Pm Warns Bangkok Public Of Bomb Threats

[animatic]

The Thai elite in a vicous power struggle

It's a lot more simple - the elites in this country have certain principles they are not going to compromise on, and Thaksin didn't show any respect. He is breaking the "Rules" every day - that is unacceptable. That threatens the order and meets with resistance. Keep your word, respect the elders, don't lie to them, accept your position and be happy with what you have (and he was given a LOT), and just generally fit in.

Now he's a maverick, relying on mass support to bulldoze through, offending everyone on his path - that's not going to cut it.

In short - there's no clash of elites - it's one man's struggle to survive after pissing off just about everybody.

That sums up a lot of todays problem

Sondhi is no more than the perfect tool to bitch slap Thaksin with.

And in the process clean up the corruption cespool he has left running the country...

[hammered]

The Thai elite in a vicous power struggle

Hmmm, not many from "elites" are on Thaksin's side. Those who are branded "new money" don't care about either sides - they'd just side with the victor, just like bureaucrats who know everything about ass kissing - today they are here, tomorrow there. Haven't you noticed that Thaksin relies on brainwashed fans as him main force, not on elite support. He doesn't represent any elites anymore, it's not pre2000 fight for a place at the trough.

Another thing about this elite clash - how exactly Thaksin has threatened their position? When people say this, do the mean reallocation of resources to the countryside, to the rural masses? It's <deleted> - Thaskin pumped a lot more funds into upper levels of society and taking care of those who fell in 1997 was his primary business. The elites were doing extremely well under his rule, nothing to complain.

It's a lot more simple - the elites in this country have certain principles they are not going to compromise on, and Thaksin didn't show any respect. He is breaking the "Rules" every day - that is unacceptable. That threatens the order and meets with resistance. Keep your word, respect the elders, don't lie to them, accept your position and be happy with what you have (and he was given a LOT), and just generally fit in.

Now he's a maverick, relying on mass support to bulldoze through, offending everyone on his path - that's not going to cut it.

In short - there's no clash of elites - it's one man's struggle to survive after pissing off just about everybody.

Take a look at the exteneded Shinawatra clan. A few elite families there. Take a look at who line up with him in terms of parliamentarians, business people, police, military and other parts of the bureaucracy. You'll find plenty of elite in there. Some of it is new money some very very old. In his enemies you will find new and old money elite too.

Thaksin may have started out leading a charge of new money but he pretty soon branched out to find all kinds of allies and the truth now is that it is power struggle within the elite between those with Thaksin and those against him. It is not just one man. If the whole elite were united and against Thaksin he would be finished already. Powerful people have taken sides and at the moment there seems little inclination for them to change sides imho

[Baan Kiki]

PM Somchai Wongsawat warns of bomb threats and a few day ago it was drugs, I think the word priorities in Thai must be on the same dictionary page as logic and virginity.

[kmart]

As Seri Thai says, the absence of any leftish, social democrsat or even socially liberal party on Thailand has contributed to the disaster we now witness. Thai politcs has for too long been too much about personalities, regional hero worship and right wing policies with the odd handout or concession bunged in.

Agreed, and will go further.- No diversity (or any coherent actual policy) at all in Thai politics, to create much of a middle ground. Getting your snout in the trough of public funds seems to be the only objective. Reaping what they sowed.

[Meridian007]

Exactly! The same as when the PAD first occupied Government House, all these Newbies posting. And the bomb scare. Really.

Well, what did you think Toxin and his brother-in-law were talking about with their little tete a tetes in Manila and HongKong then? And all this just a few days after, what a coincidence

Viral marketing anyone? He really is taking many pages from his old buddy George W's book. Media control is population control and power in an information obsessed society.

Here's hoping what happened in the states influences things here to promote hope instead of fear.

Edited November 12, 2008 by Meridian007

[barcelonatio]

Is it dangerous to be critical or just give an honest comment (but might not be so pleasant to the current government) about Thailand if you are not a Thai citizen, or is it anything goes in this forum?

In my country, it is ok if you are a citizen. You can praise or you can bitch. But when you are a foreigner commenting, the reaction is not always welcomed.

Just asking...

