Expats Views Sought On Bangkok's Restoration

[webfact]

Expats views sought on restoration

By NALIN VIBOONCHART

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will actively seek suggestions from expatriates on ways to revive the capital after the political crisis ebbs.

Governor Sukhumbhand Paripatra yesterday told the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand that Bangkok nowadays did not belong only to Thais but also to foreigners who work and live in the city.

They should be invited to share their ideas on rehabilitating their current hometown together with the locals.

The BMA plans to hold a forum for expats to provide input for restoration efforts and coordinate with state agencies.

The BMA will also work closely with businesses, the private sector and non-governmental organisations to reconstruct Bangkok in order to bring peace to the city.

The BMA was doing many things to return Bangkok to its former glory but the priority was to ensure security for residents, expats and foreign tourists. Bangkok is a highly popular tourism destination for foreigners, with the tourism industry contributing Bt300 billion revenue to it every year.

Once the BMA can guarantee safety for both residents and tourists, it will launch a marketing campaign over the next few months, aimed at drawing foreign tourists back to Bangkok.

Infrastructure projects such as the mass rapid transit would be accelerated, and the many buildings burnt in the riots would be rebuilt or replaced.

NO GUARANTEE

"I cannot guarantee protests will not happen again in Bangkok because the BMA has limited authority. We can't control the military or police. But at least I can assure you (foreign investors and expats) that the rehabilitation plan has started. And the BMA along with the central government is trying to make the city safe for everyone," he said.

Now was a good time for the BMA and government to revise the authority of the BMA so that it could wield more power to control unexpected situations in the future, he said. At present, the BMA must seek approval from the Interior Ministry to run the city's affairs.

Andrew Durieux, president of the Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the Thai government had to be more open about publicising its reconciliation plan to foreigners so they could get a clear picture - an important first step in winning investors back.

The recent political turmoil had an impact on Australian investors, both those with a presence here and those considering coming here. About 20-40 Australian firms that had thought of setting up in Thailand have delayed their plans or are looking at other locations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and India, he said.

"We know that the government has a plan but we may not understand it. If the government can communicate more to foreign investors and expats, it will boost their confidence," Durieux said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-28

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[kaengk]

Many of us believe that Central World should not be rebuilt. Instead a People's Park should be built with a large memorial to the citizens slaughtered by the military in the 1976, 1992 and 2010 pro-democracy demonstrations.

[Guest]

Will the landowners agree? Will the leaseholder (Central) agree? And can we have another memorial to those killed and injured by non-military personnel?

[Chaimai]

Many of us believe that Central World should not be rebuilt. Instead a People's Park should be built with a large memorial to the citizens slaughtered by the military in the 1976, 1992 and 2010 pro-democracy demonstrations.

Some, inappropriately, emotive words there.

No doubt you would like to call "Thaksin Park" ?

Not our business, let the Thais decide for themselves

[Ulysses G.]

Governor Sukhumbhand Paripatra yesterday told the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand that Bangkok nowadays did not belong only to Thais but also to foreigners who work and live in the city.

They should be invited to share their ideas on rehabilitating their current hometown together with the locals.

The BMA plans to hold a forum for expats to provide input for restoration efforts and coordinate with state agencies.

He also pointed out that he is not interested in any opinions from anyone who has ever posted on Thai Visa.

Edited May 28, 2010 by Ulysses G.

[kaengk]

Will the landowners agree? Will the leaseholder (Central) agree? And can we have another memorial to those killed and injured by non-military personnel?

I don't believe there are allegations that any great number of people were killed by non-military personnel. There were on-duty military and off-duty military, but all of the snipers were military.

[Slip]

Many of us believe that Central World should not be rebuilt. Instead a People's Park should be built with a large memorial to the citizens slaughtered by the military in the 1976, 1992 and 2010 pro-democracy demonstrations.

Unbelievable- post number 2 and the trolls are out already.

