People's Alliance For Democracy To Renew Movement

[sriracha john]

This Chalerm Chump is something special... ridiculous, yet dangerous.... maniacal, yet comical.... and for now, his latest nonsensical and unsubstantiated rantings are... ignored

Interior Minister Orders Governors to Prosecute Cable Operators Broadcasting ASTV

The Interior Minister has asked governors in all provinces to prosecute local cable TV networks that carry ASTV's signal, reasoning that ASTV is broadcasting the illegal People's Alliance for Democracy rally in Bangkok.

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobumrung has ordered governors in all provinces to prosecute local cable TV networks that broadcasts ASTV's signal. The interior minister says ASTV's presentation of the rally is against the law as the protest is illegal in its obstruction of traffic.

The interior minister claims that under article 85, local cable TV companies that broadcast live footage of the rally could, therefore, receive up to six months prison penalty.

He says the People's Alliance for Democracy rally at Makawan Bridge is violating articles 215 and article 216 as it is interrupting the nation's peace.

Chalerm says governors and the police are authorized to file lawsuits against local cable TV companies that provide ASTV service. However, program viewers are being excluded and are not considered law breakers.

- Thailand Outlook

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

Local Cable TV Networks in Provinces Express Concern on ASTV Ban

The local cable TV networks carrying ASTV's signal are now expressing concern over the command prompted by the interior minister for provincial governors to prosecute local cable operators which carry the broadcast of ASTV to stop the live broadcast of the People's Alliance for Democracy rally in Bangkok.

Provincial governor meetings with local TV networks are being hosted after the interior minister's command for governors to prosecute local cable operators which carry ASTV's signal.

In the latest on this, the Local Cable Association of Thailand has announced that its members will continue their broadcast of ASTV unless a written order is sent to it to cease the broadcast. The association will also send a representative to meet the interior minister on Monday for a clarification on the issue.

Many local cable network operators have expressed that so far there have been no official announcements by the government made directly to them on this. They say with an official regulation made by the state, they have no choice but to follow.

Petchaburi Cable TV general manager Suwarot Soisuwan says he has not been given a written confirmation about the interior ministry's command, but he believes that if the ASTV ban is really to occur in the provinces, many people will join the PAD rally in Bangkok.

In Chon Buri Province, the ASTV signal is still being carried through the local cable networks. However, the provincial governor's meeting with local cable entrepreneurs has been hosted on the topic. Many local residents in the province have opposed the ASTV ban, saying the public will be barred from receiving information, which goes against their basic rights.

Meanwhile, Khon Kaen Cable Networks Company Managing Director, Surat Pipatchaisiri reveals that his KTV cable network has not been contacted by the Khon Kaen Provincial Administration Organization to cancel ASTV's signal. He says that without an official letter from the state, the company cannot stop ASTV's service. He says the cable TV company is expected to serve the public by providing versatile information for its viewers. Additionally, he says many of the 10,000 KTV viewers are ASTV fans.

In Phuket and Songkhla, reporters say ASTV's signal is still being carried. The local cable networks say they are waiting for an official letter from the government before they will cancel the signal. The local cable networks in the south also say they have not been contacted by the provincial administration organization.

Meanwhile, Phuket Thailand Watch Foundation President, Natjarong Ekpermsab urges the government to reconsider the decision to ban ASTV's signal, as many locals who follow the news reports on the ongoing PAD rally in Bangkok will oppose the order.

Natjarong says the PAD supporters in the provinces can watch the ASTV program at the Sapanhin Cape, where activities by the local PAD members continue.

- Thailand Outlook

Edited June 13, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Here he is at his brilliant best.

*EDIT* Sorry, link doesn't work.

Here it is.

The maniac at the controls, intimidating foreign journalists:

Edited June 13, 2008 by sriracha john

[tominbkk]

I saw footage of Samak standing in front of the cameras for a few minutes, silent, you couldn't tell if his mind had just snapped or if he was raging mad but not saying a word, holding it all back like the Hoover dam. He actually looked more like an aging zoo gorilla staring around and over the shoulders of visitors for a few minutes, strangest Thai news footage I've ever seen.

I saw that footage when I was working out, I had my ipod on so I didn't know what was going on. It's true, I thought he was going to start freaking out any second....he looked crazy.

