, telling us that the judges who ruled 'against Thaksin' were ...biased, and didn't deliver true Justice to his great hero, Mr Mandela-Ghandi-Thaksin! Sure, sure Khun Eric! What's the name again for this rhetorical form, twisting things around...?

Just stating the facts which apparently got you rather emotionally defensive. More facts were the use of retro active laws and split verdict of 5-4 between the judges. No twisting,just facts for pondering. Have a good weekend.

best wishes to her

Bleak is what most analysts said. 9 of the judges that ruled against Thaksin case are ruling her case. Will see how the judge or rather the junta has in store for her. The maximum sentencing is 10 years. If the sentencing is too harsh, it can trigger chaos and USA will surely have harsh words since they have called this politically motivated trial. If too lenient, it will embolden their supporters. Perhaps somewhere in the middle which I have no clue what it will be.

Ignore the messenger, the message is appropriate and timely. Election was promised this year but was aborted by design. Meanwhile the country is in economic distress and more divided. Best graceful exit for the junta is to appoint a civilian interim PM and ministers. The general ministers have done nothing in each of their capacity and are lame ducks and headed by a inept leader.

Actually there is nothing in the article about police restructuring.

Still at the deliberation stage which will probably takes forever or until the next government.

Minister of Commerce Suwit Maesincee said Thailand was still the fourth largest exportes in the world despite the decreasing global exports.

This is definitely wrong.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_exports

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2078rank.html

http://www.geohive.com/charts/ec_exim1.aspx

http://www.statista.com/statistics/264623/leading-export-countries-worldwide/

That boast was for domestic consumption and there will always be gullible junta supporters who will believe it and dispense with the facts.

Government revenues for the first four months of 2016 fiscal year starting last October amounted to 742 billion baht, representing 7.9 percent above target or 54.3 billion baht increase.

Amazing and unexpected performance IF TRUE.

Because if true the Prayut regime should immediately return the 54.3 billion baht surplus funds to the Thai taxpayers! Just a week ago the government made an urgent request to the National Legislative Assembly to pass a 56 billion baht additional expenditure bill for spending on critically needed public projects. In response an emergency meeting was called by the NLA to give approval to a budget increase for the 2016 budget. This "new" money was off-budget and will need to be financed by selling treasury bonds (aka borrowing).

It is more likely the government's revenue collection spiked due to getting at least Bt161.9 billion from auction of two 900MHz spectrum licences for 4G cellular service. At a time when the government is getting windfall revenues it shouldn't be increasing national debt.

The tax revenue collected for past years can be viewed from the ministry website. The figure of 742 B Bt is grossly overstated. There is error there and hope the ministry will correct this misinformation. The figure is more like 400+ B Bt much in line with regular monthly collection. The increase in tax is due to higher sin tax, automobile and the 4G bid

Stop the pantomine. We know how this will end for the untouchable.

11% over a bad low base last year. That's a poor KPI.

This fugitive's place is not to judge, but to come do time for his transgressions. Arrogancy supreme.

Prisoners die mysteriously doing time.

Thakisn maybe right but he and his cohorts don't have a clue either and his past policies are in part to blame.

How did anyone ever take this man seriously!

One of Thaksin "clueless" cohort was called back to to join Prayuth cabinet and help the ailing economy and many of his policies including the infrastructure projects are copied.

Most of not all know that the economy is in bad shape and sliding downhill due to a clueless leader and his inept ministers. They just don't like the messenger even though he is right. I have businesses here and it looks very bad and worse if the junta prolong their stay and the crooked charter will not make matters better. I think Thaksin found his voice sensing that the break in rank of many junta loyal supporters and wealthy elites. His timing to speak out is perfectly timed and many wealthies will resonate to his comment.

If Prayuth had carried out his promise to rid this country of corruption, if he'd made just one small step on his silly 'road map', Taksin, today, would be a non issue/entity. Som nom bloody na!

That would probably mean going after his own military generals, the police, politicians of both divide and pro junta officials. That step will never ever happen.

What you Junta apologists continually will not address is what about the 50 or so years before Thaksin?

All establishment governments.

All elitist, Bangkok based parties, with a continual merry go round of military coups and more of the same.

What about that?

Oh no!!!!

Corruption began with Thaksin.

The only reason Thaksin is pursued with such vengeance is that he represented a REAL threat to the establishment.

All the other corrupt leaders and soldiers are all laughing in retirement, because they were all from the same group.

Thaksin was an outsider.

How many times must I say it?

And Robblok, I must be getting under your skin eh?

You are now starting to make personal remarks about me, ha ha.

Uneducated? Which university did you graduate from and with what degree?

Come on Mr Educated.

Your not getting under my skin at all, your demonstrating that you can't debate and provide with simple answers. Anyone who thinks that an economy is not influenced by the world economy and rides the waves of the world economy is uneducated. So your remarks attributing the good economy in Thaksins time to Thaksin alone.. just show me enough. That was not personal at all that was a fact. In reality, countries like Thailand are dependent on the worlds economy and the leaders at good and bad times can do little to change that.

Your constantly going off topic with your remarks not staying with the topic at hand deflecting and such. You just have no arguments.

Now you asked about my educations, I could write down here that I went to MIT or Harvard or whatever how could you know I am telling the truth. You can't therefor it has no use to write it down here. I let my posts speak for themselves and yours speak for you.

