Bangkok Will Rise Like A Phoenix

[yoshiwara]

What a sad day, guess some reds woke up now. Time for Thaksin's head rollin'.................

Why not stop?Always Thaksin,Thaksin,Thaksin,why always blame him,what do u actually know about Thailand and past of Thailand?

Enough to know that Thaksin is the godfather of the red rioters.

You want to hide it.

Tough.

[yoshiwara]

Seems like the same old tactics of using media to brainwash human's mind is still working in Thailand.

Why are people still some blinded by the press and so called Democratic Govt who only choose to reveal partial truth which is in their favor.

Shockingly, so many Bangkokians still accept the brainwash exercise.

Is there a reboot button to stop these mind from being manipulated by media, govt and so called "must not be named family"?

We are already in 2010. People must be given the freedom of different viewpoint. I am so sick of multiple repeat of Mr "Thick Skin" Handsome PM recordings. It sounds like a broken record.

Surprising to me. This tactics still work in Thailand.

Mr "Thick Skin" PM, Be a gentleman. Let others play their records too. You can't just play your favourite song day in day out. I am starting to puke because of indigestion.

It was absolutely great to see that not one significant element of Bangkok workers joined the red rioters and terrorists.

It is easy to see why.

The reds wanted to destroy Bangkok.

Destroy jobs.

Destroy the livelihoods of working people.

They hate you and all the reds invading their neighbourhoods.

It is good that you puke with your defeat.

You are not coming back.

Go to hel_l.

[plachon]

Actually, I find this type of post very troubling.

It sort of fits into the "mai pben rai" attitude that Thais have...something that mightily figures into the current crisis. The perceived richness of the people in Bangkok compared to the perceived poorness of the people in rural villages. Mai pben rai.

I'm getting out after a year of living here as a retiree. When I notified my apartment manager (who happens to be Indian) he immediately said, "Oh, just wait 4 days. Everything will be perfect again."

It's sort of like "freedom"...once people get a taste of it, they're rarely satisfied until they really have it. You can't always put the animal back in the cage. I think the article is incredibly naive and is going to result in nothing really changing and more pressure building.

I'm serious, this kind of article makes me want to vomit...literally.

Like a lot of articles written by Thais in the English language press it is a highly subjective one. It's totally natural for them to want Bangkok to rise like a phoenix and all Thais to join hands in love, happiness and cooperation under "Paw" as one big happy family once more (I'm sure most people have seen the tear-jerking video from the Thai oscars last week), just like they believe the country one did. It's the official Thai national myth and hasn't died because of this. In fact,apart from a few people,a minority who happen to be mostly educated overseas, the myth is alive and well.

What bothers me,although it shouldn't as it is just a fact of life in Thailand and so unalterable, is that your average Somchai or Pornthip upcountry (and probably far from the madding crowds in BKK) is mostly pretty much unmoved by what's gone on these past few weeks, as they are largely unaware of its roots, consequences and implications. I've been closely observing here in Khon Kaen how do ordinary people react to these momentous events of the past few months and especially past week, and my conclusion is that it is just a minor distraction from their more important priorities of a/ making a living; b/ having fun - sanuk; c/ watching TV or playing games; d/ eating and talkng constantly about food; and e/ ignoring anyone or anything that doesn't fit easily into or support the pursuit of a-d.

Hence, a group of people sit down to eat and one of them mentions the trouble. Immeditately they are ostracised and the conversation turns back to food or the soap they watched last night or the best skin whitening cream on the market. Or, the news comes on one channel and it shows some images of BKK burning, looting, Thais killing each other, their favorite shopping mall in ruins, etc. and immediately the channel is switched over to the soap or chatshow on the other side. Too much introspection required...... can't have that. Or, they walk past a newstand and there's the daily newspapers with disturbing images from the homefront, so immediately it's straight over to the cartoon or gossip mag section for some light relief.

My point is, most Thais are in total denial about this and haven't or will not learn from these historic events. They will be objectively disssected by foreigners and a small handful of Thai academics, but the majority of Thais themselves have no capacity or stomach to learn about what really happened and who was really behind it and such analytical questions. And the lessons wont be learned, as they weren't from Black May, 6 Oct, 14 Oct, etc, etc. and history will repeat itself and the phoenix will remain a mythical creature that Thai commentators can take some temporary comfort from.

