Thaksin Gives Live Interview To CNN

[chuchok]

I read it is if Thaksin wants to be out of politics what is he doing meeting with them as if he was still PM. Ask yourself how easy is it for the average guy to get a one on one meeting with a politician. By meeting with Thaksin it has the appearance of ignoring that he is not a diplomat any longer and blowing off Thailand.

This is just another piece of evidence that Thaksin continues to lie about his intent, and now officials in Singapore who want to keep relationships going with Thailand must explain why they are meeting with Thaksin who has no business meeting with upper government. Looks like another dance with the devil.

Thaksin sold his shares to the Singapore Government.It has turned into a shambles for them.Do you think that they might just be a little bit interested in talking to him.Strewth!

So please convince me that some place in that conversation Thaksin did not say “if you help me get back in I will fix everything!”

How on earth could Singapore do that?

The Singapore government own one very large investment company.Last time I looked they had a portfoilo of about US$70 billion.They don't need Thaksin to <deleted> anything else up.

They have far two much powder and shot to lobby the current bunch of cowboys themselves.

I am honestly amazed,that your single minded hatred for Thaksin has blinded you to the fact that they just might want to talk about their recent business with shincorp. Think billion baht deal....Think cock up....I think that the Sing government wants as much information as they can get,don't you think??

I don’t hate him, hate is a raw emotion that serves no reason. Thaksin made it personal with me and just about every educated person that walks the earth. So I am simply returning the respect he asks for. “Do on to others as you would have them do on to you” applies.

Personally,I don't like Thaksin.Never really did.what I can't understand though, is that people here that really dislike him can't see the wood for the trees....

[John K]

Perhaps but it is great therapy!!!

[MikeWill]

Re: "...be dishonest"

Nothing new here. Isn't this a trait of almost all politicos?

[ColPyat]

Some Thai people. He would still lose the South in a very big way. People in the South were not paid to not vote. They chose not to vote in order to deny him any legitimacy.

Regardless, he continues to show himself to be dishonest, by saying one thing and doing the opposite.

Of course the southerners would not vote for any party that is not dominated by the old southern power networks. Which only leaves the Democrats.

And don't be mistaken - other than the nice faces they put on front - Abhisit, Chuan, etc. - the real powers within are as corrupt as anybody else here in politics, military, police, business, etc.

Did the southerners care that almost no development whatsoever went to the north and the northeast during especially Chuan 2 who preferred to leave these impoverished areas of Thailand to the godfather parties, and have therefore very much contributed to the deterioration there that only enabled Thaksin to get elected?

Easy to accuse Thaksin of vote buying, but nothing new about it, every party has engaged in votebuying to some extend, and according to political scientists such as Prof. Giles Ungpakorn (who can hardly be called a Thaksin supporter) the effects of vote buying are over estimated. He has some very convincing arguments about this, if one cares to read up on him and listen to what he has to say (for which he is under 24 hour surveillance now by our so very nice military government).

<edited>

But it makes a great argument when one does not really want to think about how complex the issue of Thaksin's rise is - just blame the stupid peasants. But don't ever find out why there is so much unnecessary desperation up there.

Yes, where is the great plan for development by the democrats? I don't see it, they only thing they came up several months before the coup were two A 4 pages with mostly meaningless dribble. I don't see the southerners having much of a problem voting for a party that has no policies, no plans, no convictions, and no hope to get into power again other than with the same old weak coalitions with the same old godfather parties.

I am sick and tired of the argument about the southerners being so much more politically aware. They are as guilty of the misery of Thailand than everybody else. It's a lot easier in the south anyhow - better land, more rain, more tourism, and a whole lot of Isaarnites, Northerners and Burmese migrants to do the &lt;deleted&gt; work.

There simply is not as much desperation there than in most areas of the north and the north-east, and i have not seen the government led by southerners doing much at all to improve things in the impoverished areas. They hardly ever campaign in the villages there, and never did.

Thailand just seems to go full circle again, regional squabbles, power games reminescent of feudalism between shady power elites, and propagation of lunatic new-age waffle (the economist) as a economic policy, while many of its neighbors have made the step into development, or are in the process to.

Edited January 16, 2007 by Totster
Please see forum rules

[MikeWill]

Thai democracy a.k.a. constitutional monarchy, once in a while turns into temporary military dictatorship.

Perhaps in the interim, Thailand will be served better by autocracy of some kind limited by a constitution, rather than a molested Thai democracy or whatever you call it.

[Mid]

Thai democracy a.k.a. constitutional monarchy, once in a while turns into temporary military dictatorship.

Perhaps in the interim, Thailand will be served better by autocracy of some kind limited by a constitution, rather than a molested Thai democracy or whatever you call it.

Perhaps in the interim, Thailand will be served better by autocracy of some kind limited by a constitution, rather than a molested Thai democracy or whatever you call it.

True as that may be ,

it can't be left to stand as a valid reason for doing same ...................................

[Plus]

Did the southerners care that almost no development whatsoever went to the north and the northeast during especially Chuan 2 who preferred to leave these impoverished areas of Thailand to the godfather parties, and have therefore very much contributed to the deterioration there that only enabled Thaksin to get elected?

BS alert - Chuan took over the government in the midst of economic crisis and was in power for only 3 years, he can hardly be held responsible for deterioration in Isan and the North.

