Abhisit

[mazeltov]

Kind of lost me with the

up against some plough pushers from up North

snobbery.

Veera is from Songkhla and was an outstanding opposition spokesman when he was in the Democrat (Abhisit's) party. Jatuporn is from Surat Thani and last I heard, both of these provinces are in the south. I am not sure about Dr Weng as he is relatively new on the scene.

Anyway the bar has been raised for uninformed newbie drivel but, watch out, there is plenty of competition out there.

I have nothing against Abhisit, he is a nice boy but I doubt if his elitist background will ever win many votes outside Bangkok. If we discount the 2006 coup, there is also nothing very unusual or illegal about how he came to be PM of a coalition government. If Thailand is to become a "failed third world state" as some posters claim, he is probably uniquely qualified to lead us forward. After all, he was born and raised in another one and knows what can go wrong.

[lannarebirth]

Kind of lost me with the

up against some plough pushers from up North

snobbery.

Veera is from Songkhla and was an outstanding opposition spokesman when he was in the Democrat (Abhisit's) party. Jatuporn is from Surat Thani and last I heard, both of these provinces are in the south. I am not sure about Dr Weng as he is relatively new on the scene.

Anyway the bar has been raised for uninformed newbie drivel but, watch out, there is plenty of competition out there.

I have nothing against Abhisit, he is a nice boy but I doubt if his elitist background will ever win many votes outside Bangkok. If we discount the 2006 coup, there is also nothing very unusual or illegal about how he came to be PM of a coalition government. If Thailand is to become a "failed third world state" as some posters claim, he is probably uniquely qualified to lead us forward. After all, he was born and raised in another one and knows what can go wrong.

I can't wait to see the picture of Thaksin in his fisherman pants and rubber boots that must surely follow this one. Get Googling DL.

[Loz]

I bet the PM has "Hunters" Wellies imported from London!

Not to mention burlington socks!

Edited March 30, 2010 by Loz

[Sing_Sling]

(Have you actually seen the page on Facebook I'm talking about? The use of the term "visitors" in your post makes me assume me otherwise.)

I don't buy it that you don't buy this, but then what does my opinion count?

I'm actually quite well versed in the nuances of Facebook, would you \like to debate that as well? (after 15 years in IT I may know even a bit more than what a term signifies)

Also, I did agree that the increase of over ten per cent was quite large. Is that a problem for you to accept?

As for your opinion . . . that's precisely what it is, and mine is mine. Together they make a discussion/debate. Is this something you are unaware of?

[LuckyFive8888]

He also offered to hold a national referendum on whether or not he should complete his 1 year and 9 month remainder of his term.

True.

It could also be argued that his refusal to hold an early election is equally telling.

The next election is in 2011 is that not soon enough? OK there should be an election every year? This is about Thaksin and the red shirts are just a vehicle.

Why not an election if he's that confident? He could actually try and win one and get a true mandate of the people. Until that happens, there will always be a fair percentage of the populous that won't accept him and his party.

Is it that much more costly/complicated than a referendum?

you think is that easy to hold an election? the government already told them that they will do it but not as soon with reason provided to them which are logical and good for the economy. but the reds wants now and 15 days max. (order from their big boss?).

[lannarebirth]

Kind of lost me with the

up against some plough pushers from up North

snobbery.

Veera is from Songkhla and was an outstanding opposition spokesman when he was in the Democrat (Abhisit's) party. Jatuporn is from Surat Thani and last I heard, both of these provinces are in the south. I am not sure about Dr Weng as he is relatively new on the scene.

Anyway the bar has been raised for uninformed newbie drivel but, watch out, there is plenty of competition out there.

I have nothing against Abhisit, he is a nice boy but I doubt if his elitist background will ever win many votes outside Bangkok. If we discount the 2006 coup, there is also nothing very unusual or illegal about how he came to be PM of a coalition government. If Thailand is to become a "failed third world state" as some posters claim, he is probably uniquely qualified to lead us forward. After all, he was born and raised in another one and knows what can go wrong.

I can't wait to see the picture of Thaksin in his fisherman pants and rubber boots that must surely follow this one. Get Googling DL.

Well, I found one of him with a scythe in his hand helping get the hay crop in. A real man of the people.

thakki.bmp

[anotherpeter]

Why not an election if he's that confident? He could actually try and win one and get a true mandate of the people. Until that happens, there will always be a fair percentage of the populous that won't accept him and his party.

Is it that much more costly/complicated than a referendum?

you think is that easy to hold an election? the government already told them that they will do it but not as soon with reason provided to them which are logical and good for the economy. but the reds wants now and 15 days max. (order from their big boss?).

There needs to be a referendum (to accept any changes to the constitution) and an election, regardless of what happens. Abhisit wants to sort out the constitution first, and get it done and dusted. Then he will have an election.

The reds want the election first because, assuming they get into power, then they can control the constitution process and referendum.

[Loz]

Peter,

you sound well versed in politics. This forum must be very frustrating to you. Thanks for the consice contributions.

