Former Thai PM Thaksin: "I'm Calling It Quits"

[John K]

Mr. Surapong, spokesman of the ousted government, said every concerned party must join hands in organising a general election as soon as possible and should not pressure the prime minister to resign or the military to launch another coup.

This last part highly suggests that the PM has been bought by Thaksin. When was the last time the TRT said anything complementary to anyone not under their control. Based on this statement alone I think it may be time for the PM to exit with grace before an exit with disgrace.

[Plus]

Will all those anti-junta protesters join PTV and form PAT - People Alliance for Thaksin?

They all declare good intentions and distance themselves from TRT and Thaksin, but in the end they will be marching to PTV tune, even if they demonstrate on different days and at different venues.

Knights of the Spamalot, or what was that film by Monty Pythons.

[John K]

Anyone attending the rallies will more or less become pawns of the TRT. The TRT has already shown it does not care much about it’s pawns. Hint: stay home and watch a movie or other more sensible activity.

[Barney_the_Dinosaur]

Once again John seems to think that Thai people are easily brainwashable !

Just wait till you see the vote-gathering tactics of the upcoming monarchist political party (currently being formulated) that will replace the TRT and democrats. As soon as they get a grip on the upcountry political networks - TRT's legacy, they'll be ready to take a landslide december election win.

[John K]

Once again John seems to think that Thai people are easily brainwashable !

Just wait till you see the vote-gathering tactics of the upcoming monarchist political party (currently being formulated) that will replace the TRT and democrats. As soon as they get a grip on the upcountry political networks - TRT's legacy, they'll be ready to take a landslide december election win.

I think brainwashing is the wrong term. I think undereducated people trusting and following more educated self serving deceivers is a very accurate description.

[Barney_the_Dinosaur]

That sounds like a metaphor for politicians in many countries. Thailand doesn't have the monopoly on self-serving politicos, nor on an electorate who misplaces its faith in electoral promises and the bona fides of its leaders.

[John K]

You are correct on that, however Thailand does have a ousted PM who has the support of undereducated people from Isaan that he has decieved. That ousted PM has every reason to get back into power or risk a long stay at the Bangkok Hilton with several of his buddies. So to believe the title of this thread is in anyway true, you are experiencing the powers of deception.

[hammered]

A hel_l of a lot of the upcountry rural votes go the way the village headman advises. People ask who do you think is best for our village. The headman advises and most vote that way. TRT knew this and in spite of all the talk of policies most TRT insiders will tell you the network of village headmen (plus kamnan who advise the village heads, and a bunch of influential ones) gave them the massve majority.

Whoever wants to win the next election has to take control of this network or at least a lot of it or replace as much as it they can which is not easy. A few hundred TRT have deserted and no doubt taken a lot of their networks with them. That still leaves a few hundred still in TRT which would still result in TRT being a major party if an election were held now although without a majority and depending on how the deserters realign probably not the biggest party. If the TRT and Dems are disolved there is also what happens to their MPS and networks to consider. The Dems with a 50 year history will probably hold together under a new Dem name and do OK. However, with the rump TRT this is not so certain.

[John K]

A hel_l of a lot of the upcountry rural votes go the way the village headman advises. People ask who do you think is best for our village. The headman advises and most vote that way. TRT knew this and in spite of all the talk of policies most TRT insiders will tell you the network of village headmen (plus kamnan who advise the village heads, and a bunch of influential ones) gave them the massve majority.

Whoever wants to win the next election has to take control of this network or at least a lot of it or replace as much as it they can which is not easy. A few hundred TRT have deserted and no doubt taken a lot of their networks with them. That still leaves a few hundred still in TRT which would still result in TRT being a major party if an election were held now although without a majority and depending on how the deserters realign probably not the biggest party. If the TRT and Dems are disolved there is also what happens to their MPS and networks to consider. The Dems with a 50 year history will probably hold together under a new Dem name and do OK. However, with the rump TRT this is not so certain.

A good point. Also remember Thaksin controlled the media so opposing views were effectively squelched. Taking that control will be much more difficult this time providing the media is not obstructed. Expect the next six weeks to resemble a cross between a rugby match and a shark feeding frenzy unless the rallies are halted.

