jayboy

I agree. After watching it a few times, it seems pretty clear the grenade was thrown from the car. The guy then opens the door and runs like hell. So it should be pretty dam_n easy to figure who was in the car as it was in the procession....

Why would he run like hell after the explosion if he was the one that threw it? Particularly, why would he run through the area where the explosion occurred?

I would politely suggest that you refrain from speculating on details.Your political opinions alone - as opposed to dispassionate scrutiny of facts - seem to determine your refusal to contemplate the possibility this was a "false flag" incident (despite the circumstantial video evidence).

Before making a complete fool of yourself I suggest we let the authorities do their job.

Excuse me, why don't you direct this to the ones making the most egregious accusations here? You know, the ones stating as a fact that a yellow shirt is seen on the video throwing a grenade right next to the vehicle they are driving, for example.

It's a matter of general principle.It's pointless speculating on details until a thorough investigation is complete.In particular it's unhelpful for those with a political axe to grind providing harebrained theories that magically dovetail with their own prejudices.The example I provided was a notorious offender and you have mentioned other examples.The principle's the same.Let's see what the evidence shows and this might take a little time

I agree. After watching it a few times, it seems pretty clear the grenade was thrown from the car. The guy then opens the door and runs like hell. So it should be pretty dam_n easy to figure who was in the car as it was in the procession....

Why would he run like hell after the explosion if he was the one that threw it? Particularly, why would he run through the area where the explosion occurred?

I would politely suggest that you refrain from speculating on details.Your political opinions alone - as opposed to dispassionate scrutiny of facts - seem to determine your refusal to contemplate the possibility this was a "false flag" incident (despite the circumstantial video evidence).

Before making a complete fool of yourself I suggest we let the authorities do their job.

So now police have Dem known fleeing scene. Now what Supreme Leader? Sent from my GT-I9300T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Unless thing s have changed, the BIB are seeking a Dem MP's aide who owns the pickup. That's it, full stop.

If there is any substance to Democrat/Yellow involvement, it is very far from being a "full stop."

I don't think it's helpful to speculate on details however while the official investigation is under way.

Many confused and unintelligent responses to my earlier post.Nobody is suggesting that this government is not without its faults and I do not have any obligation to defend it.If it is as incompetent, corrupt and incompetent as claimed it can be voted out by the Thai people at the general election in a few weeks time. But of course giving the Thai people a voice is exactly what the old guard fear.Thus the strategy is to create conditions of confusion and enlist the partisan efforts of the EC,CC and NACC to destabilise and destroy the elected government.The dullards who bleat conspiracy theory should keep quiet until it is evident the slow and silent judicial coup has no legs.Until that point all the evidence points the other way. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

"The dullards who bleat conspiracy theory should keep quiet"

What, you are not going to explain this vast conspiracy between "the EC,CC and NACC to destabilise and destroy the elected government"?

And here I was hoping about hearing a nice story.

My point was that if the government falls through the impact of judicial intervention, my critics should not dismiss my comments as a 'conspiracy theory".Corruption is a curse in Thailand and nobody would disagree it should be tackled, but it is not, despite protestations, the root cause of the current conflict.Look at the nature of leadership of the street protests!The current government is certainly losing popularity so why don't the forces opposed to it work for a victory in the coming general election?

Are you trying to say that if this government is found guilty of its obvious corruption, it's all somebody else's fault, or to use the phrase of the day, the charges are "politically motivated"? It's downfall won't be simply the cause and effect of crime and punishment, it will be a "judicial coup"?

No, I'm saying (please pay attention) that corruption is not the cause of the current conflict.

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Many confused and unintelligent responses to my earlier post.Nobody is suggesting that this government is not without its faults and I do not have any obligation to defend it.If it is as incompetent, corrupt and incompetent as claimed it can be voted out by the Thai people at the general election in a few weeks time. But of course giving the Thai people a voice is exactly what the old guard fear.Thus the strategy is to create conditions of confusion and enlist the partisan efforts of the EC,CC and NACC to destabilise and destroy the elected government.The dullards who bleat conspiracy theory should keep quiet until it is evident the slow and silent judicial coup has no legs.Until that point all the evidence points the other way. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

If it's corrupt, then what is the problem with it being investigated by the NACC?

There is no "problem.I was merely pointing out the context,specifically how the courts and the NACC form part of the effort to undermine electoral democracy in Thailand now that the folly of military coups is widely accepted.

