Central Bank Further Eases Capital Controls

[LivinLOS]

Lao Po, those 2007 numbers look nice. But I was talking about what's gonna happen in a year or two (i.e. not 2007), and I believe that it will be better than what it is this year. The fundamentals of Thai economy are still strong. The only things that are shaking the economy right now are the political instability and a couple of dodgy policies issued by the previous finance minister. These two factors can all be gone by the end of this year. Chalongphob will at least steady the ship and hence improve the economy climate. The new (very influential) FTA with Japan will become effective in August. That's why, unlike you, I'm confident enough to make a bet with you for a couple of hundred dollars not a couple of beers.

The way you are trying to show how bad this year's number is gonna be is really funny actually. Did it not somehow dawn on you that the worse this year's number is, the better chance of me making an easy cpouple of hundred of dollars will be. Huh?

If Thailand's economy grows at 5% while suffering 10 %inflation.. Is it growing..

If Thailand grows at 5% while Vietnam grows at 15%.. Is it competing with its neighbours..

In many ways the transfer of wealth from the developed world to the developing world will keep growth rates happening even in poor business climates.. However some countries will 'get it' and florish while others will develop slower.. I think the main argument is that Thailand currently isnt 'getting it'..

[ray23]

I would not dispute that the business climate does not appear good for foriegn investors here now probably more then I have seen before. But in my four plus years here I've never really seen it as friendly.

Many of the things that most of us would find essential in investing in our business, like being able to secure the assests of the business, such as real property, were really only only obtained by finding ways to circumvent the law, not following it.

The easy way laws are changed here after the fact and he constant climate of fear what is next?

Maybe for the big corporations things are very different, but a little buiness forget it.

In the time I have been here I have looked at several things that could have benefited the community. I had sufficient money to do a small operation, but when you take a real good look. You find that with getting work permits if you can and a small business that would be very dificult. You are risking being deported.

So the safest thing I can do is nothing, I would enjoy having a something to at least keep me somewhat busy, and create a few jobs in the local community. But that is not something I have ever seen Thailand desire.

It's OK I have enough and I'm comfortable so I'm not losing a thing, but maybe my community is. You see these days I bring the minimums in that I need to live a live a life that I like. so that little bit exrtra is not being shared in the community anymore. I realize in the scheme of things nothing I would do would break or make the country. But, here in Issan every little bit help.

If all the Foriengers leave Thailand it will still be Thailand and I'm sure the people will find ways to make life the best they can.

From what I've heard of the Thailand of old, may not be such a bad deal for those who live here full time. In my time here I have made friends with Thai's and once they decide I'm not going to eat thier children they have become great friends. But I do notice resentment in the eyes of the Thai's who don't know me. Is that going to change I doubt it.

There is a basic mistrust of Foriegners here and it goes beyond the government. who knows maybe we earned it.

If it collapses enconomically it will rebuild, Thais are very adapable people. Most of what we talk about in these subject does not really seem to cause any concern in the average Thai. They just seem to go about living thier lives daily. Although we may see terrible things in Thaland's future, the Thai's I have contact with on a daily basis don't even discuss it.

Altough some of us are watching the value of our money decreasinG in the exchange of the baht. Has anyone heard anything about reducing the money requirements for staying here.

Lets say the baht does go back to 26 to 1 where it once was, That mean a lot more dollars to qualify. Will they adjust it I doubt it very much, you thats our problem not thiers. I have no illusions about where I am today, without money far beyond the average Thais income I'm not welcome here, except for vacations.

That happens then of course I will have no choice but to look elsewhere, I like it here. Of course people having to leave will effect the economy. If that happen or course it will effect the amount of tourism and income to the country. Thailand is a wonderful but it certainly isn't the only place you can find what is available here. But in the end Thailand will be Thailand and we will always be guests here.

Will the bank lower interest effect any of this I have no idea.

[Mid]

BUSINESS

Asean facing volatility similar to financial crisis: Thailand Asean countries agreed to boost financial systems to prevent future shocks

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND

06-Apr-07

MARKET volatility is similar now to the Asian financial crisis a decade ago, Thailand's Finance Minister Chalongphob Sussangkarn yesterday said.

At a two-day meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) finance ministers, Chalongphob said they "are now facing new challenges from continued market volatilities. Similar volatilities to those we faced 10 years ago".

The Asean ministers agreed to strengthen their financial systems and work toward greater economic cooperation to prevent future shocks.