[blaze]

A hel_l of a lot of the upcountry rural votes go the way the village headman advises. People ask who do you think is best for our village. The headman advises and most vote that way. TRT knew this and in spite of all the talk of policies most TRT insiders will tell you the network of village headmen (plus kamnan who advise the village heads, and a bunch of influential ones) gave them the massve majority.

Whoever wants to win the next election has to take control of this network or at least a lot of it or replace as much as it they can which is not easy. A few hundred TRT have deserted and no doubt taken a lot of their networks with them. That still leaves a few hundred still in TRT which would still result in TRT being a major party if an election were held now although without a majority and depending on how the deserters realign probably not the biggest party. If the TRT and Dems are disolved there is also what happens to their MPS and networks to consider. The Dems with a 50 year history will probably hold together under a new Dem name and do OK. However, with the rump TRT this is not so certain.

A good point. Also remember Thaksin controlled the media so opposing views were effectively squelched. Taking that control will be much more difficult this time providing the media is not obstructed. Expect the next six weeks to resemble a cross between a rugby match and a shark feeding frenzy unless the rallies are halted.

Since predictions seem to be your forte John- what do you predict will happen if another 'populist' Thai polititian seeks to channel the frustration of the poor into political action? Say, someone running on a platform of social justice? Or do you believe that the poor are happy to work for four bucks a day and too stupid to know they are being exploited mercilessly? Or that their Karma demands that they serve as the indentured servants of the elites?

How long do you predict that the Thai population will continue to suffer the intrusion of the army into the public sphere- bearing in mind that in the modern world, any political legitimacy that militarys have been able to sustain has been due to their being seen as defenders of the nation against external threats or- through brute force.

The threat to the status quo in Thailand is not Thaksin, John. It is democracy.

Edited April 17, 2007 by blaze

[blaze]

Once again John seems to think that Thai people are easily brainwashable !

Just wait till you see the vote-gathering tactics of the upcoming monarchist political party (currently being formulated) that will replace the TRT and democrats. As soon as they get a grip on the upcountry political networks - TRT's legacy, they'll be ready to take a landslide december election win.

I think brainwashing is the wrong term. I think undereducated people trusting and following more educated self serving deceivers is a very accurate description.

Like those who are deceived into obsessing about the fox- while the wolf slouches into the pen.

Edited April 17, 2007 by blaze

[John K]

In this case it is the players that make it easy to predict. What if is a wild card, so it would be impossible to say. I find it hard to disagree with you about threat on the status quo. There will be some sort of reaction to the infusion of a strong democracy that forces politicians to behave.

As for the army I will simply say you need to above the game looking down to see everything. If you are in the game your view is limited. As long as the army commits to it’s promise, and as long as the general population is aware outside forces can change dates by delay or diversion they don’t have too much to complain about. Taking a snapshot of today I feel more concerned that the PM may be in Thaksin’s pocket. That to me is coup alert.

To put a in depth summary there are three or 4 players in the game. The Junta, the government, Thaksin / TRT / PTV and now possibly the PAD. Like any game each player looks to win.

The Junta’s goal is to restore the countries divide. To do so it must eliminate Thaksin and associates from the game and to insure the government can do it’s job. The most difficult task for this player is dealing with Thaksin.

The governments goal is to rebuild what Thaksin tore down, to rebuild the democracy to be Thaksin proof, and to seek justice. The most difficult task for this player is to be seen moving in the right direction at an acceptable speed.

Thaksin goal is to stay out of jail and regain power. To do this he must make all the other players look bad leaving himself to be the shiniest player in the game. This player does not play by the rules and makes moves below or off the game board. The most difficult task for this player is staying out of jail.

The PAD has still not entered the game but will act as a watchdog of sorts making sure the other players are playing by the rules. The goal of this player is to protect the interests of the country and to see the game has been played fairly.

There are 3 referees who can influence the players of the game. They are The Thai people, the international community of governments, and business investors. Each referee has significant influence on the players except for Thaksin. Thaksin has been effectively self immunized from influence of the referees as his self-serving nature places him above anyone’s opinion except his own.

[Plus]

what do you predict will happen if another 'populist' Thai polititian seeks to channel the frustration of the poor into political action? Say, someone running on a platform of social justice?

He'll get ###### all. No kamnan or village head would allow any of that "social justice" shit in their domains.

Rural folks are not "oppressed" by some facelss Bangkok "elite" somewhere in the capital, they are kept in place by their local influential persons who control everything in small communities - business, markets, money lenders etc. and they intend to keep it that way. No social justice allowed.