Same as it ever was, same as it ever was...................

[erniebanks]

No Justice

NO Peace

Practice makes perfect.

Both sides will get better at destroying and killing.

Round 1 of a 15 round fight of perhaps a dozen fights to come.

Round 1 to the Reds.

They ripped the ruling class some new holes.

When will it start again?

This time will there be talk or just massive attacks?

We shall see.

Best get out of this place unless you like WAR!

[yoshiwara]

No Justice

NO Peace

Practice makes perfect.

Both sides will get better at destroying and killing.

Round 1 of a 15 round fight of perhaps a dozen fights to come.

Round 1 to the Reds.

They ripped the ruling class some new holes.

When will it start again?

This time will there be talk or just massive attacks?

We shall see.

Best get out of this place unless you like WAR!

Hello! its Ernie back on his milk float.

Raging around in his bedsit.

Broken red banners and a pile of unused tyres.

[erniebanks]

No Justice

NO Peace

Practice makes perfect.

Both sides will get better at destroying and killing.

Round 1 of a 15 round fight of perhaps a dozen fights to come.

Round 1 to the Reds.

They ripped the ruling class some new holes.

When will it start again?

This time will there be talk or just massive attacks?

We shall see.

Best get out of this place unless you like WAR!

Hello! its Ernie back on his milk float.

Raging around in his bedsit.

Broken red banners and a pile of unused tyres.

Hey.

Meet you at Cental World for some coffee at starbucks 1st floor.

OH--forgot--central world is gone.

Never mind.

We can talk here.

Round 2 is coming.

You disagree with this prediction?

[yoshiwara]

No Justice

NO Peace

Practice makes perfect.

Both sides will get better at destroying and killing.

Round 1 of a 15 round fight of perhaps a dozen fights to come.

Round 1 to the Reds.

They ripped the ruling class some new holes.

When will it start again?

This time will there be talk or just massive attacks?

We shall see.

Best get out of this place unless you like WAR!

Hello! its Ernie back on his milk float.

Raging around in his bedsit.

Broken red banners and a pile of unused tyres.

Hey.

Meet you at Cental World for some coffee at starbucks 1st floor.

OH--forgot--central world is gone.

Never mind.

We can talk here.

Round 2 is coming.

You disagree with this prediction?

Yes.

You are a headless chicken.

Mr Pretend Seh Daeng.

Edited May 22, 2010 by yoshiwara

[gregb]

Actually, I find this type of post very troubling.

It sort of fits into the "mai pben rai" attitude that Thais have...something that mightily figures into the current crisis. The perceived richness of the people in Bangkok compared to the perceived poorness of the people in rural villages. Mai pben rai.

I'm getting out after a year of living here as a retiree. When I notified my apartment manager (who happens to be Indian) he immediately said, "Oh, just wait 4 days. Everything will be perfect again."

It's sort of like "freedom"...once people get a taste of it, they're rarely satisfied until they really have it. You can't always put the animal back in the cage. I think the article is incredibly naive and is going to result in nothing really changing and more pressure building.

I'm serious, this kind of article makes me want to vomit...literally.

Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out!

Well, thank you for that kind response. I'm sure you put a lot of thought into it.

Despite what I take as your optimism, I rather expect a mini-economic depression to develop. The international moving company just left and we asked them if we were the only one leaving. The supervisor's response was that they are flooded with moving requests, having to hire extra crews for the loads, and still can't keep up with demand -- virtually all from foreigners who work in international companies here in Bangkok and other provinces. He said they were turning customers away, something they have never experienced before.

My condo-rental complex has only 29 units on Suk Soi 24. Since things approached the crisis point 6 of those 29 units emptied out...mostly Japanese families working here. Let's see...previously a 100% occupancy rate dropped down 20% in just about a month. And I understand more are coming because one of the Japanese companies may withdraw from Thailand completely.

Even my Thai partner -- usually a Thai optimist -- says this is far from over.