[Theyreallrubbish]

Will the landowners agree? Will the leaseholder (Central) agree? And can we have another memorial to those killed and injured by non-military personnel?

The landowner is the Crown Property Bureau. You can guess their views.

And you're right, Central paid billions of Baht for a long term lease on the land, so they would have to be compensated. And the compensation would not just cover the lease and building costs, but the income that they'd have to forgo over the life of the lease.

It could end up being the most expensive memorial in the world.

Perhaps alternative ideas should be put forward

[mjnaus]

Many of us believe that Central World should not be rebuilt. Instead a People's Park should be built with a large memorial to the citizens slaughtered by the military in the 1976, 1992 and 2010 pro-democracy demonstrations.

, you're a funny man! Seriously, have another one...

"Many of us", that would be you, the misses and her family?

[peacefulwarrior]

That you can get:

1. Stop fooling the people playing this fake left-right paradigm, it's not football but a country!

2. Tell the NWO to F themselves and stop the 'war of terror' Agenda they present to the public

3. Get Abhisit out, the liar Nr.1 : one day "We don't use live ammunition" people die; next day "Now we use live ammo" !?!

4. Let the elites pay more than 150 Baht for their maids a day or better tax them!

5. Being G20 state obviously you have to play stuff like that on the road to more surveillance, ppl know that

6. Commemorate the death of the 88 people, mostly unarmed! and not the death of a fkn shopping mall

7. Get the rich ones and their 150 Baht ice-cram eating, iPhone twittering brats some education that teaches real values, like the life of others and not just how to wring out the next bunch of slave laborers and illegal immigrants which built BKK!

8. Get rid of the military rulers which actually via commands of their rich friends hold the country in their grip.

9. Tell the cyber-police to go and think a moment if they really want China style ruler-ship and 1984 happen to THEM.

10. Ask the real questions, like why are the Democrats not yet dissolved for their illegal party contributions? 236m Bt.?!?

11. Stop media censorship and so called ISA, curfew B$, this is not North Korea or China.

Get a life and move out of those control grid Moloch's like Bangkok. City of Angels and Demons...

Start thinking for yourselves.

All the best,

may Thailand reconcile and the people live in peace together, sharing the wealth of this beautiful, rich country!

Edited May 28, 2010 by peacefulwarrior

[ratcatcher]

Many of us believe that Central World should not be rebuilt. Instead a People's Park should be built with a large memorial to the citizens slaughtered by the military in the 1976, 1992 and 2010 pro-democracy demonstrations.

Presumably you are aware of who owns the land?

[mjnaus]

That you can get:

1. Stop fooling the people playing this face left-right paradigm, it's not football but a country!

2. Tell the NWO to F themselves and stop the 'war of terror' Agenda they present to the public

3. Get Abhisit out, the liar Nr.1 : one day "We don't use live ammunition" people die; next day "Now we use live ammo" !?!

4. Let the elites pay more than 150 Baht for their maids a day or better tax them!

5. Being G20 state obviously you have to play stuff like that on the road to more surveillance, ppl know that

6. Commemorate the death of the 88 people, mostly unarmed! and not the death of a fkn shopping mall

7. Get the rich ones and their 150 Baht ice-cram eating, iPhone twittering brats some education that teaches real values, like the life of others and not just how to wring out the next bunch of slave laborers and illegal immigrants which built BKK!

8. Get rid of the military rulers which actually via commands of their rich friends hold the country in their grip.

9. Tell the cyber-police to go and think a moment if they really want China style ruler-ship and 1984 happen to THEM.

10. Ask the real questions, like why are the Democrats not yet dissolved for their illegal party contributions? 236m Bt.?!?

11. Stop media censorship and so called ISA, curfew B$, this is not North Korea or China.

Get a life and move out of those control grid Moloch's like Bangkok. City of Angels and Demons...

Start thinking for yourselves.

All the best,

may Thailand reconcile and the people live in peace together, sharing the wealth of this beautiful, rich country!

