jonclark

Sounds like a poll that largely left out the people up north. Thailand has 76 Providences by they only managed to poll people in 17??? Sounds like another very meaningless poll.

Indeed, I'm, sure if they polled the Southern most provinces they would have got a completely different set of opinions

Grounds for declaring the election null and void on false promises?

Well that would invalidate EVERY election ever held for a government leader.

In this case it is not that they lied at some point,

but the number and grandiose size of the lies,

and how fast they have backtracked on these obviously unworkable false promises.

I have been saying since before the election that

Thaksin and the old TRT guys, were way too far forward in this election campaign.

Before after and during, and that may be enough to remove their closest associates

from the PTP win.

Not to mention the obvious connection of terrorist charged Reds on the party list,

being seen as a win for violent intimidation of the country to take back power.

Not to mention the inherent LM leanings of several Red factions.

Not saying the PTP will not form a government, but that

WHO is in PTP to do it might be different than originally planned

simply because they got arrogant and over reached or expected

the EC to just roll over like a puppy to get it's belly scratched

if the win was large enough.

If the law is used to cut down on Thaksin's levers of control,

but stil leave PTP as the government, this might be a middle ground.

But certainly the lies to their voters are going to enrage segments of them,

and if certain players don't get their ways, this may touch off a new round of violence, whether the EC removes certain of the other players or not.

Ii think this kinda shows just how out of touch Taksin actually is. A lot has changed, especially as the army and to a certain degree the dems have found out to their cost, people are felling more empowered politically and are not the fools they are often mistaken for. There are interesting times ahead.

Good story. Where are all the negative comments about how supposedly inept Thai police are? Where are all the comments about how "no one helps them." Give this short article a good read. Read it over and over again. Memorize it. Make it your mantra until you stop whining.

falangiim ever heard the saying "One Swallow doesn't make a summer."

To quote the old football chants for PTP

"You don't know what you're doing. You don't know what you're doing"

Once again the poor have been bent over a barrel, properly shafted and told to smile for the cameras. Nice one Yingluck! It's very <deleted>**ing obvious now why you didn't want to take part in a televised debate - you're policies are hollow and empty.

Evey three months whenever a buddist holiday comes around do we have the same repetitive arguments about why non buddist aren't allowed to purchase alcohol. Jeez if you're life revolves around alcohol so much I suggest you need help, give your liver a break and have a couple of days off. We all chose to live in a different country and so just get on with it and accept some of the cultural aspects, instead of expecting a wholesale transfer of western ideals to Thailand. We have to bend to suit Thailand, not the other way round. If Thais choose to disrespect their own culture by drinking (on days like today) that shouldn't be our cue to copy and do the same.

Clearly by allowing hotels to sell alcohol to guest, Thailand has shown a degree of flexibility and understanding towards its visiting guests. As residents we should know better as we pride ourselves on integrating with the locals, don't we?

i will intergrate tonight with the locals in my village and go and share a bottle's of whisky and some cokes. whats the tourist to do who make up the majority of foriegners here,there not here to intigrate. think outside the box its not about expats.

Nalak - As most hotels serve alcohol to their guests during this period anyway, whilst there will be some tourists (probably single white males[if we believe the stereotype]) that will be aggrieved that they can't drink while watching semi naked women gyrate for their viewing entertainment, most tourists (families, couples etc) probably won't be too put out and if the desire to drink is so utterly overwhelming that it must be satisfied then they can stay at their resort / hotel of choice and have a drink or get drunk. We are after all only talking about a couple of days not weeks or months.

Evey three months whenever a buddist holiday comes around do we have the same repetitive arguments about why non buddist aren't allowed to purchase alcohol. Jeez if you're life revolves around alcohol so much I suggest you need help, give your liver a break and have a couple of days off. We all chose to live in a different country and so just get on with it and accept some of the cultural aspects, instead of expecting a wholesale transfer of western ideals to Thailand. We have to bend to suit Thailand, not the other way round. If Thais choose to disrespect their own culture by drinking (on days like today) that shouldn't be our cue to copy and do the same.