Okay, I won't let the door hit me in the ass...I hope it doesn't hit you in the face.

Sounds good to me. The quicker you all leave, the quicker those luxury condo rates will drop to something the rest of us can afford. Once they get down under 10k a month for a nice 3 bedroom I'll think about moving in.

Haven't heard this much good news in a month. Can I help your friends to find moving companies to get you all out faster?

[Chaimai]

Round 1 to the Reds.

Ernie - sorry mate, but you LOST !

[erniebanks]

Are we using animals now?

OK

I will play.

You pick

I can call you a jackass

OR You can be a skunk

OR-and my favorite--Germans like to call people SWINE (PIG)

Never mind. You are none of them.

You are just an angry man in denial.

The fight has just started and your nation is going to destroy itself with class warfare just so rich idiots can have slaves.

[yoshiwara]

Are we using animals now?

OK

I will play.

You pick

I can call you a jackass

OR You can be a skunk

OR-and my favorite--Germans like to call people SWINE (PIG)

Never mind. You are none of them.

You are just an angry man in denial.

The fight has just started and your nation is going to destroy itself with class warfare just so rich idiots can have slaves.

Dream on.

I take it that Thaksin your hero is not one of the rich idiots you are referring to.

The reds just waged class warfare on the Bangkok working class.

You are as most anarchists are, an enemy of the working class.

Pumped up, an empty balloon.

You go on about the rich but the reds do not have one economic policy.

No programme.

Its all for Thaksin.

[erniebanks]

Round 1 to the Reds.

Ernie - sorry mate, but you LOST !

Economic damage in Bangkok over 1 billion dollars according to the Thai government. Then we have the massive losses from loss of tourism.

Poor people in jail is what the other side has.

So what.

Lots more poor to line up and fight.

Oh--by the way mate--the real Red leaders are not in jail and most are not even known by name. They are the military guys who will continue the war.

Come on now.

A war is not lost until one side or the other quits. No one is quitting now.

Did the Brits win in Northern Ireland against the IRA?

NO

The IRA won. And they did just little stuff compared to this bangkok burn down part 1.

How many buildings will burn down the next time?

2000? 4000?

SEE

it is easy to destroy a city and when the main enemy is sitting there in that city, strategy is clear.

Go ahead and call it a loss mate but when Bangkok burns a few more times, you will see how wrong you were.

[yoshiwara]

Round 1 to the Reds.

Ernie - sorry mate, but you LOST !

Economic damage in Bangkok over 1 billion dollars according to the Thai government. Then we have the massive losses from loss of tourism.

Poor people in jail is what the other side has.

So what.

Lots more poor to line up and fight.

Oh--by the way mate--the real Red leaders are not in jail and most are not even known by name. They are the military guys who will continue the war.

Come on now.

A war is not lost until one side or the other quits. No one is quitting now.

Did the Brits win in Northern Ireland against the IRA?

NO

The IRA won. And they did just little stuff compared to this bangkok burn down part 1.

How many buildings will burn down the next time?

2000? 4000?

SEE

it is easy to destroy a city and when the main enemy is sitting there in that city, strategy is clear.

Go ahead and call it a loss mate but when Bangkok burns a few more times, you will see how wrong you were.

You may wish to indulge your anti-working class fantasies of burning down the livelihoods of all the Bangkok people.

But it will remain at that level.

A fantasy.

How pathetic are anarchists that they only have destruction in their minds.

Otherwise empty.

Edited May 22, 2010 by yoshiwara

[teletiger]

There's no doubt Bangkok will rebuild but what about the rest of Thailand?

Thailand has and will continue to rise like the Phoenix but is always leaves ashes.

Nothing personal 'asiawatcher', just picked yours' out of any one of dozens....... HaHAHAHAHA.....

Bangkok is a 30 lb turkey that had an arse feather singed.

"Bangkok will be rebuilt"?? "A phoenix"?? Get a grip people.

Regards.

[erniebanks]

I like these metaphores.

Bangkok?

How about a Whore that had its dress burned off its ugly arse.

Now its pimp cries.

[yoshiwara]

I like these metaphores.

Bangkok?

How about a Whore that had its dress burned off its ugly arse.