Hey here is the clip, titled 'สมัคร - อะไรวะ' - Samak, Arai Wa? -hee hee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ_pCnsQtqE

Edited June 14, 2008 by tominbkk

[jumnien]

Thank buddha he didn't put on a yellow headband and start spewing nonsense like that filthy rich media retard Sondhi. A bit of silence and staring is better than blocking the streets. Intimidating so-called journalists is preferable to intimidating school children.

[Tony Clifton]

Thank buddha he didn't put on a yellow headband and start spewing nonsense like that filthy rich media retard Sondhi. A bit of silence and staring is better than blocking the streets. Intimidating so-called journalists is preferable to intimidating school children.

Give that a try.

[sriracha john]

I saw footage of Samak standing in front of the cameras for a few minutes, silent, you couldn't tell if his mind had just snapped or if he was raging mad but not saying a word, holding it all back like the Hoover dam. He actually looked more like an aging zoo gorilla staring around and over the shoulders of visitors for a few minutes, strangest Thai news footage I've ever seen.

I saw that footage when I was working out, I had my ipod on so I didn't know what was going on. It's true, I thought he was going to start freaking out any second....he looked crazy.

Hey here is the clip, titled 'สมัคร - อะไรวะ' - Samak, Arai Wa? -hee hee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ_pCnsQtqE

Transient ischemic attack

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is caused by the temporary disturbance of blood supply to a restricted area of the brain, resulting in brief neurologic dysfunction.

Symptoms vary widely from person to person, depending on the area of the brain involved. They include difficulty speaking (aphasia); weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis); and numbness or tingling (paresthesia), usually on one side of the body. If there are neurological symptoms persisting for more than 24 hours, it is classified as a cerebrovascular accident, or stroke.

The most common cause of a TIA is an embolus (a small blood clot) that occludes an artery in the brain. This most frequently arises from an atherosclerotic plaque in one of the carotid arteries (i.e. a number of major arteries in the head and neck) or from a thrombus (i.e. a blood clot) in the heart due to atrial fibrillation.

[sriracha john]

Whether it's the...

2007 Thailand Constitution

Part 7

Section 45

A person shall enjoy the liberty to express his opinion, make speech, write, print, publicise, and make expression by other means.

OR the...

1997 Thailand Constitution

Part 1

Section 39

A person shall enjoy the liberty to express his or her opinion, make speeches, write, print, publicise, and make expression by other means.

Chalerm is violating both tenets...

Chalerm bans ASTV from cable channels

Interior minister warns operators of immediate jail if they refuse to obey

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung yesterday banned the broadcasting of the ASTV channel, which provides live coverage of the People's Alliance for Democracy protest in Bangkok, through cable TV networks nationwide, and threatened to jail offending cable TV operators.

The new policy drew strong opposition from various groups, including cable TV operators, Senators, and ASTV owner and PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul. They said it violated the basic rights recognised by Constitution, especially the right to receive information and freedom of expression.

Chalerm announced his controversial ban at the monthly ministerial meeting yesterday morning, which was broadcast live via video conference with 76 governors nationwide.

"Write this down. The broadcasting of ASTV through cable TV is a crime according to the Criminal Law Article 85 and the owner could be jailed for at least six months," he told the governors.

"You, as governors, have to ask cable TV operators to stop such broadcasting. If they fail to do so, you should file a lawsuit against them. Don't worry. I have studied the legal issues carefully before announcing this policy. Call the ministry if you have any questions," he said.

Cable TV operator Surat Phiphatchaisiri, of KTV in Khon Kaen, said he felt confused about the policy and cast doubts on its legality. "As far as I know, the ASTV broadcasting issue is still protected under the Administrative Court. How can a government have such a policy? If implemented, it will significantly affect our customers, who are largely fans of ASTV. It will also affect our income," he said. "The Cable TV Association is now discussing this issue in its meeting in Pattaya," Surat said.

Bamrung Wasantakorn, operator of KCTV in Nakhon Ratchasima and an adviser to the Cable TV Association, said the ban was illegal as it violated media and consumer rights.

Both operators said they believed Chalerm's policy would backfire on the government as the ban would encourage more people join the PAD's movement.

ASTV owner Sondhi said the ban violated constitutional rights and its victims could complain to the Administrative Court.

