The Next Government In Thailand

[Sakeopete]

OFC PPP will win they have the cash to buy the votes if Sonthi doesn’t have a master plan on stopping them. At the end of the day it doesn't matter who wins because nothing will change. The elected politicians will be ignoring the masses while their heads are stuck in the trough feeding themselves and will magically reappear ( a lot wealthier) when the next election is announce. Rinse and Repeat or maybe toss another coup in for good measures.

I was surprised, though nonetheless happy, to see these things occur under Dr. Thaksin's government:

1. A police colonel arressted for possession of methamphetemine (Thai TV, about 5 years ago): unheard of before.

2. Pressure put on those lending money at exorbitant loan-rates.

3. The disappearance of drug dealers in much of my province, resulting in the ability and facility of myself and others to walk in the streets in the evenings without fear of attack from dope-heads. And that WAS a real fear before, believe me.

4. Positive and REAL changes to facilitate the education of poor-Thai students. Actual, positive and progressive changes in terms of upgrading their education, generally.

5. The corrupt blood-suckers ot the common people were held in an abeyance; not catered to as well-fed do.....

Don't forget:

Disappearing human rights lawyer

Dead protester stacked like pigs going to market

and speaking of loan sharks! Hmm you’re trying to say that when Thaksin gave easy government loans he didn't know his poor uneducated people would spend the money on cell phones and motorcycles to gain face. Ooops that was an oversight on his part that just happen to make him a billionaire at the tax payers expense and now the poor farmers who are plunging their families into more debt through "those lending money at exorbitant loan-rates" to pay the government loan.

Maybe if your hero cared about the poor like he claimed he would have subsidized fertilizer or farm equipment instead, then again his family probably doesn't own those businesses.

[Sakeopete]

The disappearance of drug dealers in much of my province

I guess the extra-judicial murders were OK with you then? Thaksin was no saint.

If you mean "Did the change make me happy because I could actually walk in the streets in the evening without fear of getting attacked by drug addicts": YES, of course. So, who IS the saint? I know you won't say Sonthi B. Or will you? By comparison, Thaksin was what, exactly?? For starters, he was democratically-elected by the over-whelming-populus of muang Thai, then overthrown by a minority Chinese-elite that have the wherewithal to influence the military and select members of the Civil-Service and others. Or, gee, gosh, maybe I'm mistaken?????

Forgive me if I'm wrong isn't Thaksin's family "minority Chinese-elite "

[dr_Pat_Pong]

"what was Thaksin" ( He was a major tax cheat. ..............and that is just for a start )

[Sakeopete]

"what was Thaksin" He was a major tax cheat.

Ooops thanks dr Pat Pong I forgot how he avoided the millions in tax to help the Thai poor!

[Ricardo]

Given what Thailand has experienced lately, I will be so bold as to assume most farangs are rooting for Abhisit to be the next PM. I wouldn't wish this job on my worst enemy though. It appears that the structure to be a strong, effective PM is gone, so I don't see his office or this new government lasting very long.

I would disagree. Most farangs remember the days of relative economic-stability in Thailand, not to mention governmental control by an (overwhelmingly) popular and democratically-elected government.

And many elderly Germans used to feel the same way, about the 1930s, as having been better than the dark years after the 1st World War. Which didn't make it good in the long run. But I doubt that many Thais study this in history-lessons at school ?

[dr_Pat_Pong]

"what was Thaksin" He was a major tax cheat.

Ooops thanks dr Pat Pong I forgot how he avoided the millions in tax to help the Thai poor!

I tried to parse your sentence in an earnest endeavour to make sense of it, but, alas, it still made no sense to me. Please clarify your point.

[Jingthing]

So, who IS the saint?

Clearly, NOBODY.

I do worry for Thailand's future. Happy "voting"!

Edited December 8, 2007 by Jingthing

[chevykanteve]

OFC PPP will win they have the cash to buy the votes if Sonthi doesn’t have a master plan on stopping them. At the end of the day it doesn't matter who wins because nothing will change. The elected politicians will be ignoring the masses while their heads are stuck in the trough feeding themselves and will magically reappear ( a lot wealthier) when the next election is announce. Rinse and Repeat or maybe toss another coup in for good measures.