Now its pimp cries.

You really have no politics have you?

You ape being an anarchist.

You attack the people of Bangkok with your ugly mind.

But its all about burning the place down for you.

Just another pumped-up fellow-traveller.

Throwing your rattle out of the pram.

A thrill seeker.

Trying to catch up with Jeff Savage.

Edited May 22, 2010 by yoshiwara

[gzman]

Actually, I find this type of post very troubling.

It sort of fits into the "mai pben rai" attitude that Thais have...something that mightily figures into the current crisis. The perceived richness of the people in Bangkok compared to the perceived poorness of the people in rural villages. Mai pben rai.

I'm getting out after a year of living here as a retiree. When I notified my apartment manager (who happens to be Indian) he immediately said, "Oh, just wait 4 days. Everything will be perfect again."

It's sort of like "freedom"...once people get a taste of it, they're rarely satisfied until they really have it. You can't always put the animal back in the cage. I think the article is incredibly naive and is going to result in nothing really changing and more pressure building.

I'm serious, this kind of article makes me want to vomit...literally.

Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out!

I agree we all live and work here If you dont like it leave go back to your country and let the People of Thailand work it out

:D :D :D

[Democrat]

What a sad day, guess some reds woke up now. Time for Thaksin's head rollin'.................

Why not stop?Always Thaksin,Thaksin,Thaksin,why always blame him,what do u actually know about Thailand and past of Thailand?

We blame him cause he did it. We know that he was a corrupt politician who used the people in the north to grab power. We know he is a ruthless person and greedy for power. We know that several of the red shirt leaders claimed to take their marching orders directly from Thaksin. We know he has been convicted and sentenced by the Thai courts. We know he is desperate to reclaim his ill gotten money and will burn the whole country to do it. The question is why anyone would defend him.

It is not a case of defending him. It is a case of the pot calling the kettle black. Why is it so many politicians get to dodge the courts and therefore convictions, and get to stay in politics, from ALL PARTIES. Why not give an unbiased view of all parties? You sound like the govt Thaksin, Thaksin, and more Thaksin. And you should really eat your words convicted by the Thai courts, I heard many of them were educated in Australia and they sometimes love KANGAROO. So many people have short memories. And I will be happy when they nail Thaksin legitametly as long as they nail everyone in all parties that have committed illegal acts. I cannot use terrorist acts because that would be a straight out lie. That line is used by propagandists to get the people behind them, and yellow shirts to try to stop farangs coming here on holidays, and red shirts for govt. Bangkok until you understand you are part of Thailand, and give every one the same deal it will just go in cycles.

[chadintheusa]

What a sad day, guess some reds woke up now. Time for Thaksin's head rollin'.................

Why not stop?Always Thaksin,Thaksin,Thaksin,why always blame him,what do u actually know about Thailand and past of Thailand?

We blame him cause he did it. We know that he was a corrupt politician who used the people in the north to grab power. We know he is a ruthless person and greedy for power. We know that several of the red shirt leaders claimed to take their marching orders directly from Thaksin. We know he has been convicted and sentenced by the Thai courts. We know he is desperate to reclaim his ill gotten money and will burn the whole country to do it. The question is why anyone would defend him.

It is not a case of defending him. It is a case of the pot calling the kettle black. Why is it so many politicians get to dodge the courts and therefore convictions, and get to stay in politics, from ALL PARTIES. Why not give an unbiased view of all parties? You sound like the govt Thaksin, Thaksin, and more Thaksin. And you should really eat your words convicted by the Thai courts, I heard many of them were educated in Australia and they sometimes love KANGAROO. So many people have short memories. And I will be happy when they nail Thaksin legitametly as long as they nail everyone in all parties that have committed illegal acts. I cannot use terrorist acts because that would be a straight out lie. That line is used by propagandists to get the people behind them, and yellow shirts to try to stop farangs coming here on holidays, and red shirts for govt. Bangkok until you understand you are part of Thailand, and give every one the same deal it will just go in cycles.