"It is a misdirected policy. Chalerm does not realise that what he has done will destroy him in the end," Sondhi said.

Senator and lawyer Warin Thiamcharas said Chalerm's ban was against Article 45 of the Constitution and would be an act of media intervention if it continued.

PAD spokesman Suriyasai Katasila said yesterday evening that the group was considering sending hundreds of its supporters to Chalerm's residence to demonstrate against his controversial policy.

- The Nation (today)

Edited June 14, 2008 by sriracha john

[jumnien]

Here's a little tidbit from Today's Post that gives a bit of the soap opera surrounding Gen. Chamlong and the PAD.

PAD speaks, Army is deaf

By Wassana Nanuam

The armed forces are concerned that the relentless efforts by the People's Alliance for Democracy to drag the military into their game is a battle to win the favour of the military.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wassana Nanuam reports on military affairs for the Bangkok Post.

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is known to have been an ally of the generals who staged the Sept 19, 2006 coup that ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The same old faces have launched another round of protests, urging the military to force the government out of office and root out the Thaksin regime after the last coup failed to achieve its aim.

((please continue reading in publication))

[younghusband]

Here he is at his brilliant best.

*EDIT* Sorry, link doesn't work.

Here it is.

The maniac at the controls, intimidating foreign journalists:

A charmless and boorish display agreed.But trivial in the overall scheme of things.

In terms of intimidation of foreign journalists in Thailand there is of course a much more serious and insidious problem at present.

[hammered]

Don't underestimate state enterprise employees and other groups who are already quite pissed off and ready to join PAD.

That would be the instant death of this government.

Instant death of Samak's government or just the opposite. It would be a good reason for Samak to call a state of emergency, in which case he would immediately jail the heads of unions and point his finger at others for the country's ills. Let's hope that he doesn't find an excuse to do this.

But that would only give him another week....a week without electric.....

but it could be a bloody week......

Thailand's labor is not well organized and if union leaders are sidelined I suspect everyone would go right back to work. In addition, if the government had to step in and declare a state of emergency, it would allow Samak to consolidate his power and prolong his time in office. Samak is no fool. We all saw how quickly he wanted to jump in against the PAD. A general strike could provide the catalyst instead. It would no longer be about Thaksin, a constitutional re-write, a declining economy etc., but about Samak jumping in to stabilize the country. It would buy him time until something else comes along to buy him more time. This guy is a survivor.

Thanks for this. Right now there are many dynamics at play. One of the most important is Samak's desire to remain PM at all costs. His and Thaksin's agendas now are diverging, which should also show why the military are getting closer to Samak at this moment.

The power stuggles within PPP are also becoming more obvious with the Chidchobistas flexing their muscles to oust Mingkwan from any meaningful role in cabinet even though he was one of the very few ministers actually with any ability to do the job. The nature of the multi faced power struggle in Thailand right now is becoming less hidden by the day. One of these is that those who see the PPP as a vehicle to just ram a quick constitutional change through, release the cash and hold a snap election are not at all bothered about government policy beyond throwing every handout to those who may vote for them and obviously set a few schemes with guarneteed high degrees of leakage. On the other side in the PPP we have those who want to stay around for ages and run the country. That they have no control over policy is a weakness and obviously not good for the country. That PM Samak has the power to declare emergency rule or a new election gives him power which is magnified by the seeming willingness of the military to side with him now. Sure they werent in favour of a quick crackdown on the PPP but as has been reported some beleive that Gen. Anupong warned him it was a trap. In the longer run and if violence is avoided he may well declare emergency rule. No doubt the trigger will be something to do with demonstrations but the emergency rule would give PM Samak a lot more freedom from control by his own party, and that may well be something the military are willing to go along with at a later date. Compared to the major players the PAD currently is small and relatively weak and relies on actions of the other players to achieve anything and currently it faces assaults on various levels to try to cut off its lifeblood. However, any wrong move by the government and this situation could change so easily, and the government themselves are not a particularly talented bunch of politcal operatives in the public and international arena, so anything could happen.

Right now we can also see divisions in just about every side and alliances that could break, strengthen or change in an instant. Put on top of that the worsening economic situation plus a complete lack of government policy on anything and a parliament that has not even taken the basic steps to function and that makes a difficult situation for the country close to becoming dangerous.