Easy to accuse Thaksin of vote buying, but nothing new about it, every party has engaged in votebuying to some extend, and according to political scientists such as Prof. Giles Ungpakorn (who can hardly be called a Thaksin supporter) the effects of vote buying are over estimated.

Hidden advertising alert - Giles Ungpakorn is a Thai socialist (with roots traced to Soviet Bolsheviks) , he has little following and some odd views on Thai society. Don't take his authority for granted.

...i have not seen the government led by southerners doing much at all to improve things in the impoverished areas. They hardly ever campaign in the villages there, and never did.

Reality check - we are asked to believe that Democrats, who have been in power for only trhee years, are responsible for the poverty in the region they have never campaigned in. Little factoid - last time they campaigned in Chiang Mai their rally was disrupted by TRT supporters and their leaders were beaten with chairs.

Thailand just seems to go full circle again, regional squabbles, power games reminescent of feudalism between shady power elites, and propagation of lunatic new-age waffle (the economist) as a economic policy, while many of its neighbors have made the step into development, or are in the process to.

A reminder - prior to the coup Colpyat was convinced that Thai economy would crash as Thaksin's policies were unsustainable - looks like 180 degree turnaround.

Otherwise a nice, well-researched, and informative post. Keep up the good work, Colpyat.

[Tony Clifton]

A coward. Will do an interview with CNN outside the country while he only accepted an interview here ONCE with Sorayud, a partisan. Never agreed to a live debate, unless it was behind closed doors.

Rubbish.

He did already several short interviews with CNN before his ouster. One was just before his speach at Sanam Luang. And before anyone here against comes up with the ludicrous notion that he paid CNN for interviewing him - CNN have also interviewed Sondhi Limthongkul at that time.

At least stay with the facts, please, before rumor and gossip gets established as fact.

He may have paid CNN the outstanding bill for his cherished Elite Card advertisement in exchange for an interview though

He can do all the interviews he likes outside the country now, he's started his own little "innocent boy" campaign, NY Times as well today, you can't deny that he has always denied the opportunity while he was here, unless it was done HIS way,ONCE ON SORAYUD's show as I said before, which proves that there's a lot he won't answer to because he DOESN'T want to and there's too much to answer to.

Wait until they come up with charges soon, you won't see him in a studio anymore.

[bendejo]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/01/1...view/index.html

Is this all it was?

[Tony Clifton]

Yep, an interview that looked more like self-advertisement.

[Siripon]

Some Thai people. He would still lose the South in a very big way. People in the South were not paid to not vote. They chose not to vote in order to deny him any legitimacy.

Regardless, he continues to show himself to be dishonest, by saying one thing and doing the opposite.

Of course the southerners would not vote for any party that is not dominated by the old southern power networks. Which only leaves the Democrats.

And don't be mistaken - other than the nice faces they put on front - Abhisit, Chuan, etc. - the real powers within are as corrupt as anybody else here in politics, military, police, business, etc.

Did the southerners care that almost no development whatsoever went to the north and the northeast during especially Chuan 2 who preferred to leave these impoverished areas of Thailand to the godfather parties, and have therefore very much contributed to the deterioration there that only enabled Thaksin to get elected?

Easy to accuse Thaksin of vote buying, but nothing new about it, every party has engaged in votebuying to some extend, and according to political scientists such as Prof. Giles Ungpakorn (who can hardly be called a Thaksin supporter) the effects of vote buying are over estimated. He has some very convincing arguments about this, if one cares to read up on him and listen to what he has to say (for which he is under 24 hour surveillance now by our so very nice military government).

<edited>

But it makes a great argument when one does not really want to think about how complex the issue of Thaksin's rise is - just blame the stupid peasants. But don't ever find out why there is so much unnecessary desperation up there.

Yes, where is the great plan for development by the democrats? I don't see it, they only thing they came up several months before the coup were two A 4 pages with mostly meaningless dribble. I don't see the southerners having much of a problem voting for a party that has no policies, no plans, no convictions, and no hope to get into power again other than with the same old weak coalitions with the same old godfather parties.

I am sick and tired of the argument about the southerners being so much more politically aware. They are as guilty of the misery of Thailand than everybody else. It's a lot easier in the south anyhow - better land, more rain, more tourism, and a whole lot of Isaarnites, Northerners and Burmese migrants to do the &lt;deleted&gt; work.

There simply is not as much desperation there than in most areas of the north and the north-east, and i have not seen the government led by southerners doing much at all to improve things in the impoverished areas. They hardly ever campaign in the villages there, and never did.

Thailand just seems to go full circle again, regional squabbles, power games reminescent of feudalism between shady power elites, and propagation of lunatic new-age waffle (the economist) as a economic policy, while many of its neighbors have made the step into development, or are in the process to.

I'm from Khonkaen province and I'm tired of this 'waffle' about the 'impoverished and desperate' north east. The peasants upcountry have a far better life than their working class brothers in urban slums. Tending their cattle or watering their crops, they spend the rest of the day reclining in salas,( bamboo pavilions resembling bus stops), playing hilo, cards and predicting the lottery between drinking bouts of laokhao, white whisky.

If the colonel doesn't believe me and replies with a load of depressing sociological doomsday predictions I will cordially invite him on my next trip home at the end of the month.