[ColPyat]

A good point. Also remember Thaksin controlled the media so opposing views were effectively squelched. Taking that control will be much more difficult this time providing the media is not obstructed. Expect the next six weeks to resemble a cross between a rugby match and a shark feeding frenzy unless the rallies are halted.

Rather ironic is that while you keep going on and on about your nemesis Thaksin and almost all of your opponents here are simply so bored with your repetitive rants and fantasies, that they can't bother arguing with you anymore, you just completely miss the plot that the most draconian censorship rules in decades have been introduced now, and presently all dissenting voices are slowly getting silenced by threats under the mantle of "unity of the nation", while a man far worse and dictatorial is on the steady rise to power.

But yes, i imagine that you people even support this charade of bringing back democracy to the people. I feel sorry for you guys.

[John K]

ANALYSIS

Give Surayud and Sonthi a chance

Only Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and Army chief Sonthi Boonyaratglin can deliver a smooth transition from the military-installed regime back to an elected administration, as many political groups are mounting their demands that could lead to political turmoil and the crash of the junta.

Rather than reconcile the divisions between the pro- and anti-Thaksin Shinawatra camps, the September 10 coup, like the big bang in the universe, simply created a host of factions and divisions with different political spectra.

The pro-Thaksin camp continued its support for the deposed prime minister and his Thai Rak Thai Party, but the anti-Thaksin faction split into two: one for and the other against the junta.

The pro-junta group is made up of professional and non-governmental organisations, including the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

The other anti-Thaksin groups, including academics, student activists and some grass-roots organisations like the Assembly of the Poor and the Democratic Federation, turned their guns on the junta on the grounds the military coup was undemocratic.

The political situation became tense when all of these political movements began to put their demands to the junta for difference purposes.

The pro-Thaksin camp, which consists of a wide range of people, from the urban poor to officials in ministries and the armed forces, all of whom benefited from the former premier, will do their best to bring down the junta and its government.

They might not be able to bring Thaksin back to power at once, but the strategy is to discredit the current administration and the junta.

They are taking advantage of comparing the current government's performance, notably the economic aspects, with Thaksin's, saying the coup has brought on all of the negative things happening to the Kingdom now.

They have plenty of resources and political tactics for tackling the government, from street protests to information-technology warfare.

Disclosure of the junta's irregularities in its public-relations spending, details of which has damaged outspoken junta member Saprang Kalayanamitr, is only one small sample.

The former anti-Thaksin group that has turned into anti-junta factions like the Democratic Federation, the September 19 Network and other anti-coup groups are relatively small compared with the pro-Thaksin camp.

But they are likely to get more allies from former coup supporters who are disappointed with the government's performance, such as the anti-free-trade groups.

This group shares common objectives with the pro-Thaksin camp in bringing down the junta and its government. Its members might not know how to achieve the goal and have no blueprint of what to replace the junta with, but they at least could make a lot of noise against the current administration.

The coup-friendly movement, the PAD, has taken a strange stance towards the junta and the government, due to its inside complexity.

PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said his organisation fully supported the junta and the government, but de facto leader and media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul fired a drastic salvo at the government, notably at Prime Minister Surayud.

Sondhi employed a partial tactic to deepen divisions between the junta and the government by accusing Surayud of making a deal with Thaksin for his own political soft landing. He also demanded that Surayud should quit and threatened to call a huge street protest against the government.

The PAD's move was a tactic to provide an excuse for the junta to exercise its authority to revamp the government and retain power. Sondhi has already floated the idea of delaying the general election - contrary to Surayud's idea of holding it in December.

A delayed poll would simply mean an extension of the junta.

Other PAD members might not benefit from the junta's extension, but Sondhi needs consistent political power to re-establish his media empire firmly. Sondhi put a lot of investment into toppling Thaksin but received less than others.

His show on state-run television had too short a life - only 10 days - and did not generate income. Before the political wind changes, he needs time to lay the grand fundamentals for his business - notably his pet project, ASTV.

But escalation of political uncertainty has never been good for the Kingdom - and especially not for the economy, which has shown strong signs of heading downwards.

Tactics to create the sort of political chaos that would give the junta an excuse to retain power or take drastic action would produce similar results within the country.

