Pierrot

They say the air is coming from China, any relation ?

Anyway, in HongKong, where the problem is much worse than in Bangkok, they found the solution. If you don't like the pollution index reading, change the index !

What used to be "severe" pollution is now "medium", people feel suddenly much better ....

Ando I agree that the time to talk about the next coup is here, but there is one more issue on a possible red card that could dissolve the PPP. Depending on how that goes it will set the stage for the next event in Thai history. So it is still a few days before being able to make a call. However in general talking about the next coup is a valid topic.

Just a short note, I see Thaksin is holding out on cash for his team. I guess the honeymoon is about over and Manchester is starting to get a taste of the Real Thaksin.

Really, thinking of the next coup already? I would have thought Thais of all political persuasions are keen to avoid a further coup, not just because of the current junta's incompetence and unpopularity, but because the very clear adverse effect on the economy.

It always surprises me how foreign guests in this country,sometimes with proper visas and work permits and sometimes not, feel free to deny Thai people the democratic rights they take for granted in their own countries.

I agree...

It is hard to imagine that 15 years ago Thailand was one of the most dynamic economies in the world driven by foreign direct investment rather liker Vietnam today.

We are now off the map...

The top 4 of 5 employees in this country are foreign - it is difficult to see them investing in the current political environment. Things are improving - lets hope it continues.

Agree too.

It has been said before that foreigners (!?) support the junta. It depends what you mean by "foreigners", (sexpat, I love the word) but foreign governments have always make clear that they consider Thaksin, whatever his shortcomings, as the legally and democratically elected leader of Thailand. I believe one of the reason of such a good ending to the coup, is that Western governments also made clear they will not welcome a second Burma in Asia.

They have nothing to lose except their credibility (which is already badly damaged) and everything to gain

Hey, I have Thai family in Issarn and Bangkok. Mostly unskilled workers , but some middle ranking in the military. NONE of them supported the coup.

If the generals ran for election they would finish sixteenth out of a field of ten! I am not too woried about the natives.

and as typical in Thailand.. Your mileage may vary...

and representative of the current division in this country, my Thai family ALL supported the coup... and none of them voted for return the old TRT in the election. They and I are quite concerned about the "natives" in the current situation.

At least there is unity in your families.

In mine, half are from up north and support Thaksin, the other one, including the wife, true Bangkok blue blood, supports whatever-his-name from the so-called democrats. Main reason : he is good looking !!!

Following heated arguments a couple of month ago, politic is now a forbidden subject during family meetings.

From the Nation today :

"Puea Pandin had deep pockets. It spent heavily in this campaign. But something was wrong. The voters took the loot but they were not enthusiastic about the Puea Pandin candidates. They had already decided to vote for the PPP ... As a result, Puea Pandin was routed, blowing away the chance of the Democrats forming the government."

Now who said that Thaksin was the bad guy ? And that N E people were brainless people who can be cheaply bought ???

One fact I don't really get : Thaksin robbed Thailand.

The only money Thaksin MAY have illegally earned was bribery money that was not intended to the Thai people anyway but to rotten business people who form the base of "democrat" voters.

In my opinion, people who voted for the PPP are perfectly justified to see Mr T as a modern day Robin Hood who stole from the robber barons to give to the poors.

PS : I'm a new comer, how do you add these cool pictures that appear below the people name ?