jesimps

What a pity.

Even though the outsider engineered the political crisis?

There would not be so many rich military officers in the government (or in general) if not for corruption.....

(or in general).....was that a Freudian slip?

In defense of Thai people Martial Law was needed when you have political sides who don't respect freedom of speech and different views you have chaos,as we saw children for god's sake were being killed over what? random bombing's by who? and for what? shooting's It was if they were rabid animals. The military restored calm the police didn't there a part of the problem they can be bought. I sorry but having not had a real democracy Thai's don't understand the power they are given or how to use it yet. The vote is a powerful weapon and should not be sold or bought by anyone.It was written the Pen is mightier than the sword, but the vote is the voice of the people. So want change tired of same oh same oh? the use your vote and bring about change or you doom your children and your children's children. I'm not trying to justify the coup but this is Thailand it is what it took to bring back some form of order I have Thai friends who have and could have been victims. So know we watch and wait to see where it goes from here.In the US there can't be coup's cause the people are armed and there are more armed people than any countries military in the world. Good luck to all Thai people We will be watching.

So why didn't the military step in as soon as the protests started to protect the elected government and prevent all the mayhem?

I know, and I'm sure all the other supporters of democracy on here do too.

Since the entire purpose of the coup and rewriting of the political scene is to ensure the Shinawatras are decimated and blocked from influence and power. It would be highly unlikely that the hand picked judges hearing this case have any delusions about doing anything more than wielding a rubber stamp.

The only question is how hard will the hammer fall?

They were not hand picked - they were democratically elected, which you seem to hold as the right and proper way to choose people that assume power and responsibility, so what's the problem in using the selection process that you swear by??

They are the best and most able (well educated and intelligent people) as judged and chosen by all of the member judges of the judiciary.

The reason that so many have presided over Shinawatra court cases is because of the enormity of them and the money involved in the frauds he carried out requiring top people to take them on and pass just verdicts, which makes sense, doesn't it?

Better to have people that understand what they are doing than to SELECT members and place them into your cabinet, that don't, and are not suitable for their jobs, with their only remit 'to serve their leader in exile' and make as much money as they can through whatever unscrupulous means available to them in abusing their power with the accepting of bribes common place amongst these thieves.

Even if they were chosen using a blindfold and a pin the verdict has already been decided by the general.

Prayut he is the best choice Thailand has ,he has pushed for reform and honesty through all polices,he takes no bullshit and shoots straight from the hip,if he can continue cleaning up the mess the previous government left I believe all Thais will prosper from his leadership and bring back the true spirit into Thailand,foreign people want to visit Thailand and absorb the real Thailand,tourism is very important to this country it's livestock industry agriculture,seafood,ect not to forget the great history Thailand has

"Shoots from the hip"! Flipping good job, because he holds a rifle like a bus conductor (see pic).

While the "yellow shirt" people are obviously enjoying kicking the "dead horse" around, they forget that they are in the minority in Thailand. Seems they could be more judicious of their time in power trying to unite the country instead of pissing off the majority. If I hear "Thaksin's corruption" one more time I'll scream. There is so much corruption in this country there is no one in power or wealth who has not benefited from it. Would someone tell me how an Army general becomes a multimillionaire? Just remember, the present parliament is 100% appointed; not one has been elected. And guess who did the appointing? And which party only gets into power when there is a coup, military or judicial. Trouble's a brewing, and no one's paying attention.

That's your biggest problem; you're screaming about democracy and rights, and no-one's paying any attention. Thaksin and his corrupt cronies are well on the nose, and most Thai people are busy earning a baht or two and living their life. Get over it.

Does anyone else hate these patronising posters who always have to finish off by saying "Get over it". Seems to be a thing with the junta lovers.

People in glass houses should not throw stones.

Maybe if this "soldier" who seized power from an elected government ( however bad) was transparent with his own very , very considerable personal assets, his words may have some sense and reason.

He and his fellow soldiers have failed to do so, so his words fall on deaf ears.

This soldier is just following orders - have you any idea who is behind him?

The last government was elected but not fairly. If votes are bought it is not a democratic election.

His assets have nothing to do with anything that he is doing. I agree with him - journalists should leave him alone, he is not in it for the money but to save civil war.

And Santa will visit in about 10 months time. Maybe his sleigh will be pulled by flying pigs.

Thaksin, of course, wants to prove to his foes and the world that he's innocent on all charges levelled against him, which means he would accept nothing short of a complete wiping of the slate.

-- The Nation 2015-02-21

The only way to prove innocence is a trial. Thaksin elected to flee rather than prove his innocence at trial. Fleeing speaks volumes as to his claimed innocence of the charges.

Could it be that he was dealing with biased judges?

Do bears poo in the woods?

If you've put this on to scare me coming to Pattaya, I can inform you that it hasn't worked.

Freak weather doesn't bother me, on the other hand, freak people can have an effect on me sometimes.

Darwin (N Australia) has a big Greek community, why don't you try there? You wouldn't like it in Pattaya. Honest!!!

This must be a first but I agree with everything you say. Pattaya is wonderful.

I dont believe it in the least. Every person that has gone there has come back and not said anything since. They were threatened, coerced whatever you want to call it.

That is the whole idea of attitude adjustment.......to keep their mouths shut and not cause distraction to the building of the road to Democracy by the Government..

Either you like it or not you have to accept it.

Although, you can keep on shouting as you have no affect on the political situation in Thailand.

Bless you.

You are a disgusting individual.

On reading the bi-line I hoped it would be Isara. If anyone deserves boiling in oil its him.

You're not good at reading, are you?