[sriracha john]

Did the southerners care that almost no development whatsoever went to the north and the northeast during especially Chuan 2 who preferred to leave these impoverished areas of Thailand to the godfather parties, and have therefore very much contributed to the deterioration there that only enabled Thaksin to get elected?

BS alert - Chuan took over the government in the midst of economic crisis and was in power for only 3 years, he can hardly be held responsible for deterioration in Isan and the North.

Easy to accuse Thaksin of vote buying, but nothing new about it, every party has engaged in votebuying to some extend, and according to political scientists such as Prof. Giles Ungpakorn (who can hardly be called a Thaksin supporter) the effects of vote buying are over estimated.

Hidden advertising alert - Giles Ungpakorn is a Thai socialist (with roots traced to Soviet Bolsheviks) , he has little following and some odd views on Thai society. Don't take his authority for granted.

...i have not seen the government led by southerners doing much at all to improve things in the impoverished areas. They hardly ever campaign in the villages there, and never did.

Reality check - we are asked to believe that Democrats, who have been in power for only trhee years, are responsible for the poverty in the region they have never campaigned in. Little factoid - last time they campaigned in Chiang Mai their rally was disrupted by TRT supporters and their leaders were beaten with chairs.

Thailand just seems to go full circle again, regional squabbles, power games reminescent of feudalism between shady power elites, and propagation of lunatic new-age waffle (the economist) as a economic policy, while many of its neighbors have made the step into development, or are in the process to.

A reminder - prior to the coup Colpyat was convinced that Thai economy would crash as Thaksin's policies were unsustainable - looks like 180 degree turnaround.

Otherwise a nice, well-researched, and informative post. Keep up the good work, Colpyat.

sheesh....

there you go again, Plus...

adding in those concepts of sincerity, clarity, and honesty...

is there no end?

[chuchok]

Of course the southerners would not vote for any party that is not dominated by the old southern power networks. Which only leaves the Democrats.

And don't be mistaken - other than the nice faces they put on front - Abhisit, Chuan, etc. - the real powers within are as corrupt as anybody else here in politics, military, police, business, etc.

Did the southerners care that almost no development whatsoever went to the north and the northeast during especially Chuan 2 who preferred to leave these impoverished areas of Thailand to the godfather parties, and have therefore very much contributed to the deterioration there that only enabled Thaksin to get elected?

Easy to accuse Thaksin of vote buying, but nothing new about it, every party has engaged in votebuying to some extend, and according to political scientists such as Prof. Giles Ungpakorn (who can hardly be called a Thaksin supporter) the effects of vote buying are over estimated. He has some very convincing arguments about this, if one cares to read up on him and listen to what he has to say (for which he is under 24 hour surveillance now by our so very nice military government).

<edited>

But it makes a great argument when one does not really want to think about how complex the issue of Thaksin's rise is - just blame the stupid peasants. But don't ever find out why there is so much unnecessary desperation up there.

Yes, where is the great plan for development by the democrats? I don't see it, they only thing they came up several months before the coup were two A 4 pages with mostly meaningless dribble. I don't see the southerners having much of a problem voting for a party that has no policies, no plans, no convictions, and no hope to get into power again other than with the same old weak coalitions with the same old godfather parties.

I am sick and tired of the argument about the southerners being so much more politically aware. They are as guilty of the misery of Thailand than everybody else. It's a lot easier in the south anyhow - better land, more rain, more tourism, and a whole lot of Isaarnites, Northerners and Burmese migrants to do the &lt;deleted&gt; work.

There simply is not as much desperation there than in most areas of the north and the north-east, and i have not seen the government led by southerners doing much at all to improve things in the impoverished areas. They hardly ever campaign in the villages there, and never did.

Thailand just seems to go full circle again, regional squabbles, power games reminescent of feudalism between shady power elites, and propagation of lunatic new-age waffle (the economist) as a economic policy, while many of its neighbors have made the step into development, or are in the process to.

One of the better posts...

[Plus]

Let's just step back a little and look at the big picture.

After the coup the generals gave an outline of what they intend to do with the country.

- Thaksin and his regime are out, no political role in the future

- One year under military supervision

- National reconciliation to find a common ground (without Thaksin)

- New Constitution

- New elections (without Thaksin)

They have followed that plan to the letter so far and no one proposed a better one yet. Banning Thaksin's propaganda from the media is an important part of that plan as its underlying notion is - WITHOUT Thaksin.

So, I'd like to ask opponents of the news ban - what are the alternatives? Do they have any alternative plan as a way forward for the country? If not, do they see the generals' plan working if Thaksin is allowed to bash the junta on TV and preach his innocence?

This is the reality, and the price of a mistake is very high.

Who are you to decide what is newsworthy and what not?!

...

Freedom of the media does not mean that you, or some generals decide what is newsworthy or not, but the media deciding itself according to long estabished rules. Part of that is that political opponents are equally given a voice, so that people can make up their own mind.

Sweet talk about freedom of speech while at the same time telling me that I can't post what I think on Thaivisa.

What an example of con-artist reasoning!

BTW, the interview was nowhere near CNN front page, it was deemed not newsworthy by the time I read it, by CNN editorial staff.

[younghusband]

Let's just step back a little and look at the big picture.

After the coup the generals gave an outline of what they intend to do with the country.