Anything goes is called freedom of speech

Is it dangerous to be critical or just give an honest comment (but might not be so pleasant to the current government) about Thailand if you are not a Thai citizen, or is it anything goes in this forum?

In my country, it is ok if you are a citizen. You can praise or you can bitch. But when you are a foreigner commenting, the reaction is not always welcomed.

Just asking...

just have to keep in mind that something like free speech is not existing in Thailand, and is not allowed. their are just too many taboos in LOS.

Being an ex-pat American I always have to listen to comments, opinions, complaints about the U.S., foriegn policy, etc. etc. etc. from non-Americans. Most of the time it's okay as long the people have some idea of what they are talking about... which is not always the case. I bet the OP blogged his opinions about the US although he has never been there........ Natch.

[grandpops]

I have speak with some people in Pattaya whos have explain that they became 300 bhat per person to assist in PAD demonstracions.

Hose make many noise became 500-600 bhat.Hose have a Van became 2000 bhat per day.Who can stay in Gouvermetn house for more then 3 monts without salary?

We foreigner dont now to much about Thai history.But we now what is Democratics rule. It mean 50%+1 vote you have reight to compose government.Rabbele from the stret and barricade can not in Democrat Country desolate legal vote Gouverment.This is the way how Nacis came on power. PAD are NAZIS group.They are using like Nazis propaganda with many lie.But 100 time spoken lie became to be truth.In Democrat Country ho make barrikade on the street, and occupy Goverment house will be whip of with Police and if necessary with army.And became baton on the back,and put in jail.In eeach democratic country

PAD are NAZIS

Can we get a translator, please?

It's your english that is shaky if you can't make out the meaning of this. If you want it in kindergarten english, ask your mummy to do it after she has fed you.

Typical smear, riducule and knock the messenger tactics. Again, a ruse the the Nazis perfected. Don't become part of it.

Post on an English based site if foreighners confuse you.

[sriracha john]

I have speak with some people in Pattaya whos have explain that they became 300 bhat per person to assist in PAD demonstracions.

Hose make many noise became 500-600 bhat.Hose have a Van became 2000 bhat per day.Who can stay in Gouvermetn house for more then 3 monts without salary?

We foreigner dont now to much about Thai history.But we now what is Democratics rule. It mean 50%+1 vote you have reight to compose government.Rabbele from the stret and barricade can not in Democrat Country desolate legal vote Gouverment.This is the way how Nacis came on power. PAD are NAZIS group.They are using like Nazis propaganda with many lie.But 100 time spoken lie became to be truth.In Democrat Country ho make barrikade on the street, and occupy Goverment house will be whip of with Police and if necessary with army.And became baton on the back,and put in jail.In eeach democratic country

PAD are NAZIS

Can we get a translator, please?

Post on an English based site if foreighners confuse you.

toptuan probably thought he was...

13) English language is the only acceptable language on thaivisa.com, except of course in the Thai Language Forum where Thai is encouraged.

Edited November 12, 2008 by sriracha john

[Plus]

Take a look at the exteneded Shinawatra clan. A few elite families there. Take a look at who line up with him in terms of parliamentarians, business people, police, military and other parts of the bureaucracy. You'll find plenty of elite in there.

Yeah, I bet if he listened to any one of them, starting with his wife, he wouldn't be in the position he finds himself now.

Surely they are not going to abandon him but I doubt anyone approves of his current course of actions, he's a pain in the ass taking over their lives. It was worse just after the coup, by now it's business as usual, if only he'd just go away and leave everyone alone. I doubt anyone would support his plan to overthrow the judiciary via people power. That's just rocking the boat too much.

Somchai surely doesn't look like he is enjoying helping his big brother.

Oh, hold on, Chalerm is sympathetic. He says he'd do the same thing (as if it's some sort of a credit).

[chuang]

.

PAD are NAZIS

Only short of sending the uneducated Issan farmers to the gas chambers, if so, then all those farang.. hard-core PAD supporters on this forum would miss their wives/girlfiends...

[hammered]

Take a look at the exteneded Shinawatra clan. A few elite families there. Take a look at who line up with him in terms of parliamentarians, business people, police, military and other parts of the bureaucracy. You'll find plenty of elite in there.

Yeah, I bet if he listened to any one of them, starting with his wife, he wouldn't be in the position he finds himself now.

