Think-Tank Urges Thailand To Allow Poll Monitors[

[webfact]

Think-tank urges Thailand to allow poll monitors

BANGKOK, April 11, 2011 (AFP) - Thailand should allow foreign observers to monitor its upcoming election, which could trigger fresh political violence and mass protests, an international think-tank said Monday.

"In the interests of enhancing the legitimacy of the polls, all sides should support election observation," International Crisis Group (ICG) said in a report titled "Thailand: The Calm Before Another Storm?"

"Xenophobic reaction to electoral observation by foreigners is counter-productive," it added.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said last month international poll observers would be "inappropriate" and that he did "not respect" Westerners.

ICG urged the country's election commission not to block international monitoring as it did during the previous election, when the European Union had offered in vain to deploy observers.

Thailand has never officially allowed monitors to operate in polling stations during its elections, but the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) has been allowed to work in the country during the last two votes.

The "Red Shirt" opposition movement that was behind mass street protests in Bangkok last year has called for international observers to be present at the upcoming election, which is expected in late June or early July.

Thai society remains deeply split a year after mass demonstrations by the Red Shirts descended into violence which left more than 90 people dead -- mostly civilians -- in a series of clashes between protesters and armed troops.

It was the worst political violence in decades, and the ICG report warned the polls could bring fresh conflict.

"As the stakes are high, the forthcoming elections could be violent," it said, noting that one local politician was killed and two others seriously injured in three separate attacks on March 2, 2011.

"While the initial investigation indicated that the attacks were likely to be linked to local rather than national politics, these incidents showed some may use violence to settle their disputes or eliminate their political rivals," it said.

Commentators believe the upcoming poll is likely to highlight the political tensions that have beset the kingdom since the Reds' hero, fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, was ousted in 2006 in a military coup.

The movement views the current army-backed government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva as undemocratic because it came to power in a 2008 parliamentary vote after a court ruling threw out the previous administration.

"Anger or any sense of injustice over how the new government is formed could be the rallying cry for renewed mass protests," ICG warned.

"Even if the elections are deemed generally credible, it will be a challenge for all sides to accept the results."

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-04-11

[Seanextra]

Thailand needs a "Think Tank" ! :jap: Possibly more than the 200 new Army Tanks!

Edited April 11, 2011 by Seanextra

[Just1Voice]

Let's see, Thailand doesn't want International - unbiased - observers for the election. Nor do they want International, or even ASEAN - unbiased - observers along the border with Cambodia, who has welcomed them with open arms.

So my question is: "Hey, Thailand! What are you trying to hide?"

[Insight]

"International Crisis Group", eh?

All you need to know about these guys here - http://207.5.19.33/2bangkok-news-13069.html

[rayw]

Ahh a glimmer of hope and common sense at last is someone listening to us here and my few years of personal ranting on and on about this necessity is paying off maybe?? Just a slight remote chance that they may actually allow external unbiased election monitoring and I hope backed with jail sentences and a lifetime ban for corrupting the course of a democratic election (things like... ahem vote buying for example)

I hope it is a group that are not attached to any of the political movements here so if that group is connected with Mr. Thaksin Corruptalot then no way should they be allowed near, sure they can and should lobby for having monitored elections but most definitely not by them if this is true hmmm.

[whybother]

"International Crisis Group", eh?

All you need to know about these guys here - http://207.5.19.33/2...news-13069.html

That's two groups in the last week with links to Thaksin that have released "independent" reports.

The other one is here.

Edited April 11, 2011 by whybother

[cdnvic]

Post referring to Royals in a political context removed.

[SICHONSTEVE]

Let's see, Thailand doesn't want International - unbiased - observers for the election. Nor do they want International, or even ASEAN - unbiased - observers along the border with Cambodia, who has welcomed them with open arms.

So my question is: "Hey, Thailand! What are you trying to hide?"

Maybe nothing!! They are super-distrusting of outside sources when it comes to national matters. Did you not see that when the Americans offered to mediate in the prolonged government/red shirt shenanigans - long before the tragic conclusion that led to so many deaths (on ALL sides) how they resisted they're involvement as they like to keep their own matters and problems strictly Thai, from beginning to end.