These may be interesting times in which we live, but a few wrong moves could turn them quite catastrophic in one way or another.

[hammered]

Whether it's the...

2007 Thailand Constitution

Part 7

Section 45

A person shall enjoy the liberty to express his opinion, make speech, write, print, publicise, and make expression by other means.

OR the...

1997 Thailand Constitution

Part 1

Section 39

A person shall enjoy the liberty to express his or her opinion, make speeches, write, print, publicise, and make expression by other means.

Chalerm is violating both tenets...

Chalerm bans ASTV from cable channels

Interior minister warns operators of immediate jail if they refuse to obey

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung yesterday banned the broadcasting of the ASTV channel, which provides live coverage of the People's Alliance for Democracy protest in Bangkok, through cable TV networks nationwide, and threatened to jail offending cable TV operators.

The new policy drew strong opposition from various groups, including cable TV operators, Senators, and ASTV owner and PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul. They said it violated the basic rights recognised by Constitution, especially the right to receive information and freedom of expression.

Chalerm announced his controversial ban at the monthly ministerial meeting yesterday morning, which was broadcast live via video conference with 76 governors nationwide.

"Write this down. The broadcasting of ASTV through cable TV is a crime according to the Criminal Law Article 85 and the owner could be jailed for at least six months," he told the governors.

"You, as governors, have to ask cable TV operators to stop such broadcasting. If they fail to do so, you should file a lawsuit against them. Don't worry. I have studied the legal issues carefully before announcing this policy. Call the ministry if you have any questions," he said.

Cable TV operator Surat Phiphatchaisiri, of KTV in Khon Kaen, said he felt confused about the policy and cast doubts on its legality. "As far as I know, the ASTV broadcasting issue is still protected under the Administrative Court. How can a government have such a policy? If implemented, it will significantly affect our customers, who are largely fans of ASTV. It will also affect our income," he said. "The Cable TV Association is now discussing this issue in its meeting in Pattaya," Surat said.

Bamrung Wasantakorn, operator of KCTV in Nakhon Ratchasima and an adviser to the Cable TV Association, said the ban was illegal as it violated media and consumer rights.

Both operators said they believed Chalerm's policy would backfire on the government as the ban would encourage more people join the PAD's movement.

ASTV owner Sondhi said the ban violated constitutional rights and its victims could complain to the Administrative Court.

"It is a misdirected policy. Chalerm does not realise that what he has done will destroy him in the end," Sondhi said.

Senator and lawyer Warin Thiamcharas said Chalerm's ban was against Article 45 of the Constitution and would be an act of media intervention if it continued.

PAD spokesman Suriyasai Katasila said yesterday evening that the group was considering sending hundreds of its supporters to Chalerm's residence to demonstrate against his controversial policy.

- The Nation (today)

So now we know who has taken over from Jakropob as Mr. "no freedom of speech allowed here"

No surprise really

[jumnien]

Sondhi, who supported the military coup that destroyed democracy and the revered 1997 constitution, is now worried about constitutional rights! That's a laugh! What constitution?

[sriracha john]

As sunrise apparently doesn't get it, there are other people that are bothered by this infringement on their rights according to either of the last 2 constitutions...

PAD targets Chalerm over ASTV

PAD decided last night to lodge a complaint with the Administrative Court against Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung for ordering authorities to take legal action against the satellite-based ASTV and cable television operators for broadcasting anti-government rallies. PAD secretary-general Suriyasai Katasila urged audiences affected by Chalerm's order to sign the PAD's planned legal action and join the on-going street protests. The PAD also agreed to ask senators to initiate a campaign to seek the impeachment of Chalerm for alleged abuse of power. An operator in Chon Buri who asked not to be named said Chalerm's order was hostile to business and would only cause the street protests to swell.

Sirapong Pipattanakornkul, a resident of Nakhon Ratchasima, said if the cable television is blocked he will buy the ASTV satellite dish. "It allows people to receive information from all sides, rather than from the government alone. I will decide for myself if the information is reliable," he said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/14Jun2008_news04.php

[Siripon]

Sondhi, who supported the military coup that destroyed democracy and the revered 1997 constitution, is now worried about constitutional rights! That's a laugh! What constitution?

the military didn't 'destroy' democracy, they returned it after 15 months,

The 'revered' constitution was unfortunately full of loopholes which unscrupulous politicians like Thaksin drove trucks through to override any checks and balances. And he's at it again, doing his utmost to avoid his day in court.

