Prime Minister Worries About Thailand Image

[mrukman]

Not being much into Thai politics but how can a Country run by clowns and people who only want to line there own pockets be taken seriousely. At the end of the day they all piss in the same pot only diff is in BKK There made from fine china and In in Isan its a clay pot. Why is it a foreighner can be locked up for les' majeste yet clowns and terroists are allowed to take over Airports and parliment buildings yes indeed shows how your country is run.

[justanothercybertosser]

Thailand's image...

...has received a new hit today. 50 academics worldwide, some of them more than well known, have found it necessary to sign a letter to the prime minister asking to reform the lese majeste laws. Even Noam Chomski is one of these:

http://www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=1027

Thai prime minister petitioned to reform lese majeste laws

and before anyone here states that these must be bought by Thaksin, or are insignificant leftists - they are significant enough to draw a response by Abhisit:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...ty-law-amendmen

Govt to discuss call for lese majesty law amendment next week: Abhisit

[Koo82]

This is what the reds and I worry about Thailand image when Abhisit still keeps Kasit with him:

Kasit the (FM) Barbarian!?

Kasit Piromya, Thai Foreign Minister, is a long- time foreign experienced high raking official of Thailand working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1968 to 2005 respectively as Thai Ambassador to some countries in European Union, USA, Moscow, Tokyo, Jakarta.

He is also one of the core supporter and leader of the People Alliance for Democracy (PAD) which led demonstration again and again for years to oust the elected- government under Thaksin Sinawatra.

Recently, during the last campaign held by PAD which was called the "Nakasaki or Hiroshima War" in order to topple the pro-Thaksin government which led to siege Thai two main airports- Daunmoung and Suvannaphumi, Kasit played as one of the PAD core leaders. He actively participated in the demonstration and gave the speeches to the demonstrators.

His speeches were not only about attacking Thaksin and Thaksinists, but also about attacking Cambodian intregrity, regarding to our Preah Vihear Temple. Most importantly, his speech attacking against Hun Sen, which has been criticized and concerned by some real Thai intellectuals and politicians as well as some ordinary Thai who love respect, morality and dignity, can jeopardize his role for the foreign mission or relation.

Regarding to his speech attacking Hun Sen, I tried to search for it , but I failed to get it. Fortunately, I found it in Bangkok post forum posted on 10-01-2009 at 06:27 PM24, Discussion 24, which one of the commentators with ID Charlotte translated and wrote :

" Kasit announced loudly that he will use Hun Sen's blood to wash his feet" during his speech given at the Suvannaphumi airport.

I think it is reliable. Personally, Kasit is one of the ultra-nationalists (PAD), the extremist group which has instigated the Preah Vihear invasion since July 2008. Such a Nazi word is not new to the Thais because it is clearly written and taught in Thai history, describing how Thais treated Cambodians especially during the 16th century by King Naresaun who claimed to use King Setha´s blood to wash his feet, too, at school in order to motivate the nationalist sentiment among Thais to feel superior to Cambodia and not to be afraid of confronting the Cambodians at any cost. And it is believed that Kasit speech aimed at reminding of this history for the same political purpose. Kasit´s speech is not published publicly in media or translated; instead he is criticized and warned for such an uneducated speech.

To my question, how can a man with high education with much national and international work experience and held a high position in the Cabinet gave such a barbarian speech against a leader of another nation without respect? Is this called the educated Thai? Or Is this the real color of most Thai people towards its neighbors?

I am just wondering what Hun Sen think about Kasit´s evil speech and how his reaction responses towards Kasit if he knows about it when they meet in the future talk during Kasit´s visit to Cambodia in coming late January, 2009.

Politically, "Kasit´s speech doesn´t only show his hatred towards and the look-down on Hun Sen alone, but also the Cambodians in general as a NATION."

Personally, I never like Hun Sen but as a Cambodian or as a man who lives in this century of the civilized world, Kasit´s behavior is considered as the barbarian, the uncivilized, the ignorant, the stupid, the beast, the Nazi which is unacceptable and unforgivable. And he doesn't deserve to put his feet on Cambodia no matter what position and mission he is responsible for Thailand in cooperation with Cambodia.

http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/fo...read.php?t=3711

[Koo82]

how can a man with high education with much national and international work experience and held a high position in the Cabinet gave such a barbarian speech against a leader of another nation without respect? Is this called the educated Thai? Or Is this the real color of most Thai people towards its neighbors?

Then

And now

[sriracha john]

whether it's 2006, 2007, 2008, or 2009... their violent ways always seems to come to the forefront...