"We resolved to remain vigilant to these risks and to maintain sound fiscal and monetary policies, while continuing to implement policies that will sustain domestic demand as an important anchor of growth," a closing statement said.

Thailand, which triggered the 1997-98 crisis that forced it, Indonesia and South Korea to seek bailouts from the International Monetary Fund, has taken the toughest action against so-called "hot money", or speculative funds, pouring into Asian markets.

nope , nothing to see here ,

move along

[jayjayjayjay]

Anybody on this forum who disagrees with me may remind me in one year if I'm wrong and I'll buy you a couple of beers...

LaoPo[/color]

I'll wager a couple of hundred dollars that in two years (or even next year), the GDP growth will be higher than what it is right now (around 4%). Deal? Any mod can give you my personal email. We can arrange a wire transfer as well if you agree to the deal.

Thaigoon, at 4% that's not much different than where Australia is(Australia's average annual GDP growth rate from 1998 to 2005 is 3.6 per cent**http://www.apec2007.org/apec.aspx?inc=da/economy)!!!!!!!! Would you put the same money on it being 0.1% better than Vietnam's GDP growth! I'd double the bet on that one.

[wintermute]

Thailand's growth rate is really abysmal. First of all you can't compare developing country growth rates with 1st world nations. The reason why is that capital investment and infrastructure is fully developed in 1st world western nations so growth slows down comparatively. Since Thailand as a nation is "developing" it needs a high growth rate to catch up with the already developed nations. In developing 2nd world nations high growth is also important in relation to its neighbors because they are competing with similar high labor low tech exports. It's hard to say what this combination of rising currency and low investor confidence will mean in the long run. I'd say it will be pretty bad for a couple years at least until the military regime puts firm and consistent policies into play.

Edited April 6, 2007 by wintermute

[ThaiGoon]

If Thailand's economy grows at 5% while suffering 10 %inflation.. Is it growing..

If Thailand grows at 5% while Vietnam grows at 15%.. Is it competing with its neighbours..

In many ways the transfer of wealth from the developed world to the developing world will keep growth rates happening even in poor business climates.. However some countries will 'get it' and florish while others will develop slower.. I think the main argument is that Thailand currently isnt 'getting it'..

I thought all "civilized" and "educated" people from the first world would have known that the GDP or economic growth is always inflation-adjusted. Sorry for overestimating your breath of knowledge. (And I hope you understand what inflation-adjusted number means, so I won't have to explain it to you in detail.)

And to both you and jayjayjayjay, the reason that I wanted to make the bet was to make the point that for Thailand it's still far from being in a doomsday scenario like may of you have suggested...not to compare Thailand's growth with Veitnam's. Does every nation in the world have to outgrow one of the fastest growing economies in the world to prove that she's not going down the tubes? By the way, it's not all rosy in Vietnam as some of knowldegeble farangs on here would like believe either. Here's some of things the US ambassador to Vietnam recently said about that country:

http://hanoi.usembassy.gov/pr040507.html

The World Bank’s Doing Business 2007 Report showed that Vietnam fell to 104 out of 175 countries – down six places -- in terms of the ease of doing business. Weak rule of law in Vietnam, particularly its lagging regulatory reforms, cumbersome policies, tepid enforcement of contracts and frail investor protections, contributed to this downslide and acts as a damper on the growing excitement about doing business in Vietnam.

Furthermore, as the nation’s leaders have publicly acknowledged, Vietnam suffers from the cancer of widespread corruption, increasing the prospects for instability and threatening the process of development. Corruption affects all strata of society, and failure to address this threat fully and openly will continue to gnaw away at the country’s ability to fulfill its full economic, social and political potential.

[ThaiGoon]

Thailand's growth rate is really abysmal. First of all you can't compare developing country growth rates with 1st world nations. The reason why is that capital investment and infrastructure is fully developed in 1st world western nations so growth slows down comparatively. Since Thailand as a nation is "developing" it needs a high growth rate to catch up with the already developed nations. In developing 2nd world nations high growth is also important in relation to its neighbors because they are competing with similar high labor low tech exports. It's hard to say what this combination of rising currency and low investor confidence will mean in the long run. I'd say it will be pretty bad for a couple years at least until the military regime puts firm and consistent policies into play.