After the chaos had settled down, the Kingdom would have both a new unelected government and more of the chronic uncertainty that we are currently experiencing.

It would be much better to let Prime Minister Surayud and General Sonthi steer the government and the junta for only another few months like they promised. That is really the only way to get the military back into their barracks smoothly.

Supalak Ganjanakhundee

The Nation

[Plus]

the most draconian censorship rules in decades have been introduced now, and presently all dissenting voices are slowly getting silenced by threats under the mantle of "unity of the nation", while a man far worse and dictatorial is on the steady rise to power.

You mean that suicide note they didn't publish half a year ago or youtube videos? Pro-Thaksin voices were never to be allowed after the coup, they don't count for sensorship victims.

I'd rather believe media professionals who feel more freedom now than doomsday scenarios.

[ColPyat]

I'd rather believe media professionals who feel more freedom now than doomsday scenarios.

LOL!

What would you know about that?

What you would "rather believe" and reality are completely different things, good night, and see you in a week or two.

[Tony Clifton]

It's been a week for me, and, upon reading the latest comments and developments from the pro- Thaksin-TRT-PTV situation, you could compare the lot to leftovers that have been sitting in the fridge for a while and just can't decide, by the smell and look of it if you should toss it or not. It's usually safer to simply toss it and get cookin'.

[hammered]

Trying to get back on subject: what has Mr. T been saying recently? I havent noticed anything myself. I'm not sure having a row over what shade of censorship was/is worse will get us anywhere especially as it is hard to judge from inside the country and we all have our own bias. imho

[John K]

Thaksin is being very quiet so as not to cause the same fuss as what happened in Singapore. He is very obviously making attacks on the Thai government and Junta though PTV and whatever. He could risk being deported from whatever country he is in to preserve political relationships between Thailand and that country. He is a bit of a hot potato at the moment.

[sriracha john]

Trying to get back on subject: what has Mr. T been saying recently? I havent noticed anything myself. I'm not sure having a row over what shade of censorship was/is worse will get us anywhere especially as it is hard to judge from inside the country and we all have our own bias. imho

He's been too busy as he was spotted jewelry shopping at Harrods in London with this sexy little Thai singing starlet darling by his side (at least that's what the Thai press are reporting):

Mai Charoenpura

pssst.... don't let Potjaman find out.

Edited April 18, 2007 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

More hot sauce Mr T.?

[Plus]

I'd rather believe media professionals who feel more freedom now than doomsday scenarios.

What would you know about that?

What you would "rather believe" and reality are completely different things, good night, and see you in a week or two.

I didn't make it up, I can provide quotes from media professionals assessing their own situation from their own, professional point of view.

What is your source? The same one that called Sondhi a fascist? Your "opinions" don't usually have any basis in reality, why this one should be any different?

Here is a statement that I can provide quotes for, if necessary - media freedom is not in any worse shape now than under Thaksin and overall media professionals see an improvement.

I don't want to waste any more time on this.

[sriracha john]

I see one his sources, (his close buddy ) Giles is making blasphemous statements on another subject today, which I won't repeat here...

Edited April 18, 2007 by sriracha john

[marshbags]

A good point. Also remember Thaksin controlled the media so opposing views were effectively squelched. Taking that control will be much more difficult this time providing the media is not obstructed. Expect the next six weeks to resemble a cross between a rugby match and a shark feeding frenzy unless the rallies are halted.

Rather ironic is that while you keep going on and on about your nemesis Thaksin and almost all of your opponents here are simply so bored with your repetitive rants and fantasies, that they can't bother arguing with you anymore, you just completely miss the plot that the most draconian censorship rules in decades have been introduced now, and presently all dissenting voices are slowly getting silenced by threats under the mantle of "unity of the nation", while a man far worse and dictatorial is on the steady rise to power.

But yes, i imagine that you people even support this charade of bringing back democracy to the people. I feel sorry for you guys.

A bit of factual information for you C.P.

In my M. Ban the old PuYai Ban has recently retired and this left a vacancy for a new one to be elected.

One lady was the obvious candidate and choice of the majority of locals and she was willing to take the role on and help to improve the environment and give them assistance in achieving a better life for those who are the most vunerable while sharing monetary resources that come the way of the Moo Ban without tea money ect. leaving pathetic tit bits to keep them begging.

