Thailand Braces For Fresh Political Instability

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Thailand braces for fresh political instability

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[Samuian]

yawn!

How can a democracy "reach it's limits"?

Which "limits" are they exactly?

[davejonesbkk]

why are they churning out these stories everyday??? It seems like they are just rehashing the same stories....

[h90]

why are they churning out these stories everyday??? It seems like they are just rehashing the same stories....

well since 2006 basically the same old story with some minor changes......

[eljeque]

"And when Thailand asks too many questions about itself and does not know where to go, the only institution that works is the military."

What does he mean by works?

[MengWan]

"Jacques Ivanoff, an anthropologist"

Does it suggests that Thaïland's problems are genetic ?

[bkkjames]

"Jacques Ivanoff, an anthropologist"

Does it suggests that Thaïland's problems are genetic ?

No, just historic apparently.

[alstaxi]

"Thailand braces for fresh political instability".........when did the un-brace happen?

[TheGhostWithin]

The limits of democracy within Thailand exist when the government realises that it will need to open itself up economically (as China is slowly realising, and will more so with its economy now under pressure) and that the support if only Thai interests is not fair or acceptable.

In most western countries, a foreigner can own land in countries to which they are not citizens in. In Thailand (as with many under-developed Asian countries) you cannot. Sadly, the limits of democracy are reached when the people whom govern the direction of democracy are willing to fight for the development of that country. When Thais realise that opening up is the only way forward, only then will the country grow. That is IMO the limit of democracy in Thailand presently, and why the government cannot move without in fighting from one side our another.

[coconutmonkey]

"Jacques Ivanoff, an anthropologist"

Does it suggests that Thaïland's problems are genetic ?

Interesting thought;

If genotype+environment=phenotye

Maybe phenetic?!

[thaibkk]

if they were smart, they would promise 1 billion for the poor (north or north-east)

and divide the remaing 1 billion for bangkok poor's

you know, the kind of 2nd or 3rd generation chinese that never have enough of everything

[poleax]

I see the campaign to discredit the 'Red Shirt Democracy Movement' continues unabated, with respect to linkage. Those opposed to this movement are trying to tightly link all protest to the Thaksin financial, thing. Thereby calculating that it will make the protests seem self-serving, and diminishing the over-arching pro-democracy nature of them.

This article refers to, "...small rallies....." Last Sundays Khon kean rally filled to overflowing a 47 Rai chunk of land, 'cheek by jowl' as they say. Anytime the English Language Media plays with numbers concerning this movement, they are doing a great disservice to their readership. Ultimately, it is in no-ones interest to misrepresent the strength and significance of this Movement.

Again, to suggest that many are from the North and North East is probably correct. But by stating this repeatedly, it is again a misrepresentation. The 100,000 plus rallies in BKK almost double in size when the evening BKK crowd arrives. Again, it is in no-one's interest to misrepresent that fact. One fact of the composition of this movement that has never been mentioned to my knowledge, is that it is comprised of approx. 80% female. Without wanting to get into Iran/Thailand protest comparisons (if any), as far as its' composition is concerned, this predominence of females is similar. I have never gotten a satifactory answer to why this is so.

This article references the "excrement' thing, implying that it was a Red Shirt initiative. That has not been proven, but is beside the point. The real issue here is that protests if this type and others can be expected when a non-representational and non-electorally based Government is in place.............Protests happen! Dont anybody be surprised by that. And dont be surprised to see them grow.

Referring to the coup that displaced democratically elected Thaksin as "an incident"........................

To also slavishly refuse to describe this political phenomenon as anything other than by the clothing colours is also editorial agenda. Clothing colours is politically nuetral, whereas using the full title of the UDD or to describe them as "The Red Shirt Democracy Movement" is not and would inform readers accurately.

I will spare you my opinions of Seh Daeng...........without in-depth historical perspective I can understand why he would be demonized. But this is a superficial perspective not indicative of reality.

So folks...the answer.........A transparent, fair election where the voters decide, and not the vote counters, and where both selling AND buying of votes is criminalized and enforced, and where the loser remains the loser.

Simple actually

[bkkjames]

The limits of democracy within Thailand exist when the government realises that it will need to open itself up economically (as China is slowly realising, and will more so with its economy now under pressure) and that the support if only Thai interests is not fair or acceptable.