Certainly the stellar achievements during Thaksin tenure not due to him alone and you can credited that also to his cabinet ministers. Since he lead and steer, he rightfully credited with the success. Just compare current clueless leader and his impotent cabinet ministers. Not a bright team that even has to borrow some of Thasin's policies and minister. World economic does affect all but a good leader should have the abilities to implement good policies to rise above the turbulence. Vietnam, Mynmar and Indonesia are good examples of leadership having the right policies to attract massive FDI. The failures of this junta government is so obvious and glaring. I am surprise that with your high education, you cant see or refuse to even consider.

Not refusing to see anything..the junta is doing badly for sure, but not all of that is because of their incompetence (partly it is) but a big part is the world economy. To prove that Thaksin was go good you need to compare the Thai economic progress with that of the rest of asia at the time. You are indeed using facts showing that the junta is under performing by comparing it to other Asian countries at this time. Bobmac on the other hand does no such thing and just attributies the difference to Thaksin.

If you really want to compare you can't compare an economy in an up-going world economy with that of a down going. The only fair comparison would be to see if the economy was outperforming others at that time. I have yet to see that kind of proof so when making a comparison make a fair comparison.

I am not suggesting the Junta is doing a good job economically (i agree they not doing a good job but not all is in their control) just contesting the fact that the good economy back then was Thaksins doing

You seem to suggest that Thailand will perform because of an up-going world economy during Thaksin tenure. The country just came out of the worst financial crisis that hit whole of Asia in 98-99 and Thailand will perform in natural progression. You don't think that the government need to reform the financial sector, corporate re-structuring, enhanced legal commercial laws, market deregulation, liberalize trade, improve environment to attract FDI, extend social safety net and human capital investment.

You don't fold your arms and do nothing and hope the better world economy will carry you through. Or comparing current situation, blame the world economy for the bad state of your country. Government need to get their policies and reforms right to achieve the results. Not happening now.

The facts are well documented that Thaksin increased the foreign currency reserves ( we had none during the financial crisis), paid off the IMF loan in advance, attracted massive FDI, reduce poverty etc. Like him or not, that period Thailand was refered to as a tiger economy like the other 4 tiger economies at that time.

The junta is already listening too him by having in the cabinet and employing some of his rural policies.

What you Junta apologists continually will not address is what about the 50 or so years before Thaksin?

All establishment governments.

All elitist, Bangkok based parties, with a continual merry go round of military coups and more of the same.

What about that?

Oh no!!!!

Corruption began with Thaksin.

The only reason Thaksin is pursued with such vengeance is that he represented a REAL threat to the establishment.

All the other corrupt leaders and soldiers are all laughing in retirement, because they were all from the same group.

Thaksin was an outsider.

How many times must I say it?

And Robblok, I must be getting under your skin eh?

You are now starting to make personal remarks about me, ha ha.

Uneducated? Which university did you graduate from and with what degree?

Come on Mr Educated.

Your not getting under my skin at all, your demonstrating that you can't debate and provide with simple answers. Anyone who thinks that an economy is not influenced by the world economy and rides the waves of the world economy is uneducated. So your remarks attributing the good economy in Thaksins time to Thaksin alone.. just show me enough. That was not personal at all that was a fact. In reality, countries like Thailand are dependent on the worlds economy and the leaders at good and bad times can do little to change that.

Your constantly going off topic with your remarks not staying with the topic at hand deflecting and such. You just have no arguments.

Now you asked about my educations, I could write down here that I went to MIT or Harvard or whatever how could you know I am telling the truth. You can't therefor it has no use to write it down here. I let my posts speak for themselves and yours speak for you.

Certainly the stellar achievements during Thaksin tenure not due to him alone and you can credited that also to his cabinet ministers. Since he lead and steer, he rightfully credited with the success. Just compare current clueless leader and his impotent cabinet ministers. Not a bright team that even has to borrow some of Thasin's policies and minister. World economic does affect all but a good leader should have the abilities to implement good policies to rise above the turbulence. Vietnam, Mynmar and Indonesia are good examples of leadership having the right policies to attract massive FDI. The failures of this junta government is so obvious and glaring. I am surprise that with your high education, you cant see or refuse to even consider.

Does that mean that Col Khachachart Boondee who was tasked by Gen Udomdej with retrieving the commissions from the amulet trader escaped to Mynmar in vain and all for nothing?

I spilled my coffee when I read about Khun Suriyasai hinting that Thaksin is correctly timing his offer with the junta. Suriyasai, spokesman of the PAD and fervent supporter of the PDRC. Who would have guess that even the junta loyal yellow supporters would have turn their backs on the junta. These yellow shirts academics which include very notable arch Thaksin enemies like Komsan Pokong, Banjerd Singkaneti, Phichai Rattanadilok and Suriyasai recently try to hold a seminar to discuss the charter but was cancelled by the junta. Supporters of the coup is fraying fast. His suggestion of a national government may become a reality as the junta is trying hard and fast to find an exit before something nasty will force them out. Supporters of the junta here are a losing bunch.

Myanmar before reforms was all about the 1960 coup that overthrown the elected government and stayed in power by re-writing the constitution that ensured military dominance. Strikingly similar? When they allowed election in 1992 and the NLD won a landslide 80% election,the military refused to relinquish power. A forewarning by Thaksin? If there is a sign to beware, then it may be the Mynmar saffron revolution in 2007.