Clearly by allowing hotels to sell alcohol to guest, Thailand has shown a degree of flexibility and understanding towards its visiting guests. As residents we should know better as we pride ourselves on integrating with the locals, don't we?

While I myself have no incline towards the reds (or any other color for that matter), I wonder what would happen in the western world of democracies if a party was legitimately elected 4 times (under international observation the last time - so no one can argue) and for the fourth time the democratically elected government and/or its elected candidates was removed by means of a so called impartial court ruling or a military coupe'. I think that in those countries too there would be very, very big trouble indeed.

Exactly, what is wrong with buying a few votes?

There is nothing wrong in buying votes, nothing wrong with that at all. The British (All parties) have been doing it for decades and so have the Americans and Australians and all the rest.

We are going to cut taxes (Buying Votes) We are going to increase pensions (Buying votes) We are going to give you health care (Buying votes)

Get real will you no one anywhere would vote for anyone if they where not going to get something more or better for themselves. You add this repetitive statement almost daily

Actually there is a difference. If you vote for a party which (buys a vote) by promising better pensions for example, the improved pension is given to everyone of pensionable age, all people benefit additionally other political parties and media, through debate, critique and questioning of the party . are able to explains the pitfalls & benifits of that policy and offer a counter policy for people to choose between. (which benefits all the people). .If i give you 500 baht to put a tick in the box, this benefits a single person and there is no discourse or opportunity for other parties to offer an alternative ( other than more money). In this situation a single person (the receiver of the 500 Baht ) benefits and the pitfalls or potential problems of that parties policy remain hidden as meaningful discourse has been effectively neutralized. That is the difference, which do you prefer?

senior member with 331 i think it was , you have no right to say that the people that voted for the red shirts are ( Morroons ) or words to that effect someone should put this so called sernoir member to rights , they was voted in why don't you eccept the vote of the mojority of the people if you don't agree which you dont as you write the same thing every day then eccept the system tht you make out you stand for !

we all know you dont like any change happy with your lot must be doing ok but there are many that aren't doing ok out of this system so if nothing else they are entiled to a change without such comments ( here we go again threats from the red shirt ) give them a chance but it no good talking to a cloded mind as yourself !

So according to you, if you are voted in , or enough people support you, then you can do what you want, when you want without fear of the repercussions or consequences. I support the system, but it appears the Nattuwat doesn't as the system is questioning his constitutionally required credentials to work within that system.If Nattawut supported the system, he should quietly let the EC get on with its job and reach a conclusion. Nattawut fears the conclusion and is threatening to resort to demonstrations and intimidation to get his way and effectively overrule the system not support it. Red Shirt supporters are not moroons, but their leaders are. He says one thing but does the opposite.

I 100% agree with you that the majority of people in this country have done very poorly and have very few opportunities to better themselves (unlike their leaders who have made heaps of money). ALL political leaders exploit the dreams of the poor and downtrodden for their own financial gain. Please don't think for a minute that Nattawut and co are doing this for altruistic reasons.

If I recall correctly Mr. Natthawut is Currently out on Bail.

Is it permissible to Publicly Threaten the Election Commissioners (or anyone else) under the present bail conditions?

This person should be immediately brought before a Judge and explain why he appears to believe that he is permitted to go around threatening people.

Isn't it about time that these people with very serious charges lodged against them are reigned in?

I suggest that we let the Election Commission perform their job without fear or threats.

Mob Rule can not be tolerated.

I think in Thailand things work a bit differently. Being out on bail apparently means it is permitted, no encouraged and rewarded to violate your bail conditions and throw threats around how you please. But, who can blame him, no ones enforces the law here, the police are on the whole dittering idiots, the court system is overwhelmed and criminals are allowed to stand as MPs. Who's gonna stop him?

I blame Nattawuts parents. Obviously as a child he was always given what he wanted, not what he needed. So now as an adult when he doesn't get what he wants he has a tantrum.

Clearly he's shi**ng himself as without the immunity being an MP affords he's looking at potentially spending more time in jail (and will loose more weight).