Soldier Attacked by Red-shirts Still in Coma

Police are now seeking CCTV footage from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the government in response to a report that a soldier was beaten by supporters of the red-shirt anti-government last night.

Sergeant Major Aumnuay Thongrin, of Infantry Battalion Region 11, was severely injured by 8 red-shirt protesters in front of the Region 1 Army Headquarters near the demonstration site last night.

Sergeant Major Aumnuay was sent to Phramongkutklao Hospital and is now in a coma.

This morning, Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief Police Major General Aumnuay Nhimmano visited the victim at the hospital. He said police are now asking for CCTV footage from around the crime scene in an attempt to identify the offenders.

Police to prosecute UDD members for assault on military officer

Police have prepared to prosecute one of several members of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), who physically assaulted a military officer in front of the Government House during the group's recent rally.

Commander of the Metropolitan Police Division 1 Police Major-General Vichai Sangprapai revealed that from photographic evidence one of the suspects attacking a military officer during the recent UDD rally had been clearly pointed out.

Investigative officers have corroborated the indication with available evidence and have issued an arrest warrant for the suspect on charges of assault and unlawful detainment.

In addition, police are also currently investigating the loss of a military communication device occurred during the incident.

- ThaiNews / 2009-03-02

Arrest warrants issued for UDD

The Criminal Court on Thursday issued arrest warrants for six of seven suspects accused of assaulting a soldier during the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protest in front of Government House on Feb 26.

The six are charged under the criminal code with assaulting Sgt Amnuay Thongrin while he was performing his duty during the anti-government rally last month.

Two of the suspects are identified by their full names, while another two are known only by their nick names.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/13...-issued-for-udd

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

Arrest Warrant Issued Against Red-shirt Supporters for Attack on Military Officer

The Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for six red-shirt supporters allegedly involved in an attack on a military officer during a demonstration last week.

Police submitted evidence to the Criminal Court, suggesting that seven people be arrested for assaulting Sergeant Major Amnuay Thongrin during last week's red-shirt anti-government demonstration.

However, the court has decided to issue arrest warrants for only six red-shirt protesters allegedly involved in an attack on Sergeant Major Amnuay this afternoon.

Sergeant Major Amnuay, from the 11th Army Division, was observing a demonstration by members of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship in front of Region 1 Army Headquarters on February 25 when he was attacked and severely beaten.

The court has scheduled a hearing to question witnesses and examine evidence, including photographs taken during the attack. Sergeant Major Amnuay is also scheduled to testify.

The court declined to issue an arrest warrant for a seventh subject, saying the photographs were not clear enough to identify that person.

- TOC / 2009-03-05

Edited March 5, 2009 by sriracha john

[animatic]

The use of ANOTHER un-documented and un-substantiated blogger entry

to attempt to validate yours is useless, and settles nothing.

This is a news clipping forum here, not random bloggers delight.

Either actually link to the actual press report quoting Kasit saying

he wants to 'wash in Hun Sens blood' or don't bother.

Otherwise it is just bloggers hearsay and useless to us.

If you want to post opinion be my guest,

but don't try and fob off blog blather as facts.

Hun Sen complained about other players at the ASEAN meeting,

And had them removed from his meetings, but NOT about Kasit.

So It doesn't follow that HE thinks Kasit wants to wash in his blood,

he CERTAINLY wouldn't want to meet with someone

that he really thought said that.

So that chalks this up to nothing more than 'Red Shirt Disinformation' and nothing more.

Right in line with Thaksin's new UK visa that doesn't exist either.

Edited March 5, 2009 by animatic

[LevelHead]

He should be very worried when :

Gun totting PAD guards are never arrested.

PAD morons who beat up policement are not arrested

BUT

UDD men who are alleged to have beaten are solidier are hunted down with speed

I do not condone any violence, but it is pathetic that the PAD are "untouchable".

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/13...-issued-for-udd

Arrest warrants issued for UDD

By: BangkokPost.com

Published: 5/03/2009 at 03:41 PM The Criminal Court on Thursday issued arrest warrants for six of seven suspects accused of assaulting a soldier during the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protest in front .............

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

And then, to further make himself appear, to me, an idiot, he goes and says this about people who knowingly broke the law and caused hurt and pain for so many. Most should be arrested and locked up, not in a Democrat coaliton, not "advisers to the Democrats" and certainly not starting their own party UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH THEIR CRIMES AGAINST THAI LAW :

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/13...n-to-form-party

PM backs PAD's plan to form party

By: BangkokPost.com

Published: 6/03/2009 at 09:51 AM Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva backed the idea of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)'s consideration of setting up a political party, saying that it will serve as another alternative for voters.