They are especially wary of the Americans poking their nose into their business as they have seen so often how their well intentioned interventions often makes the problem worse and trust to do their own thing without other's involvement on account of this!!

It might well be a case of their PERCEIVED thinking rather than a factual account - but once the Thai's have decided what their stance is then nothing will change it unless it is proved beyond doubt (pretty much 100%) that it doesn't serve their purpose or interests and even then it tends to be done grudgingly, so set are they, in their THAI ways.

[phiphidon]

"International Crisis Group", eh?

All you need to know about these guys here - http://207.5.19.33/2...news-13069.html

That's two groups in the last week with links to Thaksin that have released "independent" reports.

The other one is here.

A more balanced version of events regarding the ICG may be read at this link (or not, it's up to individual choice)

http://asiancorrespondent.com/20203/usa-for-innovation-another-evil-thaksin-plot/

and as for the PIC links to Thaksin? I'm still waiting for someone to show/prove direct links as opposed to the supposition of Bucholz.

It doesn't matter how many times you and others try to get this kind of "information" out on the web it doesn't make it a fact, but don't let me get in your way, just carry on posting. The more discerning of us will make up our own minds.

[whybother]

A more balanced version of events regarding the ICG may be read at this link (or not, it's up to individual choice)

http://asiancorrespo...l-thaksin-plot/

...

Thanks for providing another example of "independent" reports that relate back to Thaksin.

Is "USA for Innovation" a fake lobbying group set up only to attack the current [May 2007] Thai government?

...

According to SourceWatch, USA for Innovation's Executive Director Ken Adelman is also a senior counselor to Edelman. Edelman is the PR firm hired by former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

edit: I didn't find anything about the ICG in that link. Was it the wrong link, or did I miss it?

Edited April 13, 2011 by whybother

[rubl]

...

and as for the PIC links to Thaksin? I'm still waiting for someone to show/prove direct links as opposed to the supposition of Bucholz.

...

From the PIC website "People’s Information Center (The April-May 2010 Crackdown): PIC"

http://www.peaceandjusticenetwork.org/

Just dealing with the April - May 2010 crackdown. Links to VoiceTV broadcasts. Interesting management team on VoiceTV

"รายชื่อผู้บริหาร

1. คุณทรงศักดิ์ เปรมสุข กรรมการผู้อำนวยการ บริษัท วอยซ์ ทีวี จำกัด

ประสบการณ์ กรรมการผู้จัดการ บริษัท ไอทีวี จำกัด ( มหาชน )

2. คุณพานทองแท้ ชินวัตร Executive Vice President ผู้ช่วยกรรมการผู้อำนวยการ

ประสบการณ์ กรรมการผู้จัดการ บริษัท ฮาวคัม เอนเตอร์เทนเม้นท์ จำกัด

3. คุณพินทองทา ชินวัตร กรรมการบริษัท วอยซ์ ทีวี จำกัด"

( http://www.voicetv.co.th/about and click on the "management" link at left bottom of page )

In THAI only. Can be safely ignored by foreigners

[phiphidon]

A more balanced version of events regarding the ICG may be read at this link (or not, it's up to individual choice)

http://asiancorrespo...l-thaksin-plot/

...

Thanks for providing another example of "independent" reports that relate back to Thaksin.

Is "USA for Innovation" a fake lobbying group set up only to attack the current [May 2007] Thai government?

...

According to SourceWatch, USA for Innovation's Executive Director Ken Adelman is also a senior counselor to Edelman. Edelman is the PR firm hired by former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

edit: I didn't find anything about the ICG in that link. Was it the wrong link, or did I miss it?

Did you read it, all the way through? Obviously not or you would have seen the link to the ICG and Ken Adelman and what the "fake lobbying group" were really up to in "attacking" the May 2007 Thai government and how the "usual suspects" would turn it into A Thaksin Evil Plot.

As for the PIC which you also quoted as another Thaksin sponsored organisation - do you have any direct links or are you just agreeing with Bucholzs' suppositions?