Given what's happened in Thailand since the coup and the fact that average economic growth across Southeast Asia is expected to be around 5.6 per cent (per World Bank), I don't think any sensible person would say that 4.3% growth for Thailand is such an abysmal number. In contrast, it actually does highlight how resilient the Thai economy is amidst all these negative factors. But I guess it must be easy for an "intellect" like you who has "intelligently" predicted Thailand to be the next Philippines to miss this fine point.

Edited April 6, 2007 by ThaiGoon

[endure]

We'll have less of the personal insults. Time off is available for those who can't make their points without sniping at other posters.

[bingobongo]

just deposit your euros/dollars/yen in a thai bank and itis just like playing las vegas slots, at least in las vegas you can walk away without a 30% penalty

some people never get it right. are they too lazy to read and inform themselves? perhaps a malfunction of their grey cells? or just too much Chang and Lao Khao?

Dr. Naam, my point exactly, the effort required to understand the flip flop of the capital requirements is not worth it. casinos have better odds than thailand, and it appears the thai slot machine is going to give the investor (gambler) 3 lemons instead of 3 cherries

TRT convinced another coup on the way

Suthin Klangsaeng, the party's caretaker spokesman, said his team strongly believed another coup was on the cards, citing three main indicators.

The first is the growing conflict between the government and the Council for National Security (CNS) and the political movement of some groups, especially the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Second, some media have been supporting or trying to create conditions - by citing recent protests - that make another coup necessary.

Third, there have been attempts to change the prime minister and topple the government.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/04/07...cs_30031325.php

[LivinLOS]

If Thailand's economy grows at 5% while suffering 10 %inflation.. Is it growing..

If Thailand grows at 5% while Vietnam grows at 15%.. Is it competing with its neighbours..

In many ways the transfer of wealth from the developed world to the developing world will keep growth rates happening even in poor business climates.. However some countries will 'get it' and florish while others will develop slower.. I think the main argument is that Thailand currently isnt 'getting it'..

I thought all "civilized" and "educated" people from the first world would have known that the GDP or economic growth is always inflation-adjusted. Sorry for overestimating your breath of knowledge. (And I hope you understand what inflation-adjusted number means, so I won't have to explain it to you in detail.)

Firstly where was GDP mentioned as a measurement ?? Secondly if GDP is always inflation adjusted what does the term nominal GDP mean then Ohh Great Patronizing One ?? Why does the term real GDP even exist ??

I could add that when inflation measures include such hedonically adjusted data that makes a 2007 computer 500x more valuable than a 1985 computer as it is 500x more powerful, and when those CPI and PPI numbers are used to then 'adjust' growth rates they overstate growth by wide margins (see sites like shadowstats.com ).. Real v nominal numbers both have advantages and disadvantages..

[j_cheung]

In most part, there's an increasing lack of faith and credibility in the present top Thai leadership (as opposed to the current Chinese or Vietnamese politboro) over commerical & economic policies. However, if the next elected government takes a more balanced and open view on foreign investment coupled with a serious revamp in their secondary & teritary educational system, there's more than ample to time to regain their competitive advantage.

The people of Thailand just have to realise that they aren't the only 'young & ambitious' workforce out there in the developing world.

[ThaiGoon]

Firstly where was GDP mentioned as a measurement ?? Secondly if GDP is always inflation adjusted what does the term nominal GDP mean then Ohh Great Patronizing One ?? Why does the term real GDP even exist ??

I could add that when inflation measures include such hedonically adjusted data that makes a 2007 computer 500x more valuable than a 1985 computer as it is 500x more powerful, and when those CPI and PPI numbers are used to then 'adjust' growth rates they overstate growth by wide margins (see sites like shadowstats.com ).. Real v nominal numbers both have advantages and disadvantages..

LivinLOS, it was pretty obvious that number that laoPo and I (or anyone) were talking about, when we mentioned economic growth, was always the GDP growth. (It's common sense I might add) And that number is implicitly always inflation-adjusted. No one was talking about the "nominal GDP." It's always been about "the GDP growth."

It's nice of you to try discussing the merits of the real and nominal GDP (and looking knowledgeable), but it was not the point. The point of the matter was I beleive that the (real) Thai GDP will improve next year (or even two years from now) while laoPo doesn't. (It's simple as that.) Then you jumped in and asked like anyone who didn't know, if inflation was taken into account. And I pointed out yeah it's always inflation adjusted. Nothing to do with real v. nominal. All right?

And to clarify the matter a bit further, when a GDP growth is mentioned, it's always an inflation-adjusted number unless specified (like nominal GDP growth) otherwise. Also we are talking about the growth here...not just GDP alone. Hope it's become clear for you now.