- Thaksin and his regime are out, no political role in the future

(This is not a matter for the pipsqueak generals who illegally seized power but for the people of Thailand.If the people of Thailand in fair elections choose Thaksin at some future point -I hope they don't -that's their valid choice)

- One year under military supervision

(One year to prepare for free elections.There's no need for military supervision with the heavy handed connotations implied.)

- National reconciliation to find a common ground (without Thaksin)

(We look to all parties including possibly even Thaksin to achieve national reconciliation.The military junta is delaying not advancing that cause.The sooner it is despatched the better, but a year is acceptable)

- New Constitution

(The existing constitution was quite workable.But nevertheless on the new version care must be taken to ensure the Thai people are properly represented, and the PM and key ministers must definitely be elected)

- New elections (without Thaksin)

(Within one year.I agree Thaksin cannot participate but he has shown no sign of wanting to)

They have followed that plan to the letter so far and no one proposed a better one yet. Banning Thaksin's propaganda from the media is an important part of that plan as its underlying notion is - WITHOUT Thaksin.

(You have completely lost it here.)

So, I'd like to ask opponents of the news ban - what are the alternatives? Do they have any alternative plan as a way forward for the country? If not, do they see the generals' plan working if Thaksin is allowed to bash the junta on TV and preach his innocence?

(Remember Thailand's democratic history, the sacrifices made in the 1970's and refuse to let this wonderful country descend to the level of a underachieving repressive third world oligarchy that this poster seems to want.And as for advice for the generals, in the name of God just go....")

This is the reality, and the price of a mistake is very high.

Who are you to decide what is newsworthy and what not?!

...

Freedom of the media does not mean that you, or some generals decide what is newsworthy or not, but the media deciding itself according to long estabished rules. Part of that is that political opponents are equally given a voice, so that people can make up their own mind.

Sweet talk about freedom of speech while at the same time telling me that I can't post what I think on Thaivisa.

What an example of con-artist reasoning!

BTW, the interview was nowhere near CNN front page, it was deemed not newsworthy by the time I read it, by CNN editorial staff.

[chuchok]

Let's just step back a little and look at the big picture.

After the coup the generals gave an outline of what they intend to do with the country.

- Thaksin and his regime are out, no political role in the future

(This is not a matter for the pipsqueak generals who illegally seized power but for the people of Thailand.If the people of Thailand in fair elections choose Thaksin at some future point -I hope they don't -that's their valid choice)

- One year under military supervision

(One year to prepare for free elections.There's no need for military supervision with the heavy handed connotations implied.)

- National reconciliation to find a common ground (without Thaksin)

(We look to all parties including possibly even Thaksin to achieve national reconciliation.The military junta is delaying not advancing that cause.The sooner it is despatched the better, but a year is acceptable)

- New Constitution

(The existing constitution was quite workable.But nevertheless on the new version care must be taken to ensure the Thai people are properly represented, and the PM and key ministers must definitely be elected)

- New elections (without Thaksin)

(Within one year.I agree Thaksin cannot participate but he has shown no sign of wanting to)

They have followed that plan to the letter so far and no one proposed a better one yet. Banning Thaksin's propaganda from the media is an important part of that plan as its underlying notion is - WITHOUT Thaksin.

(You have completely lost it here.)

So, I'd like to ask opponents of the news ban - what are the alternatives? Do they have any alternative plan as a way forward for the country? If not, do they see the generals' plan working if Thaksin is allowed to bash the junta on TV and preach his innocence?

(Remember Thailand's democratic history, the sacrifices made in the 1970's and refuse to let this wonderful country descend to the level of a underachieving repressive third world oligarchy that this poster seems to want.And as for advice for the generals, in the name of God just go....")

This is the reality, and the price of a mistake is very high.

Who are you to decide what is newsworthy and what not?!

...

Freedom of the media does not mean that you, or some generals decide what is newsworthy or not, but the media deciding itself according to long estabished rules. Part of that is that political opponents are equally given a voice, so that people can make up their own mind.

Sweet talk about freedom of speech while at the same time telling me that I can't post what I think on Thaivisa.

What an example of con-artist reasoning!

BTW, the interview was nowhere near CNN front page, it was deemed not newsworthy by the time I read it, by CNN editorial staff.

Wich part did you write...it's all in quotes.

[chao]

after watching the Youtube version,i feel this was probably a "Breaking Interview"... i expect a lengthy version will come up this weekend on TalkAsia,and hopeful the person in uniform had learned the lesson...

[Plus]

Let's just step back a little and look at the big picture.

After the coup the generals gave an outline of what they intend to do with the country.

- Thaksin and his regime are out, no political role in the future

(This is not a matter for the pipsqueak generals who illegally seized power but for the people of Thailand.If the people of Thailand in fair elections choose Thaksin at some future point -I hope they don't -that's their valid choice)

They are not pipsqueak generals, they are not opportunists seizing on the moment to snatch someone's purse. They have effectively controlled this country for decades. After the coup they enjoyed wider support than any Thai political party, ever.

But that is beside the point - the reality is that there was a coup, and it's irreversible. Are you suggesting some sort of a counter coup to restore democracy? That's not on the cards.

- One year under military supervision

(One year to prepare for free elections.There's no need for military supervision with the heavy handed connotations implied.)

Well, we have arson attacks, we have bombs, we have undercurrents - there seems to be enough reasons for military supervision if not martial law. So far the generals only implemented it only in accordance with the initial plan.

