banff

something fishy going on. This government is starting to worry me.

Poll: Bangkok residents support extended emergency decree

BANGKOK: -- A new survey by Suan Dusit Poll indicates that nearly half of Bangkok residents support the extension of the emergency decree imposed in Bangkok, following a bomb explosion at a busy bus stop in front of Big C department store in the capital.

The survey was conducted on Monday and Tuesday by the Suan Dusit Rajabhat University Suan Dusit Poll by interviewing 1,304 Bangkok residents about the Sunday bombing near the now-closed department store in the Ratchadamri area.

Almost half of respondents -- 47 per cent -- said they wanted the emergency decree extension in Bangkok for the convenience of the authorities to monitor and prevent violent situations and ill-intentioned people from easily inciting violence, and in order that the public could feel safer.

However, 23 per cent said they oppose it, for they see the decree as being unnecessary if only more police patrols were provided, while some 32 per cent -- one in three -- said the decree would increase divisions in Thai society and promote the image of Thailand being an unsafe country.

Some 29 per cent were uncertain whether the decree should be lifted and said it depended on the government and police officials' estimation on the situation.

Meanwhile, 53 per cent of those polled believed the recent bomb blast was intentionally done to "create a situation" and incite violence, while some 21 per cent said it was outrageous and challenged the power of state.

Of the Suan Dusit respondees, 14 per cent indicated they wanted no more acts of violence to injure and cause the deaths of innocent people. Twelve per cent said the police needed to work harder and more efficiently, to be more strict regarding public safety and security.

About 85 per cent of those surveyed viewed the Sunday bombing as being politically motivated for the overall situation has not fully eased and the area of the incident, still part of Bangkok's main business district, was the UDD Red Shirts' primary protest site only two months ago.

However, one in 10 of the respondents -- 11 per cent -- said they did not know the motivation behind this violence and the public should wait for authorities to conclude their investigation.

Over half -- nearly 57 per cent of those surveyed -- said they did not think police could arrest the wrongdoers, as the authorities have usually not made arrests when such violence took place.

Some 24 per cent said they were uncertain that the police could accomplish their mission.

Concerning the prevention of further violence, about 37 per cent wanted more police and army personnel posted to Bangkok's important spots. Around one fourth asked for more public cooperation in reporting to the authorities when they encountered suspicious situations.

Nearly one in five -- about 18 per cent -- said intelligence agencies must work harder, while 11 per cent said more surveillance cameras should be installed at public areas, and 6 per cent said awards should be offered to those providing clues or information regarding troublemakers. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-07-27

I hope that the owners of this Mall sue the finacial backers of the Red Shirts for every penny they have!

I am sure the owners will be OK they will collect the insurance money. rebuild condos on this prime piece of real estate and come out ahead. Bangkok has a glut of malls.

Any traveller arriving in Bangkok for a holiday is probably out of his/her mind anyway.

Using agents was a common practice 10 years ago. I remember one agent that operated out of a store front. Even at that time I suspected the Visas were fake. I guess most of them were.

Its starting to get scary I hope the army shows restraint. The reds have a legitimate cause this govt came to power unelected, Iis Thailand a Democracy or dictatorship?

Why shouldnt they not many legitimate tourists need a visa for more than a month or 2.

what did they do

What did they do???

Ever heard of Boiler Rooms - selling shares that don't exist? Ever hear of mums and dad's who lose their life savings? Thailand is rife with these operations. Usual scam is to tout a top known share that has a market price of $100 at a one only price of $35 but minimum quantity is USD100,000 investment. Story is owner is in deep kuk and needs cash fast - don't miss the opportunity. So the greed factor kicks in, sucker's funds are transferred and boom - no money is ever seen and shares certificates never arrive (of course).

And it is not just Taiwanese - mainly Brits/Irish (about 80%), Aussies and Yanks.

I doubt there is any Taiwanese involvement they usually have a virtual office in another country (in this case probably) Tiawan.

The people involved are probably all from Western countries

This is news worthy?

Safer than any big city in the States. Moral is: Don't get into anything bigger than you.

percent homicides committed with firearms Thailand is Number 1 in the world.

http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_gun_...icides-firearms

And murders with firearms per capita thailand is number 3 in the world compared to U.S. at number 8. http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_gun_...per-100-000-pop

But this 3 vs 8 is highly misleading because: Thailand has 33 per 100,000 and the U.S. has a mere 3.6 So Thailand has about TEN TIMES more murders with firearms per capita than the U.S.

Non firearm homicide rate per 100,000, Thailand again wins handily over U.S.

http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_gun_...per-100-000-pop

Couple all that with Thailand's murder per capita rate being TWICE as high as the U.S.

http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_mur_...ders-per-capita

NOT TO MENTION THE MANY THAT GO UNREPORTED IN THAILAND

What the hel_l do they mean by Human Security, I think what they are refering to is quality of life. But who really cares

I hope so I would love to trade in my passport for a third world passport.

With oil /jet fuel prices at current levels its only a matter of time before we see massive increases in domestic(Thailand) airfares.

The discount airlines must be losing money based on there current fares.

It sounds quite strange to me. I would be inclined to lay low for a while. The worst they could do would be to deport you

Why are you telling everone this story. I have travelled numerous times with Air Asia to Phuket and never had any problems. The last time I flew I arrived at check in 20 minutes before departure time. And they allowed me to check despite the normal cutoff of 45 minutes. The are a discount airline offering return flights to Phuket and other destinations for half the price (or Less) than other

full fare airlines, with soaring jet fuel prices to survive they have to charge surcharges on excess baggage. All airlines a starting to do this. Airline travel can be a frustrating experience and in the past I have been tempted to act like an idiot and blow my top but

resisted the urge when I realised it would only ruin my day and nobody elses

Not suprised with the old government back in power. They are determined to rid the country of what they consider undisireable foreigners and will probably continue until they have achieved this goal