The premier added that there is no problem for the PAD leaders to form a party, but.........

Edited March 6, 2009 by soundman
Please post News Report and link in a seperate post from personal opinion.

[LevelHead]

Read this from the Nation.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/10/08...es_30085461.php

"Many policemen injured by PAD".

and yet no action is taken against the PAD. This is become a joke now..

Edited March 6, 2009 by soundman
See above.

[Koo82]

The guy did not identify himself as a soldier. The guard whose arm was broken said on the stage that he watched the guy for quite long and thought the guy was not normal. When the guard approached him, he ran away. If he had not run and said he is a soldier, who could have done anything to him? Red guards do not cover their face like PAD guards. This shows that they are there to protect the reds, not to harm people.

Do you know what could happen if soldier was caught by PAD guards?

It is not soldier or military officer's duty to monitor or do whatever in the red protest. It is Police duty. When there were State of Emergency during Khun Samak's time and during Khun Somchai's time, no military was sent to stop the illegal yellow protests. For those who don't know laws, protesting with weapons are illegal. But Anupong opened some kind of meeting with Pro-PAD representatives and concluded that, according to ideas raised from the meeting, the Somchai government should resign and PAD should leave the airports. Why doesn't he say Abhisit should resign and the reds should stop their protest?

In the past, we were made to be scared of criticizing Chief Army. They were untouchable. Now we know that he is under Prime Minister and both can be criticized.

It is not the duty of Chief Army to ask a government to resign or dissolve the House. Maybe he learned that so he doesn't say to Abhisit

[WinnieTheKhwai]

LOL, worrying about Thailand's image when they lock up a writer and leave him to rot in jail for months, a tourists for being black and apparenlty 'rude', and a Swiss journalist for.. well, they didn't tell him what for. For being a journalist presumably.

Apeshit should not just be worried about Thailand's image, he should make actual improvements.

[samgrowth]

He should be very worried when :

Gun totting PAD guards are never arrested.

PAD morons who beat up policement are not arrested

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

Are you referring to this guy?

[bungy007]

LOL, worrying about Thailand's image when they lock up a writer and leave him to rot in jail for months, a tourists for being black and apparenlty 'rude', and a Swiss journalist for.. well, they didn't tell him what for. For being a journalist presumably.

Apeshit should not just be worried about Thailand's image, he should make actual improvements.

Arrh. Now we get down to the nitty gritty of the topic. Thais don't generally get cause and effect but that doesn't mean they don't go hand in hand. Much as they don't look left when they drive into a main road from a side road, thus not having to allow ongoing traffic to have the right of way, they fail to see the inherrent dangers in their arbitary confinements. By locking up so many people for such stupid reasons are we building to a critical mass?

[bungy007]

Can Abhisit stop his joke of worrying about Thailand image? I have enough.

He as a party leader did not stop his party member Somkiat Pongpaiboon from yellow protests. This guy was one of the PAD leaders.

After he got his PM chair, he appointed some PAD to key positions.

He always say nice things like he will make laws become laws but he has not done as said.

He only makes laws become laws for the reds. Where are laws for the yellows?

How many months already since Aug last year that the yellows broke into the Government House and slept there for 3 months? The estimated damage was 100 million Baht.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/search/rea...nt+house+damage

But

Suit against PAD leader may be withdrawn

The Secretariat of the Prime Minister is considering withdrawing lawsuits against leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy for besieging Government House and blocking roads nearby last August.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...ay-be-withdrawn

And

The six (reds) are charged under the criminal code as quick as light speed. Only one week after the event.

And

The man whose wife (now Ex) bought a land must go to jail for 2 years.

The land is still hers as there was no fault of any kind. He must go to jail for not causing any damage to Thailand but he signed ok for her to buy according to another law.

Abhisit and those who are supporting him know very well that if Khun Thaksin were still here, next life late in the afternoon (not early), Abhisit still could not become PM.

The whole world is laughing at Abhisit government for their efforts of trying to bring back Khun Thaksin for such a funny reason.

Cough cough! we don't give a rats ass about your internal squabbles - we know Thailand is a political basket case and always has been. The world is not expecting this to change. However, Thailand is having an image problem with its disregard for tourists, whether they be in transit (jailed for ridiculous reasons when trying to leave the country) or murdered with impunity Thailand needs to address these concerns or really worry about its image abroad

[Plus]

PAD this, PAD that - yesterday's news, they've been off the streets for three months already. Kasit sailed through Asean meeting, nothing happened.