- National reconciliation to find a common ground (without Thaksin)

(We look to all parties including possibly even Thaksin to achieve national reconciliation.The military junta is delaying not advancing that cause.The sooner it is despatched the better, but a year is acceptable)

Thaksin is definetely NOT a part of any reconciliation. It is not possible.

- New Constitution

(The existing constitution was quite workable.But nevertheless on the new version care must be taken to ensure the Thai people are properly represented, and the PM and key ministers must definitely be elected)

- New elections (without Thaksin)

(Within one year.I agree Thaksin cannot participate but he has shown no sign of wanting to)

They have followed that plan to the letter so far and no one proposed a better one yet. Banning Thaksin's propaganda from the media is an important part of that plan as its underlying notion is - WITHOUT Thaksin.

(You have completely lost it here.)

Lost what? Read generals lips - THAKSIN HAS NO PLACE IN THAI POLITICS, EVER.

So, I'd like to ask opponents of the news ban - what are the alternatives? Do they have any alternative plan as a way forward for the country? If not, do they see the generals' plan working if Thaksin is allowed to bash the junta on TV and preach his innocence?

(Remember Thailand's democratic history, the sacrifices made in the 1970's and refuse to let this wonderful country descend to the level of a underachieving repressive third world oligarchy that this poster seems to want.And as for advice for the generals, in the name of God just go....")

It was "repressive third world oligarchy" under Thaksin, no big change here. Asking generals to leave now is a recipe for disaster - Thaksin would never settle differences with his opponents in a peaceful manner. Do you really want to see that? Do you want to see Thaksin sending armies of villagers to reclaim the country from Bangkok elite? The preview in Chiang Mai and at the Central World was not clear enough?

This is the reality, and the price of a mistake is very high.

[stepenwolf1958]

So,what this suppose to mean?So much space in media for someone who has gone already?What for?Also,reactions in Thailand confirmed it's not over(?).One thing is for sure : something going on...Private lunch on high level,with ex PM?Out of logic...All should stay inside of Thailand.That ex PM is not history,obviously...People of Thailand know that.They also think ex should be prosecuted in country.Maybe it would be better to allow him back in country and to open process on the Court soon as possible,to show reall face of everything what happened.However,it's not over...

[ColPyat]

Did the southerners care that almost no development whatsoever went to the north and the northeast during especially Chuan 2 who preferred to leave these impoverished areas of Thailand to the godfather parties, and have therefore very much contributed to the deterioration there that only enabled Thaksin to get elected?

BS alert - Chuan took over the government in the midst of economic crisis and was in power for only 3 years, he can hardly be held responsible for deterioration in Isan and the North.

Never said the he is "responsible" for the poverty there, but he has not even attempted to improve the situation. Hence, Thaksin has clearly introduced certain much needed improvements, therefore - he was not only the first elected Thai PM that not only served a full legislative period, but was even elected again. And before you screem - i am perfectly aware of his terrible human rights violations. Those though were not an issue in Thailand, and still are only a small side issue now. His popularity reached the highest levels during the drugwar. That should tell you something. But unfortunately reality is completely lost on you.

Easy to accuse Thaksin of vote buying, but nothing new about it, every party has engaged in votebuying to some extend, and according to political scientists such as Prof. Giles Ungpakorn (who can hardly be called a Thaksin supporter) the effects of vote buying are over estimated.

Hidden advertising alert - Giles Ungpakorn is a Thai socialist (with roots traced to Soviet Bolsheviks) , he has little following and some odd views on Thai society. Don't take his authority for granted.

Bullshit. Giles has no roots to "Soviet Bolshevism". You would be able to see that if you would take the time to read his articles and papers. Rather strange though why this present government has Giles under 24/7 surveillance even though he is just a professor of political science at Chula, is far too intellectual to ever get a large following (and is perfectly aware of the fact), and is not even involved anymore in the ongoing demonstrations.

...i have not seen the government led by southerners doing much at all to improve things in the impoverished areas. They hardly ever campaign in the villages there, and never did.

Reality check - we are asked to believe that Democrats, who have been in power for only trhee years, are responsible for the poverty in the region they have never campaigned in. Little factoid - last time they campaigned in Chiang Mai their rally was disrupted by TRT supporters and their leaders were beaten with chairs.

The Democrats have not done anyting during Chuan 1 either other than keeping the status quo. And Thai history started before TRT, even before the founding of TRT they have never campaigned much in those areas. But maybe that was before your time here.

Now, after the election boycott they definately have no chance of being able to campaign there. The people are far too angry. And with what do they want to campaign there anyhow?

They still have no policies other than keeping the status quo that many people in the North and Isaarn are not willing to accept anymore.

Thailand just seems to go full circle again, regional squabbles, power games reminescent of feudalism between shady power elites, and propagation of lunatic new-age waffle (the economist) as a economic policy, while many of its neighbors have made the step into development, or are in the process to.

A reminder - prior to the coup Colpyat was convinced that Thai economy would crash as Thaksin's policies were unsustainable - looks like 180 degree turnaround.

Yes, they were unsustainable.

But present government's policies are not just unsustainable - they are outright lunatic.

Otherwise a nice, well-researched, and informative post. Keep up the good work, Colpyat.

[stepenwolf1958]

Let's just step back a little and look at the big picture.

After the coup the generals gave an outline of what they intend to do with the country.

