rubl

Of course no government is required to accept foreign journalists especially when from countries which give the impression to be as negative as their representatives here on this forum.

BTW it would seem every country has different rules. The Belgium Government site has

"Are you eligible to apply for a temporary press card from FPS Foreign Affairs?

YES

• You are not of Belgian nationality and you work for a foreign media organisation.
• Journalism is your main professional activity and is how you earn a living in Belgium."
• http://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/Newsroom/journalists_corner/accreditation

Of course with such requirements only journalists ALREADY working in the country could get a press card.

America also has certain rules and regulations.

https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/employment/media.html

So, for the time being we rely on facebook pages like the one with "democracy died this day"

No, rubl, you do not understand what you are reading. The regulation requires that you be a professional journalist: which applies to your main activity, and your source of income while in Belgium.

By the way, you are the only one on this thread who seems to think what Yingluck said back when she was impeached by the Junta-appointed Parliament as relevant to the discussions she had recently with the EU Parliament reps.

For all those wondering, she posted this on Facebook in January 2015: “Democracy has died in Thailand today, along with the rule of law. That move to destroy me is still ongoing and I face it now."

I personally take that statement as poetic, but essentially factual.

And for those who want the more complete understanding of the EP delegates' areas of focus on their visit to Thailand, here is one account from The Nation

"The European Parliament delegation yesterday called on Thailand to come up with inclusive reform for democracy to ensure smooth relations with the European Union (EU).

The process includes allowing open debates among all stakeholders to make way for the public referendum and the government's road map to democracy, said Werner Langen, chair of the Delegation for Relations with the Countries of Southeast Asia and Asean.

Langen stressed that a return to democratic structures and free and fair elections were "important conditions" for the future development of Thai-EU relations"

more at

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Only-inclusive-reform-will-pave-the-way-to-democra-30286278.html

"Journalism is your main professional activity and is how you earn a living in Belgium"

'how you earn' is not the same as 'how you will earn'. Of course Belgians are NNES.

BTW although I seem the only one going on about 'democracy died', in your latest reply you seem to agree with me that that statement was really relevant. Of course Ms. Yingluck was a bit expansive in including rule of law and 'out to destroy me' in the same message, but that's what you have with Amply Rich elite people, they take being asked to show accountibility so personal.

Let's take your salient points one by one:

1. 'how you earn' is not the same as 'how you will earn'.

I am happy that you know the difference between present tense and future tense. However, you misunderstood the Belgian press visa rules, interpreting them to mean that they excluded journalists that were not already working in Belgium. In fact, Brussels is considered a press center for Europe because of the EU presence, and their visa rules clearly permit a wide variety of journalists to come and go on a temporary basis. Had you researched the matter more thoroughly, you would have come to this understanding.

2. Of course Belgians are NNES.

I have no idea what that means.

3. you seem to agree with me that that statement was really relevant

No, I do not agree, and I do not see how you could infer that from my comments.

4. Ms. Yingluck was a bit expansive in including rule of law and 'out to destroy me' in the same message

I do not agree.

- Regarding 'rule of law', Yingluck was impeached by the Junta appointed NLA. This undermines the rule of law on two points: Firstly, under the last extant Constitution (2007) there is no provision for impeaching an ex-official; impeachment is for removal from office, and applies to officials who are in office. Secondly, the only way the NLA would have authority to impeach an ex-official (a nonsensical action, but there it is) would be for a law to be created to fit the situation and the person; in direct contravention of the rule of law. Of course, this is how the Junta is managing the law at present.

- Regarding 'out to destroy me', it is clear from the evidence at hand; impeachment, a ban from politics for 5 years, administrative rulings regarding money owed (sort of forgotten for the moment); a Supreme Court case. Whether these are justified actions by the State is a separate question. Whether they are designed to inflict grievous damage on Yingluck is without question.

5. that's what you have with Amply Rich elite people, they take being asked to show accountibility so personal

When Yingluck made the comments on Facebook, she had just been impeached by the appointed NLA. The NLA was not 'asking' her to 'show accountability', they were invoking a procedure to impose accountability (by removing her from office; an office she already was removed from by actions of the Court and the Junta) according to their reasons. Obviously, Yingluck considered the action unjustified, so a personal reaction was entirely appropriate, irrespective of her status or wealth.

As an aside, in another thread, you have suggested that the frequent use of "labels" undermines the credibility of the person who does that. Your use of the label "amply rich" is a good example of that. It is a lazy pejorative design to condition people to a point of view, in lieu of evidence or argument.