Surely they are not going to abandon him but I doubt anyone approves of his current course of actions, he's a pain in the ass taking over their lives. It was worse just after the coup, by now it's business as usual, if only he'd just go away and leave everyone alone. I doubt anyone would support his plan to overthrow the judiciary via people power. That's just rocking the boat too much.

Somchai surely doesn't look like he is enjoying helping his big brother.

Oh, hold on, Chalerm is sympathetic. He says he'd do the same thing (as if it's some sort of a credit).

He does admittedly seems to have the dodgier elements of the elite on his side. Certainly TRT sucked up all the worst, but electorally unbeatable feudal warlords, drug barons, black marketeers, human traffickers and associated loons when it was formed in the great suck, and since then all kinds of other detritus has adhered to the brand.

I did ask someone in a powerful position not long ago about would all these charcters stick with Thaksin when he decided he wanted to visit violence on everyone and the reponse was yes........

Somchai's quiet life is well over. Good God he even fessed up to being the star of "Chinese faced stud goes to love hotel after motoring around Bangkok". Chalerm should face up to his personal problems too. Maybe what binds them all together is insecurity.

[aries27]

Is it dangerous to be critical or just give an honest comment (but might not be so pleasant to the current government) about Thailand if you are not a Thai citizen, or is it anything goes in this forum?

In my country, it is ok if you are a citizen. You can praise or you can bitch. But when you are a foreigner commenting, the reaction is not always welcomed.

Just asking...

Anything goes is called freedom of speech

Is it dangerous to be critical or just give an honest comment (but might not be so pleasant to the current government) about Thailand if you are not a Thai citizen, or is it anything goes in this forum?

In my country, it is ok if you are a citizen. You can praise or you can bitch. But when you are a foreigner commenting, the reaction is not always welcomed.

Just asking...

just have to keep in mind that something like free speech is not existing in Thailand, and is not allowed. their are just too many taboos in LOS.

Being an ex-pat American I always have to listen to comments, opinions, complaints about the U.S., foriegn policy, etc. etc. etc. from non-Americans. Most of the time it's okay as long the people have some idea of what they are talking about... which is not always the case. I bet the OP blogged his opinions about the US although he has never been there........ Natch.

You betcha!

[aries27]

I also don't know much about Thai politics but am always a curious lil gal, and I try to learn. What is happening in LOS interests me enough. The internet is a good source of info and it will be helpful to the democracy loving Thais. That is a benefit we did not have in 1986 or the fight would have been quicker.

[branko99]

I have speak with some people in Pattaya whos have explain that they became 300 bhat per person to assist in PAD demonstracions.

Hose make many noise became 500-600 bhat.Hose have a Van became 2000 bhat per day.Who can stay in Gouvermetn house for more then 3 monts without salary?

We foreigner dont now to much about Thai history.But we now what is Democratics rule. It mean 50%+1 vote you have reight to compose government.Rabbele from the stret and barricade can not in Democrat Country desolate legal vote Gouverment.This is the way how Nacis came on power. PAD are NAZIS group.They are using like Nazis propaganda with many lie.But 100 time spoken lie became to be truth.In Democrat Country ho make barrikade on the street, and occupy Goverment house will be whip of with Police and if necessary with army.And became baton on the back,and put in jail.In eeach democratic country

PAD are NAZIS

I don't hope you are serious about your comments of comparing the PAD with the nazi's

If so I think that it better for you to stop posting comments here on the bulletin board, because for that kind of people is no place here or anywhere.

I don't mind that people don't agree with something but comparing people with nazi's should not be tolerated.

Why do you think that the PAD has to use a television channel based outside Thailand and asking the people for financial contributions for the people and equipment used in Bangkok.

And maybe a few spelling lessons wouldn't hurt also for you.

Sorry for my bed speling. English is not my primary foringen language. I can not explain detailed,but I will writing simple:

Of course I am serious. Sombody have using bombs in BKK. Only PAD need and want creat chaos.gouverment, if want to stay on power need pice.This is very simple. Chamlong Srimuang played major role 1992 in the Blac May wich thousend died. PAD dosn,t care about people .The want only power.They constantly provide violence.They have lose two time electios,now they want kcnok down Gouverment, legal electet by majority.They using like Nazis propaganda with many lies.Und they using bombs,not gouverment

[aries27]

They say curiosity once killed a cat. I hope it doesn't kill me.