- Thaksin and his regime are out, no political role in the future

(This is not a matter for the pipsqueak generals who illegally seized power but for the people of Thailand.If the people of Thailand in fair elections choose Thaksin at some future point -I hope they don't -that's their valid choice)

They are not pipsqueak generals, they are not opportunists seizing on the moment to snatch someone's purse. They have effectively controlled this country for decades. After the coup they enjoyed wider support than any Thai political party, ever.

But that is beside the point - the reality is that there was a coup, and it's irreversible. Are you suggesting some sort of a counter coup to restore democracy? That's not on the cards.

- One year under military supervision

(One year to prepare for free elections.There's no need for military supervision with the heavy handed connotations implied.)

Well, we have arson attacks, we have bombs, we have undercurrents - there seems to be enough reasons for military supervision if not martial law. So far the generals only implemented it only in accordance with the initial plan.

- National reconciliation to find a common ground (without Thaksin)

(We look to all parties including possibly even Thaksin to achieve national reconciliation.The military junta is delaying not advancing that cause.The sooner it is despatched the better, but a year is acceptable)

HUH...Obviously,hard times comming up...

Thaksin is definetely NOT a part of any reconciliation. It is not possible.

- New Constitution

(The existing constitution was quite workable.But nevertheless on the new version care must be taken to ensure the Thai people are properly represented, and the PM and key ministers must definitely be elected)

- New elections (without Thaksin)

(Within one year.I agree Thaksin cannot participate but he has shown no sign of wanting to)

They have followed that plan to the letter so far and no one proposed a better one yet. Banning Thaksin's propaganda from the media is an important part of that plan as its underlying notion is - WITHOUT Thaksin.

(You have completely lost it here.)

Lost what? Read generals lips - THAKSIN HAS NO PLACE IN THAI POLITICS, EVER.

So, I'd like to ask opponents of the news ban - what are the alternatives? Do they have any alternative plan as a way forward for the country? If not, do they see the generals' plan working if Thaksin is allowed to bash the junta on TV and preach his innocence?

(Remember Thailand's democratic history, the sacrifices made in the 1970's and refuse to let this wonderful country descend to the level of a underachieving repressive third world oligarchy that this poster seems to want.And as for advice for the generals, in the name of God just go....")

It was "repressive third world oligarchy" under Thaksin, no big change here. Asking generals to leave now is a recipe for disaster - Thaksin would never settle differences with his opponents in a peaceful manner. Do you really want to see that? Do you want to see Thaksin sending armies of villagers to reclaim the country from Bangkok elite? The preview in Chiang Mai and at the Central World was not clear enough?

This is the reality, and the price of a mistake is very high.

[ColPyat]

They are not pipsqueak generals, they are not opportunists seizing on the moment to snatch someone's purse. They have effectively controlled this country for decades. After the coup they enjoyed wider support than any Thai political party, ever.

LOL!

Yes, they have controlled this country for decades, and have managed to screw up this country blessed with natural resources, fertile land and a great geo-political position.

They have managed to perform countless massakers and coups, and in the process have enriched themselves beyond believe.

And as soon as there was a glimmer of hope (no, not Thaksin) that democracy might get a foothold in Thailand - they have turned the clock back.

Wider support after the coup?! Ridiculous.

[stepenwolf1958]

Did the southerners care that almost no development whatsoever went to the north and the northeast during especially Chuan 2 who preferred to leave these impoverished areas of Thailand to the godfather parties, and have therefore very much contributed to the deterioration there that only enabled Thaksin to get elected?

BS alert - Chuan took over the government in the midst of economic crisis and was in power for only 3 years, he can hardly be held responsible for deterioration in Isan and the North.

Never said the he is "responsible" for the poverty there, but he has not even attempted to improve the situation. Hence, Thaksin has clearly introduced certain much needed improvements, therefore - he was not only the first elected Thai PM that not only served a full legislative period, but was even elected again. And before you screem - i am perfectly aware of his terrible human rights violations. Those though were not an issue in Thailand, and still are only a small side issue now. His popularity reached the highest levels during the drugwar. That should tell you something. But unfortunately reality is completely lost on you.

Easy to accuse Thaksin of vote buying, but nothing new about it, every party has engaged in votebuying to some extend, and according to political scientists such as Prof. Giles Ungpakorn (who can hardly be called a Thaksin supporter) the effects of vote buying are over estimated.

Hidden advertising alert - Giles Ungpakorn is a Thai socialist (with roots traced to Soviet Bolsheviks) , he has little following and some odd views on Thai society. Don't take his authority for granted.

Bullshit. Giles has no roots to "Soviet Bolshevism". You would be able to see that if you would take the time to read his articles and papers. Rather strange though why this present government has Giles under 24/7 surveillance even though he is just a professor of political science at Chula, is far too intellectual to ever get a large following (and is perfectly aware of the fact), and is not even involved anymore in the ongoing demonstrations.

...i have not seen the government led by southerners doing much at all to improve things in the impoverished areas. They hardly ever campaign in the villages there, and never did.

Reality check - we are asked to believe that Democrats, who have been in power for only trhee years, are responsible for the poverty in the region they have never campaigned in. Little factoid - last time they campaigned in Chiang Mai their rally was disrupted by TRT supporters and their leaders were beaten with chairs.