Someone needs a hug

[peacefulwarrior]

Really wondering how many cyber-police and fake authorities are in this board to 'shape' public opinion, but they must be quite a lot. It's like every comment pro red, NOT pro terrorism or violence gets flagged as non patriotic or anarchistic. Does anyone here mourn the 88 dead instead of babbling about this lovely shopping mall. F! shopping malls and commerce, this is not the debate this country needs. Shame on the military, shame on the government and shame on the cyber-police and spineless media.

Well think about this one:

Hermann Göring (12 January 1893– 15 October 1946)^{http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermann_G%C3%...te_note-ushmm-0} was a German politician, military leader, and a leading member of the Nazi Party)

“Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.”

And to you underground coppers here Get a life, you act against the people, find some temple and talk about you trying to socially engineer the public. Maybe they find some pity on you...

[givenall]

Many of us believe that Central World should not be rebuilt. Instead a People's Park should be built with a large memorial to the citizens slaughtered by the military in the 1976, 1992 and 2010 pro-democracy demonstrations.

This is not America. Build it bigger and better and fast. The tourist industry needs shopping center like Central world.

[ratcatcher]

That you can get:

1. Stop fooling the people playing this face left-right paradigm, it's not football but a country!

2. Tell the NWO to F themselves and stop the 'war of terror' Agenda they present to the public

3. Get Abhisit out, the liar Nr.1 : one day "We don't use live ammunition" people die; next day "Now we use live ammo" !?!

4. Let the elites pay more than 150 Baht for their maids a day or better tax them!

5. Being G20 state obviously you have to play stuff like that on the road to more surveillance, ppl know that

6. Commemorate the death of the 88 people, mostly unarmed! and not the death of a fkn shopping mall

7. Get the rich ones and their 150 Baht ice-cram eating, iPhone twittering brats some education that teaches real values, like the life of others and not just how to wring out the next bunch of slave laborers and illegal immigrants which built BKK!

8. Get rid of the military rulers which actually via commands of their rich friends hold the country in their grip.

9. Tell the cyber-police to go and think a moment if they really want China style ruler-ship and 1984 happen to THEM.

10. Ask the real questions, like why are the Democrats not yet dissolved for their illegal party contributions? 236m Bt.?!?

11. Stop media censorship and so called ISA, curfew B$, this is not North Korea or China.

Get a life and move out of those control grid Moloch's like Bangkok. City of Angels and Demons...

Start thinking for yourselves.

All the best,

may Thailand reconcile and the people live in peace together, sharing the wealth of this beautiful, rich country!

Someone needs a hug

Do you have an example of a nation that fits the kind of ideal that you are suggesting?

Just name a few for starters, we'll get the idea.

[Capealava]

Many of us believe that Central World should not be rebuilt. Instead a People's Park should be built with a large memorial to the citizens slaughtered by the military in the 1976, 1992 and 2010 pro-democracy demonstrations.

I agree. The governments attitude of lets just rebuild and without any thought to those killed and maimed is not a sound idea. Bringing expats into the equation just bolsters the Government position.

[lungmi]

Many of us believe that Central World should not be rebuilt. Instead a People's Park should be built with a large memorial to the citizens slaughtered by the military in the 1976, 1992 and 2010 pro-democracy demonstrations.

You and your friends believe the red terrorists who burnt down Central World. Fire comes out of your mouth.

[givenall]

Many of us believe that Central World should not be rebuilt. Instead a People's Park should be built with a large memorial to the citizens slaughtered by the military in the 1976, 1992 and 2010 pro-democracy demonstrations.