You cannot use the term terrorist acts because it does not fit with your agenda. If you admitted that the reds committed acts of terrorism you might have to rethink your support for them. But when a group uses violence against a civilian population to overthrow the government, when it targets journalists, uses explosives, and burns buildings, it is hard to find another term besides terrorism to describe their actions. You might not like the term, but thats what it is. By using terrorism against his own nation Thaksin has gone beyond just corruption. He is a traitor to Thailand and should be punished as such.

[GarryP]

This is probably far from over as the core of the problem was not resolved. The only thing that happened was the gov cleared the reds out of Bangkok in what was the most violent clash in Thailand's history, yet not a single issue the reds were there for was addressed.

The only hope there is, will be if the reds wake up and see the movement as the sham it is. They are only pawns in a game of power hungry men. Having said that, Thaksin did more for Issan than anyone ever has so it will be very difficult to convince any of them otherwise.

Without even digging you see statements like, "7 years imprisonment for anyone caught burning a tire." While the yellows closed the airport and nothing happened to them. This is the very fuel that may start the fire again.

It's not so black and white. That Thaksin has done more for them is an unfair sentiment as well. He was PM for 5 years, and it's not his programs that people love him for, it's his cash handouts that many are addicted and dependent on. Abhisit has not at all been ignoring the rural parts of the country, but at the same time, he came to power during a global economic crisis and a local political crisis. He has not even been given a chance despite ALREADY having made efforts to change things upcountry. If he were given a full term he could have easily managed some good, long term changes that would bring many of the proper solutions on track.

Giving each village a million baht is not going to do jack shit to solve any real problems these people face. The dilemma is, though, that humans are much more keen on instant gratification than they are future gratification. Besides, what was done with the millions of baht given to villages? Built new schools? Infrastructure? Road improvement? Nope. Pick up trucks, mobile phones, booze and gambling. NICE. This country's problems are far from solvable by just 'letting the reds vote and win'. Someone needs to forcibly inject the northern part of the country with education, jobs and long term reforms because they don't even want that themselves.

My 2 cents.

Sorry to say but I couldn't agree more. I was discussing some of these things with some Thais today and they agreed. Many (possibly a majority) villagers in the N or NE (particularly the NE) when offered the choice between free education for their kids through high school, free health care, and other such benefits over the long term or a cash payment of say 1,000 Baht, would take the cash payment every time. It is something tangible, something they can hold and perceive whereas social benefits are either too abstract or something they do not want to think about. They cannot see that in the long term they would be better off with the free education, etc. Apologies for the generalization.

[Democrat]

It is not a case of defending him. It is a case of the pot calling the kettle black. Why is it so many politicians get to dodge the courts and therefore convictions, and get to stay in politics, from ALL PARTIES. Why not give an unbiased view of all parties? You sound like the govt Thaksin, Thaksin, and more Thaksin. And you should really eat your words convicted by the Thai courts, I heard many of them were educated in Australia and they sometimes love KANGAROO. So many people have short memories. And I will be happy when they nail Thaksin legitametly as long as they nail everyone in all parties that have committed illegal acts. I cannot use terrorist acts because that would be a straight out lie. That line is used by propagandists to get the people behind them, and yellow shirts to try to stop farangs coming here on holidays, and red shirts for govt. Bangkok until you understand you are part of Thailand, and give every one the same deal it will just go in cycles.

You cannot use the term terrorist acts because it does not fit with your agenda. If you admitted that the reds committed acts of terrorism you might have to rethink your support for them. But when a group uses violence against a civilian population to overthrow the government, when it targets journalists, uses explosives, and burns buildings, it is hard to find another term besides terrorism to describe their actions. You might not like the term, but thats what it is. By using terrorism against his own nation Thaksin has gone beyond just corruption. He is a traitor to Thailand and should be punished as such.

When did a group use violence against a civilian population? The Army is a group! When did a group target journalists? The Army again just ask some of the reporters, and ask the people at Pathuwan temple. What kind of explosives are you talking about, I have not seen any reports about explosives. Maybe you are talking about grenade launchers and molotov cocktails. I disagree with violence and this was wrong but not terrorism. Burning buildings that was rioting but I think there is more to that than meets the eye.

So it is ok for the Army to attack a peaceful protest.

