JAG

10 hours ago, damascase said:

Can you name a country that at present you cannot trade with, but after Brexit you will/can?

It is not so much about which country we can or cannot trade with, rather than the terms under which we can trade with them. At present we are bound by terms decided by and imposed by a beaurocracy over which we have little control, and which is effectively unaccountable to any electorate. Those terms are very often designed to protect specific interest groups to which the UK does not belong, and as a result will impose additional costs upon consumers. 

CAP anyone?

7 hours ago, oilinki said:

What if we people, who think we are Europeans, would like to keep our union and would like to live together in peace? The same way you feel that you are a Brit and would like the UK to stay together. 

 

Then keep it. The most pertinent point, however, perhaps is whether the EU as currently structured will ever allow it's various peoples to express an opinion on this matter. Their reaction to the UK's decision rather suggests not...

30 minutes ago, melvinmelvin said:

I find this a very very unfair comment and it certainly shows you know close to zilch re Finland's modern history.

 

Quite accurate though...

16 minutes ago, tomacht8 said:

Oh dear.
Kindergarten Level.
But comfort you, his term ends in November 2019

Remind us, who is he appointing to succeed him as "Der projektleiter" (note I don't use the term "fuhrer" - it is a bit emotive!)

3 hours ago, zzaa09 said:

 

 

Yet, everyone I know and know of are quite free, independent, and self-sufficient - allowing themselves to live as they see fit without the hardship of everyday "dictatorial" repression that many imagine for themselves. 

 

Must be thinking of another Thailand or you don't really live here or not terribly everyday observant or make things up that really don't exist. These ailments seem to be commonplace among the good membership of TVF and other places..

You repeat this claim, every time anyone comments adversely on the situation here viz-a-viz political and social freedoms in this society. Yes, Thais are left alone to live more or less as they choose, where they choose and how they choose, as long as that life and the way they live it does not cross some basic "red lines" with regard to political expression, social comment or beliefs. I am aware that such restrictions exist in many (all) societies, but here they are more constricting, and the government which constructs, applies and enforces them was not selected by the people, and is not subject to any oversight or review by the people. Likewise, they have no real say the in the decisions about how the country is run. For example, if, as has been floated, the current regime decides that they wish to curtail or close the public healthcare system, the people will have no real input into that decision, and no representation which can protest, debate or approve or prevent such action.

That is not liberty or freedom, that is being allowed to get on with one's life. The Thais acquiesce to this form of government, largely because they have no choice. Aquiescence is not the same as accepting or approving.

Seems reasonable, given the phenomenal intensity of the almost constant operational deployment of the armed forces, and the renowned professionalism and inspirational leadership of the senior officers concerned...

On 11/14/2018 at 6:55 AM, Kiwiken said:

And does the deal include the British Army being absorbed in to A European Nationale Grande Armee

I take it (perhaps) that you are being ironic?

The idea has about as much chance as did the delusion, held quite widely amongst some in the German high command, that once they could reach an accomodation with the Western allies in spring 1945, they could together push east and expell the Russians from Eastern Europe!

15 hours ago, Frabato said:

...Just don't ever again fall into the trap of thinking Thais are honest, because, to a man, they're not...

Whilst I entirely agree with your assertion that dishonesty (corruption) permeates the entire law enforcement establishment ( although it is not universal - not every policeman is corrupt) I would argue that to accuse the entire population of being dishonest is "way over the top". I know, and have had dealings with many honest Thais. I have also encountered some dishonest westerners.

Six months conscription eh?

I wonder why not two years, like the common people?

9 minutes ago, lemonjelly said:

Missus used to loathe Thaksin as did most people in the south, but now says things were better under him, the junta have made themselves extremely unpopular and I get the feeling that this is a general consensus..... election time could get ugly enough for another convenient coup.

If a "Thaksin" victory (after 4+ years of junta rule) results in, or is (again) pre-empted by a "convenient" coup (and let's face it, that chap with the bizarre haircut who is now in charge of the army has rather let it be known that he is up for one) then I suspect things could get a bit fraught...

19 minutes ago, khaowong1 said:

John McCain's Senate seat comes open in Jan.  I'm pretty sure Gov. Ducey will appoint McSally for this.  

Seriously? She has just lost an election to the senate, so she can be appointed anyway?

Doesn't the popular vote count for anything?

2 hours ago, Pedrogaz said:

Why isn't Suthep in jail?

2 hours ago, zzaa09 said:

As the hypocritical double standards apply nicely here - the protection and privileges that accompany.

Thai historic precedence. Been witnessed numerous times over the years.

And, as post #23 pointed out, he knows where a lot of skeletons are buried...

2 hours ago, Briggsy said:

Same old error over and over.

 

Northern European countries have, for the most part, transparent, democratic systems of government, underpinned by the rule of law, which in turn is underpinned by morality, justice and fairness.

 

South East Asian countries have, for the most part, opaque, elitist systems of government, underpinned by a complex patronage system, which in turn is underpinned by loyalty to and fear of one's seniors in the patronage hierarchy.

 

Trying to pretend they are comparable and thinking you can take the best bits of Northern European government and insert them into Thailand or any other South East Asian is a concept doomed to failure from the start.

The now predominantly democratic Northern European countries had, not so long ago opaque, elitist systems of government, underpinned by a complex patronage system.

As the population became more prosperous and better informed, and the everyday struggle for mere survival became less pressing, so these societies evolved into the democratic form they take today. It is an inevitable, and irresistible process.

It is happening here (and I dare say elsewhere in South East Asia). The pace of such change is many many times faster, modern medias and information technologies having been so enthusiastically embraced. That doesn't mean it will happen in months or next year, but I suspect in a generation or so things will look different.

Of course their may be catalysts which lead to much more rapid (and possibly violent) change. I hope not, I would like the change to be an evolution not a revolution. That is probably in the hands of the opaque, elitist systems of government, and patronage higherarchy - which on reflection doesn't bode well...

Of one thing we can be sure: the Constitutional Court, as currently structured and functioning will not play a constructive role in this.

https://goo.gl/images/UGz7cm

32 minutes ago, stanleycoin said:

Do they need to ?

Thought they were given 50 baht by village headman and told to vote

for who they said ?

Or has something changed from the last time there was a free vote !!!!!!! 
 

They may or not have been given a sum of money - B50 or B500?

They then went and voted for whoever they wanted.

The probability this time round is that the freedom of choice will be removed, by the time various parties have been dissolved at the last moment, and their replacements found themselves, for various beaurocratic reasons, unable to stand.