New Cabinet Appointed

[sriracha john]

"But Suwat denied the reports, telling reporters Tuesday that he only borrowed the medal from Udomporn for a day in order to make a genuine gold replica of it as a special gift for her, and would return the medal back to her by a Thai Airways flight."

Make a replica for her when she held the real thing?

The heights of ludicrousness are reached again by Khun Suwat... Happy Birthday

Banned politician Suwat confident about Samak

A former executive of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, Suwat Liptapanlop (TRT Banned #22) expressed confidence PM Samak Sundaravej will be able to use his political experience to solve national problems. Suwat also said he likes Samak's straightforwardness, although some may view it as an obstacle to reconciliation. On Samak's plan to issue an amnesty law for the banned 111 Thai Rak Thai Party executives, Suwat said he personally thinks that some former executives were not involved in the electoral fraud charges against the party that led to the dissolution of the party thus should not be banned from politics for 5 years. Today is Suwat's 53rd birthday and Suwat said he has received his birthday gift: the appointment of his wife, Poonpirom, as Energy Minister in Samak's Cabinet.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=125816

======================================================================

Does he even realize he's admitting that anyone not include the "some" (in other words, "MOST") were guilty of electoral fraud and thus deserving of the 5 year ban?

*edit... post corrected to reflect the last sentence was Suwat's own words.

Edited February 9, 2008 by sriracha john

[John K]

"Darn these new rules...how do they expect us to hide our wealth and enrich our families?"...

SAMAK CABINET

Asset rules tie up ministers

New restrictions dominate first government meeting

Drafters of the 2007 Constitution who introduced rules on conflict of interest had caused trouble for the new government, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said yesterday.

"What is written in the Constitution has damaged the families [of Cabinet members]," he said after the first Cabinet meeting. Most of the two-and-a-half-hour session was spent clarifying how ministers would have to declare their assets to the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC).

Ministers have to declare their assets by March 6, so the Cabinet had to closely consult with the commission about what they needed to report, Samak said.

"It's not only about declaring assets," he said. For example, one new rule requires the wife of a minister to quit her business if it is inter-preted as a conflict of interest [in case the husband abuses his power to benefit his wife's business], the premier said.

Some ministers, who are from the business sector, are reported to be concerned about the new rules and asked NCCC officials attending the meeting a number of questions. They include Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat, Transport Minister Santi Prompat, Deputy Health Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul and Deputy Finance Minister Pradit Pataraprasit.

What is new in the 2007 charter is the wife and children of a minister are not allowed to receive state concessions.

The defunct 1997 charter only banned ministers. Moreover, the new law allows a minister to own only 5 per cent of shares in a business.

If his or her stake exceeds the limit, the person is not allowed to transfer the shares to his or her partner or children. The 1997 charter allowed the transfer of shares to family members.

- The Nation

==============================================

Althought the 5% should be 0%, it's a progressive beginning.

Oh those darn keep politicians honest teeth built into the constitution. So 2.5 hours figuring out how to lie. Doing it the right way is so straight forward and easy.

[sriracha john]

I love the new ICT minister, he's so honest.

He was preparing to work at the Transport ministry but was shifted in the last moment. He didn't know anything about ICT so he called his friend to give him an intensive course, over the phone, I presume. Now he feels he is ready to take charge of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies.

You just can't make this stuff up.

It's a shame to see him use up one of his three Lifeline options, the "Phone-A-Friend", so quickly on just the initial 100 baht question, leaving only "Fifty-Fifty" and "Ask-The-Audience" in his attempt to reach the pinnacle of the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in the Cabinet? game show.

Edited February 9, 2008 by sriracha john

[Ricardo]

And the silence of the Pro Thakin crowd marches on. Come on Lil, rise up to defend your patron saint!!! Explain how censorship and manipulation of the news media is a good thing!

I would imagine even the blind can see this government is far worse than the junta appointed government. Even the seeing that refuse to see no doubt are beginning to see.

As we see the start of a return to TRT-government levels of censorship & control of the media, it is heartening to see that, for a short time at least, these moves are still currently able to be reported.

Thank God that the military-appointed caretaker-government had rolled back censorship to some extent, while it was in power, even though this meant that the media were indeed more able to criticise their own performance. If only the new civilian government were to be capable of the same restraint & tolerance, for other peoples' points-of-view, then reconciliation might stand a chance, rather than be doomed from the outset.