There were 25 countries invited, ergo it's likely that there were only 25 attache's present. It was a military to military meeting, at which the Thai Military answered questions relating to the situation here in Thailand to the Military Attache's of the invited countries.

This has nothing to do with "the public" and was not a "public" meeting as such.

The current Prime Minster (who happens to be Military and is in the main using people in that self same Military that he trusts for various positions) has no qualms or reservations about directly informing "the public" when he feels they need to know something or if something needs clarifying to "the public", so don't worry about getting your questions answered at one point or another.

excuse me but some countries have more than one military attache in case you didn't know. There is not only an Army Attache, but also an Air Force and Navy US Attache in Bangkok, I am sure other countries have more than one also. Sorry to bust your bubble again.

You are not a good looser.....are you?

Throwing the toys out of your pram again?

In fact I agree with you, they should have invited the whole embassies personnel, so you would be satisfied.

Seeing as Athens is now overrun by Commies, why aren't you polishing your jackboots? Stop rubber necking with c..ck in hand over the Thai Junta and sort your own mess out first.

I don't usually answer comments of that nature, but I will make an exception for you.......feel privileged.

Thailand is my country now, that's where I choose to live now and hopefully for the rest of my life.

If you are so much concerned about Greece, why don't you go and help them with their mess?

Unless you have changed your citizenship and hold a Thai passport and have permanent residency here Thailand isn't YOUR country mate , it's a country where you reside and hope to for he rest of your days but it's not your country it still belongs to the Thais my Greek friend ;-)

Merely living in a country doesn't give you residency status your still a guest who has to follow the same rules as all the other non Thai residents and can be deported at the drop of a hat if the authorities wish to.

Wouldn't that be the dog's horlicks, if his hero, the general ordered his deportation back to join the commies in Greece.

Excellent stuff - just goes to show what can be done if the will to do it is there.

Yes, excellent stuff......unheard before under the previous governments.

But with this government, things have changed and the law is taken seriously.

Even for 1 month, Living in Kata, shows the good intentions of the government......next time the scammers will be put in jail.

I bet the general wishes all people in this country were as gullible as you, it's a doddle pulling the wool over your eyes. It's a bit creepy the way you suck up to the general and his ilk.

I would suggest that if you borrow the English language, you use the correct spelling ie tyre not tire (to become tired). I like Americans but their abuse of the English language is a pet hate of mine. While we're at it why do they use hard vowels like in Iraq, Iran and amen but use soft ones when hard ones are called for? Rant over, carry on.

The "witch hunt" is in full swing

Yes it is finally the shins are getting their medicine. When this is all over they won't be able to form a party anymore as all the players have lifetime bans for their crimes.

When they were in power they tried the same.. now the tables are turned and the other party is far better at it.

Something to do with them having huge big guns.

At least here she was probably a little cracker as opposed to some lumpy old trout back in his home country who'd have frisked him legally through the courts. At least this way memories of that little stonker will keep him going for the rest of his life.

That is why, I admire you Prime Minister.

You are a patriot, and a man of honour.

I believe that at the end you will succeed with your aspirations.

Thailand will be a better country with you, in charge.

I actually believe him and have believed in him from the start

Those that question his integrity sincerity and his motivation need to take a long hard look at themselves

The task he faces is not easy as there are so many people that will lose their rich corrupt incomes or at least not find it so easy going forward to do the same - Thailand has been in need of a stiff unforgiving environment for those that have found it easy to pillage and corrupt the people for so many years, they are the only voices that will be heard opposing such changes - I believe Prayuth Chan O Cha will prevail

"Those that question his integrity sincerity and his motivation need to take a long hard look at themselves"

Or just take a quick look at who is associates with.

This is doing nothing to help the country reconcile. It's going completely in the wrong direction.

These "Attitude Adjustments" are getting more and more frequent.

This never was and never will be anything what so ever to do with reconcilliation. Suppressing the majority for the benefit of a few. Wake me up after the war

will get back to you after you get whalloped on saturday at the bridge ok...

Why am I not surprised that a plastic Chelski fan is also a fan of this load of plazzies?

Danny Russel breached diplomatic protocol when he stated that the impeachment appeared to be politically driven. He needs to be recalled and relieved of his post. Who he met with and his remarks about Thai democracy were not problematic.

Danny Russel was an Obama White House staffer. He was appointed to this diplomatic post in July 2013. In his first speech following his appointment, he conceded that he was immensely unqualified, admitting that in his prior 4 years serving Obama, that he had never left the four walls of his office.

Rather obvious that you don't know much about diplomatic protocol if you think that these where just his views. His speech would of been written and approved by immensely qualified people and be the view of the US State Department!

Correct. Anybody that thinks he was just talking off the top of his head

has no clue what is going on. He was simply being the mouthpiece

for the views of the state department....

So let a poor simple fellow like me see if I can understand this.

He was sent here, purposely, by the state department with a preconceived speech and an order to seek out Yinluck and several other miscreants with the view of putting a whoopee cushion under the butt of the present powers that be.

Sounds about right. Good sound foreign policy.

Spot on except for labeling Yingluk and co miscreants.

The US is not ignorant and know very well what is going on in Thailand. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool. As for Russell's statements, they were dead on the mark, and you can bet his speech was both vetted and approved by the US government long before he delivered it. The problem with Thai is that they can't stand the truth, especially when the truth makes the look bad and "lose face".

Sorry, but I'm with the Thais on this one. Russell is about as 'on the mark' as most newbies thinking they have a handle on the place after being here all of 5 minutes. Only reason the US is pissed is because their investment and bosom buddy, Thaksin, is no longer calling the shots and the ultimate issue, China.

I've been here 8 years and you're talking blx. The US are p'd at the death of democracy here.