Yingluck: We'll Reconcile

[OzMick]

"The party has a clear policy to reduce living costs by terminating the fuel fund," - won't that increase costs ... of everything?

No, because the fund is basically empty now. It is an acceptance of the fact that a continuation of the fuel fund is a waste of limited funds.

"by next January all grade one students would get tablet PCs" - and ensure the infrastructure is there so that they can use the internet? And have a teaching program so that the children actually use them for learning? Are you aware that India is launching a similar program? 2200rupee tablets (1500 baht) India and Thailand have a similar situation, and yet India is lauded for the program.

"basic salaries for bureaucrats adjusted to Bt15,000" - I thought it was basic salaries for graduates?

15,000 baht is basically a subsistence income in some areas of the country. Are you opposed to people earning a liveable wage?

"maximum personal income tax would be reduced from 30 to 23 per cent." - that will help the poor farmers!

It will encourage people to pay their taxes if the system is fair and will not punish those that earn more from hard work. It does not refer to corporate taxes. Nor does it refer to the elimination of tax loopholes. That too will be included in such a plan. It is a cornerstone of belief of conservatives to lower personal income taxes. So much for PTP being a bunch of commies.

"They might not complete 100 per cent of their policies" - I'm expecting 100% of their "Vision 2020" policies to be incomplete.

So? Would you rather they didn't have a vision or some stated goals like the Democrats? Without goals how can there be a direction? I take it you prefer the rudderless Democrat led government that is drifting in a lazy circle?

Traffic on Ramkhamhaeng Road was jammed from 4.30pm onwards." - It was Friday afternoon. It's always jammed from 4:30pn onwards..

Ok. The report did state; Supporters took the initiative of distributing party leaflets or setting up stalls selling Yingluck and Pheu Thai T-shirts". Are you complaining just for the sake of complaining?

"15,000 baht is basically a subsistence income in some areas of the country."

Where exactly is that? In a Sukhumvit Rd. penthouse? Does subsistence in your book include the running costs of the BMW?

[hyperdimension]

Yinluck will have a professional team around her

What professional team?

[Steely Dan]

"If it took power, Pheu Thai would allow the Independent Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Thailand (ITRCT), chaired by lawyer |Kanit na Nakorn, to continue |its fact-finding task, the |party's prime minister |candidate Yingluck Shinawatra said."

Truth ( ) and reconciliation sound somewhat Orwellian considering the actions of the red shirt mercenaries. A thorough re-writing of history would no doubt follow with those clearly guilty of sedition and violent conspiracy being rewarded with plum jobs whilst those of the other shirt colour would be reconciled to avoiding jail in return for their silence.

[kmj]

"The party has a clear policy to reduce living costs by terminating the fuel fund," - won't that increase costs ... of everything?

No, because the fund is basically empty now. It is an acceptance of the fact that a continuation of the fuel fund is a waste of limited funds.

"by next January all grade one students would get tablet PCs" - and ensure the infrastructure is there so that they can use the internet? And have a teaching program so that the children actually use them for learning? Are you aware that India is launching a similar program? 2200rupee tablets (1500 baht) India and Thailand have a similar situation, and yet India is lauded for the program.

"basic salaries for bureaucrats adjusted to Bt15,000" - I thought it was basic salaries for graduates?

15,000 baht is basically a subsistence income in some areas of the country. Are you opposed to people earning a liveable wage?

"maximum personal income tax would be reduced from 30 to 23 per cent." - that will help the poor farmers!

It will encourage people to pay their taxes if the system is fair and will not punish those that earn more from hard work. It does not refer to corporate taxes. Nor does it refer to the elimination of tax loopholes. That too will be included in such a plan. It is a cornerstone of belief of conservatives to lower personal income taxes. So much for PTP being a bunch of commies.

"They might not complete 100 per cent of their policies" - I'm expecting 100% of their "Vision 2020" policies to be incomplete.

So? Would you rather they didn't have a vision or some stated goals like the Democrats? Without goals how can there be a direction? I take it you prefer the rudderless Democrat led government that is drifting in a lazy circle?

Traffic on Ramkhamhaeng Road was jammed from 4.30pm onwards." - It was Friday afternoon. It's always jammed from 4:30pn onwards..

Ok. The report did state; Supporters took the initiative of distributing party leaflets or setting up stalls selling Yingluck and Pheu Thai T-shirts". Are you complaining just for the sake of complaining?

"15,000 baht is basically a subsistence income in some areas of the country."

Where exactly is that? In a Sukhumvit Rd. penthouse? Does subsistence in your book include the running costs of the BMW?

15,000 baht - US$ 500 - GBP 300 PER MONTH!!! can you point me in the direction of the BMW garage , you sound like you want to keep people in poverty, is that to make you feel better about your income?

[kmj]

"If it took power, Pheu Thai would allow the Independent Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Thailand (ITRCT), chaired by lawyer |Kanit na Nakorn, to continue |its fact-finding task, the |party's prime minister |candidate Yingluck Shinawatra said."