Let the EC do it's job, put your dummy back in your mouth and shut up.

I bet the insurance firms are watching the outcome of this. If the reds are found guilty, expect litigation in the billions. Hope Thida et al have got some savings. Interesting if it proven to be the armys doing!! My own view - Not enough evidence, no one did it sweep it under the carpet - next.

It's only been farangs - no need to investigate, everything just coincidence, mai bpen rai!

Not just farangs. Local Thai-language newspapers carry regular reports of gang attacks on Ch Mai roads.

Exactly... please read my previous post, so common around Pattaya the rags have stopped reporting them!!!!!!

This was a bodged car jacking with intent to get MONEY.

Why not proceed with the car jacking then? They would have only found out they hit somebody when they looked inside. Why turn it into a hit and run when these were obviously their tactics? And, if they're willing to fire guns at vehicles for money then why halt the robbery portion of the crime b/c a bullet hit somebody?

You know it's not beyond possibility that this is some form of gang initiation. Show how committed to the cause you are go and shoot someone. Gang violence seems to be on the increase (or its just reported more). Just speculation as I don't live in CM but in old bangers, college students scraping, stabbing and shooting each other is all the rage at the moment.

If you observe closely from past and future events such as this - it is strongly suggesting that Farangs are being targeted in all areas of Thailand. There is a strong presence of "Farang Haters" amongst the general Thai population that have a skewed perception of farangs.

Roughly translated 'farang hater' must mean racist knobheads.

Condolences to the teacher.

Why rush things? How about 2017? Or whenever the high-speed rail line to China is built?

Indeed - what about all the 'little reds' which are still rotting in prison. No concern for them by their leaders thank you very much

The thing is this IS home for many people of non Thai descent.

All people are asking for is equality and a little respect so we are allowed to contribute and be recognized for our contribution to society.

You wouldn't call an African in America a 'nigger' and tell him or her to get back on the banana boat and go home If he or she complained about their (repeated) negative experiences in the USA for example would you? I'd imagine if you heard someone talk like that you'd be quite shocked and embarrassed, yet repeatedly on this forum whenever people comment about their bad experiences their complaints and comments are met with a sanitized version of what essentially amounts to something akin to "<deleted> off back home nigger".

Apologies for any offense caused. Just trying to make a point.

If you dislike the place so much, why don't you go back home?

Where did I say I dislike the place? Any how I am home, I commented on my dislike of comments like yours, boring, tedious, predictable and only worthy of the ignore button .

Do you now understand, why under no circumstances I ever want to invest even one cent in Thailand ?

If you dislike and distrust the place so much why don't you go back home.

This " why don't you go back home" is so old and worn out! please come up with something better, more original

The thing is this IS home for many people of non Thai descent.

All people are asking for is equality and a little respect so we are allowed to contribute and be recognized for our contribution to society.

You wouldn't call an African in America a 'nigger' and tell him or her to get back on the banana boat and go home If he or she complained about their (repeated) negative experiences in the USA for example would you? I'd imagine if you heard someone talk like that you'd be quite shocked and embarrassed, yet repeatedly on this forum whenever people comment about their bad experiences their complaints and comments are met with a sanitized version of what essentially amounts to something akin to "<deleted> off back home nigger".

Apologies for any offense caused. Just trying to make a point.

I know it will never happen. But what might happen if DTAC told the government to go and blow it out of their arse? Can't be shut down as there would be too many people out of work, can it? And what would happen to all the people who have DTAC contracts and phone numbers?

I'm interested in what software these tablets will be operating on? MS windows i'd imagine as it's the only software the teachers will understand or have used in the past. Doesn't a single license cost about 3000 baht. You can get group (school wide) licenses but they I'd imagine they are very expensive, Or will we see government sponsored softeware piracy!! Knock off tablets with knock off windows. And Thailand is trying to get itself removed from the US watchlist isn't it??

Ultimately the government should be responsible for what goes on their as its their project.