The Democrats have not done anyting during Chuan 1 either other than keeping the status quo. And Thai history started before TRT, even before the founding of TRT they have never campaigned much in those areas. But maybe that was before your time here.

Now, after the election boycott they definately have no chance of being able to campaign there. The people are far too angry. And with what do they want to campaign there anyhow?

They still have no policies other than keeping the status quo that many people in the North and Isaarn are not willing to accept anymore.

Thailand just seems to go full circle again, regional squabbles, power games reminescent of feudalism between shady power elites, and propagation of lunatic new-age waffle (the economist) as a economic policy, while many of its neighbors have made the step into development, or are in the process to.

A reminder - prior to the coup Colpyat was convinced that Thai economy would crash as Thaksin's policies were unsustainable - looks like 180 degree turnaround.

Yes, they were unsustainable.

But present government's policies are not just unsustainable - they are outright lunatic.

Otherwise a nice, well-researched, and informative post. Keep up the good work, Colpyat.

YES...this is an old "West - East" game...Thailand have Russian combat planes SU or not?All cards still are not on table...Wait to see next move and next move will be soon - both sides...I just hope all will be fixed in peace...But the possibly screenplay could be bad,if there is any...

[stepenwolf1958]

Did the southerners care that almost no development whatsoever went to the north and the northeast during especially Chuan 2 who preferred to leave these impoverished areas of Thailand to the godfather parties, and have therefore very much contributed to the deterioration there that only enabled Thaksin to get elected?

BS alert - Chuan took over the government in the midst of economic crisis and was in power for only 3 years, he can hardly be held responsible for deterioration in Isan and the North.

Never said the he is "responsible" for the poverty there, but he has not even attempted to improve the situation. Hence, Thaksin has clearly introduced certain much needed improvements, therefore - he was not only the first elected Thai PM that not only served a full legislative period, but was even elected again. And before you screem - i am perfectly aware of his terrible human rights violations. Those though were not an issue in Thailand, and still are only a small side issue now. His popularity reached the highest levels during the drugwar. That should tell you something. But unfortunately reality is completely lost on you.

Easy to accuse Thaksin of vote buying, but nothing new about it, every party has engaged in votebuying to some extend, and according to political scientists such as Prof. Giles Ungpakorn (who can hardly be called a Thaksin supporter) the effects of vote buying are over estimated.

Hidden advertising alert - Giles Ungpakorn is a Thai socialist (with roots traced to Soviet Bolsheviks) , he has little following and some odd views on Thai society. Don't take his authority for granted.

Bullshit. Giles has no roots to "Soviet Bolshevism". You would be able to see that if you would take the time to read his articles and papers. Rather strange though why this present government has Giles under 24/7 surveillance even though he is just a professor of political science at Chula, is far too intellectual to ever get a large following (and is perfectly aware of the fact), and is not even involved anymore in the ongoing demonstrations.

...i have not seen the government led by southerners doing much at all to improve things in the impoverished areas. They hardly ever campaign in the villages there, and never did.

Reality check - we are asked to believe that Democrats, who have been in power for only trhee years, are responsible for the poverty in the region they have never campaigned in. Little factoid - last time they campaigned in Chiang Mai their rally was disrupted by TRT supporters and their leaders were beaten with chairs.

The Democrats have not done anyting during Chuan 1 either other than keeping the status quo. And Thai history started before TRT, even before the founding of TRT they have never campaigned much in those areas. But maybe that was before your time here.

Now, after the election boycott they definately have no chance of being able to campaign there. The people are far too angry. And with what do they want to campaign there anyhow?

They still have no policies other than keeping the status quo that many people in the North and Isaarn are not willing to accept anymore.

Thailand just seems to go full circle again, regional squabbles, power games reminescent of feudalism between shady power elites, and propagation of lunatic new-age waffle (the economist) as a economic policy, while many of its neighbors have made the step into development, or are in the process to.

A reminder - prior to the coup Colpyat was convinced that Thai economy would crash as Thaksin's policies were unsustainable - looks like 180 degree turnaround.

Yes, they were unsustainable.

But present government's policies are not just unsustainable - they are outright lunatic.

Otherwise a nice, well-researched, and informative post. Keep up the good work, Colpyat.

Unfortunately,this is an old game "West-East"...Already seen...I am wondering about Rusian combat fighters Su.Thailand imported them or not?It was intention of ex PM,as far as i know,in one moment,not so long time ago...What happened?Anyway,we should wait to see next move,which will be soon-i am sure about it,no doubt...So,there are not all cards on the table yet...Wait and see...I just hope all will be calm...Folowers of Taksin are in imposive,huge...Screenplay could be bad...

[ColPyat]

I'm from Khonkaen province and I'm tired of this 'waffle' about the 'impoverished and desperate' north east. The peasants upcountry have a far better life than their working class brothers in urban slums. Tending their cattle or watering their crops, they spend the rest of the day reclining in salas,( bamboo pavilions resembling bus stops), playing hilo, cards and predicting the lottery between drinking bouts of laokhao, white whisky.

If the colonel doesn't believe me and replies with a load of depressing sociological doomsday predictions I will cordially invite him on my next trip home at the end of the month.

Usually i do not go to villages i have no relatives or closed friends other than on a holiday because it takes years to get closed enough to the people in order to find out more than just the surface.

As a Thai you should be aware, and most definately are, that the village communities are very complex systems caught in for the outsider almost impenetrable webs of clan politics.