No one gives a fuc_k anymore.

[animatic]

Can Abhisit stop his joke of worrying about Thailand image? I have enough.

He as a party leader did not stop his party member Somkiat Pongpaiboon from yellow protests. This guy was one of the PAD leaders.

After he got his PM chair, he appointed some PAD to key positions.

He always say nice things like he will make laws become laws but he has not done as said.

He only makes laws become laws for the reds. Where are laws for the yellows?

How many months already since Aug last year that the yellows broke into the Government House and slept there for 3 months? The estimated damage was 100 million Baht.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/search/rea...nt+house+damage

But

Suit against PAD leader may be withdrawn

The Secretariat of the Prime Minister is considering withdrawing lawsuits against leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy for besieging Government House and blocking roads nearby last August.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...ay-be-withdrawn

And

The six (reds) are charged under the criminal code as quick as light speed. Only one week after the event.

And

The man whose wife (now Ex) bought a land must go to jail for 2 years.

The land is still hers as there was no fault of any kind. He must go to jail for not causing any damage to Thailand but he signed ok for her to buy according to another law.

Abhisit and those who are supporting him know very well that if Khun Thaksin were still here, next life late in the afternoon (not early), Abhisit still could not become PM.

The whole world is laughing at Abhisit government for their efforts of trying to bring back Khun Thaksin for such a funny reason.

Cough cough! we don't give a rats ass about your internal squabbles - we know Thailand is a political basket case and always has been. The world is not expecting this to change. However, Thailand is having an image problem with its disregard for tourists, whether they be in transit (jailed for ridiculous reasons when trying to leave the country) or murdered with impunity Thailand needs to address these concerns or really worry about its image abroad

Ditto.

Abhisit vs Thaksin really means very, very little to the outside world.

Even if it means everything to you.

But the tourism issues mean a pant load to ANYONE thinking of coming here.

[Koo82]

PAD this, PAD that - yesterday's news, they've been off the streets for three months already. Kasit sailed through Asean meeting, nothing happened.

No one gives a fuc_k anymore.

Off the street for 3 months so it's like nothing has been done

If so, why does somebody still give many full %$ when Khun Thaksin's Ex-wife bought a land and he must go to jail for 2 years when this case has no fault and has done no damage to Thailand?

And they tell Khun Thaksin to go home and accept the (what?) judgment

[Koo82]

But the tourism issues mean a pant load to ANYONE thinking of coming here.

Tourists will rush to Thailand knowing if any Thais block airports, they might be charged 500 to 10,000 Baht if the draft is passed.

Did those among 350,000 tourists, who were stuck in Thailand during the week PAD slept at 2 airports, say it was a lot of fun for not being able to fly out, for missing their next flights after Thailand and for not being able to get money back from bookings concerned?

In this recession, everybody will happily spend their hard earned money in Thailand not to care if airports will be seized again, because they love Thailand.

[Plus]

Whatever has been done is done. Charges are in courts, that's all there is to it.

No one posted endless reminders about Pojamarn's land for five years until it got to courts and became news again.

PAD occupying airports three months ago is not news, the whole thing is largely forgotten. Sorry you have nothing else to talk about, but you've got to move on.

[LevelHead]

The PAD broke numerous laws, the blocked public access to roads, beat up Thai citizens, beat up Thai policemen, commited terrorist acts of blocking airports.

Whilst PAD supporters want this "swept under the carpet and forgotten", it cannot be allowed to happen.

It needs people to constantly talk about this disgusting acts by the PAD, and not let people sweep in under the carpet and try to forget it.

Whatever has been done is done. Charges are in courts, that's all there is to it.

No one posted endless reminders about Pojamarn's land for five years until it got to courts and became news again.

PAD occupying airports three months ago is not news, the whole thing is largely forgotten. Sorry you have nothing else to talk about, but you've got to move on.

[Plus]

I'm not saying people should forget it, but the news cycle has moved on. Charges against PAD are lodged in courts, it might not progress as fast as some people want, but it moves.

It's boring to argue it over and over again.

No one is ever prosecuted for blocking public roads in Thailand. PAD beating up policemen is largely forgiven, on a tit for tat basis - as no one is still prosecuted for Oct 7 mayhem. On PAD side people want politicians to be held responsible, not the police themselves. Police thinks likewise - whatever scuffles they had with PAD, it's no big deal.

This is all old news, discussed to death already, I see no reason to argue it again and again and again.