All hail the new Ministry of Thought Control !

[John K]

And the silence of the Pro Thakin crowd marches on. Come on Lil, rise up to defend your patron saint!!! Explain how censorship and manipulation of the news media is a good thing!

I would imagine even the blind can see this government is far worse than the junta appointed government. Even the seeing that refuse to see no doubt are beginning to see.

As we see the start of a return to TRT-government levels of censorship & control of the media, it is heartening to see that, for a short time at least, these moves are still currently able to be reported.

Thank God that the military-appointed caretaker-government had rolled back censorship to some extent, while it was in power, even though this meant that the media were indeed more able to criticise their own performance. If only the new civilian government were to be capable of the same restraint & tolerance, for other peoples' points-of-view, then reconciliation might stand a chance, rather than be doomed from the outset.

All hail the new Ministry of Thought Control !

I don’t know what is more aggravating, trying to open the eyes of the blind junta bashing posters, or now having them now fall silent to the realization that we did know what we were talking about.

[Old Man River]

And the silence of the Pro Thakin crowd marches on. Come on Lil, rise up to defend your patron saint!!! Explain how censorship and manipulation of the news media is a good thing!

I would imagine even the blind can see this government is far worse than the junta appointed government. Even the seeing that refuse to see no doubt are beginning to see.

As we see the start of a return to TRT-government levels of censorship & control of the media, it is heartening to see that, for a short time at least, these moves are still currently able to be reported.

Thank God that the military-appointed caretaker-government had rolled back censorship to some extent, while it was in power, even though this meant that the media were indeed more able to criticise their own performance. If only the new civilian government were to be capable of the same restraint & tolerance, for other peoples' points-of-view, then reconciliation might stand a chance, rather than be doomed from the outset.

All hail the new Ministry of Thought Control !

This is the government that was democratically elected by the people of the northeast who know what is best for Thailand. We have no right to criticize this government. It does not matter what happens to the country in the future. The only thing that matters is that these people get their money and debt relief now.

[John K]

And the silence of the Pro Thakin crowd marches on. Come on Lil, rise up to defend your patron saint!!! Explain how censorship and manipulation of the news media is a good thing!

I would imagine even the blind can see this government is far worse than the junta appointed government. Even the seeing that refuse to see no doubt are beginning to see.

As we see the start of a return to TRT-government levels of censorship & control of the media, it is heartening to see that, for a short time at least, these moves are still currently able to be reported.

Thank God that the military-appointed caretaker-government had rolled back censorship to some extent, while it was in power, even though this meant that the media were indeed more able to criticise their own performance. If only the new civilian government were to be capable of the same restraint & tolerance, for other peoples' points-of-view, then reconciliation might stand a chance, rather than be doomed from the outset.

All hail the new Ministry of Thought Control !

This is the government that was democratically elected by the people of the northeast who know what is best for Thailand. We have no right to criticize this government. It does not matter what happens to the country in the future. The only thing that matters is that these people get their money and debt relief now.

Actually OMR this is one situation that has nothing to do with moving forward. What Ricardo is referring to is the impending censorship that has but one reason, and that is to simply hide what the government is doing. That includes revenge disappearances that fully everyone expects. Why else would it be such a high priority, things are working fine or at least reasonably well with the media.

Edited February 10, 2008 by John K

[marshbags]

The Nation, Sun, February 10, 2008 : Last updated 8:08 hours

SIDELINES

Thaksin's cronies in race to serve the boss

If there was anything surprising at all about the new Cabinet of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, it was the audacity and speed with which Thaksin Shinawatra's hard-core cronies sought to serve their boss.Published on February 10, 2008

Each has his mission and agenda. Never mind the public interest. That can wait.

Of course, their political arrogance was also stratospheric. Thaksin's cronies listed their priorities even before they were ceremoniously installed as Cabinet members. Even on their first day in office, they were no different from other politicians they once blamed.

Helping their boss out of his political predicament due to the pending criminal cases against him is also a self-serving achievement for cronies who have been rewarded for their bold actions against the Council for National Security and Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda.