In most western countries, a foreigner can own land in countries to which they are not citizens in. In Thailand (as with many under-developed Asian countries) you cannot. Sadly, the limits of democracy are reached when the people whom govern the direction of democracy are willing to fight for the development of that country. When Thais realise that opening up is the only way forward, only then will the country grow. That is IMO the limit of democracy in Thailand presently, and why the government cannot move without in fighting from one side our another.

The first paragraph makes no sense. What has protectionism and democracy have in common? Don't confuse free and open economy with Democracy.

The 2nd paragraph. Basically repeats the first.

[Insight]

This article refers to, "...small rallies....." Last Sundays Khon kean rally filled to overflowing a 47 Rai chunk of land, 'cheek by jowl' as they say. Anytime the English Language Media plays with numbers concerning this movement, they are doing a great disservice to their readership. Ultimately, it is in no-ones interest to misrepresent the strength and significance of this Movement.

Photos please.

[MUYTHAI]

<i>&quot;Jacques Ivanoff, an anthropologist&quot;</i> Does it suggests that Thaïland's problems are genetic ? <img src="http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="huh.gif" />

<br /><br />No, it does not. Anthropology is the study of cultures and societies and has NOTHING to do with genetics or race. Species, subspecies (race), etc. are determined by one's genotype. Culture is determined by one's societal environment.<br /> <br />It seems as though the army has done a good job keeping Thailand stable for decades considering what happens in other countries (e.g. in African countries, Burma, China, etc.) where there are coups and<br />a controlling military. Edited February 3, 2010 by MUYTHAI

[Jonathanpattaya]

"Jacques Ivanoff, an anthropologist"

Does it suggests that Thaïland's problems are genetic ?

No, just historic apparently.

Well said.

My thoughts exactly.

Eleven military coups and no real political stability in the last seventy eight years.

[TheBrit]

yawn!

How can a democracy "reach it's limits"?

Which "limits" are they exactly?

If you think Thailand is Democratic then I guess thats what you said your comment. Other people who know this is not a democracy, understands fully what they guy meant about being immature.

Democratic countries don't have 17 coups in 60 years, thats what dictatorships have.

[h90]

The limits of democracy within Thailand exist when the government realises that it will need to open itself up economically (as China is slowly realising, and will more so with its economy now under pressure) and that the support if only Thai interests is not fair or acceptable.

In most western countries, a foreigner can own land in countries to which they are not citizens in. In Thailand (as with many under-developed Asian countries) you cannot. Sadly, the limits of democracy are reached when the people whom govern the direction of democracy are willing to fight for the development of that country. When Thais realise that opening up is the only way forward, only then will the country grow. That is IMO the limit of democracy in Thailand presently, and why the government cannot move without in fighting from one side our another.

China is one of the few countries without economic problems at the moment.

To allow foreigner to own land in poor countries is extreme dangerous. As the foreigner can buy half the country or at least the best places, keeping the oringal people without any land. There must be restrictions.

[h90]

yawn!

How can a democracy "reach it's limits"?

Which "limits" are they exactly?

If you think Thailand is Democratic then I guess thats what you said your comment. Other people who know this is not a democracy, understands fully what they guy meant about being immature.

Democratic countries don't have 17 coups in 60 years, thats what dictatorships have.

And between vote buying, parties buy other parties, extreme corruption

[caf]

<i>"Jacques Ivanoff, an anthropologist"</i> Does it suggests that Thaïland's problems are genetic ? <img src="http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="huh.gif" />

<br /><br />No, it does not. Anthropology is the study of cultures and societies and has NOTHING to do with genetics or race. Species, subspecies (race), etc. are determined by one's genotype. Culture is determined by one's societal environment.<br /> <br />It seems as though the army has done a good job keeping Thailand stable for decades considering what happens in other countries (e.g. in African countries, Burma, China, etc.) where there are coups and<br />a controlling military.

strange definition of "stable"

caf

[Gats]

The first paragraph makes no sense. What has protectionism and democracy have in common? Don't confuse free and open economy with Democracy.

The 2nd paragraph. Basically repeats the first.

I agree totally. That's an American idea that "free and open economy" = democracy. Especially where American interests are concerned in foreign countries. I do believe if there was a vote in Thailand about openning up foreign ownership, even the red and yellow would agree it shouldn't be done.