Yes, almost all villages in Thailand look like some idyllic hamlets of happy peasants, and that is usually all you get to see and know on a brief visit. Directly asking uncomfortable questions is not exactly part of Thai culture, so i generally learn by observing first for a very long time, until reality unfolds itself, and i became somewhat part of the community that people start trusting me. That usually takes several years. And in Isaarn added difficulty for me is that i do not understand the language more than "Bo Hoo" or "Bo Pen Jiang".

I wonder though, if life in idyllic Isaarn as a peasant is so good and fulfilling, why then so many Isaarnites are to be found migrating to the urban slums to be working class, or to shift to staff the the bars and brothels...

But yes, send me a PM when you go, if i am free i might take you up on your offer, and come along.

[tartempion]

Skipping dinner for Toxin?

Presume Thai 7pm not sing 7pm..

Was going to go eat.. Will wait..

[Pak Chong]

You sacrifice your time even your life.

[aznyron]

Enough is enough : Thaksin

Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has vowed not to re-enter politics, saying "enough is enough."

Speaking publicly for the first time since his ousting, Thaksin told CNN that he would like to return to Thailand as a private citizen.

"After six years in politics, it is time for me to be normal citizens, outside political arena. Enough is enough," Thaksin said during brief interview with CNN from Singapore.

He dismissed suggestion that he was behind the New Year's Eve bombings in Bangkok and surrounding areas that resulted in the death of three people.

Thaksin called on the authorities to bring the culprit to justice and expressed sympathy with those who suffered from the bombings.

"I came from election. I came from the people," said Thaksin, described the bombings as "stupid".

--The Nation 2007-01-15

This inability to pronounce the letter R correctly can be

amusing , can't it?

Since I am only a guest in Thailand maybe i should not post this reply but some thing says I should do it P.M Thaksin was democractly elect by the people in my opinion this goverment is illegal and also things were not great under thaksin but they were better than now bombs going off all over thai baht inflatted exports down people in fear sorry the military was wrong to have coup to remove a man who is loved by his people it seems only the ones who were block out from the illegal profits made are the ones complaining and in charge now screwing things up my two cents is more than used up

[hammered]

Enough is enough : Thaksin

Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has vowed not to re-enter politics, saying "enough is enough."

Speaking publicly for the first time since his ousting, Thaksin told CNN that he would like to return to Thailand as a private citizen.

"After six years in politics, it is time for me to be normal citizens, outside political arena. Enough is enough," Thaksin said during brief interview with CNN from Singapore.

He dismissed suggestion that he was behind the New Year's Eve bombings in Bangkok and surrounding areas that resulted in the death of three people.

Thaksin called on the authorities to bring the culprit to justice and expressed sympathy with those who suffered from the bombings.

"I came from election. I came from the people," said Thaksin, described the bombings as "stupid".

--The Nation 2007-01-15

This inability to pronounce the letter R correctly can be

amusing , can't it?

Since I am only a guest in Thailand maybe i should not post this reply but some thing says I should do it P.M Thaksin was democractly elect by the people in my opinion this goverment is illegal and also things were not great under thaksin but they were better than now bombs going off all over thai baht inflatted exports down people in fear sorry the military was wrong to have coup to remove a man who is loved by his people it seems only the ones who were block out from the illegal profits made are the ones complaining and in charge now screwing things up my two cents is more than used up

Sometimes I wonder why the only comparison we get on here is Thaksins lot or the current lot. What a choice: an unelected military government or a serial extra judicial execution regime. And there are those in positions now who were in positions under Mr. T, so there is even some cross over. There must be something better for Thailand. Although as both these goups do their best to discredit each other at the expense of the country, the ones quietly sitting back and waiting for either another election or another coup are not exactly a distinguished group and have their own links to one of or both current goups. It does not seem to be a position of hope.

[ColPyat]

Sometimes I wonder why the only comparison we get on here is Thaksins lot or the current lot. What a choice: an unelected military government or a serial extra judicial execution regime. And there are those in positions now who were in positions under Mr. T, so there is even some cross over. There must be something better for Thailand. Although as both these goups do their best to discredit each other at the expense of the country, the ones quietly sitting back and waiting for either another election or another coup are not exactly a distinguished group and have their own links to one of or both current goups. It does not seem to be a position of hope.

Thank you for an injection of common sense.

Before the coup i have held the hope that the planned elections would have gone through. Most definately TRT would have been forming the government again, but with a much smaller majority, and we would again have had a functioning opposition after years of almost singular TRT rule. That would have been a major progress already.

Thaksin would not have gotten away that easily with anything he wanted anymore. The opposition parties, mainly the Democrats, would have had then enough time to form policies and a party program so that they could have been an alternative in the next elections, or when TRT would have collapsed from within (a process that has already started before the coup).

And then we would have had a chance for a working democracy with real power for the people.

That option was taken away from us with the coup. And even worse - instead of becoming a time of national recounciliation - what the coup leaders claimed and promised - we have now a time of worsening splits in society, of completely incompetent decisions more inspired by infantile and paranoid reactions to momentarily perceived threats, of outdated ideologies, and a complete lack of vision other than keeping the status quo.

The economy is severely threatened, the security situation is a mess, and there is very little hope that the next elections will give us a government that will not be a weak coalition government more busy with infighting than solving the country's problems.