They obviously have not learned the painful lesson that political arrogance, greed-driven corruption and other forms of mischief were the prime causes for the widespread demonstrations against their boss that eventually to the coup.

They exude supreme confidence once again, now that they have a firm grip on power and the military would not have the nerve to topple them. This could prove to be excessive hubris, which could lead to another tragic ending.

Priorities announced to the public include the need to reorganise measures to properly position state-owned media - a position of obedience. They expressed the urgent need to mess with the recently established Thai Public Television Service, by preparing a new team to take over the operation several months from now.

Glancing through the Cabinet line-up, some people cynically likened it to a rogues' gallery, a showcase of cronies, or, worse, a den of thieves. As unflattering as this may be, the new Cabinet members were not disturbed. They were all pleased that their drive to grab power was a total success.

After not even a week in office, there is already speculation as to how long the new Cabinet can last, judging from its negative image, poor credibility and a number of characters in it with tainted track records, including pending criminal charges.

All eyes are on Samak as he apparently tries to shake loose from the general perception that he is chiefly a nominee of Thaksin. In media interviews, including one with CNN, Samak declared that he is his own boss. As leader of the People Power Party, he calls the shots, not Thaksin.

Whether this is sheer bravado or an attempt to gradually distance from himself from Thaksin's command and control, Samak will need weeks - if not months - to prove himself. As someone who frequently claims that he is a man of his word and that he speaks his own mind, what Samak stands to face could be Thaksin's wrath and some acts of warning.

The team of misfits will take several days to adjust themselves to the rise in their political fortunes before they settle down and set out a plan for a productive harvest after investing so much, including the betrayal of the public trust.

Key members of the parties in the coalition have shown that they still have some sense of shame by not appearing too excited and reserving some comments. They are the masters of political survival and are standing ready to jump ship at the first sign of trouble.

When the euphoric mood subsides there will be the real business of handling serious issues and pressing problems. Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, a confidant of Thaksin, will have to prove himself after a crash course in public finance by taming inflation and dealing with the baht's strength, as well as having the nerve to cope with the impact of the sub-prime crisis.

Looking at his advisers does not inspire much confidence. A few of them have distinctive records of failure and financial shenanigans, if not criminal offences. The advisers might not have been of the minister's own choosing, but forced upon him by the boss to ensure that a hidden agenda is implemented.

Now will be the time to see what happens when nominees manage the country with the real hands pulling the strings behind them. And those hands will have to comply with the instructions from the top boss, who is now bearing his plight abroad.

The cronies have something to hang on to - they won't be held accountable if they do something wrong.

The existing system of checks and balances is not yet effective enough to put political criminals in jail due to the twists and turns in the legal proceedings at various stages.

With this powerful team of cronies in control of the government machinery, the public has little reason to hope that so-called independent agencies will be able to deal with the pending charges of wrongdoing, as made clear by the starkly disappointing performance of the Election Commission.

Those holding judicial power also face crucial challenges and tests of their integrity. Pressure and temptation are formidable. They are the last hope for the power of justice to prevail. The trend is not very encouraging. This must be reversed to fulfil the public's expectations.

Failure will be followed by chaos and unpredictable consequences.

Sopon Onkgara

The Nation

Ref url :- http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/02/10...on_30064927.php

Manipulating the election of a bunch of self serving thieves and the outcome has to be predictable of course.

marshbags

Because the true consequences of electing Toxins puppets are now surfacing for all to see, and what surely lies ahead for the Thai people and their country.

Very, very sad indeed IMHO and it will be a lot worse this time around me thinksssssssssssssssss

Edited February 10, 2008 by marshbags

[younghusband]

And the silence of the Pro Thakin crowd marches on. Come on Lil, rise up to defend your patron saint!!! Explain how censorship and manipulation of the news media is a good thing!

I would imagine even the blind can see this government is far worse than the junta appointed government. Even the seeing that refuse to see no doubt are beginning to see.

As we see the start of a return to TRT-government levels of censorship & control of the media, it is heartening to see that, for a short time at least, these moves are still currently able to be reported.

Thank God that the military-appointed caretaker-government had rolled back censorship to some extent, while it was in power, even though this meant that the media were indeed more able to criticise their own performance. If only the new civilian government were to be capable of the same restraint & tolerance, for other peoples' points-of-view, then reconciliation might stand a chance, rather than be doomed from the outset.

