dinsdale

=dictatorship by the military/elite under the auspices of a constitutional monarchy.

What is democracy? What is freedom? I once wrote a 6000 word paper at uni simply titled: What is Freedom? It was a political philosophy dissertation. Very difficult requiring copius amounts of Jamesons Whiskey. Defining democracy is also very complex and even more difficult now that some basic tenants such as freedom of speech have been severely curtailed. Having said this to compare Thailand to western democracies is spurious. Tell me a western democracy where you can be jailed for >15 yrs for what the govt. deems to be lese majeste. Indeed not long ago someone was jailed for 75 yrs for FB posts. Corruption is endemic from top to bottom in all aspects of government, judiciary, police and the armed forces and military coups are common. A select number of non-elected senators planted by a coup leader can determine who the government is or isn't no matter the people's choice in an election. This doesn't sound like western democracy to me.

You should read this entire article and many, many similar ones to educate yourself on Thaksin's "war on drugs" and the ensuing extrajudicial killings. http://www.humanrights.asia/resources/journals-magazines/article2/special-report-extrajudicial-killings-of-alleged-drug-dealers-in-thailand/extrajudicial-killings-of-alleged-drug-dealers-in-thailand/ Extrajudicial killings of alleged drug dealers in Thailand Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra announced on 28 January 2003 that a ‘war on drugs’ would begin on February 1, and continue until April 30, at which time the country would be drug-free. As a result, over 2000 persons lost their lives during this three-month period, murdered on the streets, in houses, restaurants and shops around the country. Others who escaped death have been forced into hiding or had their reputations and livelihoods ruined. Below is a selection of cases compiled from complaints received and investigated by non-governmental organizations, the media and other sources.

Prayut's puppets.

It would definitly frighten me if it was coming in. https://www.key.aero/article/6e-wolverine-usafs-natural-choice The Wolverine can be equipped with a range of ordnance, including GBU-12 (500lb) and GBU-58 (250lb) Paveway II laser-guided bombs; GBU-49 (500lb) and GBU-50 (250lb) Paveway II GPS-guided bombs; AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles (ASMs); 2.75in MK156 white phosphorus (WP) unguided rockets and HMP-400 .50 cal gun pods.

Not just Asia. It is the way totalitarian dictatorships work. I won't call Thailand an outright totalitarian dictatorship but it is a dictatorship by stealth. The military and who they serve are the true rulers here. The people are mearly subjects who get token elections every now and again with the real outcome know well in advance. The govt (military) does not rule for the people. They subjugate any sniff of democracy to maintain their power.

The AT-6H Wolverine is a very capable light attack/reconnaisance aircraft.

Agree and this is supported by puerile TV shows specifically designed to keep the populace dumb. I must say, however, that this time round Thai people are not happy with what's taking place. What they'll do is the big question.

Careful. But you are correct.

Complete rubbish but even if it wasn't it's preferrable to a military backed government or junta. Look at any military governments anywhere, Thailand for example, and you will not see a democracy. I agree about a lot of the "progessoive rubbish" in the west but we are not in the west. We are in Thailand a dictactorship by a military/elite.

This could have two possible scenarios. The 'grilling' isn't actually much of a grilling because they (the military) want the stooge to hang around for a bit longer or it will be a real "grilling" and paradoxically will be in support of MFP's no confidence call because in one fell sweep they can get rid of both MFP (Constitutial Court) and PT.

They'll run fresh elections and deny any offshoot of MFP the right to run. PT is in the firing line somewhere down the track. The military will not give up their power. No coincidence the move to disolve MFP (IMO this will happen) comes before the election of new senators.

The Constitutional Court on Jan 31 ruled that the Move Forward party’s plan to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code or the lese majeste law was tantamount to overthrow the democratic regime of the [non-elected] government with the King as the head of state. Simply ludicrous The changes to 112 were about deweaponising the law. Not about overthrowing the monachy. However, facts will not stand in the way of the juntas legal system.

They are likely as corrupt as the RTP, Immigration and Customs.

Yes some places have it at a different time but the national holidays are from the 12th to the 16th. This is when people will travel back to their homes and this is when the majority of Thailand will celerbrate Songkran which is on the 13th. This is how it's always been and always will be. It's just a little longer this year. NOT 3 weeks.

Then comes the brown paper bag.

One of his young giks maybe but not the missus. This is over and above the call of duty.

Been a few days since we've seen the word HUB.

Stomach problems and ear infections are common.

For your average Thai the celebrations will be during the official holiday period which again is April 12-16.

It won't be "21 days of splashing water". As I said above there will be virtually no difference. The actual holiday is April 12-16.

Same every year. Makes no difference. 21 days? Well this will not really be the case. It will be basically the same. This yr. Fri12-Tues 16. As for road deaths/injuries well alcohol, speeding, aggressive driving, inattentive driving, no helmets, no seatbelts etc are occurring on the roads of Thailand every single day.

Early morning and late night only. What a joke. Ends up just as expensive for me flying out of BKK than later flights due to transportation. Ok I guess if someone lives close to the airport. It will be interesting to see if they put the fares up for these flights and then discount.

The only reason this is a story is because the real rising star, Pita, was corruptly and frauduently denied his rightful place as PM and his Party was by the same token denied their right to be the governing party which the ovewhelming majority of Thais voted for. Democracy should never be used to describe the political system here.

Problem with legalizing all drugs, of which I support, is that systems such as rehab, social work and employment programs need to be put in place. Portugal has had success in this. Crime down and prison populations down. The bigger problem IMHO is not putting systems such as these in place but insted it is the very high level drug king pins and high level corruption that stops this from happening. There is absolutely no willingness to chop off the head of the snake. Way too much money involved.