Not a cat, I checked at the mirror. Puppy likely.

[aries27]

I admire your courage Branko. No need to apologize. But have someone help you so it is easier to express your thoughts.

But are you sure you are not barking at the wrong tree (oops, I bark ? The people to convince are your own, maybe the current leaders. The people here do not run the affairs of your government. But yes, they could influence their home governments in treating your government so maybe you have a point in coming here.

Good luck but listen to the clamor of the majority of the people.

I do not know about your politics, just talking in general or from a similar experience we had in our country.

I empathize.

[OlRedEyes]

Everybody seems to think that this is still only a power struggle between the elites - new money and old money. That's what it started out as, but it has evolved into something a lot more grassroots. As I said in my previous post, the poor population have tasted a little attention from Thaksin - as corrupt as his administration was - and they are not going to sink back into political oblivion quietly again, coup or no coup.

The situation is moving on, albeit slowly. But most posters here don't seem to be aware of that, still arguing about vote buying, paid protests and elites struggling.

Just saw this thread - a BBC report which confirms what I said previously. Interesting reading.

"If the PAD cannot convince me their version of democracy will help grass-roots people like me, then I will fight them to my last breath"

Farmer Ankham Ratanasingha

To think that this dispute is going to be settled only between elites is folly. Methinks them days are over.

Edited November 12, 2008 by OlRedEyes

[hammered]

Everybody seems to think that this is still only a power struggle between the elites - new money and old money. That's what it started out as, but it has evolved into something a lot more grassroots. As I said in my previous post, the poor population have tasted a little attention from Thaksin - as corrupt as his administration was - and they are not going to sink back into political oblivion quietly again, coup or no coup.

The situation is moving on, albeit slowly. But most posters here don't seem to be aware of that, still arguing about vote buying, paid protests and elites struggling.

Just saw this thread - a BBC report which confirms what I said previously. Interesting reading.

"If the PAD cannot convince me their version of democracy will help grass-roots people like me, then I will fight them to my last breath"

Farmer Ankham Ratanasingha

To think that this dispute is going to be settled only between elites is folly. Methinks them days are over.

I tend to agree but with the caveat we are not really there yet. Imho The Thaksin stuff will probably play out first but it will only expose the terrible iniquities in the country that need redressing. You are right that you cant put a genie back in a bottle. The Thaksin people will try to play up the class war stuff but I dont get the impression up country that people are ready for anything dramtic over it yet although things can change quickly. There is still a stabilising factor in Thailand.

One thing I am not sure of now is whether Thaksin is leading his supporters where he wants to go or whether the shall we say more democracy minded supporters are using Thaksin to get where they want to go. I am fairly sure that though they are fellow travellors that they do have different ideas on the destination.

[OlRedEyes]

One thing I am not sure of now is whether Thaksin is leading his supporters where he wants to go or whether the shall we say more democracy minded supporters are using Thaksin to get where they want to go. I am fairly sure that though they are fellow travellors that they do have different ideas on the destination.

I agree.

You are right that you cant put a genie back in a bottle.

Great way of putting it. The genie is truly out of the bottle. But IMHO all hel_l will probably break loose as the establishment insists on trying to put it back.

Edited November 12, 2008 by OlRedEyes

[branko99]

Well this is in accord with Kunying Porntip.

That should be scientific enough for most people.

It is a question of who gave what orders and the outcome.

So they now want to blame PAD for disrupting the funeral

or at least reducing the numbers of mourners. and messing with Loy Kraytong too.

That explains the sudden arrests in short succession of ALEDGED PAD bombers.

Transparent manipulation of the public as the governments legitamacy clock ticks down inexorably..

I have speak with some people in Pattaya whos have explain that they became 300 bhat per person to assist in PAD demonstracions.

Hose make many noise became 500-600 bhat.Hose have a Van became 2000 bhat per day.Who can stay in Gouvermetn house for more then 3 monts without salary?