Of course I only use "Amply Rich" in connection with people who are associated with Amply Rich Investment shell company based in the British Virgin Islands, not as a label for others.

Now as for the EP commission on Foreign Affairs coming to Thailand to hear Ms. Yingluck''s view on democracy, that's hilarious. Ms. Yingluck's facebook page with "democracy died today" posted on the day she was impeached and asked to show accountability regarding her 500++ billion Baht losing 'self-financing' RPPS should be enough even for MEPs.

Would you recommend the Thai people embrace either the UK or US style of "Democracy" instead, as a better alternative?

The one they had before the military stepped in and tore it up was adequate.

It allowed the electorate to select the government they wanted by election in a secret ballot - which is the fundamental of democrac: as opposed to having it decided by a military junta backed by a small and shadowy elite of very wealthy people.

Reasoned from a Western background where people know right and duties. A constitution only functions when people behave.

The idea of "let's have an election" sound good but only when you assume the same status as you encounter in the Western democracies. When a part of the population has no problem with a criminal fugitive running the country that's just as bad as needing a coup to stop him from doing so.

You seem to think that the situation will improve in Thailand under this junta, right?

Then please answer the following question (I'm not giving up on this):

After 19 coups/coup and attempts where nothing changed except the snouts in the trough (correct me if I'm wrong) what makes you think it will be different this time?

Well thank you very much for asking this again.

In the mean time it would seem that only foreigners 'know' what the article of the topic means. Unhappy as they are.

Use search ? There was at least one topic on here about it, and you participated in that discussion, probably without actually reading the OP, or short memory.

There was a discussion on Ms. Yingluck being invited for 'talks' in Brussels or Strasbourg at her convenience. And a second letter explaining that Ms. Yingluck's presence was urgently requested since it was important. Nothing more.

So, this visit comes in place of Ms. Yingluck's trip to Europe.

Which the junta, terrified that the EU would hear something other than their lies, forbade.

Winnie

Read again, my dear Winnie. The government didn't forbid a meeting, the government did not give Ms. Yingluck permission to travel as she's expected in court. Surely all those admirers who always wait for her to arrive at court would be mightily disappointed if she didn't show up.

Interesting that a Ambassador revealed someone lied, very diplomatic and unbelievable.

So, PM Prayut came back from Russia, all's well, nothing really changed since last time a Thai PM was there, December 2005.

Here some info on the Sochi program and meeting two days ago.

http://en.russia-asean20.ru/programme/20160519/18498.html

http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/51941

While the UDD was/is a profoundly hierarchical undemocratic organization it did theoretically support democracy. Many of the Issan people feel that they have lost their voice, or rather a voice that purportedly represented them, in the government.

The Junta needs to bite the bullet: it's time to hold elections and abide by the results.

Oh they will. The whole reason for the coup is to make sure that elections matter less. The previous coup already tried to excersise control over the government by an appointed senate (50%), this lot goes a few steps further, a wholly appointed senate, and the very same senate will receive far reaching powers. Effectively ensuring continued control over how Thailand is run from a select few people, who have never received a mandate to do so.

Democracy "Thai sytle", yes elections, but they don't really matter.

August is going to be an interesting month to say the least.

Would you recommend the Thai people embrace either the UK or US style of "Democracy" instead, as a better alternative?

The one they had before the military stepped in and tore it up was adequate.

It allowed the electorate to select the government they wanted by election in a secret ballot - which is the fundamental of democrac: as opposed to having it decided by a military junta backed by a small and shadowy elite of very wealthy people.

Reasoned from a Western background where people know right and duties. A constitution only functions when people behave.

The idea of "let's have an election" sound good but only when you assume the same status as you encounter in the Western democracies. When a part of the population has no problem with a criminal fugitive running the country that's just as bad as needing a coup to stop him from doing so.

I guess the visit came to be in place of the outstanding invitation to Ms. Yingluck, the one from October last year. At least The Nation mentions Werner Langen.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Only-inclusive-reform-will-pave-the-way-to-democra-30286278.html

No, as this particular meeting was mentioned as well back then.

Cannot find a reference to that. Please help me.

Use search ? There was at least one topic on here about it, and you participated in that discussion, probably without actually reading the OP, or short memory.

There was a discussion on Ms. Yingluck being invited for 'talks' in Brussels or Strasbourg at her convenience. And a second letter explaining that Ms. Yingluck's presence was urgently requested since it was important. Nothing more.

So, this visit comes in place of Ms. Yingluck's trip to Europe.