Everyone knew the reds were going to protest exactly when and where. The govt chose to set up a bunch of @#$@$ to monitor and put in place a decree. So before the rally has started they are inciting the public. The rally started off peacefully the govt kept bringing in draconian laws to incite the public. And one of these were a win for you farangs. No more than 5 people to gather in a group. If you were farang you could. For the tourists(HaHa). Hey then you march the troops in. Then Abhishit calls it terrorism, how to scare the tourists away. Puts ED in provinces where there is no problem, scare the tourists away. Then they say it is political unrest, this covers the whole country, embassies advise do not travel to Thailand. Many places in Thailand were not affected, but hey, us bangkokians don't have tourists, why should anyone else. Then you call the burning of buildings Terrorist acts, now the call the burning of the buildings riots.

Bangkok will rise like a Phoenix, not likely till they get rid of corruption, and the justice system treats everyone equally. I do not condone 1 of these avoidable deaths, no matter what colour you are.

[tracer5050]

A lot of the Thia I know who supported the red shirt movement has told me they now have changed their out look , Many people now out of work cant buy food to feed the kids now or pay rent. because of the red shirts, The red shirts shot them selfs in the foot by burning Bangkok

[mayinthailand]

WE LOVE BANGKOK DAY!

Not only Thais but "farangs" love this city. It is our home. And when we all saw it being politically"interrupted" for two months, we tried to be tolerant. We acted civilized as one would in any DEMOCRACY. Not getting into a political debate here, but 99% of us would not approve of the damage the "thugs" did to damage OUR city. Not to sound sappy, or slurpy, or dramatic, it would be a good move if the city officials had "We Love Bangkok Day" where we would show up at Luphini park to show our support for a better, reconciled city . A gathering of all "Bangkokians" showing each other support would psychologically get us looking positive for BKK's future. Yes, though I am a "farang",this is where I work, this is where I live. I want to go out and help to rebuild, clean up the city... to feel that Bangkok has not been defeated by these barbarians that did damage to the city.

Understand your position, but pls try also to see things from a different angle.

First time, and I would say finally, Thailand has awaken and it has seen how divided is the society, Bangkok has finally noticed that there are also upcountry people with their own rights and interests, people who have always been left behind and looked down by the richer and more educated urban folks.

It was painful, but let's hope this will not just go down in history as an isolated episode, a bad dream, because if this mistake is done, the next awakening could be much worse...

Time to understand that Bangkok is not Thailand and Thailand is not only Bangkok.

Time for the politicians to understand that they cannot go to ask for the votes of the upcountry people during elections and then forget about them when they are back in their seats at the Parliament.

It's the 21st Century, there is no space for a society from the middle ages.

[Casuarina]

Seems like the same old tactics of using media to brainwash human's mind is still working in Thailand.

Why are people still some blinded by the press and so called Democratic Govt who only choose to reveal partial truth which is in their favor.

Shockingly, so many Bangkokians still accept the brainwash exercise.

Is there a reboot button to stop these mind from being manipulated by media, govt and so called "must not be named family"?

We are already in 2010. People must be given the freedom of different viewpoint. I am so sick of multiple repeat of Mr "Thick Skin" Handsome PM recordings. It sounds like a broken record.

Surprising to me. This tactics still work in Thailand.

Mr "Thick Skin" PM, Be a gentleman. Let others play their records too. You can't just play your favourite song day in day out. I am starting to puke because of indigestion.

It was absolutely great to see that not one significant element of Bangkok workers joined the red rioters and terrorists.

It is easy to see why.

The reds wanted to destroy Bangkok.

Destroy jobs.

Destroy the livelihoods of working people.

They hate you and all the reds invading their neighbourhoods.

It is good that you puke with your defeat.

You are not coming back.

Go to hel_l.

Where is button to upgrade firmware to latest edition?

Is it 2010 compliance?

Nobody can be 100% right or wrong.

For a Win Win nego, both parties need to win something.

What is the damage? 2% of Thai Population owns 80% of GDP. These building owner can afford it easily.

The land owner of Central World has US$35 billion which translate to 1000 billion baht. What is Thaksin compared to the almighty land owner.

Think......

This is just a money game.