[Jingthing]

To allow foreigner to own land in poor countries is extreme dangerous. As the foreigner can buy half the country or at least the best places, keeping the oringal people without any land. There must be restrictions.

Sure, some restrictions. But Thailand's are over the top. Some foreigners want to buy a small house with land in the provinces to enjoy life here with some ownership security; please tell me how that is a threat to Thailand.

Edited February 3, 2010 by Jingthing

[ThaiKneeTim]

An old journalistic adage: Never let the truth get in the way of a good story!

If Thailand opens up the door to foreign ownership it will force prices higher, and out of the reach of the majority of Thai people. The big western globisation hungry companies would walk all over the Thai people, more than they do already. Factories (Sweatshops) churning out cheap consumer goods are currently Thai owned, or at least a majority, but given free range the cash rich western companies would own 100% and force down wages whilst causing higher property prices, the Thai economy couldn't sustain it. Best leave things as they are for the time being, at least it's under control, even if not perfect (By western standards, which themselves are not perfect.).

Pete

[MUYTHAI]

"Jacques Ivanoff, an anthropologist" Does it suggests that Thaïland's problems are genetic ?

No, it does not. Anthropology is the study of cultures and societies and has NOTHING to do with genetics or race. Species, subspecies (race), etc. are determined by one's genotype. Culture is determined by one's societal environment.

It seems as though the army has done a fair good job keeping Thailand "stable" for decades considering what happens in other countries (e.g. in African countries, Burma, China, etc.) where there are coups and a "controlling" military.

[Jingthing]

"Jacques Ivanoff, an anthropologist"

Does it suggests that Thaïland's problems are genetic ?

Hardly. Your comment reflects a very limited understanding of the wide breadth of anthropology.

contemporary anthropology is typically divided into four sub-fields: cultural anthropology (also called "social anthropology"), archaeology, linguistic anthropology and biological/physical anthropology

wiki Edited February 3, 2010 by Jingthing

[stevehaigh]

ingesting that a bunch of poor farmers who are probably making 150 baht/day are so worried about Thaksin's $2.2BN

[Nip]

"I will spare you my opinions of Seh Daeng...........without in-depth historical perspective I can understand why he would be demonized. But this is a superficial perspective not indicative of reality."

Simple actually

Is that your name Simple Actually? Or is it just reflective of your diatribe? Who may be right, who may be wrong is of no relevance. Red or Yellow. The fact is these are distinctly troubling times. You understandably dismiss the actions of Seh Daeng very easily. There is no way of steadying this loose cannon. The Thai people are now starting to question not only the role of the politicians but the role of the monarchy. When this crutch is removed from Thai society the country could quite easily as Thaksin desires face a civil war which would allow him return in triumph absolved of his sins to reclaim his ill gotten gains. At this moment we as foreigners are just about tolerated. I dread to think what might happen if the Red Revolution comes!

[bkkjames]

To allow foreigner to own land in poor countries is extreme dangerous. As the foreigner can buy half the country or at least the best places, keeping the oringal people without any land. There must be restrictions.

Sure, some restrictions. But Thailand's are over the top. Some foreigners want to buy a small house with land in the provinces to enjoy life here with some ownership security; please tell me how that is a threat to Thailand.

Well JT. IF you sell all the land to foreigners where will the Thais live? While normal in the West for foreigners to buy up the prime real estate and rent it back to the local population at extortionate rates, the practice has not quite caught on here.

[harrisben]

The title of this story implies that there has been political stability recently. I must have missed when that happened.

To allow foreigner to own land in poor countries is extreme dangerous. As the foreigner can buy half the country or at least the best places, keeping the oringal people without any land. There must be restrictions.

This is nonsense. Land can only be purchased if it is for sale. Why are restrictions needed? Are Thai's so irresponsible and only out to make a grab for quick cash?

Wait, don't bother answering that last question.

Edited February 3, 2010 by harrisben

[Ricardo]

Referring to the coup that displaced democratically elected Thaksin

:D

How many times, Oh Lord, how many !

And why are 1,736 people reading this thread ? !

Edit : it's now 1,790 !

Edited February 3, 2010 by Ricardo