My wife's village in NE Issan was occupied by soldiers, no explanation every given. They left after a month or so, came back after a bit and went down the road toward the main town in the Amphur. Set up in a temple across the road from her noodle shop. At least they came and bought food, although they didn't speak to anyone and no one attempted to speak to them. My wife's village is NOT red or yellow shirt. I talk to many people up here and when they will talk, fear is wonderful for self-censorship, they are not happy campers. Many farang oriented business are hurting and they know the reason is farangs don't come anymore and will not return in previous numbers until a change in government. On the other hand, the government could care less about farangs or Issan. The people know, they just won't talk. I'm rather surprised the poll turned out as well as it did. I don't know how the questions were asked or presented, it has a bearing on the answers, but the sample was certainly large enough.

Strange, figures imply that tourists are still coming in droves.

"Thailand is Asia Pacific’s most popular tourist destination: Mastercard"

http://www.cnbc.com/2016/01/27/thailand-is-asia-pacifics-most-popular-tourist-destination-says-mastercard.html

Maybe there's not much of tourist's interest in your area? Maybe less Chinese at the moment ?

"Criminal fugitive" - you missed out "convicted". You must put in "convicted". He is a "convicted criminal fugitive", you see, it gives you a nice warm feeling, knowing he is "convicted" which dulls the occasional pangs of conscience which some may get for so enthusiastically supporting a regime which has taken away the peoples political, electoral and legal rights, and is busily suppressing their rights of freedom of speech and association, a style of government more at home in cold war South America than a developing country in the C21 which had an established, albeit far from perfect but none the less functioning democracy. So never forget - "convicted"!

He forgot to use 'corrupt' as well, 'Corrupt' is one of those emotive words that impress easily-fooled people. Essential to use it at every opportunity if you are an easily-fooled people.

Winnie

You are mistaken, Ms. Yingluck is not accused of corruption, but of negligence. Personally I doubt she corrupt as in accepting payment for services. Maybe more allowing others to profit, but that would fit in with 'negligence'.

Anyway, really looking forward to the 24th of May meeting of the EP commission for Foreign Affairs. At least I hope they'll mention this really important meeting where Ms. Yingluck gave her view on democracy and how it died when she was asked to show accountability.

"You are mistaken,"

No, you miss the point. Gawd, it's sad when you have to explain gentle mockery as simple as this.

Winnie

Oh, you mean it's allowed to mention 'criminal fugitive' and 'corrupt' as gentle mockery. Mind you, I normally only use it when applicable.

While the UDD was/is a profoundly hierarchical undemocratic organization it did theoretically support democracy. Many of the Issan people feel that they have lost their voice, or rather a voice that purportedly represented them, in the government.

The Junta needs to bite the bullet: it's time to hold elections and abide by the results.

Oh they will. The whole reason for the coup is to make sure that elections matter less. The previous coup already tried to excersise control over the government by an appointed senate (50%), this lot goes a few steps further, a wholly appointed senate, and the very same senate will receive far reaching powers. Effectively ensuring continued control over how Thailand is run from a select few people, who have never received a mandate to do so.

Democracy "Thai sytle", yes elections, but they don't really matter.

August is going to be an interesting month to say the least.

Would you recommend the Thai people embrace either the UK or US style of "Democracy" instead, as a better alternative?

At least in the US or UK i can click "like" without ending up for AA

It depends on what type of page you click like to

http://www.businessinsider.com/indictment-of-terror-subjects-reveals-fbi-uses-facebook-likes-and-shares-for-evidence-2012-11

I don't read Thai forums, but I do have a bunch of Thai "friends" on Facebook. I have been asking my wife to translate shared posts that feature recognizable Thai political figures.

Let's just say I can understand why the current PM is irritable. Now where is that ICT guy with the single gateway!

Same with me. The wife sometimes shows me stuff that's being posted on Facebook about the cantankerous one and I always remind her not to touch the like "button" as it's pretty heady stuff.

So much for the accusation that the government censors Facebook

I don't think they even have the ability to censor Facebook. They do however monitor it, and people have been arrested for sharing or liking Facebook posts, that's no accusation, it's fact.

I know that. I also know the same is done in other countries even in the West, the 'monitoring' part that is. Mind you, liking a page deemed ISIS-linked or deemed 'unacceptable' will get you in hot water, in the West.

My dear friend phoenixdoglover just wrote in another topic

"While repressive governments may not "like" it, history is filled with examples of human rights improvements secured through aggressive communication, sanctions, even violent means."

