New Foreign Minister Hailed Airport Closures

[bkkjames]

all i know is that after about 8 beer my IQ gets worse.

[samuibeachcomber]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/...n-minister.html

Thailand's new foreign minister has described last month's hijacking of Bangkok's main international airport as "a lot of fun.

Kasit Piromya, 64, will be sworn in on Monday as Thailand's new foreign minister. His job of rebuilding Thailand's battered international image will not be helped by the fact that he was a prominent supporter of the protests, and still is.

More than 350, 000 travellers were stranded three weeks ago when a few thousand demonstrators from the ultraroyalist People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) stormed the airport. Investor confidence has been badly shaken and analysts say that lost tourism business could cost 1 million jobs.

But Mr Kasit told an audience of astonished diplomats and foreign journalists on Friday that the protests were "a lot of fun".

"The food was excellent, the music was excellent," he explained.

nothing surprises me anymore country run by buffoons.

[sbk]

Can I ask why you started a new thread when this could just as easily have been posted in what is obviously a related topic?

New Foreign Minister Hailed Airport Closures

[Siripon]

His comments about the airport closure were unwise, he said he's wearing a different hat now as Foreign Minister but he certainly had an outstanding record as ambassador, particularly in the Soviet Union at the time of its breakup.

[bkkjames]

His comments about the airport closure were unwise, he said he's wearing a different hat now as Foreign Minister but he certainly had an outstanding record as ambassador, particularly in the Soviet Union at the time of its breakup.

not a bad post for your 666th one!

[ThaiEye]

I asked my 2 Thai colleague about this quote. They read the Thai newspapers every day and watch the news on TV too.

They told me that they hadn't read anything about this quote in the Thai Press or on TV.

Can anyone find an actual link to where and when he said this preferabbly in Thai language.

[mrtoad]

all i know is that after about 8 beer my IQ gets worse.

I think that mine improves, although my friends tell me otherwise

[marsteele]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/...n-minister.html

Thailand's new foreign minister has described last month's hijacking of Bangkok's main international airport as "a lot of fun.

Kasit Piromya, 64, will be sworn in on Monday as Thailand's new foreign minister. His job of rebuilding Thailand's battered international image will not be helped by the fact that he was a prominent supporter of the protests, and still is.

More than 350, 000 travellers were stranded three weeks ago when a few thousand demonstrators from the ultraroyalist People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) stormed the airport. Investor confidence has been badly shaken and analysts say that lost tourism business could cost 1 million jobs.

But Mr Kasit told an audience of astonished diplomats and foreign journalists on Friday that the protests were "a lot of fun".

"The food was excellent, the music was excellent," he explained.

fun for 6,000 thais but not for 350,000 farangs and I am sure not for the thai economy

[cmsally]

Matichon

Matichon has the Thai news item on the Foreign minister and the Sanuk sanuk at the airport.

Matichon is quoting the Telegraph as he said this in an interview to foreign journalists.

[Martin]

Hey, lighten up, folks. It is the 'Torygraph' reporting on SE Asia, so it will be written with the most derogatory slant that the reporter and editor can get away with.

The reporter and editor know what their readers like to read and serve it up to them.

For the readership of the Telegraph that is anythig that puts down Asians, particularly those of the South Eastern part.

It is obvious that a great gathering of people, whatever for, need good food and entertainment to keep them gathered. So what is so newsworthy about that? Nothing---but it gives a chance to denigrate where denigration is the name of the game, as it has been this last sixty-some years.

It goes back to when Mountbatten was put in charge of SEAC---which was officially the South East Asian Command, but his job was to interpret it as Save England's Asian Colonies.

(That was a forlorn hope, as Britain was skint after WWII and couldn't foot the bill, but that hadn't been realised.)

Mountbatten was going to take the Surrender Parade in Bangkok, towering head and shoulders over the young King-Designate of Thailand. But the teenager brought a box to stand on, so that his head was the higher. Cheeky young whipper-snapper: all his subjects must evermore be denigrated for such an act of anti-authoritarianism directed at the representative of the Imperial Power.

Then there is the deep, buried shame of being so inept as to allow Singapore to fall so easily to "the little yellow men", but I won't go into that.

Suffice to say: "Never ever expect South East Asian news to be given a fair crack of the whip by the Western Press---the right wing press, in particular".

[Gravelrash]

Hey, lighten up, folks. It is the 'Torygraph' reporting on SE Asia, so it will be written with the most derogatory slant that the reporter and editor can get away with.

The reporter and editor know what their readers like to read and serve it up to them.

For the readership of the Telegraph that is anythig that puts down Asians, particularly those of the South Eastern part.

It is obvious that a great gathering of people, whatever for, need good food and entertainment to keep them gathered. So what is so newsworthy about that? Nothing---but it gives a chance to denigrate where denigration is the name of the game, as it has been this last sixty-some years.

It goes back to when Mountbatten was put in charge of SEAC---which was officially the South East Asian Command, but his job was to interpret it as Save England's Asian Colonies.

(That was a forlorn hope, as Britain was skint after WWII and couldn't foot the bill, but that hadn't been realised.)