All hail the new Ministry of Thought Control !

I don’t know what is more aggravating, trying to open the eyes of the blind junta bashing posters, or now having them now fall silent to the realization that we did know what we were talking about.

The current government with its apparent weaknesses and mediocrity (though given it has only recently received royal endorsement it would be sensible to see how matters pan out over the nest few months) follows the chain of events events set in place by the junta, its manipulation of the justice system and sheer tactical and strategic incompetence.In terms of the latter part of your sentence, the challenge has really been to understand what you are trying to say rather than agreeing or disagreeing.I don't think you will find many supporters here of the current administration other than as a stepping stone back to democracy following the illegal coup by armed force.What many of us are looking for is a democratic Thailand characterised not just by fair elections but by free institutions.I think Khun Abhisit is the best bet for civilised leadership and to wean the Thais from deus ex machina solutions.And frankly your nostalgia for the discredited junta would disgust him as much as it disgusts most decent people.

[Plus]

follows the chain of events events set in place by the junta

Stop and think for a moment. If TRT was dissolved, this is what we would get with or without the junta.

And TRT should have been dissolved for what they did in April elections, with or without the junta.

Edited February 10, 2008 by Plus

[John K]

YH, every incoming government gets the same endorsement good or bad, so I would suggest another line of discussion.

[Plus]

This is the government that was democratically elected by the people of the northeast who know what is best for Thailand. We have no right to criticize this government. It does not matter what happens to the country in the future. The only thing that matters is that these people get their money and debt relief now.

In a democratic sort of way this country fully deserves the current government, or put it another way - they don't deserve any better.

The alternative - Bangkok "elites" decide what is best, has been soundly rejected on this board, they'll crucify you for even thinking that. In the real world TRT has been drilling this into people minds for years - take they power away from corrupt elites who don't care about you and vote for us, "stick it to the man". That's TRT's legacy - some say it made villagers politically active and empowered, and cheer them on.

There are two possible outcomes - they become disillusioned with their chosen government and start voting for "elite" candidates, or they get their loans and have their debts forgiven and vote for more.

They will become disillusioned anyway, when the country goes fully, completely, irrevocably bankrupt.

[younghusband]

YH, every incoming government gets the same endorsement good or bad, so I would suggest another line of discussion.

Agreed -though it was a ritual often waved in our faces by coup junkies - but in any case my reference to endorsement was just a passing reference not the main thrust to my post which you have ignored.

[John K]

This is the government that was democratically elected by the people of the northeast who know what is best for Thailand. We have no right to criticize this government. It does not matter what happens to the country in the future. The only thing that matters is that these people get their money and debt relief now.

In a democratic sort of way this country fully deserves the current government, or put it another way - they don't deserve any better.

The alternative - Bangkok "elites" decide what is best, has been soundly rejected on this board, they'll crucify you for even thinking that. In the real world TRT has been drilling this into people minds for years - take they power away from corrupt elites who don't care about you and vote for us, "stick it to the man". That's TRT's legacy - some say it made villagers politically active and empowered, and cheer them on.

There are two possible outcomes - they become disillusioned with their chosen government and start voting for "elite" candidates, or they get their loans and have their debts forgiven and vote for more.

They will become disillusioned anyway, when the country goes fully, completely, irrevocably bankrupt.

I agree with you plus, and keep in mind TRT is synonymous with Thaksin. His comeback will be total and he wont make the same mistakes twice by making a show of car bombs and other such theatrics. He simply has to be routed out permanently as he simply does not care about any law or ruling of the courts. The 111 names should not even be in the news unless announcing another indictment never mind being a minister.

Thaksin has just reset the wedge and given a few starting taps. He has yet to give a hard swing, but I expect that in the next several days and weeks. Lets hope the EC will do it’s thing very soon to end this now very obvious self serving mess.

[younghusband]

This is the government that was democratically elected by the people of the northeast who know what is best for Thailand. We have no right to criticize this government. It does not matter what happens to the country in the future. The only thing that matters is that these people get their money and debt relief now.

In a democratic sort of way this country fully deserves the current government, or put it another way - they don't deserve any better.