Along with the all important independant rights to voice their opinions and rights, without the chosen few telling them how and what they should do along with which party they have to vote for ect. ect. ect.

In the last two weeks she has been leaned on by several so called prominent people and has been told not to put her name forward and to stand aside.

These individuals are no longer in step with local sentiment which has a distinct resentment for Thaksin and the TRT due mainly to all that has been surfacing on lies and unethical behaviour of their years in power.

She has now had to withdrawn due to fear of reprisals and in doing so left one chosen individual to stand unopposed and this afternoon, along with his supporters ( family and prominent friends ) now gone to be officially recognised as the new Puyai Ban and will then be able to enforce his / their influence on which political party they think should be supported ect. ect.

He will initially get 4,000 baht a month followed up with the usual tea money one has been accustomed to getting for such an important role.

There is so much incomprehension and discontentment everywhere, you should be here to listen and observe it all, not least for educational purposes and a reality check.

Many had hoped for the two to stand for this position and wanted to elect the lady as their representative as it was widely accepted that she was the best candidate to act on the behalf of the Moo Ban.

The main reason being of course was that no one could oppose their vote, dictate and bully them into doing otherwise while syphoning off any benefits that are provided at government level.

Now it will unfortunately be much of the same of electing a certain party they are told to vote for during his undemocratic appointment of the next 4 years while topping the Puyai bank accounts up for the honour of obeying and doing what they are told to do.............. or else. ????????????????????????????

Should things not change for the better of course after December !!!!!!

To protest or do otherwise as they see it, is pointless and not a realistic option at the present time of uncertaincy, ( just in case anyone wants to forward an observation on this. )

Oh i forgot to mention by the way that the TRT are the favoured party of these individuals who self elected the new PuYai Ban.

Not fantasy, not a rant, and if i may be allowed to part quote your last sentence with a few slight changes:-

But yes, i imagine that you even support the charade of bringing back democracy to the people, Thaksin / TRT style, I feel alarmed for you and others who think this is good for Thailands future.[

We can only hope the future has a different scenario to the one you would wish upon Thai society and their 21st century.

We can also hope the national elections will provide a more just result and outcome.

marshbags

P.S.

The local Tannoy has just confirmed their chosen candidate has been elected unopposed while i was finishing my post off.

How fukcing sad, frustrated and angry this makes me feel for all my local Thai friends who expected changes in this area and deservedly should have had a more democratic outcome.

Then again you and your fellow supporters will think different no doubt ?????????????????????????

Edited April 19, 2007 by marshbags

[hammered]

A good point. Also remember Thaksin controlled the media so opposing views were effectively squelched. Taking that control will be much more difficult this time providing the media is not obstructed. Expect the next six weeks to resemble a cross between a rugby match and a shark feeding frenzy unless the rallies are halted.

Rather ironic is that while you keep going on and on about your nemesis Thaksin and almost all of your opponents here are simply so bored with your repetitive rants and fantasies, that they can't bother arguing with you anymore, you just completely miss the plot that the most draconian censorship rules in decades have been introduced now, and presently all dissenting voices are slowly getting silenced by threats under the mantle of "unity of the nation", while a man far worse and dictatorial is on the steady rise to power.

But yes, i imagine that you people even support this charade of bringing back democracy to the people. I feel sorry for you guys.

A bit of factual information for you C.P.

In my M. Ban the old PuYai Ban has recently retired and this left a vacancy for a new one to be elected.

One lady was the obvious candidate and choice of the majority of locals and she was willing to take the role on and help to improve the environment and give them assistance in achieving a better life for those who are the most vunerable while sharing monetary resources that come the way of the Moo Ban without tea money ect. leaving pathetic tit bits to keep them begging.

Along with the all important independant rights to voice their opinions and rights, without the chosen few telling them how and what they should do along with which party they have to vote for ect. ect. ect.

In the last two weeks she has been leaned on by several so called prominent individuals and has been told not to put her name forward and to stand aside.

These individuals are no longer in step with local sentiment which has a distinct resentment for Thaksin and the TRT due mainly to all that has been surfacing on lies and unethical behaviour of their years in power.

She has now had to withdrawn due to fear of reprisals and in doing so left one chosen individual to stand unopposed and this afternoon, along with his supporters ( family and prominent friends ) now gone to be officially recognised as the new Puyai Ban and will then be able to enforce his / their influence on which political party they think should be supported ect. ect.