Now such in a facebook page will certainly make some law enforcement agencies pay more attention to you, even when your government is not 'repressive'.

^^

Who has been attacked?

Not you, my dear Baboon. You may have missed jesimps was addressing me.

Some here seem to have the idea that their arguments have more weight when they attach labels like 'fanboys' to their own arguments.

Accurate though they are.

Well, since for once you're so sure may I ask you what the definition of 'fanboy' is and pray tell how such applies to me and why?

I certainly agree that the coup makers granting themselves a blanket amnesty is also not acceptable, but how do you know what Thai posters have to say in their forums?

I certainly agree that Thai posters have a lot to say in 'their' forums. Mostly about the latest soap and exchanging pictures of food and the kids and so.

Mind you, that from my observation of Thai in Bangkok, those Thai who come from upcountry and miss the life there. Too much work and less pleasure in Bangkok I guess.

How do you know what Thai posters have to say in their forums?

I'm living and working in Thailand, I'm surrounded by Thai. There are many days I only talk with Thai, and that's here in Bangkok. Most of my collegues come from upcountry. Etc., etc.

Now how you know what Thai posters have to say in their forums I don't know. Maybe you don't know what they're saying. Till now you've been a bit silent on that it seems.

My apologies, I didn't realize what a profound and terrifying impression her statement must have made on you.....

Not terrifying, only profound. It's always interesting to see such Amply Rich figures forget that they are not 'we', that they want a return to rule-of-law when they are asked to show the accountability which goes with their "being in charge", their "being responsible".

Anything else about the EP commission on Foreign Affairs asking Ms. Yingluck about democracy as she sees it?

"Not terrifying, only profound."

What??? The empty air head mouthpiece for Lord Voldemort Na Dubai (aka the criminal fugitive and origin of sin) has said something profound?

Are you developing a soft spot for her? Out with it!

"Criminal fugitive" - you missed out "convicted". You must put in "convicted". He is a "convicted criminal fugitive", you see, it gives you a nice warm feeling, knowing he is "convicted" which dulls the occasional pangs of conscience which some may get for so enthusiastically supporting a regime which has taken away the peoples political, electoral and legal rights, and is busily suppressing their rights of freedom of speech and association, a style of government more at home in cold war South America than a developing country in the C21 which had an established, albeit far from perfect but none the less functioning democracy. So never forget - "convicted"!

He forgot to use 'corrupt' as well, 'Corrupt' is one of those emotive words that impress easily-fooled people. Essential to use it at every opportunity if you are an easily-fooled people.

Winnie

You are mistaken, Ms. Yingluck is not accused of corruption, but of negligence. Personally I doubt she corrupt as in accepting payment for services. Maybe more allowing others to profit, but that would fit in with 'negligence'.

Anyway, really looking forward to the 24th of May meeting of the EP commission for Foreign Affairs. At least I hope they'll mention this really important meeting where Ms. Yingluck gave her view on democracy and how it died when she was asked to show accountability.

My apologies, I didn't realize what a profound and terrifying impression her statement must have made on you.....

Not terrifying, only profound. It's always interesting to see such Amply Rich figures forget that they are not 'we', that they want a return to rule-of-law when they are asked to show the accountability which goes with their "being in charge", their "being responsible".

Anything else about the EP commission on Foreign Affairs asking Ms. Yingluck about democracy as she sees it?

"Not terrifying, only profound."

What??? The empty air head mouthpiece for Lord Voldemort Na Dubai (aka the criminal fugitive and origin of sin) has said something profound?

Are you developing a soft spot for her? Out with it!

"Criminal fugitive" - you missed out "convicted". You must put in "convicted". He is a "convicted criminal fugitive", you see, it gives you a nice warm feeling, knowing he is "convicted" which dulls the occasional pangs of conscience which some may get for so enthusiastically supporting a regime which has taken away the peoples political, electoral and legal rights, and is busily suppressing their rights of freedom of speech and association; a style of government more at home in cold war South America than a developing country in the C21 which had an established, albeit far from perfect but none the less functioning democracy. So never forget - "convicted"!

Although some seem to have made up their mind already Ms. Yingluck is only accused and is given the opportunity to defend herself in court.

Mind you, no info yet on what Ms. Yingluck told the EP commission. The coming meeting of the commission on Foreign Affairs on the 24th may give us more on the talk in Bangkok.

I certainly agree that the coup makers granting themselves a blanket amnesty is also not acceptable, but how do you know what Thai posters have to say in their forums?