Get manipulated and takes sides to be their tool.

[kaspercat]

Most of the businesses that were destroyed were owned by "THE ELITE" and do you think they give a rats arse about their employees? Does anyone know of ANY shop that is financially helping the poor employees? All I have read is the people that cannot pay their rent are being kicked out etc.

Just who are these "ELITE" you're referring to!?! The city is in ruin by thugs and you're still giving us this pathetic PR spiel.

You can substitute the above sentence to a well known two-word saying.

I would wish thailandbluegrass take a look at himself and think before he opens his bigoted racist mouth. All talk and no brains. He got to stop before he shows what a brute and an idiot he really is. I don't see him doing anything besides spread hate and misinformation.

[dtarasin]

I like these metaphores.

Bangkok?

How about a Whore that had its dress burned off its ugly arse.

Now its pimp cries.

You really have no politics have you?

You ape being an anarchist.

You attack the people of Bangkok with your ugly mind.

But its all about burning the place down for you.

Just another pumped-up fellow-traveller.

Throwing your rattle out of the pram.

A thrill seeker.

Trying to catch up with Jeff Savage.

I love how a thread that starts off with a general feeling of positivity and unity and rebuilding can turn into Internet Fight Club in less than 5 pages.

[losworld]

This is probably far from over as the core of the problem was not resolved. The only thing that happened was the gov cleared the reds out of Bangkok in what was the most violent clash in Thailand's history, yet not a single issue the reds were there for was addressed.

The only hope there is, will be if the reds wake up and see the movement as the sham it is. They are only pawns in a game of power hungry men. Having said that, Thaksin did more for Issan than anyone ever has so it will be very difficult to convince any of them otherwise.

Without even digging you see statements like, "7 years imprisonment for anyone caught burning a tire." While the yellows closed the airport and nothing happened to them. This is the very fuel that may start the fire again.

It's not so black and white. That Thaksin has done more for them is an unfair sentiment as well. He was PM for 5 years, and it's not his programs that people love him for, it's his cash handouts that many are addicted and dependent on. Abhisit has not at all been ignoring the rural parts of the country, but at the same time, he came to power during a global economic crisis and a local political crisis. He has not even been given a chance despite ALREADY having made efforts to change things upcountry. If he were given a full term he could have easily managed some good, long term changes that would bring many of the proper solutions on track.

Giving each village a million baht is not going to do jack shit to solve any real problems these people face. The dilemma is, though, that humans are much more keen on instant gratification than they are future gratification. Besides, what was done with the millions of baht given to villages? Built new schools? Infrastructure? Road improvement? Nope. Pick up trucks, mobile phones, booze and gambling. NICE. This country's problems are far from solvable by just 'letting the reds vote and win'. Someone needs to forcibly inject the northern part of the country with education, jobs and long term reforms because they don't even want that themselves.

My 2 cents.

I've always thought it would be interesting to see just how much Thaksin has given the poor and compare those numbers to how much he has taken from gouging them with inflated cell phone service pricing through his past business. Like I've said all along think Carlos Slim. Interestingly, Slim's father was purported to be a heroine smuggler. I guess the cell phone business became more profitable with a lot less risk.

[EarthAlien]

Actually, I find this type of post very troubling.

It sort of fits into the "mai pben rai" attitude that Thais have...something that mightily figures into the current crisis. The perceived richness of the people in Bangkok compared to the perceived poorness of the people in rural villages. Mai pben rai.

I'm getting out after a year of living here as a retiree. When I notified my apartment manager (who happens to be Indian) he immediately said, "Oh, just wait 4 days. Everything will be perfect again."

It's sort of like "freedom"...once people get a taste of it, they're rarely satisfied until they really have it. You can't always put the animal back in the cage. I think the article is incredibly naive and is going to result in nothing really changing and more pressure building.

I'm serious, this kind of article makes me want to vomit...literally.

Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out!

Well, thank you for that kind response. I'm sure you put a lot of thought into it.

Despite what I take as your optimism, I rather expect a mini-economic depression to develop. The international moving company just left and we asked them if we were the only one leaving. The supervisor's response was that they are flooded with moving requests, having to hire extra crews for the loads, and still can't keep up with demand -- virtually all from foreigners who work in international companies here in Bangkok and other provinces. He said they were turning customers away, something they have never experienced before.