He will initially get 4,000 baht a month followed up with the usual tea money one has been accustomed to getting for such an important role.

There is so much incomprehension and discontentment everywhere, you should be here to listen and observe it all.

Many had hoped for the two to stand for this position and wanted to elect the lady as their representative and it was widely accepted that she was the best candidate to act on the behalf of the Moo Ban.

The main reason being of course was that no one could oppose their vote and bully them into doing otherwise while syphoning off any benefits that are provided at government level.

Now it will unfortunately be much of the same of electing a certain party they are told to vote for during his undemocratic appointment during the next 4 years while topping the Puyai bank accounts up for this honour.

Should things not change for the better !!!!!!

To protest or do otherwise as they see it, is pointless and not a realistic option at the present time of uncertaincy, ( just in case anyone wants to forward an observation on this. )

Oh i forgot to mention by the way that the TRT are the favoured party of these individuals who self elected the new PuYai Ban.

Not fantasy, not a rant, and if i may be allowed to part quote your last sentence with a few slight changes:-

But yes, i imagine that you even support the charade of bringing back democracy to the people, Thaksin / TRT style, I feel alarmed for you and others who think this is good for Thailands future.

We can only hope the future has a different scenario to the one you would wish upon Thai society and their 21st century.

marshbags

P.S.

The local Tannoy has just confirmed their chosen candidate has been elected unopposed while i was finishing my post off.

How fukcing sad and angry this makes me feel for all my local Thai friends who expected changes in this area and deservedly should have had a more democratic outcome.

Then again you and your fellow supporters will think different no doubt ?????????????????????????

A sad day for anyone who believes in democracy. The very real and dangerous intimidation by TRT of those that ever dared to say anything against the party in the rural areas is a subject ther media and academics have rarely mentioned with the exception of a recent piece in A-Times. That is a sad indictment of the media especially in Thailand. Thailand may well need the advent of a fourth estate peopled with real journalists and not beholden to the vested interests of owners or threats of removal of advertising revenue or the censorship we now see for that matter. Your story also exposes how a few local but powerful interest representing nobody can still take the levers of power in a local situation. Sadly from what I know this is commonplace in many parts of Thailand, and with the control of the local power comes the ability to control dispersement of central money, which is a very good start when one wants to control people or for example how they vote.

[blaze]

A good point. Also remember Thaksin controlled the media so opposing views were effectively squelched. Taking that control will be much more difficult this time providing the media is not obstructed. Expect the next six weeks to resemble a cross between a rugby match and a shark feeding frenzy unless the rallies are halted.

Rather ironic is that while you keep going on and on about your nemesis Thaksin and almost all of your opponents here are simply so bored with your repetitive rants and fantasies, that they can't bother arguing with you anymore, you just completely miss the plot that the most draconian censorship rules in decades have been introduced now, and presently all dissenting voices are slowly getting silenced by threats under the mantle of "unity of the nation", while a man far worse and dictatorial is on the steady rise to power.

But yes, i imagine that you people even support this charade of bringing back democracy to the people. I feel sorry for you guys.

A bit of factual information for you C.P.

In my M. Ban the old PuYai Ban has recently retired and this left a vacancy for a new one to be elected.

One lady was the obvious candidate and choice of the majority of locals and she was willing to take the role on and help to improve the environment and give them assistance in achieving a better life for those who are the most vunerable while sharing monetary resources that come the way of the Moo Ban without tea money ect. leaving pathetic tit bits to keep them begging.

Along with the all important independant rights to voice their opinions and rights, without the chosen few telling them how and what they should do along with which party they have to vote for ect. ect. ect.

In the last two weeks she has been leaned on by several so called prominent people and has been told not to put her name forward and to stand aside.

These individuals are no longer in step with local sentiment which has a distinct resentment for Thaksin and the TRT due mainly to all that has been surfacing on lies and unethical behaviour of their years in power.

She has now had to withdrawn due to fear of reprisals and in doing so left one chosen individual to stand unopposed and this afternoon, along with his supporters ( family and prominent friends ) now gone to be officially recognised as the new Puyai Ban and will then be able to enforce his / their influence on which political party they think should be supported ect. ect.

He will initially get 4,000 baht a month followed up with the usual tea money one has been accustomed to getting for such an important role.

There is so much incomprehension and discontentment everywhere, you should be here to listen and observe it all, not least for educational purposes and a reality check.