PAD is setting up a new party, that's news, why don't you talk about it instead of regurgitating their past "crimes".

[orangezeke]

i will rarely post on any political points but i have to pull you up on this. "PAD occupying airports three months ago is not news, the whole thing is largely forgotten." these casual comments are machiavellian in their deception and do little to further your argument.

by way of example, i met with a client on tuesday who slept 2 nights at suvarnabhumi, then traveled an extra 36 hours to make it home. he has not forgotten. neither has his wife and kids. or his boss. or the kids he was supposed to see at footy training. or his dog. shall i go on ?

the topic of this thread is 'Prime Minister Worries About Thailand Image'. the illegal closure of an international airport hub like suvarnabhumi should be plenty of reason to keep him worried. i think it is safe to say that any decent leader would ignore your suggestion to simply "move on."

[Plus]

It's not the first time in history that some airports got closed due to protests. Sure there are people affected by it, sure there are people pissed off that protests intevened with their plans.

Life stil goes on. In the big scheme of things it's just a blip in a long struggle for a better society.

And it's not illegal to assemble at a departure lounge of the airport, btw. They didn't storm it with guns blazing, shooting their way through and then kept hostages.

[Steve2UK]

And it's not illegal to assemble at a departure lounge of the airport, btw.

So you keep parroting. I'm happy to wait and see what the Thai courts have to say about that.

[hammered]

Seesm Abhisit visited a temple and health center in Lopburi and recorded his weekly speech program. Looked like a hundred or so red shirts throwing water bottles at him. Seems Abhisit got what he wanted - a succesful visit with the red shirts throwing things but in small numbers. It only helps the government every time the red shirts look unruly. Seems the PM is not content to just sit in Bangkok.

[dumball]

Should the PM be so concerned about the image of Thailand , THE BRIT would have been out of jail , on a plane accompanied by a bouquet of orchids and his profuse apologies concerning the unthinking immigration officers actions . Some will say 'Guests' should behave with a modicum of respect , honestly , would you throw a 'Guest' at your house in jail just because he got his knickers in a knot ? I never consider myself a 'Guest' in a country , I am a fully paid up tourist or expat and think I could be afforded a little respect for that , after all , no tourism , no need for this type of arrogant behavior due to the fact he would be superflous to requirements .

[BigSnake]

Give the PM an A for effort, for the past several years Thailand has receive some very negative PR around the World, low human rights, and Drugs for starters, not to mention the closing of the Airport by the PAD with really but Thailand in the World spot light. Hope he has good luck with his concerns and effort in this matter, goodness knows he will need all the help he can get.

[hammered]

Apparently Chuan is up in Khon Kaen listening to villagers ideas on development. Isnt there some UDD rally up there today? Interesting place for Chuan to visit.

[jayboy]

It's not the first time in history that some airports got closed due to protests. Sure there are people affected by it, sure there are people pissed off that protests intevened with their plans.

Life stil goes on. In the big scheme of things it's just a blip in a long struggle for a better society.

And it's not illegal to assemble at a departure lounge of the airport, btw. They didn't storm it with guns blazing, shooting their way through and then kept hostages.

One can argue about details but the central fact remains that the occupation of the airport was an act of strategic stupidity, notwithstanding the short term gains and apparent "victory".The leaders of the PAD movement are forever tarnished, and few dispassionate observers would deny this.I know the zealots will never budge.If PAD forms a new political party (notwithstanding the strenuous denials in the past), that will be a way to determine their national support.As to Kasit he is not taken seriously internationally given his past actions and word is that Abhisit will drop him when it suits his political interest, pity really because with the exercise of better judgement he could have been a competent FM.

[animatic]

I finds it interesting that so many think the PM actually has time to deal with every police misstep,

every border crossing incident, every industrial scandale that spilt over into public policy

and every single MP's private business affairs. Or every business weasel trying to take advantage.

The PM needs to deal with the big picture and not the details.

That's his job. Delegation of authority is what governments must do.

When you get one guy trying to 'do it all' there arrives a point of mental grid lock,

and concurrent ego inflation that makes the job a crap shoot for those who SHOULD be benefiting.

[Koo82]

Big job for Abhisit? To borrow money from other countries to give free to some people in Thailand (not the poorest people) and to coordinate with someone to bring back Khun Thaksin.

I don't need to graduate from Oxford. I can be PM because I can borrow money and give money out for free. People will let Abhisit borrow money because they know in the past, Khun Thaksin paid the loan Democrat Party had with IMF.