The alternative - Bangkok "elites" decide what is best, has been soundly rejected on this board, they'll crucify you for even thinking that. In the real world TRT has been drilling this into people minds for years - take they power away from corrupt elites who don't care about you and vote for us, "stick it to the man". That's TRT's legacy - some say it made villagers politically active and empowered, and cheer them on.

There are two possible outcomes - they become disillusioned with their chosen government and start voting for "elite" candidates, or they get their loans and have their debts forgiven and vote for more.

They will become disillusioned anyway, when the country goes fully, completely, irrevocably bankrupt.

Can I make a comment which is only partly related to this post, though prompted by a reference in it, namely what is the perceived consensus position of this forum.I think outsiders see this board as very much dominated by pro coup pro Bangkok elite voices partly because the case has been well articulated and partly because of the sheer volume of partisan posting.Thus on some other sites I have seen references to the predictable positions of those folks over at Thai Visa meaning a generally strong pro coup/ anti Thaksin stand.I have no problem with this, although there is a small mindless element at work, and it is quite fun sometimes to take a contrarian position.Banter can be quite amusing but as always its sometimes difficult to conver irony over the ether: i certainly don't expect half my stuff about "juntophiles" to be taken seriously.

Another Sunday morning comment might be that I have been struck how odd it is to have impassioned political discussion on this particular forum which is really geared, as the name suggests, to people with other interests.It's a tribute really to the format and sensible moderation which as far as I know isn't found elsewhere that thoughts and disagreements can genuinely be exchanged.

My position is complex because although I strongly believe the coup was a dreadful mistake, I also fear and dislike Thaksinite meglomania.I dislike mob rule.I prefer civilised leaders like Abhisit, Korn, Chuan and am generally more comfortable with civilised people of this stamp.

[Plus]

There are plenty of anti-coup people here, there are some pro-Thaksin people here, there are people who are anti-coup and anti-Thaksin, we've got them all.

No one gets a free ride here, there will always be someone arguing the opposite point fo view. Maybe those other boards serve as a place for like minded people to hang out and thrash the opposition without any fear of being questioned.

When they come out from these close groups (it happens not only on the Internet, btw) they start with "every impartial observer agrees", "the academic point of view is.." or someting along these lines.

They start with wrong premises, never check their validity, and spend years and years developing them into grand theories, congratulating each other on their progress.

A good example is that mysterious "elite" force that staged the coup to advance their own interests. It's the starting point, it is present behind every move, its existence is taken for granted, but when you try to pinpoint it - it's neither here nor there, yet it's unquestionably everywhere.

No matter what happens, Sonthi spent half an hour in the toilet - he's got ulterior motives, he's playing dirty games, he's acting on orders of elites, it's a silent coup in action.

So, ok, it's pretty much obvious that Prem was not happy with Thaksin's response to mass protests against him and all that followed. Still, there's a big leap of faith from here to blind conviction that he and his network had personal interests to stage the coup, that they used the protests only as a pretext, or maybe even that they staged protests to create an excuse.

I, personally, think that four public reasons for the coup pretty much cover all the motives. It's that simple, the rest is immaterial, spoils of war, there are always people who'd benefit from it.

Btw, all generals on boards of state enterprises have resigned already (except Saprang).

I'm not against the possibility of an "invisible hand" directing the action from behind the curtains. But it's been a year and half, I want to see some evidence. All the conspiracy theories make sense only IF that force existed, it's a big if, and they have never questioned it.

[sriracha john]

although there is a small mindless element at work, and it is quite fun sometimes to take a contrarian position

"A ...... is someone who intentionally posts controversial or contrary messages in an on-line community such as an on-line discussion forum with the intention of baiting users into an argumentative response."

Maestro

Similar?

Edited February 10, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

We have an official name change; it's no longer "populist"...

Thai new government completes policy drafting

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said the draft of the new Thai government's policy was completed Saturday.

Somchai, also education minister and chairman of the government policy drafting committee, said Saturday that the draft has been finished and will be sent to the National Economic and Social Development Board for word processing before it is forwarded to the cabinet.

The deputy prime minister stressed that he wanted the government's policy to be called "policy for the people", instead of the "populist programs" which were implemented by the former government of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Only minor details on the contents concerning national economy, politics, security and society on the draft would be amended, the minister was quoted by state-run Thai News Agency as saying.