Edited April 13, 2011 by phiphidon

[ding]

"International Crisis Group", eh?

All you need to know about these guys here - http://207.5.19.33/2bangkok-news-13069.html

Fake lobbying group for Thaksin. Oops!

Well, if you can also monitor every village cheif and every Amphur... leading up to elections.

[whybother]

A more balanced version of events regarding the ICG may be read at this link (or not, it's up to individual choice)

http://asiancorrespo...l-thaksin-plot/

...

Thanks for providing another example of "independent" reports that relate back to Thaksin.

Is "USA for Innovation" a fake lobbying group set up only to attack the current [May 2007] Thai government?

...

According to SourceWatch, USA for Innovation's Executive Director Ken Adelman is also a senior counselor to Edelman. Edelman is the PR firm hired by former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

edit: I didn't find anything about the ICG in that link. Was it the wrong link, or did I miss it?

Did you read it, all the way through? Obviously not or you would have seen the link to the ICG and Ken Adelman and what the "fake lobbying group" were really up to in "attacking" the May 2007 Thai government and how the "usual suspects" would turn it into A Thaksin Evil Plot.

As for the PIC which you also quoted as another Thaksin sponsored organisation - do you have any direct links or are you just agreeing with Bucholzs' suppositions?

Sorry ... you gave a link article that had a link that I should have noticed. I read through it and didn't see anything, (except some comments linking Adelman to Thaksin) then did a search for ICG and International Crisis group and didn't find anything.

I went back and read again and didn't see any links to ICG. The only link I saw to Adelman was around the one I quoted above ... linking him to Thaksin, so I don't think that is the link you are referring to - but maybe you are?

You'll need to be more specific. It's late. What/where IS the link to the ICG and Ken Adelman. What were the "fake lobbying group" really up to in "attacking" the .. government?

[pauljones]

If the election are fair, the yellows won't be able to cry foul when they lose AGAIN.

Isn't time the yellows/army admit defeat and honer the wishes of the majority?

[Buchholz]

"International Crisis Group", eh?

All you need to know about these guys here - http://207.5.19.33/2...news-13069.html

That's two groups in the last week with links to Thaksin that have released "independent" reports.

The other one is here.

and as for the PIC links to Thaksin? I'm still waiting for someone to show/prove direct links as opposed to the supposition of Bucholz.

It doesn't matter how many times you and others try to get this kind of "information" out on the web it doesn't make it a fact, but don't let me get in your way, just carry on posting. The more discerning of us will make up our own minds.

"prove direct links"... this isn't an Attorney-General prosecutorial legal case proving beyond a shadow of a doubt.

What we do have is this PIC group choses to utilizes most of its information from Voice TV and Voice TV is founded by the Thaksin Brat Pack.

If they wish to gain credibility, they can disassociate from such obvious linking to the Shinawatra Empire and remove any doubts regarding their independence.

Until such time, they are undoubtedly tainted by their choice to use as their source of information.

Simple.

[Buchholz]

...

and as for the PIC links to Thaksin? I'm still waiting for someone to show/prove direct links as opposed to the supposition of Bucholz.

...

From the PIC website "People’s Information Center (The April-May 2010 Crackdown): PIC"

Perhaps rather than continuing with the phiphidon's off-topicness, further discussion of PIC can be continued it its thread:

and discussion of the ICG can continue in its thread...

this one.

[jayboy]

"International Crisis Group", eh?

All you need to know about these guys here - http://207.5.19.33/2...news-13069.html

That's two groups in the last week with links to Thaksin that have released "independent" reports.

The other one is here.

and as for the PIC links to Thaksin? I'm still waiting for someone to show/prove direct links as opposed to the supposition of Bucholz.

It doesn't matter how many times you and others try to get this kind of "information" out on the web it doesn't make it a fact, but don't let me get in your way, just carry on posting. The more discerning of us will make up our own minds.

"prove direct links"... this isn't an Attorney-General prosecutorial legal case proving beyond a shadow of a doubt.