My recommendation to increase and expedite investment and tourism

1. Make it easier to get work permit for the investors

2. Provide security in the tourist area especially Rachataprosong, buy getting especial security force to guard it instead of useless police

3. Provide incentive for the business that have been effected, for example No vet for 6 to 12 month

4. Organize especial programs like music, fair, do not need another night Bazar

5. Need special BTS and MRT fair for next few month

6. Lower the hotel prices and let the world know

I am sure more things can and should be done but these are few quick ones come to my mind

Edited May 28, 2010 by givenall

[mazeltov]

Many of us believe that Central World should not be rebuilt. Instead a People's Park should be built with a large memorial to the citizens slaughtered by the military in the 1976, 1992 and 2010 pro-democracy demonstrations.

well, a good idea. but i doubt that the ultra right wing extremists and their fan team at this board will agree with it.

[Chaimai]

Many of us believe that Central World should not be rebuilt. Instead a People's Park should be built with a large memorial to the citizens slaughtered by the military in the 1976, 1992 and 2010 pro-democracy demonstrations.

well, a good idea. but i doubt that the ultra right wing extremists and their fan team at this board will agree with it.

Whereas the Marxist extremists will applaud it.

At least it will not be flammable so the b4stards can't burn it down.

[Ulysses G.]

That you can get:

1. Stop fooling the people playing this face left-right paradigm, it's not football but a country!

2. Tell the NWO to F themselves and stop the 'war of terror' Agenda they present to the public

3. Get Abhisit out, the liar Nr.1 : one day "We don't use live ammunition" people die; next day "Now we use live ammo" !?!

4. Let the elites pay more than 150 Baht for their maids a day or better tax them!

5. Being G20 state obviously you have to play stuff like that on the road to more surveillance, ppl know that

6. Commemorate the death of the 88 people, mostly unarmed! and not the death of a fkn shopping mall

7. Get the rich ones and their 150 Baht ice-cram eating, iPhone twittering brats some education that teaches real values, like the life of others and not just how to wring out the next bunch of slave laborers and illegal immigrants which built BKK!

8. Get rid of the military rulers which actually via commands of their rich friends hold the country in their grip.

9. Tell the cyber-police to go and think a moment if they really want China style ruler-ship and 1984 happen to THEM.

10. Ask the real questions, like why are the Democrats not yet dissolved for their illegal party contributions? 236m Bt.?!?

11. Stop media censorship and so called ISA, curfew B$, this is not North Korea or China.

Get a life and move out of those control grid Moloch's like Bangkok. City of Angels and Demons...

Start thinking for yourselves.

All the best,

may Thailand reconcile and the people live in peace together, sharing the wealth of this beautiful, rich country!

Someone needs a hug

Do you have an example of a nation that fits the kind of ideal that you are suggesting?

Just name a few for starters, we'll get the idea.

[yoshiwara]

That you can get:

1. Stop fooling the people playing this fake left-right paradigm, it's not football but a country!

2. Tell the NWO to F themselves and stop the 'war of terror' Agenda they present to the public

3. Get Abhisit out, the liar Nr.1 : one day "We don't use live ammunition" people die; next day "Now we use live ammo" !?!

4. Let the elites pay more than 150 Baht for their maids a day or better tax them!

5. Being G20 state obviously you have to play stuff like that on the road to more surveillance, ppl know that

6. Commemorate the death of the 88 people, mostly unarmed! and not the death of a fkn shopping mall

7. Get the rich ones and their 150 Baht ice-cram eating, iPhone twittering brats some education that teaches real values, like the life of others and not just how to wring out the next bunch of slave laborers and illegal immigrants which built BKK!

8. Get rid of the military rulers which actually via commands of their rich friends hold the country in their grip.

9. Tell the cyber-police to go and think a moment if they really want China style ruler-ship and 1984 happen to THEM.

10. Ask the real questions, like why are the Democrats not yet dissolved for their illegal party contributions? 236m Bt.?!?

11. Stop media censorship and so called ISA, curfew B$, this is not North Korea or China.

Get a life and move out of those control grid Moloch's like Bangkok. City of Angels and Demons...

Start thinking for yourselves.

All the best,

may Thailand reconcile and the people live in peace together, sharing the wealth of this beautiful, rich country!

Not with the supporters of the tyre-burning thugs.

Stay out of Bangkok.