We foreigner dont now to much about Thai history.But we now what is Democratics rule. It mean 50%+1 vote you have reight to compose government.Rabbele from the stret and barricade can not in Democrat Country desolate legal vote Gouverment.This is the way how Nacis came on power. PAD are NAZIS group.They are using like Nazis propaganda with many lie.But 100 time spoken lie became to be truth.In Democrat Country ho make barrikade on the street, and occupy Goverment house will be whip of with Police and if necessary with army.And became baton on the back,and put in jail.In eeach democratic country

PAD are NAZIS

Why is it so many Pro-Thaksin newbie posters all signed up on about the same date,

Joined: 2008-06-14 but only now start to post, a lot. Seems there are SEVERAL

with almost the same exact sign up date,but do nothing for a long time and suddenly

BOOM lots of Pro-Thaksin crap.

So where you from foreigner? English sure isn't your language,

even your cut and paste from another source isn't in good English...

And not attributed to a source with a link to it.

Do you really expect us to roll over like puppies and believe that?

You obviously have an agenda, but it is short on verifiable facts.

Comparing PAD and Nazi's is spurious at best, and quite erroneous,

and in rather extremely poor taste at the anniversary of Crystal Nachte too.

Being nationalist and being national socialist are NOT the same thing by a long shot.

Being nationalist and being fascist are also NOT the same thing.

At least do some research before posting,

like read the dictionary for definitions and spelling.

Exactly! The same as when the PAD first occupied Government House, all these Newbies posting. And the bomb scare. Really.

Well, what did you think Toxin and his brother-in-law were talking about with their little tete a tetes in Manila and HongKong then? And all this just a few days after, what a coincidence

Jes I am foringer,but yu have wrong. I am not for Thaskin. you have approve only that you dont have democracy education.8what is more worse then my bad English). Democratics ruzle is :50%+1 vote. But you dont want accept this basis of democray.

What i can red on this posts:People like you thinking they are "ELITE"???? must laugh about this or cray? Anyone hose is againts PAD for you are vilage people hose don,t know nothing? You want to tell you are smart another majority people are stupid.You want to have "Elite"pover, not goverment elected by majority?And you spek about democracy??????

Yes, I am foringer and for What I have to lie about income PAD demosntrator? Those people actually wil going on every site, hose want to pay more. They don,t care about politics.Now you have show, like majority PAD pupies that you dont care about democratic rules, who dont think like PAD are vilage people,dont akcept nothing from another side,it is mean: Nazis moral

[Bruce1]

I guess there's a good chance this is just the govt. trying to scare people into staying home by conjuring up an external threat, which is a very old political tactic.

In the same way it appears they're trying to make themselves look good by cooking up a reported 32 les majeste charges, including one against an Aussie Harry Nicolaides, who is currently in prison in Bangkok after beign refused bail. See here for more:

http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/

These people are not threats to the monarchy I wouldn't think, but simply pawns in a power struggle, like a lot of other people.

[aries27]

Mefeels (and I don't really know Thai politics at all) that it is going to be worse before it gets better. Crossing my fingers for you Thai people that the damage is least, if ever.

[sonnyJ]

Well this is in accord with Kunying Porntip.

That should be scientific enough for most people.

It is a question of who gave what orders and the outcome.

So they now want to blame PAD for disrupting the funeral

or at least reducing the numbers of mourners. and messing with Loy Kraytong too.

That explains the sudden arrests in short succession of ALEDGED PAD bombers.

Transparent manipulation of the public as the governments legitamacy clock ticks down inexorably..

I have speak with some people in Pattaya whos have explain that they became 300 bhat per person to assist in PAD demonstracions.

Hose make many noise became 500-600 bhat.Hose have a Van became 2000 bhat per day.Who can stay in Gouvermetn house for more then 3 monts without salary?

We foreigner dont now to much about Thai history.But we now what is Democratics rule. It mean 50%+1 vote you have reight to compose government.Rabbele from the stret and barricade can not in Democrat Country desolate legal vote Gouverment.This is the way how Nacis came on power. PAD are NAZIS group.They are using like Nazis propaganda with many lie.But 100 time spoken lie became to be truth.In Democrat Country ho make barrikade on the street, and occupy Goverment house will be whip of with Police and if necessary with army.And became baton on the back,and put in jail.In eeach democratic country

PAD are NAZIS

Why is it so many Pro-Thaksin newbie posters all signed up on about the same date,

Joined: 2008-06-14 but only now start to post, a lot. Seems there are SEVERAL

with almost the same exact sign up date,but do nothing for a long time and suddenly

BOOM lots of Pro-Thaksin crap.

