herfiehandbag

We are totally insignificant to the government and economy, and I agree that there are many, many other things to exercise the minds of a new government. Remember they do not only have to reform/change the system, but also manage the country economically and socially to answer to the voters needs - unlike their predecessors they will have to keep the voters "onside"! Where we may be of some limited value is as a source of supplementary income to a fairly restricted tranche of the Immigration Department - who are unlikely to rock the boat; but that frankly does not make us significant!

Which would mean shipping the materials in through narrow shallow (easily closed) sea lanes. Storing it in a base vulnerable to air or more likely cruise missile attack, then either bringing your fleet in through those narrow, shallow sea lanes or shipping the stuff out on replenishment ships. Of course it would have to be guarded and protected ( ground forces and especially air forces). In short order there would be a major US military presence here. Now whatever the views of the (potentially) incoming government vis-a-vis China, becoming the location of what will inevitably be a major US military presence is unlikely to benefit Thailand.

What will be interesting to see is if the military head honchos here continue to cuddle up to their soulmates in Burma!

You consider not being in favour with the clique of genocidal kleptomaniacs who control Burma, (or at least those parts of it which are within 300 metres of a metalled road, and then only in daylight) as being "damage done"?

I don't suppose for a moment that looks had anything to do with it...

Can't imagine why the Americans would want a Naval base in Thailand - the Gulf of Thailand is shallow and any base would be easily bottled up. The whole point of their massive aircraft carrier fleet is to remove the need for vulnerable land airbases.

She has a Masters degree in Science from a British University, so hopefully requires some empirical data before endorsing statistics. Mind you, it was Surrey... She is also quite easy on the eye - I would share tea and sticky buns with her!

Used to have a boss we called "handbag" (not to his face obviously). Everyone used to carry him everywhere!

Do you think so? Well, Thaksin could certainly lay off the hair dye. Yingluck is still looking good, the two younger ones seem quite normal. Not creepy really - unless you are disturbed to think he has a sister and children?

No. It is legitimate for the people to make obvious their views, but not to drag siblings, children and parents in. That is exactly what the authoritarian regime would do. That is almost certainly what the authoritarian regime want them to do. It will give them the excuse to move. Violence should not be threatened. It should be kept for self defence in case violence is used against protesters or opponents of the regime. The coalition hold the (moral) high ground, they were unequivocally chosen by the electorate. They must not abandon it.

Time to dig out the Alpha Jets and pop rivet some more patches on them?

On one level, someone in the system is trying to do something. On another (altogether higher) level, what an indictment of a societies leaders they do this, yet do nothing to remove the weapons which are causing the carnage. Still, as someone pointed out there will be no school shootings for a couple of months, it is the school summer holidays!

I doubt that they hold stocks sufficient for over a year.

Wasn't she one of those he dismissed as "losers"?

I suppose one of the indicators of a "failed state" is how basic services such as commuter railways are faring...

Yet had a medical exemption from the draft!????

I understand that the Texas State Legislature will not sit now until January 2025! So no movement on gun control!

And entertaining.

Followed closely by two "draft age" chaps!

The Vatican announces the selection of a new leader (Pope) with white smoke over Saint Peter's basilica. Thailand announces the selection of a new leader with diesel smoke over the tank parks of the Bangkok barracks!

It does raise the question of why the outgoing (?) "caretaker" government is even bothering to consider the future procurement of aircraft!

At one level the fellow is a buffoon, and his allegations are complete nonsense. However they could serve to further delay "certification" should the Election Commission decide that they are duty bound to investigate. That of course is part of the game - allowing a defeated government to remain in place, and deny the election winners their place. What happens if, after 60 days, the results are still not certified?

Is the beach still there?

My room in the Packway Mess when I was stationed at Larkhill used to look out over Stonehenge. I always went with the Flanders and Swan theory that they never put a roof on it 'cos they couldn't get twigs big enough!

Billd766. Listen to Sherryl. Get your <deleted> back to the hospital. Insist on them investigating the symptoms. You aren't going to get better on your own and at 79 too young for "the grim reaper". Daily updates please - we want to know. Best of luck - you are one of the better crabs I have known! You may not care but I will say a prayer for you, sorry but I am a left footed God botherer!