I must admit yourself and YH have a hard job trying to defend 'democracy' when its proponents are Samak, Chalerm and Thaksin.

[younghusband]

Sondhi, who supported the military coup that destroyed democracy and the revered 1997 constitution, is now worried about constitutional rights! That's a laugh! What constitution?

the military didn't 'destroy' democracy, they returned it after 15 months,

The 'revered' constitution was unfortunately full of loopholes which unscrupulous politicians like Thaksin drove trucks through to override any checks and balances. And he's at it again, doing his utmost to avoid his day in court.

I must admit yourself and YH have a hard job trying to defend 'democracy' when its proponents are Samak, Chalerm and Thaksin.

The trouble is that Thai democracy is a very fragile thing.It's not in my opinion possible to grab power by force without doing tremendous damage even if democracy is handed back.Remember also that the junta was out manoevered, having strained every sinew to achieve an outcome in the elections more to their favour.I personally think the 1997 constitution was fine but even accepting your hypothesis the current Charter self evidently has major problems given its origins.I don't think even decent supporters of the coup quite realise what appalling damage was done not only to the country's emerging democracy but to poison the atmosphere with results that continue to unfold.And yes of course Thaksin's meglomania was also responsible but he could have been weakened or defeated through constitutional means.If ever a cure was worse than the disease, the junta's remedy was it.

Why do you single out three unattractive types as proponents of democracy? There are scores of decent Thai leaders who believe passionately in constitutional democracy.

[sriracha john]

Senate to Investigate Interior Minister on ASTV Ban

Senator Somchai Sawaengkarn, who is the chairman of the Senatorial Committee on Human Rights and Consumer Protection, comments that the Constitution does not allow the blockage of ASTV's signal. He is preparing to file for an investigation of the Interior Minister's order to prosecute local cable operators which carry ASTV's signal as it could be a violation of the public's right.

- Thailand Outlook

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

Cable Association Refuses to Stop Broadcast of ASTV

The Cable TV Association of Thailand has declared that it will not stop the broadcast of ASTV on its local cable network until it receives a written order from the Interior Minister to do so. The association will be sending a representative to meet the Interior Minister on Monday to have him clarify this issue.

- Thailand Outlook

[h90]

Sondhi, who supported the military coup that destroyed democracy and the revered 1997 constitution, is now worried about constitutional rights! That's a laugh! What constitution?

the military didn't 'destroy' democracy, they returned it after 15 months,

The 'revered' constitution was unfortunately full of loopholes which unscrupulous politicians like Thaksin drove trucks through to override any checks and balances. And he's at it again, doing his utmost to avoid his day in court.

I must admit yourself and YH have a hard job trying to defend 'democracy' when its proponents are Samak, Chalerm and Thaksin.

The trouble is that Thai democracy is a very fragile thing.It's not in my opinion possible to grab power by force without doing tremendous damage even if democracy is handed back.Remember also that the junta was out manoevered, having strained every sinew to achieve an outcome in the elections more to their favour.I personally think the 1997 constitution was fine but even accepting your hypothesis the current Charter self evidently has major problems given its origins.I don't think even decent supporters of the coup quite realise what appalling damage was done not only to the country's emerging democracy but to poison the atmosphere with results that continue to unfold.And yes of course Thaksin's meglomania was also responsible but he could have been weakened or defeated through constitutional means.If ever a cure was worse than the disease, the junta's remedy was it.

Why do you single out three unattractive types as proponents of democracy? There are scores of decent Thai leaders who believe passionately in constitutional democracy.

I agree that the coup didn't help Thailand much, but I can't see "tremendous damage" as well. Where is the damage?

[hammered]

Sondhi, who supported the military coup that destroyed democracy and the revered 1997 constitution, is now worried about constitutional rights! That's a laugh! What constitution?

the military didn't 'destroy' democracy, they returned it after 15 months,

The 'revered' constitution was unfortunately full of loopholes which unscrupulous politicians like Thaksin drove trucks through to override any checks and balances. And he's at it again, doing his utmost to avoid his day in court.

I must admit yourself and YH have a hard job trying to defend 'democracy' when its proponents are Samak, Chalerm and Thaksin.