If the NACC determines and proves corruption, that is for the good.But the context cannot be ignored (though I expect the prejudiced and the dullards will do just that).

If the NACC determines and proves corruption, the government supporters will still be shouting "Judicial Coup" from the roof tops.

Let's wait and see what hard evidence emerges before rushing to judgement.Much of the criticism has simply been based on political dislike of the subsidy element but this is not in itself illegal or corrupt - just questionable economics.

Many confused and unintelligent responses to my earlier post.Nobody is suggesting that this government is not without its faults and I do not have any obligation to defend it.If it is as incompetent, corrupt and incompetent as claimed it can be voted out by the Thai people at the general election in a few weeks time. But of course giving the Thai people a voice is exactly what the old guard fear.Thus the strategy is to create conditions of confusion and enlist the partisan efforts of the EC,CC and NACC to destabilise and destroy the elected government.The dullards who bleat conspiracy theory should keep quiet until it is evident the slow and silent judicial coup has no legs.Until that point all the evidence points the other way. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

If it's corrupt, then what is the problem with it being investigated by the NACC?

There is no "problem.I was merely pointing out the context,specifically how the courts and the NACC form part of the effort to undermine electoral democracy in Thailand now that the folly of military coups is widely accepted.

If the NACC determines and proves corruption, that is for the good.But the context cannot be ignored (though I expect the prejudiced and the dullards will do just that).

Why ? If they can get corrupt officials indited and banned that is so much more rewarding then to beat them in a vote. Saying voting is the answer is like saying i got voted into power so i can be corrupt. (red thinking)

Corruption and law breaks by this government should be seen separate from voting, they broke the law prosecute and punish them. Not hold a popularity contest. Now if democrats of whoever are in power and corrupt id support you too to get them to justice. Why forgive it.. why not go after it and root it out instead of letting them off by loosing a vote.. If you dont punish them and make them accountable things will never change.

I have absolutely no problem with a non partisan judicial system punishing politicians found guilty of corruption.But I do object to directed judicial activism as an alternative to democratic politics.Popular victory at a general election doesn't give the government a blank cheque and it must be subject to a variety of checks and balances.But popular support received through a general election is a basic requisite, without which there can be no proper mandate.

I have absolutely no problem with a non partisan judicial system punishing politicians found guilty of corruption

Good for you, and something we can agree on, the problem is:

But I do object to directed judicial activism as an alternative to democratic politics.

That's invariably your reaction to any wrong doing by Thaksin and his proxies, it's always political prosecution first and pontificating about non partisan justice second.

Why won't you start by proving that the allegations are groundless and politically motivated and then move on to complain about judicial activism?

I very much doubt whether the allegations are groundless.But they are not the reason for the the current conflict which is a struggle for power.Judicial activism has become very significant since the military coup option for the old guard no longer seems possible.

Many confused and unintelligent responses to my earlier post.Nobody is suggesting that this government is not without its faults and I do not have any obligation to defend it.If it is as incompetent, corrupt and incompetent as claimed it can be voted out by the Thai people at the general election in a few weeks time. But of course giving the Thai people a voice is exactly what the old guard fear.Thus the strategy is to create conditions of confusion and enlist the partisan efforts of the EC,CC and NACC to destabilise and destroy the elected government.The dullards who bleat conspiracy theory should keep quiet until it is evident the slow and silent judicial coup has no legs.Until that point all the evidence points the other way. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

"The dullards who bleat conspiracy theory should keep quiet"

What, you are not going to explain this vast conspiracy between "the EC,CC and NACC to destabilise and destroy the elected government"?

And here I was hoping about hearing a nice story.

My point was that if the government falls through the impact of judicial intervention, my critics should not dismiss my comments as a 'conspiracy theory".Corruption is a curse in Thailand and nobody would disagree it should be tackled, but it is not, despite protestations, the root cause of the current conflict.Look at the nature of leadership of the street protests!The current government is certainly losing popularity so why don't the forces opposed to it work for a victory in the coming general election?

Why ? If they can get corrupt officials indited and banned that is so much more rewarding then to beat them in a vote. Saying voting is the answer is like saying i got voted into power so i can be corrupt. (red thinking)

Corruption and law breaks by this government should be seen separate from voting, they broke the law prosecute and punish them. Not hold a popularity contest. Now if democrats of whoever are in power and corrupt id support you too to get them to justice. Why forgive it.. why not go after it and root it out instead of letting them off by loosing a vote.. If you dont punish them and make them accountable things will never change.