What we do have is this PIC group choses to utilizes most of its information from Voice TV and Voice TV is founded by the Thaksin Brat Pack.

If they wish to gain credibility, they can disassociate from such obvious linking to the Shinawatra Empire and remove any doubts regarding their independence.

Until such time, they are undoubtedly tainted by their choice to use as their source of information.

Simple.

Usual tactics.Smear the messenger in an attempt to bury the message.

[whybother]

Usual tactics.Smear the messenger in an attempt to bury the message.

When the messenger appears to get a lot of it's information from a Thaksin related entity, isn't it leaving itself open to smearing?

You would be saying the same thing if an "independent" report came from a group with apparent links to the current government or the army.

[jayboy]

Usual tactics.Smear the messenger in an attempt to bury the message.

When the messenger appears to get a lot of it's information from a Thaksin related entity, isn't it leaving itself open to smearing?

You would be saying the same thing if an "independent" report came from a group with apparent links to the current government or the army.

I would above all look at the content and the integrity/intelligence with which externally received information had been processed and presented.I don't see how independent reports can be developed anyway without seeking background from all sides.My point earlier was simply that some rush in to smear without even bothering to assess the underlying information.We have seen that time and time again.

Of course if the "independent" agencies can be shown to have falsified evidence or distorted facts, always allowing for a reasonable degree of subjectivity, that is another matter and can be the subject of useful discussion.But for some the assessment of awkward facts does not compute, and the smears come in first.It's actually a kind of intellectual laziness.

[rubl]

I would above all look at the content and the integrity/intelligence with which externally received information had been processed and presented.I don't see how independent reports can be developed anyway without seeking background from all sides.My point earlier was simply that some rush in to smear without even bothering to assess the underlying information.We have seen that time and time again.

Of course if the "independent" agencies can be shown to have falsified evidence or distorted facts, always allowing for a reasonable degree of subjectivity, that is another matter and can be the subject of useful discussion.But for some the assessment of awkward facts does not compute, and the smears come in first.It's actually a kind of intellectual laziness.

The beauty of using 'tainted' information from other sites, is you are not responsable for the validity of that information. What we see is frequent attempts to suggest, to indicate as plausable, 'where there is smoke there must be fire', etc., etc. In another topic k. Jatuporn said 'government used Royal Guards to kill people' as if the order came 'kill them'. Propaganda, my dear chap. Read the Robert A. report again, prime example.

Totally off topic I know, but what is the status of Robert's report? Must be two and a half months ago since it was filed with the ICC. The ICC still too busy with real crimes, in Africa?

Edited April 14, 2011 by rubl

[Buchholz]

I would above all look at the content and the integrity/intelligence with which externally received information had been processed and presented.I don't see how independent reports can be developed anyway without seeking background from all sides.My point earlier was simply that some rush in to smear without even bothering to assess the underlying information.We have seen that time and time again.

Of course if the "independent" agencies can be shown to have falsified evidence or distorted facts, always allowing for a reasonable degree of subjectivity, that is another matter and can be the subject of useful discussion.But for some the assessment of awkward facts does not compute, and the smears come in first.It's actually a kind of intellectual laziness.

The beauty of using 'tainted' information from other sites, is you are not responsable for the validity of that information. What we see is frequent attempts to suggest, to indicate as plausable, 'where there is smoke there must be fire', etc., etc. In another topic k. Jatuporn said 'government used Royal Guards to kill people' as if the order came 'kill them'. Propaganda, my dear chap. Read the Robert A. report again, prime example.

It also avoids that rather than "seeking background from all sides", the PIC website utilizes Thaksin's Offspring Voice TV almost exclusively.

His earlier point was simply a rush to smear posters witout even bothering to assess the overwhelming reliance of the PIC to push Voice TV's agenda. And of course we've seen that time and time again from jayboy's own intellectual laziness.

[Buchholz]

but what is the status of Robert's report? Must be two and a half months ago since it was filed with the ICC. The ICC still too busy with real crimes, in Africa?

It's quietly fallen completely off the radar.

The same as Thaksin's appearance in America with the U.S. commission.