Edited April 7, 2007 by ThaiGoon

[LaoPo]

Firstly where was GDP mentioned as a measurement ?? Secondly if GDP is always inflation adjusted what does the term nominal GDP mean then Ohh Great Patronizing One ?? Why does the term real GDP even exist ??

I could add that when inflation measures include such hedonically adjusted data that makes a 2007 computer 500x more valuable than a 1985 computer as it is 500x more powerful, and when those CPI and PPI numbers are used to then 'adjust' growth rates they overstate growth by wide margins (see sites like shadowstats.com ).. Real v nominal numbers both have advantages and disadvantages..

LivinLOS, it was pretty obvious that number that laoPo and I (or anyone) were talking about, when we mentioned economic growth, was always the GDP growth. (It's common sense I might add) And that number is implicitly always inflation-adjusted. No one was talking about the "nominal GDP." It's always been about "the GDP growth."

It's nice of you to try discussing the merits of the real and nominal GDP (and looking knowledgeable), but it was not the point. The point of the matter was I beleive that the (real) Thai GDP will improve next year (or even two years from now) while laoPo doesn't. (It's simple as that.) Then you jumped in and asked like anyone who didn't know, if inflation was taken into account. And I pointed out yeah it's always inflation adjusted. Nothing to do with real v. nominal. All right?

And to clarify the matter a bit further, when a GDP growth is mentioned, it's always an inflation-adjusted number unless specified (like nominal GDP growth) otherwise. Also we are talking about the growth here...not just GDP alone. Hope it's become clear for you now.

It now has become a battle -between TVmembers- of % of Growth, yes or no, and that's sad.

If anyone has read my comments (also in other topics) regarding the economical situation in Thailand it would be noticed that I am very concerned about Thai economics and growth in general.

I, for myself, would like to step away in such a battle (or betting......) since it doesn't make sense or help Thai economics, one way or another.

Whatever the real reasons, fact remains that Thailand is one of the worst performers in Growth in the Asian Region and that's something we ALL should worry about.

Some may think I am a negative thinking person about Thai economics...but I'm not; I'm looking at a broader perspective in the Asian (and World) region and I am a realistic and pragmatic individual, seeing and concluding "facts". Nothing more, nothing less.

And: I'm worried about Thailand.....

WHY?

Because I care for the country and it's people. We all should.

LaoPo

[ThaiGoon]

It now has become a battle -between TVmembers- of % of Growth, yes or no, and that's sad.

If anyone has read my comments (also in other topics) regarding the economical situation in Thailand it would be noticed that I am very concerned about Thai economics and growth in general.

I, for myself, would like to step away in such a battle (or betting......) since it doesn't make sense or help Thai economics, one way or another.

Whatever the real reasons, fact remains that Thailand is one of the worst performers in Growth in the Asian Region and that's something we ALL should worry about.

Some may think I am a negative thinking person about Thai economics...but I'm not; I'm looking at a broader perspective in the Asian (and World) region and I am a realistic and pragmatic individual, seeing and concluding "facts". Nothing more, nothing less.

And: I'm worried about Thailand.....

WHY?

Because I care for the country and it's people. We all should.

LaoPo

Actually it's all about whether ones sees the situation as a glass half empty or half full. We are all talking about "facts" here, but we just differ on how we interpret them. Some interpret them with their hatred of Thailand in mind (I'm not saying you do laoPo.) and some don't. That's all.

[lannarebirth]

Tell me which fundamentals please

Infrastructure. Public debt to GDP ratio. Public savings. etc.

You're forgetting the investors who have no trust or faith in the 'instability and dodgy policies' anymore and have put theirs cards and money elsewhere; what's more: it will take years before they will trust Thailand again!

And you are forgetting the investors who aren't fickle and look at things long term.

That's a positive sign but it will not be enough to reboost confidence completely and turn around the economy. Do NOT over-estimate the agreement with the Japanese.....

This might shock you farangs. But it's the Japanese, not you, who have been Thailand's biggest trade partners and investors. So yeah, the FTA with Japan is a big deal.

No comment on a sentence like this because I certainly hope, for the sake of Thailand and it's people, that you will be right....but I am a realist and a pragmatist not a betting guy about such a serious matter regarding the future of Thailand

I think I should have just written a couple hundred dollars. (Too many of's.) Anyway, I'm a realist too and it will take me more than just a hiccup to subscribe to all the doom and gloom predictions on here. Plus I've seen Thailand go through a lot worse crisis (the 97 one) and still manage to come back stronger than before. That's why I'm confident.