I was surprised, though nonetheless happy, to see these things occur under Dr. Thaksin's government:

1. A police colonel arressted for possession of methamphetemine (Thai TV, about 5 years ago): unheard of before.

2. Pressure put on those lending money at exorbitant loan-rates.

3. The disappearance of drug dealers in much of my province, resulting in the ability and facility of myself and others to walk in the streets in the evenings without fear of attack from dope-heads. And that WAS a real fear before, believe me.

4. Positive and REAL changes to facilitate the education of poor-Thai students. Actual, positive and progressive changes in terms of upgrading their education, generally.

5. The corrupt blood-suckers ot the common people were held in an abeyance; not catered to as well-fed do.....

Don't forget:

Disappearing human rights lawyer

Dead protester stacked like pigs going to market

and speaking of loan sharks! Hmm you’re trying to say that when Thaksin gave easy government loans he didn't know his poor uneducated people would spend the money on cell phones and motorcycles to gain face. Ooops that was an oversight on his part that just happen to make him a billionaire at the tax payers expense and now the poor farmers who are plunging their families into more debt through "those lending money at exorbitant loan-rates" to pay the government loan.

Maybe if your hero cared about the poor like he claimed he would have subsidized fertilizer or farm equipment instead, then again his family probably doesn't own those businesses.

"My hero???" What a typical type of answer from someone fearing-- yes FEARING-- the return of the "old powers" (as you and your lot love to call them.). Well, som num num tah satanaghan pleeang.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

"what was Thaksin" He was a major tax cheat.

Ooops thanks dr Pat Pong I forgot how he avoided the millions in tax to help the Thai poor!

[Sakeopete]

"what was Thaksin" He was a major tax cheat.

Ooops thanks dr Pat Pong I forgot how he avoided the millions in tax to help the Thai poor!

I tried to parse your sentence in an earnest endeavour to make sense of it, but, alas, it still made no sense to me. Please clarify your point.

Sorry I was thanking you for reminding me about his tax avoidance I missed mentioning in my earlier post.

[Jingthing]

One thing is clear here. Opinion alert.

Thaksin and Thaksin's party are divisive. Thailand needs Thaksin again or his party like a hole in the head. Its not like it was an old historic party or anything, it was based on a CULT OF PERSONALITY of ONE MAN. Thailand is bigger than this cult of personality, we can hope.

Edited December 8, 2007 by Jingthing

[cclub75]

Is that really true that the Bangkok middle class likes Toxin? News to me.

In any case, this isn't going to be a totally fair election either, but what else is new?

Apparently, they liked... Samak, leader of PPP now.

He was elected governor in 2000. With big margin.

Check this very interesting article about Samak/Bangkok.

[chevykanteve]

"what was Thaksin" He was a major tax cheat.

Ooops thanks dr Pat Pong I forgot how he avoided the millions in tax to help the Thai poor!

Jealousy knows no bounds. Especially here.

[Sakeopete]

OFC PPP will win they have the cash to buy the votes if Sonthi doesn’t have a master plan on stopping them. At the end of the day it doesn't matter who wins because nothing will change. The elected politicians will be ignoring the masses while their heads are stuck in the trough feeding themselves and will magically reappear ( a lot wealthier) when the next election is announce. Rinse and Repeat or maybe toss another coup in for good measures.

I was surprised, though nonetheless happy, to see these things occur under Dr. Thaksin's government:

1. A police colonel arressted for possession of methamphetemine (Thai TV, about 5 years ago): unheard of before.

2. Pressure put on those lending money at exorbitant loan-rates.

3. The disappearance of drug dealers in much of my province, resulting in the ability and facility of myself and others to walk in the streets in the evenings without fear of attack from dope-heads. And that WAS a real fear before, believe me.

4. Positive and REAL changes to facilitate the education of poor-Thai students. Actual, positive and progressive changes in terms of upgrading their education, generally.

5. The corrupt blood-suckers ot the common people were held in an abeyance; not catered to as well-fed do.....

Don't forget:

Disappearing human rights lawyer

Dead protester stacked like pigs going to market

and speaking of loan sharks! Hmm you’re trying to say that when Thaksin gave easy government loans he didn't know his poor uneducated people would spend the money on cell phones and motorcycles to gain face. Ooops that was an oversight on his part that just happen to make him a billionaire at the tax payers expense and now the poor farmers who are plunging their families into more debt through "those lending money at exorbitant loan-rates" to pay the government loan.