Mountbatten was going to take the Surrender Parade in Bangkok, towering head and shoulders over the young King-Designate of Thailand. But the teenager brought a box to stand on, so that his head was the higher. Cheeky young whipper-snapper: all his subjects must evermore be denigrated for such an act of anti-authoritarianism directed at the representative of the Imperial Power.

Then there is the deep, buried shame of being so inept as to allow Singapore to fall so easily to "the little yellow men", but I won't go into that.

Suffice to say: "Never ever expect South East Asian news to be given a fair crack of the whip by the Western Press---the right wing press, in particular".

What has whether the Telegraph is a rag or not got to do with the FM's absurd comment? By the way how do you feel about The Nation?

[Gravelrash]

We'll see how he would handle the temple issues with Cambodia.

Hopefully he won't risk going to war about it

I believe the PAD position is quite aggressive, so don't hold your breath.

[MiG16]

Can I ask why you started a new thread when this could just as easily have been posted in what is obviously a related topic?

New Foreign Minister Hailed Airport Closures

merged

please do not start a new thread to discuss the same topic. thanks

[rainman]

I don't know ...assigning this guy to any other ministry would have been somewhat acceptable, but choosing someone who strongly supported, and was even a regular speaker at, an international airport closure for a week is going a bit too far. It's like spitting in the faces of all the 350,000 tourists that were stranded here. At least we now know in what direction the new foreign minister is planning on taking Thailand's tourist industry.

[rainman]

I just received a news SMS from Bangkok Post saying:

PM strongly defended Foreign Minister Kasit over reported comments that the occupation of Bangkok's airports by protesters was "a lot of fun".

[sabaijai]

FM Kasit apologises to Thai people over his airport remarks

By The Nation

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya apologised to Thai people over his controversial interview over airport closures, saying he has no intention to harm the country and Thai people.

"I apologise to all Thai people if what I had said has resulted in misunderstanding or misinterpretation. It was impossible that I have intention to harm the country and the Thai public," he said.

He was speaking after paying homage to the statue of HRH Prince Devavongse Varoprakarn for his first day in the office.

Kasit is quoted by The Telegraph that he enjoyed the airport closures by protesters led by People's Alliance for Democracy because the food was good and the music was excellent.

According to the Telegraph, Kasit told an audience of astonished diplomats and foreign journalists last week that the protests were "a lot of fun." The food was excellent, the music was excellent," Kasit was quoted as saying.

He did not deny outright that he did not make the statements with the media. He just gave a "yes" nod when asked by reporters to confirm his statement.

He said he is ready to answer all questions in the Parliament when Abhisit government delivered the policy statements next week.

He said he understood that his remarks would affect the government's performance.

"I would like to divide my life into two phases -- before and after December 22, the day I am appointed as foreign minister. I don't want to erase or defend what I said before December 22. However there was attempts to misinterpret them," he said.

Kasit reiterate that what I said or did was for the democracy, for the good Thai society, and for the enhancement of Thai politics.

For his life after December 22, Kasit will be working as the foreign minister under government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

"My works and behaviours will be under the leadership of the premier. The government has set up measures for the ministers. I will follow them and do my best," Kasit said.

[Gravelrash]

FM Kasit apologises to Thai people over his airport remarks

By The Nation

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya apologised to Thai people over his controversial interview over airport closures, saying he has no intention to harm the country and Thai people.

"I apologise to all Thai people if what I had said has resulted in misunderstanding or misinterpretation. It was impossible that I have intention to harm the country and the Thai public," he said.

He was speaking after paying homage to the statue of HRH Prince Devavongse Varoprakarn for his first day in the office.

Kasit is quoted by The Telegraph that he enjoyed the airport closures by protesters led by People's Alliance for Democracy because the food was good and the music was excellent.

According to the Telegraph, Kasit told an audience of astonished diplomats and foreign journalists last week that the protests were "a lot of fun." The food was excellent, the music was excellent," Kasit was quoted as saying.

He did not deny outright that he did not make the statements with the media. He just gave a "yes" nod when asked by reporters to confirm his statement.

He said he is ready to answer all questions in the Parliament when Abhisit government delivered the policy statements next week.

He said he understood that his remarks would affect the government's performance.

"I would like to divide my life into two phases -- before and after December 22, the day I am appointed as foreign minister. I don't want to erase or defend what I said before December 22. However there was attempts to misinterpret them," he said.

Kasit reiterate that what I said or did was for the democracy, for the good Thai society, and for the enhancement of Thai politics.

For his life after December 22, Kasit will be working as the foreign minister under government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

"My works and behaviours will be under the leadership of the premier. The government has set up measures for the ministers. I will follow them and do my best," Kasit said.

It seems his remarks are finally of concern to power brokers, I believe this is commonly referred to as spin control. Mind you I am not sure what the "attempts to misinterpret them (his comments)" were, they pretty much said it all as is.

[LevelHead]

The last 2 Democrat governments were kicked out for corruption.

Thaksin was brought in with the TRT by the people to try to end the "small cricle" of absolute corruption, too few taking too much.