One of the first things you've written that I can agree with. I've been crisscrossing Thailand this past year and new 4, 6, 8 lane highways being constructed everywhere I go. Also MAJOR arteries to China and India will be completed in next year or so. Thailands growth has been capped IMO due to it's logistical infrastructure IMO. If that changes, which it is, and the global economy remains stable, it should well outperform.

[ray23]

Well as usual I find this all very interesting Thank you guys

The average person undertanding economics, unless it was heavy part of your life I doubt many had time to be as sharp as you guys are. So to this average guy this ia new and interesting aspect to watch and learn from.

The coup interesting that just yesterday a Thai Pyschic of some sorts, ( I beleive in the Nation) predicted that a violent coup would take place in June, if controls wer not set by the goverment now. He went on to say because of the shape of the current PM's head he was doomed to failure. Howeve he couldn't be sure as he did not know the PM' birthdate. Now the TRT is predicting another Coup. Are we really seeing the truth in Thai Government now

As to what is goign to happen to the Thai economy those on the forum seem so at opposition to one another it can only be said that no one know for sure.

But is it really that different from the rest of the World. Everytime something posotove happen in the US econmoy ( recent job reports) then the but's and what if's start immediatley . Seem that no matter what happens it's doom and gloom. Could be why I didn't have the time to look at this when I was in the work world. If U ahd I may not ahve bothreedto go work, heck I wa looing no matter what. But I did survie till ertirement now I can llok at this and ay in the end it will all work out, may be a bit different. But may family and I are going to be OK.

Just some humble thoughts from he novice

[jayjayjayjay]

Thailand's growth rate is really abysmal. First of all you can't compare developing country growth rates with 1st world nations. The reason why is that capital investment and infrastructure is fully developed in 1st world western nations so growth slows down comparatively. Since Thailand as a nation is "developing" it needs a high growth rate to catch up with the already developed nations. In developing 2nd world nations high growth is also important in relation to its neighbors because they are competing with similar high labor low tech exports. It's hard to say what this combination of rising currency and low investor confidence will mean in the long run. I'd say it will be pretty bad for a couple years at least until the military regime puts firm and consistent policies into play.

Given what's happened in Thailand since the coup and the fact that average economic growth across Southeast Asia is expected to be around 5.6 per cent (per World Bank), I don't think any sensible person would say that 4.3% growth for Thailand is such an abysmal number. In contrast, it actually does highlight how resilient the Thai economy is amidst all these negative factors. But I guess it must be easy for an "intellect" like you who has "intelligently" predicted Thailand to be the next Philippines to miss this fine point.

Thaigoon, your living in a dream world. 4.3% growth for Thailand is dismal to say the least, pathetic to be realistic. Singapore's average GDP growth over 15 yrs is 6.4%. In terms of intellect, well, your words speak for themselves. I do not expect Thailand to fall of the face-of-the-earth, but I wish it could reach it's potential. What we are seeing now is only the start of an accelerated fall behind other countries in the region, ones like Malaysia, South Korea and Taiwan that know their strengths and are capitalising on them. The present government has NO-IDEA, none what-so-ever as to where they are going.

[ThaiGoon]

Since Singapore's GDP growth is expected to be 4.5% in 2007-08, I guess it's going down in flames as well then.

http://www.economist.com/countries/Singapo...rofile-Forecast

[ThaiGoon]

Dude, Do you have the actual numbers for the past 10 or more years?

I found this from ADB website (albeit not the past 10 year data you are looking for):

http://www.adb.org/Documents/Books/ADO/200...ate/statapp.asp

Thailand's GDP growth:

2003: 7.0

2004: 6.2

2005: 4.5

2006: 4.2

2007: 4.0

ADB also expects Thailand's "high flying" neighbors (as people like jayjayjayjay would call them), Malaysia and Singapore, to grow 5.0% and 4.6% respectively this year. And these countries are expected to achieve these "astronomical" growths while they are enjoying life without the coup, new year's day bombings, unrest in the deep South, capital controls, the controversial amendment to the FBA, and a junta gov't to worry about. Meanwhile, Thailand having all those problems is apparently doomed with the expected 4% ish growth.

Edited April 7, 2007 by ThaiGoon

[ThaiGoon]

Also from the same website, South Korea and Taiwan are expected to grow 0.6% and 5.2% respectively this year. All this data seems to confirm that Jayjayjayjay, the geius, is right (as expected.)