So where you from foreigner? English sure isn't your language,

even your cut and paste from another source isn't in good English...

And not attributed to a source with a link to it.

Do you really expect us to roll over like puppies and believe that?

You obviously have an agenda, but it is short on verifiable facts.

Comparing PAD and Nazi's is spurious at best, and quite erroneous,

and in rather extremely poor taste at the anniversary of Crystal Nachte too.

Being nationalist and being national socialist are NOT the same thing by a long shot.

Being nationalist and being fascist are also NOT the same thing.

At least do some research before posting,

like read the dictionary for definitions and spelling.

::didnt care to edit, sorry.

HO, HO, HO, The Christmas is coming. We all oughta be nice boys and girls.

No more mass murders this year OK? You might even get a spelling wiz installed.

As far as I have seen over 90% of the posts have some spelling mistakes,,, kinda ruins my day as it takes the twice the time to read. Most probably native speakers, but not writers it seems. But no blame on you. The English language is the weirdest in the World. Just on my opinion the non-natives seem to have better grammar skills in the end....

[sonnyJ]

I fail to see exactly why the gov't would issue a bomb warning if they didn't think it was credible.

There could be a legion of reasons in a land where nothing is as it seems on the surface. Thailand is a conspiracy theorist's dream.

Hear, hear.

And I like it.

[yogi]

he is not pm,please give his full introduction,..........say BROTHER IN LAW OF TOXIN

[Cisco]

It is very Nazi like. The Phra Viharn issue was textbook. Stoke the fires of nationalism.

I'm quite surprised by the vitriol we hear from foreigners in support of the PAD. How did Thaksin piss in their Corn Flakes? Would we anticipate that the alternative "government", a body without representation, would provide a more foreigner friendly Thailand?

Really, where does this hatred come from?

Anyone who is responsible for murdering 2,500 people certainly deserves hatred for their Nazi behavior. However, in the new emerging world, compassion rules. Therefore, even the likes of Bush and Toxsin deserve our compassion. If they knew any better they wouldn't control or try to control the Sheeple

It's fantastic that people are waking up to the exploitation and are making a stand...

What democracy are you talking about? Since when does paying much needed money to poor uneducated people to buy their votes equal democracy?

Funny how many of these pro-Toxin posters are newbies, eh? Your time is over - get over it and prepare your soul to feel the pain of all those you have inflicted misery upon. Amen

There it is again. Unbridled, foaming at the mouth activism. What in the social, cultural or economic make up of these pro-PAD foreigners creates such fervor? Where and how does support for the elite guard develop? Will there be some benefit with a ruling elite?

[soundman]

Off topic and language, other than English, posts have been removed.

[Plus]

Off topic and language, other than English, posts have been removed.

I hope translation of Bronko's first post remains.

That was the post of the month at least.

[animatic]

It is one thing to let your phrasing slip into the vernacular,

but another to not bother to use easily found web resources for basic

gross spelling errors. I am dyslexic and must re-edit multiple times,

and still miss things. Often because life pulls me away and the post times out.

I see it but can't edit it.

I could BARELY make out branko's commentary.

Which is why I commented.

So likely now we see he is not PR shill, but a real up country person,

with little english skills and a Thaksin chip on his shoulder.

Some seem to be PR shills from time to time,

and mostly all signed in at certain closely spaced time periods.

But, his topic's have lost all clarity of thought, and seemed just rehashes

of similar posts by others I deem disingenuous. Spelling checkers are available.

Even looking at the words of others on this forum would have cleared up many

glaring mistakes.

It appeared to have so many correctable errors to be INTENTIONALLY

bad to makes us think he is a legitimate English novice.

Oh look a true voice of the people, must be the truth. etc etc.

Healthy cynicism is a pre-requiste in dealing with the political schemes here.

[sriracha john]

I prefer to not recommend spell checkers. It's easier to track the trolls and their multiple-ID'er reincarnations.

back on topic...

In light of the bombing last night, I see the Prime Minister was spot on with his bombing warning for last night.

Edited November 13, 2008 by sriracha john