Too polite or diplomatic to tell Amsterdam et al that they are full of it, these entities prefer to just let those fanciful notions quietly die on the vine.

.

Edited April 14, 2011 by Buchholz

[rubl]

but what is the status of Robert's report? Must be two and a half months ago since it was filed with the ICC. The ICC still too busy with real crimes, in Africa?

It's quietly fallen completely off the radar.

The same as Thaksin's appearance in America with the U.S. commission.

Too polite or diplomatic to tell Amsterdam et al that they are full of it, these entities prefer to just let those fanciful notions quietly die on the vine.

That is totally unacceptable. I demand a formal answer from the ICC

[phiphidon]

Sorry ... you gave a link article that had a link that I should have noticed. I read through it and didn't see anything, (except some comments linking Adelman to Thaksin) then did a search for ICG and International Crisis group and didn't find anything.

I went back and read again and didn't see any links to ICG. The only link I saw to Adelman was around the one I quoted above ... linking him to Thaksin, so I don't think that is the link you are referring to - but maybe you are?

You'll need to be more specific. It's late. What/where IS the link to the ICG and Ken Adelman. What were the "fake lobbying group" really up to in "attacking" the .. government?

Insight provides this link to provide "all the info you need about these guys", (the International Crisis Group)http://207.5.19.33/2...news-13069.html

This link is a 2Bangkok.com take on an ICG report that specifically mentions that Ken Adelman is one of the Board Members. It then helpfully adds (i.e leads in the directionthey want it to) that Ken Adelman was the front man for the fake lobbying organisation set up by Thaksin to "attack the military government".

They hope that most readers (especially if they are already of this mindset) would accept that as a given and conclude that therefore the ICG report is not be taken as gospelas it has obviously been set up by the devil incarnate, Thaksin.

Just in case, they add a further link to the fake lobbying organisation accusation - this link "unfortunately" leads nowhere. Job done.

Someone who would like to delve further into this and not accept things at face value, would then search further for information on this fake lobbying organisation and its link with Thaksin, which I did.

This search brings up amongst others another link to 2Bangkok.com article

http://www.angkor.co...news07apr.shtml

This link shows that Ken Adelman is/was Executive Director of "USA for Innovation" a lobby group. It then goes on about "interesting articles" that appear on the sites press releases, amongst those "Thailands military is sucking money from Public Health", "Military Regime continues to censor free speech in Thailand", "Troubles from Thailand" - all contentious stuff you may think, of a lobbying group that is "obstensibly concerned with pharmecutical issues"?

That is unless you read the articles and find out they are indeed about "pharmecutical issues" basically the fact that Thailand and its government allegedly violate drug patents to make up it's own cheaper variants. The English language newspapers, one in particular, are all quoted to add substance to the fact that "USA for Innovation" is "attacking the military government".

As I stated before if you want a more balanced viewpoint of this you search further and find the link to the Bangkok Pundits article

http://asiancorrespo...l-thaksin-plot/

which discusses the Ken Adelman=USA for Innovation=Thaksin=Evil Plot formula and concludes;

"Expect the usual suspects to come out blame this as some nefarious Thaksin plot because as we know Thaksin is the "source of all evil". Yawn."

And now we all know that Ken Adelman is on the Board of the ICG so we have another formula, Ken Adelman=ICG=Thaksin=Evil Plot

Now has that made it more clear? It's very easy to come up with "soundbites" and believe what we want to, but it's worth digging a little deeper.

[phiphidon]

...

and as for the PIC links to Thaksin? I'm still waiting for someone to show/prove direct links as opposed to the supposition of Bucholz.

...

From the PIC website "People's Information Center (The April-May 2010 Crackdown): PIC"

Perhaps rather than continuing with the phiphidon's off-topicness, further discussion of PIC can be continued it its thread:

http://www.thaivisa....years-crackdown

and discussion of the ICG can continue in its thread...

this one.

Sorry, If you wish to point out off topic issues you'd be better off addressing the originators of the posts I was replying to.Or then again, read my reply to whybother explaining the supposed "link" between the ICG and the PIC, none other than your bete noir, Thaksin and then apply that further information to your understanding of this thread.

