the title of this thread and ensuing posts have been one of the funniest TV threads that i remember

to the thread poster, you made me practically lose my drink out of laughter

With all the importance of face in the Thai Culture I wonder why he allowed these reports. He must look like a complete goon now. Oh man, the deputy PM being taken for a ride, and proud of it .... Guess that opens up new strategies for diplomatic relations. "Mr. Deputy PM, I am sure you would believe us if we state that this contract we want you to sign on behalf of Thailand is only in the benefit of your Country."

I agree that "saving face" is a big part of Thai culture, and I can't imaging that the DPM would allow anything in the press that could cause him to lose face. I think this story has been made public because he's trying to send a message saying, "Look at the great job we're doing. There is almost no illegal activity at Pantip and none in squeaky clean Patpong since we've taken control of the country." Notice that the source is the Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department -- sounds a bit like a government agency, doesn't it?

This is just about as absurd as when Taksin Shiniwatra assured the Thai citizens that he would rid the country of Yaabaa and all other illegal drugs in a period of 6 months. Let's face it, that would make Thailand the only country in world free of illegal drugs. Of course that didn't happen (and never will) even after he send the police and army out on an irresponsible spree that saw the murder of over 2,500 suspected drug dealers.

Sometimes the things that happen in this country are so surreal that I have pinch myself to be sure I'm not dreaming (nightmaring?).

This is just about as absurd as when Taksin Shiniwatra assured the Thai citizens that he would rid the country of Yaabaa and all other illegal drugs in a period of 6 months. Let's face it, that would make Thailand the only country in world free of illegal drugs. Of course that didn't happen (and never will) even after he send the police and army out on an irresponsible spree that saw the murder of over 2,500 suspected drug dealers.

You mean this wasn't true?????

That the country hasn't enjoyed the benefits of being drug-free for the past 4 years????

Thaksin declares the country 'drug free area'

"The government is pleased to announce that the country is now a drug-free area and will proclaim victory in its war on drugs," said Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

- The Nation, published on Apr 13, 2003

the seizure of 1 pornographic VCD

Correction - that should read "phonographic VCD" - it was "The Sound of Music"

Thai Viagra...two bags of ganja and a pantip VCD?

This is just about as absurd as when Taksin Shinawatra assured the Thai citizens that he would rid the country of Yaabaa and all other illegal drugs in a period of 6 months. Let's face it, that would make Thailand the only country in the world free of illegal drugs. Of course that didn't happen (and never will) even after he send the police and army out on an irresponsible spree that saw the murder of over 2,500 suspected drug dealers.

You mean this wasn't true?????

That the country hasn't enjoyed the benefits of being drug-free for the past 4 years????

Thaksin declares the country 'drug free area'

"The government is pleased to announce that the country is now a drug-free area and will proclaim victory in its war on drugs," said Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

- The Nation, published on Apr 13, 2003

Well gee, I've got admit that I don't know for a fact the country isn't a "drug-free" zone -- just a strong suspicion of mine, really. I suppose that could've been Cambodian ganja that was seized during the raid.

Well, I have to say that I think some of you guys are showing great disrespect to the delicate, diplomatic and skilled manner in which Thai authorities are dealing with this problem.

I get the impression that you would all prefer the Gastapo, jackboot approach of the Nazis in pre-WWII Germany.

We should not forget that Thailand is the only country in this region that escaped colonisation in the 19th century. That remarkable state of affairs was not achieved by the blunt, sledge-hammer approach of marching into a shopping centre and seizing a thousand pornographic videos and pirated DVDs.

We should not forget that Thailand is the only country in this region that escaped colonisation in the 19th century.

Probably because there was nothing worth having. Rama V cuddled up to Britain for warmth. Britain ensured the status quo as Siam acted as a buffer between the Straits Settlements and the rascally French in French Indo China. The Thai boast is pretty meaningless.

That remarkable state of affairs was not achieved by the blunt, sledge-hammer approach of marching into a shopping centre and seizing a thousand pornographic videos and pirated DVDs.

There were pornographic videos and pirated DVD's in Siam in the 19th Century? Wow. Not a third world country after all then.

CD, DVD, SEX, SEX, SEX... CD, DVD, SEX, SEX, SEX... CD, DVD, SEX, SEX, SEX... CD, DVD, SEX, SEX, SEX... Whatever, you can't walk down the street as a farang without being bombarded by this crap day in and day out. It shouldn't take the Thai government to figure it out - send in an undercover farang and see what they come up with. The true crimes at Pantip plaza is what happens to your credit card number after making a purchase, or when you need a simple fix to a piece of electronics; good luck, you'll get it back with completely used innerds that makes it's Western warranty invalid and useless. Get a grip people.

Thai Viagra...two bags of ganja and a pantip VCD?

Thats what happends when the medical companies blacklist you...^^

Siezes only 1 pornographic VCD? I thought he would have picked up more than one while he was out ... must be planning on only a light weekemd....

Siezes only 1 pornographic VCD? I thought he would have picked up more than one while he was out ... must be planning on only a light weekemd....

No it wasn't that drummer; I hear the vendor had only just sold-out his last batch of gay and paedophile related VCDs - that's why.

"inspection of pornographic vendors at Pantip Plaza and instructed officers to conduct a sting operation resulting in the apprehension of 1 VCD vendor, along with the seizure of 1 pornographic VCD, 30 MP3 discs, and 2 bags of marijuana. "

So we can score weed in Pantip Plaza?