He said policies considered urgent would be tackled by the government and that progress should be seen within six to eight months.

- Xinhua

Edited February 10, 2008 by sriracha john

[younghusband]

although there is a small mindless element at work, and it is quite fun sometimes to take a contrarian position

"A ...... is someone who intentionally posts controversial or contrary messages in an on-line community such as an on-line discussion forum with the intention of baiting users into an argumentative response."

Maestro

Similar?

It's not the same as you well know.

A contrarian position, as long as not over used, is often a helpful way of arriving at a balanced and measured viewpoint when there is an overwhelming barrage of one sided posts.It's not being argumentative for its own sake.I appreciate you may not be entirely happy with forum discussion being somewhat less one sided than in the past.

[sriracha john]

It's never been one-sided in 4 years, then or now... it just comes down to methods... and the responses you so frequently elicit from such a wide range of posters seem to match up very similarly with the quoted post.

Edited February 10, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Sodsri calls for ruling by tribunal

EC member says new charter was intended to bar parliamentarians from official jobs

The Constitution Tribunal should rule on whether members of Parliament can be appointed as secretaries to ministers, election commissioner Sodsri Satayathum said yesterday.

The remark comes as many elected MPs from coalition parties are trying to get appointments as secretaries to a number of ministers after some failed to secure a Cabinet portfolio due to many parties being part of the coalition government.

Sodsri said that as the new Constitution was written in such a way as to avoid politicians interfering with government officials and the bureaucracy, MPs and senators should not hold any other official posts or posts at government-owned enterprises.

Former chairman of the Constitution Drafting Assembly Noranit Setabutr expressed a similar opinion, saying it was inappropriate for MPs to also wear another hat as the secretary of a minister. Such appointments would lead to conflicts of interest, he warned.

Noranit admitted, however, that although the current charter may not contain any explicit clause barring MPs from assuming such positions, he believed the matter should be taken up by the junta-appointed Constitution Tribunal as well.

Article 265 also contains a paragraph saying MPs should not hold any political post, be it at national or local level, Noranit said. "If some feel that it wasn't clearly stated in the charter, they can file a case with the Constitution Tribunal to get a ruling."

- The Nation

[John K]

We have an official name change; it's no longer "populist"...

Thai new government completes policy drafting

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said the draft of the new Thai government's policy was completed Saturday.

Somchai, also education minister and chairman of the government policy drafting committee, said Saturday that the draft has been finished and will be sent to the National Economic and Social Development Board for word processing before it is forwarded to the cabinet.

The deputy prime minister stressed that he wanted the government's policy to be called "policy for the people", instead of the "populist programs" which were implemented by the former government of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Only minor details on the contents concerning national economy, politics, security and society on the draft would be amended, the minister was quoted by state-run Thai News Agency as saying.

He said policies considered urgent would be tackled by the government and that progress should be seen within six to eight months.

- Xinhua

Possibly getting nervous that their association to Thaksin is too close and indications they will soon be back at June 1, 2007.

[younghusband]

There are plenty of anti-coup people here, there are some pro-Thaksin people here, there are people who are anti-coup and anti-Thaksin, we've got them all.

No one gets a free ride here, there will always be someone arguing the opposite point fo view. Maybe those other boards serve as a place for like minded people to hang out and thrash the opposition without any fear of being questioned.

A sensible post.Although the range of opinions has become more diverse than hitherto I think nevertheless the external perception -maybe out of date now -is that political discussion has been dominated on Thai Visa by those who see Thaksin as the devil incarnate.Even now, when my record is there for all to see, I receive snide comments that I am a closet fan.The truth is that it's a complex situation with no undiluted heroes or villains.

The evidence for the "hidden hand" may be one for the historians to debate.Even now there are profound disagreements about say the causes of the First World War so we shouldn't be too surprised if clarity doesn't emerge on events we are still very close to.I think there's quite a lot of evidence to suggest the junta were primed for their coup but it's not always possible to provide as proof internet "links" in a society as non transparent as Thailand.

You make a good point about this board's strength in allowing questioning of different viewpoints.

[sriracha john]

Possibly getting nervous that their association to Thaksin

That seems to be the trend now...