I have absolutely no problem with a non partisan judicial system punishing politicians found guilty of corruption.But I do object to directed judicial activism as an alternative to democratic politics.Popular victory at a general election doesn't give the government a blank cheque and it must be subject to a variety of checks and balances.But popular support received through a general election is a basic requisite, without which there can be no proper mandate.

Many confused and unintelligent responses to my earlier post.Nobody is suggesting that this government is not without its faults and I do not have any obligation to defend it.If it is as incompetent, corrupt and incompetent as claimed it can be voted out by the Thai people at the general election in a few weeks time. But of course giving the Thai people a voice is exactly what the old guard fear.Thus the strategy is to create conditions of confusion and enlist the partisan efforts of the EC,CC and NACC to destabilise and destroy the elected government.The dullards who bleat conspiracy theory should keep quiet until it is evident the slow and silent judicial coup has no legs.Until that point all the evidence points the other way. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

"The dullards who bleat conspiracy theory should keep quiet"

What, you are not going to explain this vast conspiracy between "the EC,CC and NACC to destabilise and destroy the elected government"?

And here I was hoping about hearing a nice story.

My point was that if the government falls through the impact of judicial intervention, my critics should not dismiss my comments as a 'conspiracy theory".Corruption is a curse in Thailand and nobody would disagree it should be tackled, but it is not, despite protestations, the root cause of the current conflict.Look at the nature of leadership of the street protests!The current government is certainly losing popularity so why don't the forces opposed to it work for a victory in the coming general election?

Many confused and unintelligent responses to my earlier post.Nobody is suggesting that this government is not without its faults and I do not have any obligation to defend it.If it is as incompetent, corrupt and incompetent as claimed it can be voted out by the Thai people at the general election in a few weeks time.

But of course giving the Thai people a voice is exactly what the old guard fear.Thus the strategy is to create conditions of confusion and enlist the partisan efforts of the EC,CC and NACC to destabilise and destroy the elected government.The dullards who bleat conspiracy theory should keep quiet until it is evident the slow and silent judicial coup has no legs.Until that point all the evidence points the other way.

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But but but.... They were elected. But the Dems. But it's politically motivated.

Maybe it's political that these charges were not probed long ago.

It's part of the plan.The Democrats can't win elections so the choice for the old guard is either a military coup or judicial intervention.Suthep is doing the old guard's groundwork so that the country is as chaotic as possible.It's now understood a coup would be counterproductive so the chosen method of trashing an elected government is directed judicial activism.The courts have been packed with partisan yellow judges.

http://www.dw.de/military-undecided-in-thailand-conflict/a-17361237

I generally appreciate your posts Jayboy, but in this case, you do not feel that the likely loss of 400 billion baht ++ and total lack of accountability or failure to heed any of the many warnings and warning signs should just be brushed under the carpet?

I agree it may seem to be picking on her, but let's bear in mind that this is a whole lot different than the trumped up DSI set up against Suthep/Abhisit where Tarit et al get off scott free, this is unquestionably corruption, the only issue is who is to blame.

Let's not forget how Thaksin intimidated the judges in his false asset declaration, or how his wife tried to pay them off with 'donut box gate', or how his wife falsified documents and presented them in court, or how many various politicians have lied about degrees, hidden their relatives for a murder charge, run off overseas to avoid punishment - there is a total lack of respect for the judiciary from some politicians, all I can suggest is if a politician doesn't want to be sued/sent to jail....don't break the law.

I agree it should be properly investigated.My point was about the timing.

I agree Thaksin's behaviour was disgraceful and that he played fast and loose with the courts.What is different now is that it appears the courts are chiming in with a particular political objective.I'm not suggesting there is some dastardly blueprint - it's not needed.

For what it's worth I also appreciate your posts and, sparing your blushes, your genuine knowledge and intelligence.

Even the poor farmers you claim to be helping and who supposedly love you are now calling for your head. Yingluck, PTP, Shinawatras, it's time to go.

Yes.The farmers are on the march.They were deceived by Thaksin.But now they know the truth and are bent on vengeance.So much for the support Thaksin and this government claim to have in the North.Soon we will see the farmers join up with the heroes on the Bangkok streets for the final countdown.How do I know this? I had it straight from the lips of that great reporter, Michael Yon.