[Insight]

(Have you actually seen the page on Facebook I'm talking about? The use of the term "visitors" in your post makes me assume me otherwise.)

I don't buy it that you don't buy this, but then what does my opinion count?

I'm actually quite well versed in the nuances of Facebook, would you \like to debate that as well? (after 15 years in IT I may know even a bit more than what a term signifies)

Also, I did agree that the increase of over ten per cent was quite large. Is that a problem for you to accept?

As for your opinion . . . that's precisely what it is, and mine is mine. Together they make a discussion/debate. Is this something you are unaware of?

15 years? Well done! Well let me know when this experience has been used to view the page in question so the "debate" can continue.

Let me know if you need a URL.

[dobadoy]

Apart from Bangkok and Pattaya, there are 23 official cities in Thailand (according to Wikipedia), with populations anywhere from 50,000 up to 250,000. On top of that there are over 100 towns (meuang เมือง ), and bear in mind 'towns here include places as big as Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin, Maha Sarakham, Suphanburi and many others.

The idea that the current political divide is between Bangkok and all the rest of the country conceived of as ‘the rural poor/farmers’ is just false.

Its amazing that given the way the divide has been framed by the red shirts, that from all these 23 cities and 100 towns, plus all the thousands of villages, the total number of red-shirts they could muster is no more than you would see at Manchester United’s football ground every Saturday afternoon.

Also, in every place I’ve been in Thailand, city, town and village, people are on the internet, mostly the young and non-voting it has to be said. But the implication that the only people on Facebook are educated Bangkokian yellow shirts is false.

Facebook is swamped with as many uni’ students from Korat and other places as it is from Bangkok.

Edited March 30, 2010 by dobadoy

[Sing_Sling]

15 years? Well done! Well let me know when this experience has been used to view the page in question so the "debate" can continue.

Let me know if you need a URL.

In direct response to you attempted at humour. I stress the word 'attempted'.

Oh, your URL comment . . . another bit of attempted humour?

Would you agree that Facebook users come from a broad spectrum of Thailand's inhabitants? Of course the usage in cities is quite large . . . what do they use the internet cafes for? Generally. Games or political discourse?

I simply don't believe that political activism, on the level of internet activity is as widespread among all demographics as some point out.

[dobadoy]

Seems like the PAD are getting ready to pull their shirts on...

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/...D-30125897.html

Edited March 30, 2010 by dobadoy

[Loz]

I love chris Rock's skit on black presidential candidate Powell.

"White people say, he speaks so well, he speak so well. Like its a compliment."

"Speaks so well is what you say about retarded people who can talk! how do you expect him to sound, he's an educated man <deleted>!"

sorry if you can't see the parallel.

[Insight]

In direct response to you attempted at humour. I stress the word 'attempted'.

Oh, your URL comment . . . another bit of attempted humour?

Yeah, a few years shy on the ol' experience there to match certain levels of wit

Would you agree that Facebook users come from a broad spectrum of Thailand's inhabitants? Of course the usage in cities is quite large . . . what do they use the internet cafes for? Generally. Games or political discourse?

I simply don't believe that political activism, on the level of internet activity is as widespread among all demographics as some point out.

But there have been constant references to Thaksin's Twitter following in the media over recent years...? Thus one could conclude there's ground to be made with online representation both sides are competing for?

[PeaceBlondie]

Dr. Thaksin earned a Ph.D. in the West. In criminology, and is a convicted criminal and thief.

[dobadoy]

Dr. Thaksin earned a Ph.D. in the West. In criminology, and is a convicted criminal and thief.

An hannibal lecter was a psychiatrist studying serial killers and then....became a serial killer!

So?

[bendejo]

I love chris Rock's skit on black presidential candidate Powell.

...

I like Rock's comment about the 2000 election.

"Who said no black folks voted for Bush? Yeah, there WERE black folks that voted for Bush, and he gave both of them cabinet positions!"

[britmaveric]

Yanks have limited terms simply because they don't want the "king" like tag. Mind you - FDR had nearly 16yrs. Think after that this is when the 2 term limit came into effect.

[thaihome]

Seems like the PAD are getting ready to pull their shirts on...

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/...D-30125897.html

Of course, the actual statement in the article completely contradicts your assumption, but don’t let that stop your attempts at sensationalism

"The PAD called for its supporters to exercise utmost restraint and not to confront the red shirts."

TH

[mazeltov]

Kind of lost me with the

up against some plough pushers from up North

snobbery.

Veera is from Songkhla and was an outstanding opposition spokesman when he was in the Democrat (Abhisit's) party. Jatuporn is from Surat Thani and last I heard, both of these provinces are in the south. I am not sure about Dr Weng as he is relatively new on the scene.

Anyway the bar has been raised for uninformed newbie drivel but, watch out, there is plenty of competition out there.