[bhoydy]

I rarely comment other than in the Thai Language forum for the very reason that every thread gets turned into something that it's not. You're Red are you - don't care. You're Yellow are you - don't care. You're mourning 88 dead people you never knew - don't care. Yes the whole thing is a great shame, but i don't wanna see it on this topic - don't care. Go and open up your own topic in the General topic section titled - i'm mourning the people slain by the military come and join me (please wear a black armband if you're participating in this thread). Yeah, something like that. Go on, off you pop.

[yoshiwara]

Many of us believe that Central World should not be rebuilt. Instead a People's Park should be built with a large memorial to the citizens slaughtered by the military in the 1976, 1992 and 2010 pro-democracy demonstrations.

well, a good idea. but i doubt that the ultra right wing extremists and their fan team at this board will agree with it.

You like to think of the reds as left-wing, but they are thoroughly anti-working class.

They attacked working class jobs and livelihoods.

Thaksin forces left-wing?

What a joke.

[Chaimai]

Many of us believe that Central World should not be rebuilt. Instead a People's Park should be built with a large memorial to the citizens slaughtered by the military in the 1976, 1992 and 2010 pro-democracy demonstrations.

This is not America. Build it bigger and better and fast. The tourist industry needs shopping center like Central world.

I would agree with this. The location is the heart of the tourist part of the city.

An appropriate memorial can be incorporated into the rebuild.

[yoshiwara]

Many of us believe that Central World should not be rebuilt. Instead a People's Park should be built with a large memorial to the citizens slaughtered by the military in the 1976, 1992 and 2010 pro-democracy demonstrations.

You and your friends believe the red terrorists who burnt down Central World. Fire comes out of your mouth.

That is correct.

Those who supported the burnings have no say in the rebuilding.

They would like to support more burnings.

The red cheerleaders, only support destruction.

[lungmi]

Will the landowners agree? Will the leaseholder (Central) agree? And can we have another memorial to those killed and injured by non-military personnel?

I don't believe there are allegations that any great number of people were killed by non-military personnel. There were on-duty military and off-duty military, but all of the snipers were military.

I understand you, you are paied by Mr.Amsterdam to post here. Good idea to do this job. I'm sure you will offer all the earned money to the 20 000 Esaarn people who lost their job in Bangkok. But I scare they will not accept it. They had good teaching by the red arsonists.

[yoshiwara]

Many of us believe that Central World should not be rebuilt. Instead a People's Park should be built with a large memorial to the citizens slaughtered by the military in the 1976, 1992 and 2010 pro-democracy demonstrations.

This is not America. Build it bigger and better and fast. The tourist industry needs shopping center like Central world.

I would agree with this. The location is the heart of the tourist part of the city.

An appropriate memorial can be incorporated into the rebuild.

An appropriate memorial?

The only memorial required is to rebuild the damage and keep the red thugs out Bangkok.

The 'many of us' are the red supporters who supported the occupation and destruction.

Certainly not 'pro-Democracy' in 2010.

Just pro-Thaksin.

Chalk and cheese.

[borisloosebrain]

@Peaceful Warrior

Did you live here under Thaksin and his cult of personality style iron fisted rule ? That was far closer to a chinese style of dictatorship than life under Abhisit ever has been.

The red shirt leaders speeches bear remarkable similarities to the khmer rouge in Kampuchea and the maoists during the cultural revolution. Full of vitriolic lies and exhortations to violence and destruction.

[MCos]

There's some pretty strident stuff here in response to a rather bland subject. I would suggest to all the folks trying to ram their views down everyone else's throats that they are wasting their time. No one likes to be shouted at, even if they agree with the view being expressed and I don't think I've ever seen a response from anyone who's mind has been changed by some emotional diatribe.

Back to the subject - I doubt if whatever I think is going to have the slightest influence on the shaping of Bangkok, but what I'd like to see is some sort of motorbike free zone. Be a first anywhere in most of Asia!