Maybe if your hero cared about the poor like he claimed he would have subsidized fertilizer or farm equipment instead, then again his family probably doesn't own those businesses.

"My hero???" What a typical type of answer from someone fearing-- yes FEARING-- the return of the "old powers" (as you and your lot love to call them.). Well, som num num tah satanaghan pleeang.

Why would any Farang fear what government rules Thailand it doesn't effect most of us anyways only Thai people. We are not talking about a country like the USA or China that has global impact .

[Jingthing]

It matters to us if Thai politics falls apart and the country falls into violent crisis and/or the economy here melts down. This is possible. So of course we care. Of course, alot of us have close relationships with Thais and Thai family as well.

Edited December 8, 2007 by Jingthing

[Chloe82]

The only party any serious voter could possibly vote for would be the Democrats, however you will no doubt have the peasants out in force voting the other way for a drop of whisky.

(Before anyone flames me for the use of the word 'peasants', check the definition)

[chevykanteve]

"what was Thaksin" ( He was a major tax cheat. ..............and that is just for a start )

He was a "major tax cheat"? Really? You can prove that?

Edited December 8, 2007 by chevykanteve

[Jingthing]

The only party any serious voter could possibly vote for would be the Democrats, however you will no doubt have the peasants out in force voting the other way for a drop of whisky.

(Before anyone flames me for the use of the word 'peasants', check the definition)

Thats a little harsh. I am sure there are some Thaksinistas who have well developed rationales for their support.

[Sakeopete]

"what was Thaksin" ( He was a major tax cheat. ..............and that is just for a start )

He was a "major tax cheat"? Really? You can prove that?

The thousands of people that protested after the sale of Shin Corp that led to the snap election followed by the coup seemed to believe he was a tax cheat.

[chevykanteve]

The only party any serious voter could possibly vote for would be the Democrats, however you will no doubt have the peasants out in force voting the other way for a drop of whisky.

(Before anyone flames me for the use of the word 'peasants', check the definition)

The peasants: I love that. An un-politically-correct-term for Europeans for at least 40 years. Take a trip to northeastern-Thailand, look at all the new houses, roads, etc., and then repost. "A drop of whisky"??? What boat did YOU just off?

[chevykanteve]

"what was Thaksin" ( He was a major tax cheat. ..............and that is just for a start )

He was a "major tax cheat"? Really? You can prove that?

The thousands of people that protested after the sale of Shin Corp that led to the snap election followed by the coup seemed to believe he was a tax cheat.

Are you joking? The "thousands of people"??? Please don't attempt to re-write history here. If your referring to SL's group of....Christ.... why bother....

Edited December 8, 2007 by chevykanteve

[nickynomates]

All i know is that it will end in tears of alot of good people.

The average Thai understands coruption and knows it a part of life with whoever is in power.

Thaksin understood that well and at least gave something back to the masses especialy in the north east.

Many avearage factories in the low clothing and footwear industries at the moment have alot of people with little to do. Export the the USA your already 15 % down from last year before you start.

Average people will vote for what gives them the best hope taken from the BS feed to them.

The old elite who overthrew Thaksin will never allow him to return while that have a say in it. Remember this must have had the backing from very hight up to have even been carried out.

This is the real danger we face my predictuion for what it is worth.

New goverment 6 months max.

The army will just get stronger and stronger.

I very much hope im wrong

[younghusband]

"what was Thaksin" ( He was a major tax cheat. ..............and that is just for a start )

Actually he wasn't and I challenge you to prove it.Tax avoidance as opposed to tax evasion is perfectly legal, ie to arrange one's financial affairs so as to minimise or eliminate the need to pay tax.There is no tax payable in Thailand on the sale of shares made through the Stock Exchange, a convention agreed in Thailand long before Thaksin came to power.The sale was perhaps politically inept but that's another matter.

There are plenty of other genuine Thaksin misdemeanours to focus on.

[chevykanteve]

All i know is that it will end in tears of alot of good people.

The average Thai understands coruption and knows it a part of life with whoever is in power.

Thaksin understood that well and at least gave something back to the masses especialy in the north east.