I have nothing against Abhisit, he is a nice boy but I doubt if his elitist background will ever win many votes outside Bangkok. If we discount the 2006 coup, there is also nothing very unusual or illegal about how he came to be PM of a coalition government. If Thailand is to become a "failed third world state" as some posters claim, he is probably uniquely qualified to lead us forward. After all, he was born and raised in another one and knows what can go wrong.

I can't wait to see the picture of Thaksin in his fisherman pants and rubber boots that must surely follow this one. Get Googling DL.

i have only this one that is somewhat in a related country side situation, but pretty much the opposite of Abhisit.

the photo shows also the major crimes of the Montenegrin.

- free ride off a farmers hard work

- his gang

- violating traffic laws

[TAWP]

Yanks have limited terms simply because they don't want the "king" like tag. Mind you - FDR had nearly 16yrs. Think after that this is when the 2 term limit came into effect.

Well, he had 13 years (33-45), but his 4th term was cut short by his death in the beginning of it.

See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twenty-Second_Amendment

[TAWP]

the OP's post made me think of the movie "Idiocracy" with Luke Wilson. anyone ever seen that movie?

Yes, great movie and shows us what can happen when a 'pretty face' or 'fame' is more important than policies and results.

[dobadoy]

Seems like the PAD are getting ready to pull their shirts on...

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/...D-30125897.html

Of course, the actual statement in the article completely contradicts your assumption, but don't let that stop your attempts at sensationalism

"The PAD called for its supporters to exercise utmost restraint and not to confront the red shirts."

TH

Yeah, buddy, and what does the NEXT line say?

"The PAD would soon call a meeting of its network to seek a solution to lead the country out of crisis, the statement said."

Did you get the tense I used in the phrase "getting ready to"?

You got the idea now, smart guy?

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Dr. Thaksin earned a Ph.D. in the West. In criminology, and is a convicted criminal and thief.

Very objective and balanced. And very well substantiated, talk about superb speakers..

Edited March 30, 2010 by WinnieTheKhwai

[eek]

...and he is cute

He even smiled at me at Siam Paragon.

..erm sorry..kinda veering off the subject matter...

..but he IS cute.

[dobadoy]

Another Gary Kasparov stroke from Abhisit.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/...M-30125934.html

Haven't heard what the red-shirts are up today, anybody?

[bangkokrick]

...and he is cute

He even smiled at me at Siam Paragon.

..erm sorry..kinda veering off the subject matter...

..but he IS cute.

Not irrelevant Thais like cute they and like handsome. This guy guy can communicate in an articulate and eloquent manner with world leaders and in the International language. Something that the last 3 PM's could not and still cannot do.

Give me the name of a red shirt leader that can do the same............. I thought not. This is my point.

Cheers, Rick

[JohnLeech]

1) They currently have the support of the majority of MPs ... meaning support of the majority of Thailand.

As soon as any coaltion parties change support, then he won't have that support .....

You are confusing parliamentary support with popular support. Although sometimes the two are linked, and sometimes they may even be broadly similar, sometimes the absolute reverse can be the case. One simply does not automatically follow the other.

That isn't how it works, unfortunately, anywhere; if it was elections would be unnecessary - unless you are saying that prior to Newin Chidchob switching alliances "the majority of Thailand" opposed Abhisit, but by some miracle of mass telepathy the minute Chidchob switched alliances to become the king-maker rather than Thaksin's understudy "the majority of Thailand" changed their minds too and decided to support Abhisit.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Something that the last 3 PM's could not and still cannot do.

Agreed. Last three PM's would be Somchai Wongsawat, Samak Sundaravej and Surayud Chulanont, the coup maker.

Those were the last three and indeed they sucked. Before that however, Somkid could. (Thaksin's minister of foreign affairs). He's every bit as eloquent as Abhisit. And Thaksin himself of course can hold his own in any discussion or negotiation, business, politics or otherwise.

Edited March 30, 2010 by WinnieTheKhwai

[JohnLeech]

A single term appears to be perfectly fine, and many presidents and prime ministers throughout the world serve single terms.

You may be right, but I can only think of the Presidents of Mexico and South Korea who are limited to a single term, and I don't know of any Prime Ministers. After all, with very few exceptions if any, Prime Ministers are not directly elected and are usually elected by their political parties to head the party, not to become Prime Minister (although obviously that is what the parties hope will happen). Once leading their party they continue to do so for as long as the party (not the electorate) sees fit - nothing to do with a set "term" as Prime Minister.

The only exceptions I know of are those where the Prime Minister is appointed (usually by the President) rather than elected, but again this is not for a set period or "term". Examples are Russia and India, although the title of Russian Prime Minister is actually an informal and incorrect title for the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, who is nominated by the President (although at the moment the positions do not quite follow the recognised pattern). In India the Prime Minister is also nominated by the President, but by convention rather than constitution he is also the leader of the party with the majority in the lower house (the Lok Sabha). The only country I know of which treied direct elections for their Prime Minister was Israel, but that only lasted 5 years.

Maybe you could give some examples of the "many" countries I have missed.