[jayjayjayjay]

Since Singapore's GDP growth is expected to be 4.5% in 2007-08, I guess it's going down in flames as well then.

http://www.economist.com/countries/Singapo...rofile-Forecast

So you believe Thailand is reaching it's potential?

[ThaiGoon]

So you believe Thailand is reaching it's potential?

Of course not. That's the point of the discussion?

[jayjayjayjay]

Since Singapore's GDP growth is expected to be 4.5% in 2007-08, I guess it's going down in flames as well then.

http://www.economist.com/countries/Singapo...rofile-Forecast

And from your own sources, Singapore Updated to 6.6% GDP growth in 2007! Thailand, the lowest out of all southeast Asian countries, not something we want. At the same time, a super strong baht making our existing export business almost unliveable, not to mention inflation directly affecting our staff with whom we empathise.... so Vietnam IS being seriously talked about.

[Mid]

so Vietnam IS being seriously talked about.

yep , old news too ,

posted a thread weeks ago quoting the Thai businessman's impressions ,

conveniently ignored by the rose coloured glasses crew ..................

[ThaiGoon]

Since Singapore's GDP growth is expected to be 4.5% in 2007-08, I guess it's going down in flames as well then.

http://www.economist.com/countries/Singapo...rofile-Forecast

And from your own sources, Singapore Updated to 6.6% GDP growth in 2007! Thailand, the lowest out of all southeast Asian countries, not something we want. At the same time, a super strong baht making our existing export business almost unliveable, not to mention inflation directly affecting our staff with whom we empathise.... so Vietnam IS being seriously talked about.

Dude, no offense, but I hope you aren't retarded. First of all, you quoted the wrong link (it's actually from ADB not the economist). And secondly, that 6.6% growth is the updated number for 2006 not 2007! For 2007, it's expected to be 4.6% for both the initial estimate and the upadted one. Talking about an intellect who can't read a table properly.

[ThaiGoon]

And from your own sources, Singapore Updated to 6.6% GDP growth in 2007! Thailand, the lowest out of all southeast Asian countries, not something we want. At the same time, a super strong baht making our existing export business almost unliveable, not to mention inflation directly affecting our staff with whom we empathise.... so Vietnam IS being seriously talked about.

Let me post the whole table here. So we won't have another dispute about how to read it.

As for strong Baht affecting the export busniess, yes that's right. But it affects more on the sector that uses domestic materials (i.e the agricultural sector.) Other sectors like electronics and auto actually are benefiting from it as they import a lot of the componets from abroad. That's why the export sector and hence the trade surplus keep growing...and recently it's resulted in (or re-enforced) strong baht.

Edited April 7, 2007 by ThaiGoon

[Brutiniero]

Uhmm, to compare the growth rates between Singapour and Thailand feels somehow not right, because of the different base of growth.

Like the frist world second world stuff.

[ThaiGoon]

Uhmm, to compare the growth rates between Singapour and Thailand feels somehow not right, because of the different base of growth.

Like the frist world second world stuff.

The point is not about comparing all the mentioned countries' growths, but it's about showing all the doom merchants(especially the really smart ones like jayjayjayjay) on here that Thailand is far from being on the verge of going down the tubes when all things considered.

And by the way, the terms First World, Second World, and Third World were used to categorize the nations based on the cold war era criteria. First world is advanced capitalist democratic countries. Second world is for commnunist countires. Third world is for developing capitalist countries. The terms are not what you (and several others who supposedly have been educated in the first world countries) think they are.

Edited April 7, 2007 by ThaiGoon

[thedude]

The coup interesting that just yesterday a Thai Pyschic of some sorts, ( I beleive in the Nation) predicted that a violent coup would take place in June, if controls wer not set by the goverment now. He went on to say because of the shape of the current PM's head he was doomed to failure. Howeve he couldn't be sure as he did not know the PM' birthdate. Now the TRT is predicting another Coup. Are we really seeing the truth in Thai Government now

that's easy, we've had square-face, now we have egg-head.

perhaps he should be looking further afield to english lore.

humpty dumpty sat on the wall,

humpty dumpty had a big fall.....(i'm sure you can figure out the rest)

Edited April 7, 2007 by thedude

[Brutiniero]

No personal criticism, but I think over staring on the numbers you might miss the political and social influences if it comes to a doomsday ....

I hope not.