Many avearage factories in the low clothing and footwear industries at the moment have alot of people with little to do. Export the the USA your already 15 % down from last year before you start.

Average people will vote for what gives them the best hope taken from the BS feed to them.

The old elite who overthrew Thaksin will never allow him to return while that have a say in it. Remember this must have had the backing from very hight up to have even been carried out.

This is the real danger we face my predictuion for what it is worth.

New goverment 6 months max.

The army will just get stronger and stronger.

I very much hope im wrong

Good to hear from someone who is capable of analysis in terms of the present political situation. In other words, yes, I agree 100%.

[chanchao]

I'm completely with Chevykanteve on this one.

The democrats are traitors to democracy and as such don't deserve anything.

Thaksin brought actual progress. I'd like to see that back. I mean, does anyone remember Democrat led governments? Nice guys, sure, but get stuff done?

[kangeroo]

The army in thai will get stronger and police will have more power and if they have there way they would kick every farang out of the country, when Thaskin was in power he understood the pressure of police and army not to mention political corruption, he was part of it and had some sort of control .

Thailand will never change because it is corrupt and to have some party come in to office with no understanding of the fact that it is corrupt will present big problems for farang and change everything .

cheers .

[chanchao]

Ok, I'm "almost" completely with Chevykanteve on this one. Because:

For starters, he was democratically-elected by the over-whelming-populus of muang Thai, then overthrown by a minority Chinese-elite that have the wherewithal to influence the military and select members of the Civil-Service and others. Or, gee, gosh, maybe I'm mistaken?????

I completely agree with the first part. Thaksin was the most successful PM ever; in the entire history of Thailand *NO* government has managed to get re-elected. Thaksin managed THREE consecutive landslides. There's simply no argument: Thaksin should still be the rightful PM of this country.

HOWEVER.. "overthrown by a minority Chinese-elite" ??? I think we all know who Thaksin was overthrown by; I think Thais know it too; at least the ones I know on a personal level that I can have such conversations with.

[chanchao]

Given what Thailand has experienced lately, I will be so bold as to assume most farangs are rooting for Abhisit to be the next PM.

Assume...

Well, maybe you're right. But then perhaps "most" farangs' political agenda consists of being able to bend visa rules with unlimited visa runs and being allowed to drink beer round the clock while ogling crazy & thin girls high on ya ba.

That lot hated Thaksin from the start. (They usually spell it 'Toxin' though.. Pretty pathetic)

Edited December 8, 2007 by chanchao

[Sakeopete]

"what was Thaksin" ( He was a major tax cheat. ..............and that is just for a start )

He was a "major tax cheat"? Really? You can prove that?

The thousands of people that protested after the sale of Shin Corp that led to the snap election followed by the coup seemed to believe he was a tax cheat.

Are you joking? The "thousands of people"??? Please don't attempt to re-write history here. If your referring to SL's group of....Christ.... why bother....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4775926.stm

Like it or not SL's group as you call it volunteered their time to protest the didn't have to be paid to get on buses like The Caravan For The Poor.

[Jingthing]

Given what Thailand has experienced lately, I will be so bold as to assume most farangs are rooting for Abhisit to be the next PM.

Assume...

Well, maybe you're right. But then perhaps "most" farangs' political agenda consists of being able to bend visa rules with unlimited visa runs and being allowed to drink beer round the clock while ogling crazy & thin girls high on ya ba.

That lot hated Thaksin from the start. (They usually spell it 'Toxin' though.. Pretty pathetic)

Cool. An anti-farang rant. Any kind of rant makes me feel tingly all over, though anti-American ones really make my day.

I never liked Toxin personally because he appeared to me to be an irrational, arrogant, power mad dictator whose power base was based on bribery. I felt he cynically exploited the despair of many Northeastern Thais for his own and his cronies personal gain. Plus the extra-judicial killings didn't appeal to me but I did notice there was hardly a peep of Thai protest about that, so figured up 2 u.

I think most farangs would like to see Thailand progress towards more democracy, improved education and health care, less corruption, less poverty, and less concentration of wealth in the elite. Same way I feel about my home country. But I do see the contradiction. Toxin was elected and so was Bush.

Edited December 8, 2007 by Jingthing