"We don't implement populist policies"

Samak now stating, "I am not a nominee for Thaksin" (despite hundreds of earlier proudly-announced proclamations that he was)...

Edited February 10, 2008 by sriracha john

[younghusband]

It's never been one-sided in 4 years, then or now... it just comes down to methods... and the responses you so frequently elicit from such a wide range of posters seem to match up very similarly with the quoted post.

Most would strongly disagree with you I'm afraid.However it's become more diverse now and its probably a good idea for everybody to abandon the thought of trapping others into breaches of forum rules and instead concentrate on strong arguments to support any given viewpoints.

[sriracha john]

I look forward to reading posts from "most" members with 4 year memberships that "strongly" disagree with me.

(in the interim, thank you for reinforcing the similarities to the posted quote in methodology)

Edited February 10, 2008 by sriracha john

[John K]

Possibly getting nervous that their association to Thaksin

That seems to be the trend now...

"We don't implement populist policies"

Samak now stating, "I am not a nominee for Thaksin" (despite hundreds of earlier proudly-announced proclamations that he was)...

Yes certainly all made to look that way. I guess their boss Thaksin decided to make the change as clearly Mi pen ri + arrogant thinking of earlier is about to come back and haunt them.

[younghusband]

I look forward to reading posts from "most" members with 4 year memberships that "strongly" disagree with me.

If you read my earlier posts carefully you will see I was mainly talking about an external perception of bias.

As for your rejoinder, I might as well ask most members with 4 year membership that strongly agree with you to let us know.It's just schoolyard stuff.Get your last word in and let's move on.

[Ricardo]

...

Samak said the government would not interfere in the corruption case against Thaksin but said the government might declare an amnesty for the disqualified politicians, including Thaksin.

"They are qualified politicians. Why kill them?" Samak said.

Does anybody know, why did Samak apparently say here, that there had been some plan to kill the disqualified politicians ? Elimination-by-death is a long way from temporary-for-5-years disqualification.

Samak also said the new government will reintroduce Thaksin's controversial policy to suppress drug trafficking, defending the so-called "drug war" that was carried out by Thaksin's government and led to the death of about 2,500 people between 2003-2004.

Human rights activists have charged that many of the killings were summary executions by security forces. Samak insisted most victims were killed by drug gangs trying to silence informers or eliminate rivals.

"We do good things. Why somebody is thinking of bad guys?" Samak said.

PM-Samak must have missed the conclusion, that more than half the people killed during the previous 'war on drugs', were found to be totally innocent and unconnected with the problem, regardless of whether they were killed by drugs-gangs or security-forces. And if they were killed by drugs gangs, does it not seem to him strange, that the timing of the killings coincided so precisely with the then-PM having declared all-out war ? Or that none of the gang-leaders were ever seemingly targeted ?

Perhaps PM-Samak

- Associated Press

[Old Man River]

And the silence of the Pro Thakin crowd marches on. Come on Lil, rise up to defend your patron saint!!! Explain how censorship and manipulation of the news media is a good thing!

I would imagine even the blind can see this government is far worse than the junta appointed government. Even the seeing that refuse to see no doubt are beginning to see.

As we see the start of a return to TRT-government levels of censorship & control of the media, it is heartening to see that, for a short time at least, these moves are still currently able to be reported.

Thank God that the military-appointed caretaker-government had rolled back censorship to some extent, while it was in power, even though this meant that the media were indeed more able to criticise their own performance. If only the new civilian government were to be capable of the same restraint & tolerance, for other peoples' points-of-view, then reconciliation might stand a chance, rather than be doomed from the outset.

All hail the new Ministry of Thought Control !

This is the government that was democratically elected by the people of the northeast who know what is best for Thailand. We have no right to criticize this government. It does not matter what happens to the country in the future. The only thing that matters is that these people get their money and debt relief now.

Actually OMR this is one situation that has nothing to do with moving forward. What Ricardo is referring to is the impending censorship that has but one reason, and that is to simply hide what the government is doing. That includes revenge disappearances that fully everyone expects. Why else would it be such a high priority, things are working fine or at least reasonably well with the media.

I understood what he was referring to. I was being facetious. I am completely shocked that this is the best government that the people of the northeast could come up with. The Democrats could pick people off the street for their shadow government and do better.