jonclark

7 hours ago, CelticBhoy said:

Dangerous? Aye! But calling them "girders" is a bit much methinks.

Aye and they are steel not iron too

1 minute ago, Thaiwrath said:

Jimmy Hill's daughter ?   

LOL great minds... 

What the hell is going on with the Jimmy Hill chin??? 

International schools my arse. 

Any international school worth its salt would never employ an unqualified person on a tourist visa. All international schools are externally accredited - Cfbt, BSO, etc and part of that very through and detailed accreditation process is a detailed examination of all parts of the schools inner workings. 

I am sure this must be a poor translation as they are talking about language schools that have the word 'international' in their business name. 

1 hour ago, Jeremia Juxtaposed said:

I was in there for 3 weeks in '97 I think it was. So many things I could say but won't... I guess the worst thing was the prison guard that called out detainees' names that were due to be released. My nickname became "England" and every other day he would yell out "England!" so I picked up my shoes ( with hidden boiled eggs in) then make Then he'd say "England's Prime Minister is Tony Blair" or "England's captain is David Beckham" before bursting into laughter and making me walk back to my 3 allocated floor tiles... A truly <deleted> awful place ...

Should have told him actually Tony Blair is Britain's PM not englands

49 minutes ago, robblok said:

If that is how politics play out how can people then say there is much PTP /Democrat support when in reality the voters just do as the local powerbrokers say (switching sides whenever it is asked of them) ? Then its like people don't care who is in power as long as the local powerbrokers benefit. That in turn would show the reason why there is not much resistance against the junta.. they keep the powerbrokers happy so nobody protests besides a few die hard supporters of political parties. 

 

But if it works like that (not saying that it does not) why popular policies.. I mean if the powerbrokers hold the power and tell their people how to vote.. extra persuasion is not needed ? I am confused... maybe its a little of both.

When you look back over the past 15-20 years there has been very little to choose between the policies of the major parties. Of course there was all the political mud slinging and name calling to spice things up a bit. But with the exception of Taksins first campaign, there was very little to choose between the parties in terms of policy. The net result for provincial folk was pretty similar in terms of outcomes. 

Of course they all diligently read the manifestos and attended the rallies and listened to the debates on thai political forums so they could make an informed decision... Or not as is more likely. 

But the biggest influence on how to vote would have been local. The local Phui Yai would throw there weight behind their preferred candidate, maybe put on a show at a temple and been seen in each others company. 

So it benefits the locals to align themselves to the candidate that has the most local influence. 

Newin Chinchob held massive influence as kingmaker within PTP for the Surin / buriram area and he was frequently courted by the PTP leadership. His influence and picking of candidates that could deal with local problems was in part to do with the massive victories PTP experienced in Issan. 

In a society as poor as rural Thailand has, that is built on a strongly defined local social hierarchy these players hold the keys to the kingdom for those in Bangkok. 

Maybe now the voters are more savvy.. I am open to that but not yet convinced. And judging by prayuts actions employing these people as advisors neither is he. 

26 minutes ago, robblok said:

Yes of course it would be naive to think these guys don't get rewards for joining the junta or previously the PTP. 

 

What i find interesting is to see if these guys can keep their support if they swing the junta side. Because if that is possible that means that those power brokers have loads of power and people follow them so in a way people are not politically motivated but aligned with whoever those powerbrokers canvassers say they have to vote for.  

That is pretty much how Thai politics plays out. 

People in provinces generally do not care for central government. It is the local scene that counts. And due to that people will vote for those local influences favour. 

These local influences can expedite solutions to problems which provincial people may face. So following their advice means their ears will be open in the future should a problem require a solution. For example preferential access to the village fund, or a heads up when a contract comes up for bidding. 

Scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. 

This is sad. These 'allies' are the same kingmaker, powerbrokers, and dinosaurs that are responsible for the political quagmire Thailand has found itself in for the past 6 years. 

These dinosaurs do not want reform and progress, they exist simply to maintain their families influence and regional domintion. 

Be in no doubt, their backing and support is only given if their terms are met. 

"more historical dramas should promote his vision of Thai culture."

Thai culture belongs to all Thais not you Mr. PM so let the people decide what their culture actually is. 

On 4/19/2017 at 10:39 AM, lungnorm said:

How does a Nigerian afford a holiday in Pattaya? Must be a scammer of a drug mule!!!! Such an attitude for a black man is diabolical. Serves  him right.

The GDP of Nigeria is pretty much identical to Thailand's - 405 billion US  to 406 Billion US - although GDP per capita is 2000 - 5000 respectively due o pop differences. the bottom line is that there are a significant number of nigerians who are far, far richer than you or I. And could quite easily afford a holiday to pattaya. 

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