Someone just posted that at least his family in Ubon and an uncle in Buriram got paid just now. Of course the farmers marching are from Lower North and Central districts.

That is divide and rule talk.The farmers are on their way to join the resistance. They were fooled once but no more

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My family from Ubon just called and said they have received their rice payment this afternoon and their uncle in Buriram had also received it this morning. If you have family members in the North or Northeast, check with them and have them go ask at the office, most probably the payments are now ready to be claimed. Good news indeed.

and those from Lower North and Central regions still waiting and therefore protesting

Yes, and the news from the rest is double talk.No payments have been made and the farmers are on the march.They have seen through Thaksin and his government.Soon they will join up with the heroes on the Bangkok streets.The final countdown is soon to begin.

Even the poor farmers you claim to be helping and who supposedly love you are now calling for your head. Yingluck, PTP, Shinawatras, it's time to go.

Yes.The farmers are on the march.They were deceived by Thaksin.But now they know the truth and are bent on vengeance.So much for the support Thaksin and this government claim to have in the North.Soon we will see the farmers join up with the heroes on the Bangkok streets for the final countdown.How do I know this? I had it straight from the lips of that great reporter, Michael Yon.

"We do, I would note, applaud the restraint shown thus far by government authorities in this regard," she said.

Re; US support for PTP.

<wiki> "Thaksin also served on the Asia Advisory Board of the Washington, D.C. based Carlyle Group until he resigned upon becoming Prime Minister in 2001."

Other members of CG include US Presidents, UK Prime Ministers, CIA bosses. Thaksin was 'our man in Asia' and so there is always the undercurrent of US support for him and PTP (imho), despite the fact that he is a wanted fugitive and his party is more crooked than a whole lorryload of corkscrews. Many people have speculated that him being able to travel freely despite having a legit criminal conviction (and more serious cases including ordering mass-murder still pending) is because of his connections to these type of organisations.

Please note, I love USA people and culture, and also I am not criticising the person or institution in in the OP. Just saying. Some things are like VD, they never really go away.

Re; the actual sentiments of the OP, obviously they echo basic common-sense and are what everyone else is saying too. Restraint and dialogue is the basic foundation of anything, not just State matters. The sad part is that we are even discussing these basic machine factors at all, when the whole engine should have been chugging along nicely years ago.

Whenever one reads of some bizarre theory involving Thaksin - "our man in Asia",the Carlyle Group and the US bias to the PTP one recognises the influence of demented conspiracy theorists.The most prominent of these in Thailand is one Tony Cartalcci (not his real name) who is crazier than a box of frogs.He is an enthusiastic propagandist for the North Korean and Syrian dictatorships.

As to the State Department comments it does not require much intelligence to see the US is not expressing any preference, simply giving credit that so far the violence has beeen very limited.No need to read anything more into it.

There is a horrible stench in this room, seem whenever an Amsterdam topic comes up the 50 shades of red fornicate over each other to defend his honour. Like seagulls fighting over that last juicy chip.

How difficult is it to grasp a simple point? I don't see anyone engaged in defending Amsterdam:I certainly have no interest in doing so.

The thread subject matter deals only with his comments on the Thai army and to date these have not been refuted.

Since the observations are undeniably true, the only alternative is to spew random abuse.But I am afraid you and others of your persuasion have lost the argument.

........................................."Since the observations are undeniably true"............................................

?????????????????????????????

Thanks jayboy, when I read your amazing comment I sprayed coffee all over my laptop screen, again !

Proves my point once again.Unable to refute the charges.

There is a horrible stench in this room, seem whenever an Amsterdam topic comes up the 50 shades of red fornicate over each other to defend his honour. Like seagulls fighting over that last juicy chip.

How difficult is it to grasp a simple point? I don't see anyone engaged in defending Amsterdam:I certainly have no interest in doing so.

The thread subject matter deals only with his comments on the Thai army and to date these have not been refuted.

Since the observations are undeniably true, the only alternative is to spew random abuse.But I am afraid you and others of your persuasion have lost the argument.

Since when was it amsterdams place to blast the Thai army.

Oh yes, he is Thaksins mouthpiece so he is talking for the convicted crim.

How dare the army attempt to prevent the chosen one from returning to claim his rightful place as the dictator.