I don't read Thai forums, but I do have a bunch of Thai "friends" on Facebook. I have been asking my wife to translate shared posts that feature recognizable Thai political figures.

Let's just say I can understand why the current PM is irritable. Now where is that ICT guy with the single gateway!

Same with me. The wife sometimes shows me stuff that's being posted on Facebook about the cantankerous one and I always remind her not to touch the like "button" as it's pretty heady stuff.

So much for the accusation that the government censors Facebook

Of course not, neither does it make a blanket amnesty for the right people or paying 870 billion Baht directly to farmers who are still poor more acceptable.

In the mean time life goes on and mostly foreign posters complain.

I certainly agree that the coup makers granting themselves a blanket amnesty is also not acceptable, but how do you know what Thai posters have to say in their forums?

I don't read Thai forums, but I do have a bunch of Thai "friends" on Facebook. I have been asking my wife to translate shared posts that feature recognizable Thai political figures.

Let's just say I can understand why the current PM is irritable. Now where is that ICT guy with the single gateway!

If I'm to believe facebook posts from the Western World neither the USA nor the UK are democracies any more what with all 'news' about the 'ruling' governments.

As for the single Internet gateway, with the help from the NSA such in no longer necessary for proper 'management'. Personally I think the government likes TVF, having all foreigners together, IP-wise that is.

^^

Who has been attacked?

Not you, my dear Baboon. You may have missed jesimps was addressing me.

Some here seem to have the idea that their arguments have more weight when they attach labels like 'fanboys' to their own arguments.

Having their democratic right to choose a leader and a government being taken away maybe?, just a wild guess

There has been no democracy in Thailand at any time. If you think the Shins were democratically elected, that's up to you.

People had the vote and the shins won landslide elections, if you want to buy into the myth that it was bought and that the democrats never paid for votes, that's up to you.

The 870 billion Baht Pheu Thai stated to have paid directly to rice farmers with the poor ones still poor makes one wonder though. With the RPPS stopped even the richer people no longer let some satang trickle down. No wonder people in NorthEast are less happy.

Interesting..

I live in the northeast and people here really do not seem to care much one way or the other.

Live for the common person has not changed much at all since the change in government.

People are too busy with their daily lives, feeding the family, worrying about the weather and working on their farms to pay much attention

Life goes on, and it's really pretty much the same.

You may well be correct. However that does not make staging a coup and all subsequently related events any more acceptable.

Of course not, neither does it make a blanket amnesty for the right people or paying 870 billion Baht directly to farmers who are still poor more acceptable.

In the mean time life goes on and mostly foreign posters complain.

I certainly agree that the coup makers granting themselves a blanket amnesty is also not acceptable, but how do you know what Thai posters have to say in their forums?

I certainly agree that Thai posters have a lot to say in 'their' forums. Mostly about the latest soap and exchanging pictures of food and the kids and so.

Mind you, that from my observation of Thai in Bangkok, those Thai who come from upcountry and miss the life there. Too much work and less pleasure in Bangkok I guess.

Interesting..

I live in the northeast and people here really do not seem to care much one way or the other.

Live for the common person has not changed much at all since the change in government.

People are too busy with their daily lives, feeding the family, worrying about the weather and working on their farms to pay much attention

Life goes on, and it's really pretty much the same.

You may well be correct. However that does not make staging a coup and all subsequently related events any more acceptable.

Of course not, neither does it make a blanket amnesty for the right people or paying 870 billion Baht directly to farmers who are still poor more acceptable.

In the mean time life goes on and mostly foreign posters complain.

Surprised a fanboy has the cheek to mention amnesties. Talk about hypocrisy.

Not surprising at all the attack on person. Even Ms. Yingluck is much more general in her comments although there's the usual about "let's have an election".

Interesting..

I live in the northeast and people here really do not seem to care much one way or the other.

Live for the common person has not changed much at all since the change in government.

People are too busy with their daily lives, feeding the family, worrying about the weather and working on their farms to pay much attention

Life goes on, and it's really pretty much the same.

You may well be correct. However that does not make staging a coup and all subsequently related events any more acceptable.

Of course not, neither does it make a blanket amnesty for the right people or paying 870 billion Baht directly to farmers who are still poor more acceptable.

In the mean time life goes on and mostly foreign posters complain.

Tjeez, now James will be disappointed as he didn't think the HRW aggressive.