The trouble is that Thai democracy is a very fragile thing.It's not in my opinion possible to grab power by force without doing tremendous damage even if democracy is handed back.Remember also that the junta was out manoevered, having strained every sinew to achieve an outcome in the elections more to their favour.I personally think the 1997 constitution was fine but even accepting your hypothesis the current Charter self evidently has major problems given its origins.I don't think even decent supporters of the coup quite realise what appalling damage was done not only to the country's emerging democracy but to poison the atmosphere with results that continue to unfold.And yes of course Thaksin's meglomania was also responsible but he could have been weakened or defeated through constitutional means.If ever a cure was worse than the disease, the junta's remedy was it.

Why do you single out three unattractive types as proponents of democracy? There are scores of decent Thai leaders who believe passionately in constitutional democracy.

The trouble is none of the decent Thai leaders who believe passionately in democracy are anywhere near leading the country, and probably wont be for some time as we watch a battle unfold between those who dont want democracy or want a very guided form and those who want elections but little else that could be described as free democratic institutions. Personally I feel this situation will continue until one side gains the level of control it wants to position itself to dominate changes that will inevitably come in the next decade.

I guess there is one thing that could derail the politcal machinations and battles to the death and that is economic collapse, but I would not really want to propose complete economoic collapse and all the hardship that will come with it as the best option for the better development of Thai democracy.

[younghusband]

I agree that the coup didn't help Thailand much, but I can't see "tremendous damage" as well. Where is the damage?

Can't talk about it.Suffice it to say in at least one respect the coup makers achieved the opposite of one of their intended objectives.Note I was also careful to point out impact is still unfolding.

[bulmercke]

Senate to Investigate Interior Minister on ASTV Ban

Senator Somchai Sawaengkarn, who is the chairman of the Senatorial Committee on Human Rights and Consumer Protection, comments that the Constitution does not allow the blockage of ASTV's signal. He is preparing to file for an investigation of the Interior Minister's order to prosecute local cable operators which carry ASTV's signal as it could be a violation of the public's right.

- Thailand Outlook

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

Cable Association Refuses to Stop Broadcast of ASTV

The Cable TV Association of Thailand has declared that it will not stop the broadcast of ASTV on its local cable network until it receives a written order from the Interior Minister to do so. The association will be sending a representative to meet the Interior Minister on Monday to have him clarify this issue.

- Thailand Outlook

BREAKING NEWS - THE NATION -

Chamlong condemns govt for blocking ASTV

(BangkokPost.com) – Core leader of People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) Chamlong Srimuang said on Saturday he hoped viewers unable to tune in to broadcasts of the anti-government rally would file charges against the administration.

His statement came after Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung ordered provincial governors to take legal action against cable television operators broadcasting PAD rallies via the ASTV satellite- and Internet-TV service.

Maj Gen Chamlong said Mr Chalerm’s move violates the right to access information.

He condemned the government for doing things at its own wishes despite knowing that they break the law.

[bulmercke]

Here he is at his brilliant best.

*EDIT* Sorry, link doesn't work.

Here it is.

The maniac at the controls, intimidating foreign journalists:

Thanks for the link sriracha john. Brilliant. What an embarrassment for Thailand.

[Insight]

Here he is at his brilliant best.

*EDIT* Sorry, link doesn't work.

Here it is.

The maniac at the controls, intimidating foreign journalists:

Thanks for the link sriracha john. Brilliant. What an embarrassment for Thailand.

How anybody can watch that with any level of pride is beyond me.

What on earth is he still doing at the controls?

[bulmercke]

Here he is at his brilliant best.

*EDIT* Sorry, link doesn't work.

Here it is.

The maniac at the controls, intimidating foreign journalists:

Thanks for the link sriracha john. Brilliant. What an embarrassment for Thailand.

How anybody can watch that with any level of pride is beyond me.

What on earth is he still doing at the controls?

If you think that one's bad.....what about this one? (link posted earlier)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ_pCnsQtqE

What on earth was - or more accurately was not - goin' on his 'brain' at the time?

[hammered]

Funny. I keep getting we are sorry this video is no longer available.

[hammered]

One thing we have to rememeber about these governmental leaders, and a Thai friend reminded me of this only yesterday, is that they are from a class and generation that thinks everything they say and do is right. They are never wrong, and other people should listen to them and learn, and that it is extreme disrespect to not agree with or criticise anything they say.