[Insight]

Sorry ... you gave a link article that had a link that I should have noticed. I read through it and didn't see anything, (except some comments linking Adelman to Thaksin) then did a search for ICG and International Crisis group and didn't find anything.

I went back and read again and didn't see any links to ICG. The only link I saw to Adelman was around the one I quoted above ... linking him to Thaksin, so I don't think that is the link you are referring to - but maybe you are?

You'll need to be more specific. It's late. What/where IS the link to the ICG and Ken Adelman. What were the "fake lobbying group" really up to in "attacking" the .. government?

Insight provides this link to provide "all the info you need about these guys", (the International Crisis Group)http://207.5.19.33/2...news-13069.html

This link is a 2Bangkok.com take on an ICG report that specifically mentions that Ken Adelman is one of the Board Members. It then helpfully adds (i.e leads in the directionthey want it to) that Ken Adelman was the front man for the fake lobbying organisation set up by Thaksin to "attack the military government".

They hope that most readers (especially if they are already of this mindset) would accept that as a given and conclude that therefore the ICG report is not be taken as gospelas it has obviously been set up by the devil incarnate, Thaksin.

Just in case, they add a further link to the fake lobbying organisation accusation - this link "unfortunately" leads nowhere. Job done.

Someone who would like to delve further into this and not accept things at face value, would then search further for information on this fake lobbying organisation and its link with Thaksin, which I did.

This search brings up amongst others another link to 2Bangkok.com article

http://www.angkor.co...news07apr.shtml

This link shows that Ken Adelman is/was Executive Director of "USA for Innovation" a lobby group. It then goes on about "interesting articles" that appear on the sites press releases, amongst those "Thailands military is sucking money from Public Health", "Military Regime continues to censor free speech in Thailand", "Troubles from Thailand" - all contentious stuff you may think, of a lobbying group that is "obstensibly concerned with pharmecutical issues"?

That is unless you read the articles and find out they are indeed about "pharmecutical issues" basically the fact that Thailand and its government allegedly violate drug patents to make up it's own cheaper variants. The English language newspapers, one in particular, are all quoted to add substance to the fact that "USA for Innovation" is "attacking the military government".

As I stated before if you want a more balanced viewpoint of this you search further and find the link to the Bangkok Pundits article

http://asiancorrespo...l-thaksin-plot/

which discusses the Ken Adelman=USA for Innovation=Thaksin=Evil Plot formula and concludes;

"Expect the usual suspects to come out blame this as some nefarious Thaksin plot because as we know Thaksin is the "source of all evil". Yawn."

And now we all know that Ken Adelman is on the Board of the ICG so we have another formula, Ken Adelman=ICG=Thaksin=Evil Plot

Now has that made it more clear? It's very easy to come up with "soundbites" and believe what we want to, but it's worth digging a little deeper.

Are you attempting to imply that there's something sinister behind the broken link on the 2Bangkok.com site? The site has just been through a major overhaul and clearly a few of the links have not been updated to their correct locations - I don't think there's any more to it than that.

As for the Asian Correspondent website you refer to, this site has UK-based ex-travel journalist Andrew Spooner as a commentator on Thai political affairs. His extreme opinions give me the occasional laugh, but are completely off-the-mark when it comes to rational debate. For neutrality, give me the opinion of 2Bangkok.com any day...

[phiphidon]

Sorry ... you gave a link article that had a link that I should have noticed. I read through it and didn't see anything, (except some comments linking Adelman to Thaksin) then did a search for ICG and International Crisis group and didn't find anything.

I went back and read again and didn't see any links to ICG. The only link I saw to Adelman was around the one I quoted above ... linking him to Thaksin, so I don't think that is the link you are referring to - but maybe you are?

You'll need to be more specific. It's late. What/where IS the link to the ICG and Ken Adelman. What were the "fake lobbying group" really up to in "attacking" the .. government?