My condo-rental complex has only 29 units on Suk Soi 24. Since things approached the crisis point 6 of those 29 units emptied out...mostly Japanese families working here. Let's see...previously a 100% occupancy rate dropped down 20% in just about a month. And I understand more are coming because one of the Japanese companies may withdraw from Thailand completely.

Even my Thai partner -- usually a Thai optimist -- says this is far from over.

Okay, I won't let the door hit me in the ass...I hope it doesn't hit you in the face.

Sounds good to me. The quicker you all leave, the quicker those luxury condo rates will drop to something the rest of us can afford. Once they get down under 10k a month for a nice 3 bedroom I'll think about moving in.

Haven't heard this much good news in a month. Can I help your friends to find moving companies to get you all out faster?

I'm not sure if your post was a sincere attempt at humor or not. If it was then I didn't think it was funny or maybe just didn't get it.

I sense (and I could be wrong here) that it was come kind of knee-jerk narcissistic comment based on a disrespect for the considerations and concerns of honest and sincere people that are just focused on living a harmonious life (after all that's why we came here in the first place to LOS),- something that becomes an increasingly valued and treasured ambition when one arrives at the age of 50 (if you're not there yet or not yet near it,.. you will be one day and you may understand better, and if you are over 50 then perhaps you could be one of those western misfits that is only gratified when inebriated or chasing young pu_$y and thus you fail to see any other perspective as being balanced or valid).

Personally, I found the facts the Mr Phetaroi shared to be very interesting and were quite supportive to my own concerns as to whether my senses were betraying me and that I was perhaps being a little alarmist in my considerations to make the move. So I thank him for that share as its something I will definitely share with my Thai wife also. She's a wonderful Issan lady (and super smart having a double university degree) that has seen quite a bit of the world and lived OS with me for a while. She loves Thailand and so do I,...BUT we love and cherish our sons and their future more and that's why were making our plans to move even though we eventually would like to return and have dual country residential options. That's not being elitist and in fact will take an enormous financial effort for us to make it work.

In conclusion I would like to add that although I will not miss Mr Phetaroi nor the scores of other expats leaving this country simply because I don't know them ,.. but I will often think of them and hope and wonder how their lives are progressing and hope that they are happy and safe wherever they are,.. just as I will hope that you find your own happiness in your opportunistically acquired under B10k per month condo rental that will again rise once the property market corrects (as an ex realtor I can virtually guarantee that.... in time it will happen,... unless WW3 occurs in BKK in which case you may want to consider following our exodus to safer shores!).

Thank you for reading my post,.. I feel so much better now!

Peace on brothers and sisters.

Patience is a virtue,.. but tolerance and compassion are unstoppable!

[losworld]

I'd really question whether many if any of these large projects will be rebuilt in today's economy. I hope so but I am not so sure. You may see a lot of vacant burnt out lots in Bkok. Hope this is not the case but I suspect so.

[homebody]

So this was an arcticle by The Nation. I wonder what they are doing to help? Has anyone seen them setting up a fund raiser account or done ANYTHING except write these biast arcticles?

Most of the businesses that were destroyed were owned by "THE ELITE" and do you think they give a rats arse about their employees? Does anyone know of ANY shop that is financially helping the poor employees? All I have read is the people that cannot pay their rent are being kicked out etc.

Has anyone seen Abhisit standing in front of Central World handing out the money that they siezed from Mr "T" as he should be. He should make an announcement that HE will take that recovered money from Mr "T" and buy food for the people and pay everyones rent and give donations back to the people where the money FIRST came from right?

I know that these things take time but right now time is of the essance so I hope he GETS ON IT !!!!!!

I also think that the names of these rented buildings that are kicking the tenants out for not paying their rent should be posted on the internet so we can all know where NOT to live.

It will be hard to sort out innocents and the red supporters for damages. Those violence reds deserv to be lives times in jails for causing people's lives in troubles !!! I have read somewhere(before the World Trade burned) that the goverment helps those who effected under the red rally.