[sriracha john]

One thing we have to rememeber about these governmental leaders, and a Thai friend reminded me of this only yesterday, is that they are from a class and generation that thinks everything they say and do is right. They are never wrong, and other people should listen to them and learn, and that it is extreme disrespect to not agree with or criticise anything they say.

In that case.... I extend to them... a hearty....

Welcome to 2551!

[h90]

Well on one the poor old dino-brain did not find the switch to put Samak-o-saurus in walking mode.

I can understand that.

the interview is great, he might be one of the few people who speak a worse English than me.

For sure he would be a good foreman of underpaid worker in constructing cheap houses. He can also explain in English to the illegal burmanese worker that they will get in troubles if they don't work faster.

But why is he premier?

[Insight]

Here he is at his brilliant best.

*EDIT* Sorry, link doesn't work.

Here it is.

The maniac at the controls, intimidating foreign journalists:

Thanks for the link sriracha john. Brilliant. What an embarrassment for Thailand.

How anybody can watch that with any level of pride is beyond me.

What on earth is he still doing at the controls?

If you think that one's bad.....what about this one? (link posted earlier)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ_pCnsQtqE

What on earth was - or more accurately was not - goin' on his 'brain' at the time?

Thanks for the link - haven't seen that clip yet....

One word - Astonishing!!!

One thing we have to rememeber about these governmental leaders, and a Thai friend reminded me of this only yesterday, is that they are from a class and generation that thinks everything they say and do is right. They are never wrong, and other people should listen to them and learn, and that it is extreme disrespect to not agree with or criticise anything they say.

Can understand the mentality, but with the way things are right now this guy just isn't fit for the job - period. Hopefully some level of common sense will prevail in the PPP (as much as I hate the scum sucking !@$#%'s) and they'll realise things simply are not going to progress with Samak in charge.

[ando]

One thing we have to rememeber about these governmental leaders, and a Thai friend reminded me of this only yesterday, is that they are from a class and generation that thinks everything they say and do is right. They are never wrong, and other people should listen to them and learn, and that it is extreme disrespect to not agree with or criticise anything they say.

Pretty much the same as most national leaders the world over I would think.

[hammered]

Here he is at his brilliant best.

*EDIT* Sorry, link doesn't work.

Here it is.

The maniac at the controls, intimidating foreign journalists:

Thanks for the link sriracha john. Brilliant. What an embarrassment for Thailand.

How anybody can watch that with any level of pride is beyond me.

What on earth is he still doing at the controls?

If you think that one's bad.....what about this one? (link posted earlier)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ_pCnsQtqE

What on earth was - or more accurately was not - goin' on his 'brain' at the time?

Thanks for the link - haven't seen that clip yet....

One word - Astonishing!!!

One thing we have to rememeber about these governmental leaders, and a Thai friend reminded me of this only yesterday, is that they are from a class and generation that thinks everything they say and do is right. They are never wrong, and other people should listen to them and learn, and that it is extreme disrespect to not agree with or criticise anything they say.

Can understand the mentality, but with the way things are right now this guy just isn't fit for the job - period. Hopefully some level of common sense will prevail in the PPP (as much as I hate the scum sucking !@$#%'s) and they'll realise things simply are not going to progress with Samak in charge.

I think many in the PPP would be only too happy to change PMs. The problem is that if they try Samak could disolve the house or declare emergency rule and he is enjoying being PM far too much to just let go without a fight. As nobody really wants all the expense of an election at least before the constitution is changed and the money released it is unlikely imho that he will be replaced. Then there is also the threat of emergency rule which he could bring in and the generals would probably rather Samak as emergency PM with their support than an out and out Thaksinista as PM.

Samak's lack of ability to be an effective PM was never in doubt as he had previosly shown he wasnt a very good governor of Bangkok. However, his supreme arrogance (some claim the rift between him and Prem was because Samak felt Prem wasnt as hi-so as he and so shouldnt have achieved what he did being relatively far too ordinary - jealousy linked with the arrogant mindset) and belief that what he says is totally and unquestionably right has also never been in doubt. Just witness the ludicrous statement made to CNN that only one died in the massacres he cheerled.

This is certainly going to be a rough ride.