Insight provides this link to provide "all the info you need about these guys", (the International Crisis Group)http://207.5.19.33/2...news-13069.html

This link is a 2Bangkok.com take on an ICG report that specifically mentions that Ken Adelman is one of the Board Members. It then helpfully adds (i.e leads in the directionthey want it to) that Ken Adelman was the front man for the fake lobbying organisation set up by Thaksin to "attack the military government".

They hope that most readers (especially if they are already of this mindset) would accept that as a given and conclude that therefore the ICG report is not be taken as gospelas it has obviously been set up by the devil incarnate, Thaksin.

Just in case, they add a further link to the fake lobbying organisation accusation - this link "unfortunately" leads nowhere. Job done.

Someone who would like to delve further into this and not accept things at face value, would then search further for information on this fake lobbying organisation and its link with Thaksin, which I did.

This search brings up amongst others another link to 2Bangkok.com article

http://www.angkor.co...news07apr.shtml

This link shows that Ken Adelman is/was Executive Director of "USA for Innovation" a lobby group. It then goes on about "interesting articles" that appear on the sites press releases, amongst those "Thailands military is sucking money from Public Health", "Military Regime continues to censor free speech in Thailand", "Troubles from Thailand" - all contentious stuff you may think, of a lobbying group that is "obstensibly concerned with pharmecutical issues"?

That is unless you read the articles and find out they are indeed about "pharmecutical issues" basically the fact that Thailand and its government allegedly violate drug patents to make up it's own cheaper variants. The English language newspapers, one in particular, are all quoted to add substance to the fact that "USA for Innovation" is "attacking the military government".

As I stated before if you want a more balanced viewpoint of this you search further and find the link to the Bangkok Pundits article

http://asiancorrespo...l-thaksin-plot/

which discusses the Ken Adelman=USA for Innovation=Thaksin=Evil Plot formula and concludes;

"Expect the usual suspects to come out blame this as some nefarious Thaksin plot because as we know Thaksin is the "source of all evil". Yawn."

And now we all know that Ken Adelman is on the Board of the ICG so we have another formula, Ken Adelman=ICG=Thaksin=Evil Plot

Now has that made it more clear? It's very easy to come up with "soundbites" and believe what we want to, but it's worth digging a little deeper.

Are you attempting to imply that there's something sinister behind the broken link on the 2Bangkok.com site? The site has just been through a major overhaul and clearly a few of the links have not been updated to their correct locations - I don't think there's any more to it than that.

As for the Asian Correspondent website you refer to, this site has UK-based ex-travel journalist Andrew Spooner as a commentator on Thai political affairs. His extreme opinions give me the occasional laugh, but are completely off-the-mark when it comes to rational debate. For neutrality, give me the opinion of 2Bangkok.com any day...

I'd hardly imply that the lack of a link was sinister and then provide a link to the 2Bangkok.com that provides more of the same. I used it as a possible point that anyone whose mind had already been made up would not investigate further. I then provided another link as I said to the same site for those that would like to investigate it further and then provided a link to a different website with a more open minded article discussing the same things. I call that balanced. You call it unbalanced because Andrew Spooner has articles published on that site. Fair enough, each to their own.

[Insight]

I'd hardly imply that the lack of a link was sinister and then provide a link to the 2Bangkok.com that provides more of the same. I used it as a possible point that anyone whose mind had already been made up would not investigate further. I then provided another link as I said to the same site for those that would like to investigate it further and then provided a link to a different website with a more open minded article discussing the same things. I call that balanced. You call it unbalanced because Andrew Spooner has articles published on that site. Fair enough, each to their own.

Yep, Asian Correspondent seems to focus many of its Thai-based articles attempting to debunk claims made against Thaksin, Phua Thai and the red shirts/UDD.

Fair enough, each to their own.

[jayboy]

And of course we've seen that time and time again from jayboy's own intellectual laziness.

Actually I was making a general point.As usual you ignore the content and smear the messenger.

For those more interested in intelligent analysis see Shawn Crispin's latest piece on the forthcoming from the Asia Times

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/MD13Ae01.html

Edited April 14, 2011 by jayboy