Many had hoped for the two to stand for this position and wanted to elect the lady as their representative as it was widely accepted that she was the best candidate to act on the behalf of the Moo Ban.

The main reason being of course was that no one could oppose their vote, dictate and bully them into doing otherwise while syphoning off any benefits that are provided at government level.

Now it will unfortunately be much of the same of electing a certain party they are told to vote for during his undemocratic appointment of the next 4 years while topping the Puyai bank accounts up for the honour of obeying and doing what they are told to do.............. or else. ????????????????????????????

Should things not change for the better of course after December !!!!!!

To protest or do otherwise as they see it, is pointless and not a realistic option at the present time of uncertaincy, ( just in case anyone wants to forward an observation on this. )

Oh i forgot to mention by the way that the TRT are the favoured party of these individuals who self elected the new PuYai Ban.

Not fantasy, not a rant, and if i may be allowed to part quote your last sentence with a few slight changes:-

But yes, i imagine that you even support the charade of bringing back democracy to the people, Thaksin / TRT style, I feel alarmed for you and others who think this is good for Thailands future.[

We can only hope the future has a different scenario to the one you would wish upon Thai society and their 21st century.

We can also hope the national elections will provide a more just result and outcome.

marshbags

P.S.

The local Tannoy has just confirmed their chosen candidate has been elected unopposed while i was finishing my post off.

How fukcing sad, frustrated and angry this makes me feel for all my local Thai friends who expected changes in this area and deservedly should have had a more democratic outcome.

Then again you and your fellow supporters will think different no doubt ?????????????????????????

Did this sort of thing go on before anyone had heard of the TRT?

Hasn't the practice of "prominent people' controlling village politics through violence and intimidation and bribery been a sad reality of Thai village life long before Thaksin showed up on the scene. Would it matter to these characters whether the government was TRT, Chart Thai or Democrat? Is it that, as you say, the thugs support TRT- Or do you have good reason to believe they are being funded by TRT?

Can one hope that in ten years, when TRT is just a bad memory, Thaksin serving time in prison- that this exact same crap won't still be happening?

Edited April 19, 2007 by blaze

[Plus]

This has been going on from times immemorial, this is the essense of Thai democracy - there's not very much to cry about. "The coup destroyed democracy! bla bla bla..." Good riddance, if only it really stopped the local influential people from lording over peasants. Thaksin or not Thaksin, they will always be in charge.

Democrats are the only hope for democracy in this country, they are the only ones who believe in "people's power", at least at the top level.

I believe the changes for the better can come only from the top here - traditional way, the only way people listen, the only way people can accept anything.

[blaze]

This has been going on from times immemorial, this is the essense of Thai democracy - there's not very much to cry about. "The coup destroyed democracy! bla bla bla..." Good riddance, if only it really stopped the local influential people from lording over peasants. Thaksin or not Thaksin, they will always be in charge.

Democrats are the only hope for democracy in this country, they are the only ones who believe in "people's power", at least at the top level.

I believe the changes for the better can come only from the top here - traditional way, the only way people listen, the only way people can accept anything.

I don't know what you are saying Plus- good riddance to democracy?

Go back to the pre-democracy days- was there none of this thuggery and despotic behavior at the local levels?

And what is this 'traditional way' of inaugerating change?

[Plus]

If your local thug comes by and tells you who to vote for it's not a democracy, so - good riddance (except that the coup didn't stop this kind of nonsense at all).

Traditional way is to do what your seniors tell you to do. If they say - hold a referendum, you hold the referendum. If they say - there need to be a REAL public hearing on this project - you go and do it. Compare to grassroots democracy - your local uncle Somchai demands a referendum - you ignore him or organise a sham meeting where Somchai is not even allowed and shoot the most vocal critics.

Thaksin used his enourmouse powers of patronage and put everyone in line, down to the smallest thug's sidekicks. If he used it to promote democracy and empower the people, he would have been the greatest Thai reformer ever.

Democrats have the best intentions around, at least among leadership, that's why I think they can really change this country. Hold on, I don't believe they can - they lack strength to control the traditional hierarchy.

What a pity that the strongest and the most capable of all Thai leaders was Thaksin, total waste of talent. In fact he wasn't a leader, he played this role to promote his business, but he played it darn well, better than any "real" leader.