Please highlight what part of Amsterdams article was factually incorrect so we can all discuss

difficult, just like highlighting what is factual correct. Clever lawyers are like that. Some can even make you wonder whether you really saw what you saw.

In other words you cannot identify any inaccuracies in Amsterdam's remarks on the Thai army.

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Since when was it amsterdams place to blast the Thai army.

Oh yes, he is Thaksins mouthpiece so he is talking for the convicted crim.

How dare the army attempt to prevent the chosen one from returning to claim his rightful place as the dictator.

The problem with that is that you would only permit information/news/argument supporting YOUR perspective to be available. It's healthy to be able to hear all sides....even that which might be considered by some to be extreme

And the problem with your argument is that Amsterday is the paid mouthpiece of a convicted fugitive from justice and therefor anything but unbiased.

Forget Amsterdam's personal circumstances for a moment.Can you or indeed anybody demonstrate that his comments on the Thai army are other than accurate? Thought not.

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"I have no knowledge of any previous such cases but on the evidence I have seen the circumstances are very indicative of the absurd entitlement Indian middle class expect.By this I mean it is beyond imagination that a similar lower level diplomat from say Japan,France,Russia,China, the UK or Canada would feel the neeed (or be able to afford) taking a personal servant on an international posting.My reaction is why doesn't this woman do her own cleaning, ironing, cooking like everybody else?"

Do you have any knowledge of India?

Domestic service is a massive source of employment there. Live in or visiting maids, housekeepers, cooks, gardeners, drivers etc. It's like Europe was 100 years ago,

Working, professional educated classes - from lower middle upwards, expect servants. One has to demonstrate one's position in a society that is still heavily caste and class based. Any lady like this would expect to not have to do household chores. Not just India - look throughout the Middle East and South East Asia and the use of maids and servants is very high. And in lots of cases, they don't get paid very much and not always treated very well.

I have long experience of India, and your remarks (all agreed) simply confirm my earlier comments. Whatever she was used to in India is however beside the point since she was working in New York.There is no reason why she should not have adapted to the norm there, as have millions of Americans with Indian heritage. There is nothing specifically cultural which requires someone else to do one's household chores. The class and caste system of India is in no way admirable.

I don't know all the details of this case

She wasn't a diplomat at the time of arrest, she was a consulate employee. Therefore no diplomatic immunity at the time of arrest.

India gave her diplomatic status after the arrest hoping to retroactively shield her from prosecution.

Yeah, that's an important detail.

Doesn't change my opinion that this wasn't worth it.

Prosecutors aren't legally obligated to pursue convictions on all cases, you know?

Probably didn't predict the blowback on this. Maybe they SHOULD have?

Well, employing people like this is illegal and is one step away from people trafficking. Why it only caught the Indians so far I don't know. Maybe she was the biggest offender.

I have no knowledge of any previous such cases but on the evidence I have seen the circumstances are very indicative of the absurd entitlement Indian middle class expect.By this I mean it is beyond imagination that a similar lower level diplomat from say Japan,France,Russia,China, the UK or Canada would feel the neeed (or be able to afford) taking a personal servant on an international posting.My reaction is why doesn't this woman do her own cleaning, ironing, cooking like everybody else?

Nice pic above of YL.....

But.....Suthep has offered her an Olive branch many times.....all she has to do is resign...along with the rest in the Shinawatra clan in politics.....it's not hard....

Yes indeed.For some reason she persists in thinking that the confidence of the Thai people as expressed in the last election gives her some kind of mandate.

Still there is some evidence the strain is also getting to Suthep.

"The confidence of the Thai people" ?

come on, jayboy, you can do better than this

I'm not straining for rhetorical heights here nor looking to score debating points,simply stating a fact.As potential Prime Minister her party won an easy victory at the last general election.The old guard, Abhisit, Suthep etc know that the Thai people would still show enough confidence in her to give her another election victory should a contest be held now.That is why they are resorting to their current tactics, hoping (Plan A) to provoke violence thus enabing a military intervention or - more likely - (Plan judicial intervention in a drawn out slow motion death by a thousand cuts.The joke is that even if their plans result in this government falling, they still will not be able to squeeze the toothpaste back in the tube.

When I speak of the THai people I do of course mean all the THai people not just the "good very educate" people.Perhaps that distinction is what confused you.