They set him up and got rid of him when he trod on too many toes.

Now its likely a return to the old ways.................did you expect anything else ? AV is not running the Democrat party, he is the puppet, and the strings are pulled by the old Elite.

Anyway associated with the PAD in any way should have no position in, or influence over, the government. This is massive mistake number 1, and as has been said, he is not the worst of the "new ministers"....................

Welcome back to the Thailand of 9 years ago..................

[Wiresok]

Is this the PAD guy who said the rural poor were to ignorant and uneducated to vote ?

[Martin]

"Is this the PAD guy who said the rural poor were to ignorant and uneducated to vote ? "

I doubt it. I have seen that he did put in a well-regarded performance as an ambassador, and such a man would have more 'nous' than to say something like that, even if it was his private view of democracy.

Without seeing the whole transcript of the speech and the question-and-answers, it would be wrong to take a dogmatic position about this matter.

But it smells to me of one part of an answer to one question being presented without context to make the man appear an idiot.

It is a common ploy by reporters who know that is what their editor would like to see. It is also quite common for editors, in reducing a report to the size that there is room for in that day's paper, to cut all the 'balance' out of a report and just leave a 'titbit' that their readers will be pleased by.

I speak from experience of reading press reports of meetings that I have attended.

[englishoak]

BBC Monday, 22 December 2008

Mr Abhisit has already come under criticism from business leaders and even some members of his own party for his cabinet appointments.

Two powerful ministries - interior and transport - have gone to the faction whose defection from the previous government swung the balance of votes in Mr Abhisit's favour.

Mr Abhisit has pledged to ease political tension and revive Thailand's economy

That faction is led by a notoriously mercenary local politician, says the BBC correspondent in Thailand, Jonathan Head.

He adds that it is also difficult to deny deals were done with the smaller parties who joined the coalition; for example the important commerce portfolio has been given to the politically-inexperienced owner of a large massage parlour.

But the biggest controversy surrounds Mr Abhisit's choice of foreign minister, Kasit Piromya, our correspondent says.

Ok so who's the mamasan then ?

Edited December 26, 2008 by englishoak

[samgrowth]

FM Kasit apologises to Thai people over his airport remarks

By The Nation

"I would like to divide my life into two phases -- before and after December 22, the day I am appointed as foreign minister. I don't want to erase or defend what I said before December 22. However there was attempts to misinterpret them," he said.

I walk into a bank to apply for a Bank Manger job. The Bank ask if I have a record?

"I would like to divide my life into two phases -- before and after December 22, the day I am released from jail. I don't want to erase or defend what I have done before December 22, which was a vicious banks robber. However I am a changed man now".

Do you think I would get the job? What it I give the interviewer 80 Bahts under the table?

If the Bank don't hire me, can I sue them for discrimination against by private and personal history, which in no way hinder my performance in the future.

Edited December 26, 2008 by samgrowth

[samgrowth]

BBC Monday, 22 December 2008

Mr Abhisit has already come under criticism from business leaders and even some members of his own party for his cabinet appointments.

Two powerful ministries - interior and transport - have gone to the faction whose defection from the previous government swung the balance of votes in Mr Abhisit's favour.

Mr Abhisit has pledged to ease political tension and revive Thailand's economy

That faction is led by a notoriously mercenary local politician, says the BBC correspondent in Thailand, Jonathan Head.

He adds that it is also difficult to deny deals were done with the smaller parties who joined the coalition; for example the important commerce portfolio has been given to the politically-inexperienced owner of a large massage parlour.

But the biggest controversy surrounds Mr Abhisit's choice of foreign minister, Kasit Piromya, our correspondent says.

Ok so who's the mamasan then ?

Pornthiwa Nakasai owner of Poseidon. OK it is still the father that owns it, but it is a family business, and she runs it.

http://absolutelybangkok.com/the-poseidon-cabinet-factor/

http://www.poseidon2000.com/JP/home/home.html

[Wiresok]

BBC Monday, 22 December 2008

Mr Abhisit has already come under criticism from business leaders and even some members of his own party for his cabinet appointments.

Two powerful ministries - interior and transport - have gone to the faction whose defection from the previous government swung the balance of votes in Mr Abhisit's favour.

Mr Abhisit has pledged to ease political tension and revive Thailand's economy

That faction is led by a notoriously mercenary local politician, says the BBC correspondent in Thailand, Jonathan Head.

He adds that it is also difficult to deny deals were done with the smaller parties who joined the coalition; for example the important commerce portfolio has been given to the politically-inexperienced owner of a large massage parlour.

But the biggest controversy surrounds Mr Abhisit's choice of foreign minister, Kasit Piromya, our correspondent says.

Ok so who's the mamasan then ?

Pornthiwa Nakasai owner of Poseidon. OK it is still the father that owns it, but it is a family business, and she runs it.

http://absolutelybangkok.com/the-poseidon-cabinet-factor/

http://www.poseidon2000.com/JP/home/home.html

As Ive pointed out before.

The question about the mamasan is not about whether she was legal or not,...but about who was visiting??

And who has what on who?

Kasoit's position is untennable.