Tablets are little different from computers and are more likely to come with the apple or android software that increasing numbers of people use on their mobile phones and tablets already. It will be more about what apps are available, and get developed and actually using these devices is probably easier than using a desktop or laptop computer. Another thing is that just making kids au fait with handling and using modern technology is a good thing in itself as tablet style technology and what develops from it is going to be part of many workplaces in the future as well as an important part of peoples social life

Next point is...

how many apps for iPad or Android are learning tools AND in Thai????

Who's going to pay for development or migration of apps in Thai to these platforms. Or does PTP plan to implement such great, working English or other language skills in kids that the existing apps are good.

Sp far I haven't even seen a Thai to any language translator app for any pad, let alone a comprehensive suite of learning tools.

The iPad can type in Thai on the word processor, but that's all I know of.

I mentioned before the government should reach out to students in their higher learning facilities to develop these programs. Making a contest of such.

Jeez I must be way behind the curve on this. I thought tablets came with Windows!!! and I'm only 46. Imagine the look of horror on a middle aged Thai teacher when she is requested to explain what Apps her lesson plans will incorporate !! Or if her lesson is android friendly !! When i was a teacher 5 years ago, the school i worked at got it's first projector and was still trying to figure out how to work it when I left 6 months later.

I'm interested in what software these tablets will be operating on? MS windows i'd imagine as it's the only software the teachers will understand or have used in the past. Doesn't a single license cost about 3000 baht. You can get group (school wide) licenses but they I'd imagine they are very expensive, Or will we see government sponsored softeware piracy!! Knock off tablets with knock off windows. And Thailand is trying to get itself removed from the US watchlist isn't it??

Ultimately the government should be responsible for what goes on their as its their project.

It's the least this man deserves and I look forward to see him sparing with Yingluck in Parliament.

This should create a great opportunity for those that really need a new tablet or notebook.There will 1000's available at numerous pawnshops throughout Thailand at a much reduced price.

The skeptical side of me thinks the same thing.

I'd have thought that this 'listing' would have more to do with the 'islamic' insurgency in the South of the country than any Bangkok based demonstration. Clearly there is a lot going on to sustain such a long standing insurgency such as funding, recruitment and training. Don't think this has anything, other than a footnote, to do with Taksin et al.

Yes ... it's just interesting that it comes so soon after alleged terrorists were elected to government.

If it is only about the south, why has it taken so long?

Perhaps, it's because the insurgency has been going for so long. There are daily shootings of teachers, monks, various bombings and attacks on security personnel which often injury or kill bystanders, village headmen, rubber tappers beheaded, all to establish a pan-Islamic state in the southern peninsula. This is established terrorism with more than likely links to overseas international terrorism organizations. Far worse than the demos in Bangkok.

Edit: Besides freedom to demonstrate is in principle an enshrined in spirit with the idea of democracy

I'd have thought that this 'listing' would have more to do with the 'islamic' insurgency in the South of the country than any Bangkok based demonstration. Clearly there is a lot going on to sustain such a long standing insurgency such as funding, recruitment and training. Don't think this has anything, other than a footnote, to do with Taksin et al.

some so-called "progressive" reds are calling for the movement to be restructured so it can be more accountable, responsive and legitimate in the future.

So, it hasn't be accountable or legitimate in the past?

She added that this government might alienate many red shirts if it failed to punish those responsible for the 91 deaths last year

I would think that many red shirts will be alienated when they find out that the red shirts are responsible for quite a few of the 91 deaths.

Yep bit of a bind this one, does Yingluck push for the amnesty for her brother (and those alleged murders [the army and blackshirts] whoever they maybe) and the Abhisit government and go for national reconciliation and alienate 'her beloved' reds shirts or does she punish those responsible, leave her brother in Dubai, upset the army, and various powerful politicians but make the red shirts happy.

I can feel a demonstration coming on - Ratchaprasong Pt 2 - Red vs Red

Does anyone else think the graphic accompanying this article needs a rethink - 85% (ish) of Thai children have an IQ of less than 100 = happy smiling girls face. What is there to smile about?? Is she stupid?