BTW I did say I think them aggressive. Such attitude is just as wrong as some tell me about the junta here. Also there is a difference in a qualification like 'aggressive' and a qualification like 'truthful, spot on'. I would have thought native English speakers knew that.

Now back to democracy as the EP commission on Foreign Affairs did come to Thailand to hear Ms. Yinglucks view on democracy. There's another EP commission for Human Rights and commissions tend to jealously guard their territory.

Not putting words into phoenixdoglover's mouth, but I took his question as being rhetorical, not as an affirmation of your claim.

Claiming that the Thai government’s pledges have been "mostly meaningless" when every single piece of evidence affirms that claim, isn't aggressive in any way at all. It obviously hurt your delicate feelings, but the truth is the truth.

Good to see it's not just an ever-diminishing portion of the Thai population that believes the junta's hype.

Nice save, James.

When you want co-operation you shouldn't start with "you're wrong and hypocritic and you must change". That's aggressive. Government worldwide don't like such attitude.

On the contrary, rubl. While repressive governments may not "like" it, history is filled with examples of human rights improvements secured through aggressive communication, sanctions, even violent means.

Ah, violent democracy!

Mind you, personally I don't think Ms. Yingluck has mentioned violence or separating her part of the country from Thailand.

Central Thailand has done very well with military rule. The most lucrative bases and purchasing activity is located in the central region.

With the Central Region the 'rice basket' of Thailand I would assume they may have profited most from the previous government's RPPS which the current government stopped. No data on that though.

BTW I wasn't aware the military was buying land to open a few more bases, existing bases seem to have been where they are for decennia.

Note that as usual the article doesn't give any real information.

What a silly post, but I do understand that deflections is the last resort of one that has lost an argument.

"Ah, the very might of the EP makes all governments who are different from those in the EC shudder in their shoes or boots. "

Governments who are different?? LOL!! Yes, one might call a military junta "different". One might also call it many other things that are less flattering. And the reason the junta "shudders in their shoes and boots" are because the EU is an economic superpower, and any sanctions would be disastrous for Thailand.

"Anyway, if the 'junta' was as bad as some here keep saying the commission would not have been able to enter the country. I would have thought that to be obvious."

And again I have to remind you of the serious consequences if Thailand start barring EC representatives from entering. And why do you write junta using apostrophes? Surely even you must agree they are a fully fledged junta, right? In case you have forgotten the definition this link might help:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junta

Deflections? You mean all this nonsense which has nothing to do with the topic of

"Gen Prawit hopes Ms Yingluck gave factual information to European Parliament"

All the deflection from the EP commission on Foreign Affairs which comes to Thailand to hear Ms. Yinglucks view on democracy. Pity Ms. Yingluck's facebook page on "democracy died today" is in Thai, can't post that here, but remember the date 2015-01-23.

My apologies, I didn't realize what a profound and terrifying impression her statement must have made on you.....

Not terrifying, only profound. It's always interesting to see such Amply Rich figures forget that they are not 'we', that they want a return to rule-of-law when they are asked to show the accountability which goes with their "being in charge", their "being responsible".

Anything else about the EP commission on Foreign Affairs asking Ms. Yingluck about democracy as she sees it?

What is wrong with HRW being "aggressive"? Do you believe that people (governments) that violate human rights should be criticized in a passive way?

How is HRW wrong in their assertions? Are they being non-factual? (I would note their report cites numerous examples of human rights violations in present-day Thailand)

Why should Thailand delay in correcting human rights violations? Why can't the Junta establish an improved human rights situation immediately?

Tjeez, now James will be disappointed as he didn't think the HRW aggressive.

BTW I did say I think them aggressive. Such attitude is just as wrong as some tell me about the junta here. Also there is a difference in a qualification like 'aggressive' and a qualification like 'truthful, spot on'. I would have thought native English speakers knew that.

Now back to democracy as the EP commission on Foreign Affairs did come to Thailand to hear Ms. Yinglucks view on democracy. There's another EP commission for Human Rights and commissions tend to jealously guard their territory.

Not putting words into phoenixdoglover's mouth, but I took his question as being rhetorical, not as an affirmation of your claim.

Claiming that the Thai government’s pledges have been "mostly meaningless" when every single piece of evidence affirms that claim, isn't aggressive in any way at all. It obviously hurt your delicate feelings, but the truth is the truth.

Good to see it's not just an ever-diminishing portion of the Thai population that believes the junta's hype.

Nice save, James.

When you want co-operation you shouldn't start with "you're wrong and hypocritic and you must change". That's aggressive. Government worldwide don't like such attitude.