What will she do if the commission's findings, quite accurately, are that her brother instigated a feeling of resentment in Isaan by giving the people false information about the formation of the Abhisit government; inflamed passions with paid propagandists and agitators such as Jatuporn, Arisman, Weng and Nattiwhut; paid people whose ire he had instigated to protest in BKK; and used this protest as camouflage for an armed insurrection; the sole aim being to overthrow the government to restore himself to power and have his lost wealth returned.

will she confirm the terrorism charges already brought against him? In a pig's eye!

Terrorist charges that were seen as politically motivated by the international community, and hence rejected by Interpol.

Interpol considered the case to be politically motivated, said Police Maj-General Therdsak Rujirawong, commander of the Royal Thai Police's International Affairs Division.

Edited July 2, 2011 by kmj

[losworld]

"The party has a clear policy to reduce living costs by terminating the fuel fund," - won't that increase costs ... of everything?

No, because the fund is basically empty now. It is an acceptance of the fact that a continuation of the fuel fund is a waste of limited funds.

"by next January all grade one students would get tablet PCs" - and ensure the infrastructure is there so that they can use the internet? And have a teaching program so that the children actually use them for learning? Are you aware that India is launching a similar program? 2200rupee tablets (1500 baht) India and Thailand have a similar situation, and yet India is lauded for the program.

"basic salaries for bureaucrats adjusted to Bt15,000" - I thought it was basic salaries for graduates?

15,000 baht is basically a subsistence income in some areas of the country. Are you opposed to people earning a liveable wage?

"maximum personal income tax would be reduced from 30 to 23 per cent." - that will help the poor farmers!

It will encourage people to pay their taxes if the system is fair and will not punish those that earn more from hard work. It does not refer to corporate taxes. Nor does it refer to the elimination of tax loopholes. That too will be included in such a plan. It is a cornerstone of belief of conservatives to lower personal income taxes. So much for PTP being a bunch of commies.

"They might not complete 100 per cent of their policies" - I'm expecting 100% of their "Vision 2020" policies to be incomplete.

So? Would you rather they didn't have a vision or some stated goals like the Democrats? Without goals how can there be a direction? I take it you prefer the rudderless Democrat led government that is drifting in a lazy circle?

Traffic on Ramkhamhaeng Road was jammed from 4.30pm onwards." - It was Friday afternoon. It's always jammed from 4:30pn onwards..

Ok. The report did state; Supporters took the initiative of distributing party leaflets or setting up stalls selling Yingluck and Pheu Thai T-shirts". Are you complaining just for the sake of complaining?

A computer will not make a student smarter. In most likelihood it will distract the child from essential learning. I would think that Thai children need help with the basics including focus and a desire to learn. A smart Thai parent would take the computer and sell it if they could. A computer would be more valuable at a later stage of learning. Additionally this is a very expensive proposition that I am sure could be contracted to one of Thaksin's companies:)

By the way you sound like a cheerleader for Thaksin and his policies.

Edited July 2, 2011 by losworld

[Gary A]

Despite the fact that it took the army, yellow shirts and the courts to dispose of three legally elected governments, I had great hopes for the appointed British educated Abhisit. It still took the purchase of Newin and his group to tip the balance. Unfortunately Abhisit simply owed allegiance to too many people to be effective.

My wife was a yellow shirt in an upcountry red shirt awash village. Even she is tired of the present government being too busy trying to blame Thaksin for all the problems rather than to take care of government business. I might add that she is still no lover of Thaksin.

What is the army doing? It has many troops defending a disputed pile of old rocks while Thai citizens are being murdered in the far south of the country.

Maybe the fact that the front runner is a woman has some bearing on my wife's opinion. The fact is that she is sick of the corruption and has disposed of her yellow shirt. She now believes that ANY party or PM is better than what they have now.

[Jingthing]

Maybe the fact that the front runner is a woman has some bearing on my wife's opinion. The fact is that she is sick of the corruption and has disposed of her yellow shirt. She now believes that ANY party or PM is better than what they have now.

Actually, I think that is a big part of the PT support. Thailand seems stuck in this endless divided state. There are only two real choices now and voting democrat means a vote for a continuation of this political retardation. The trouble is, it won't be a solution given who is behind Yingluck. But I do understand the desperate desire to make a change.

[rubl]

You are right, but she is NOT driving a school bus, she is the FACE of a potential leading party and if she / her party win the election, behind her will be a set up of professionals / experienced leading the country.

... end removed

Here I can agree again with another poster. Ms. Yingluck is the face and may I add 'nicely smiling' face of the Pheu Thai party. With PTP's slogan 'Thaksin thinks, Pheu Thai acts' and the professionals / experienced leading, the circus is complete. Let the show begin

Edited July 2, 2011 by rubl

[rixalex]

Despite the fact that it took the army, yellow shirts and the courts to dispose of three legally elected governments,

Which three were they?

[rubl]

Despite the fact that it took the army, yellow shirts and the courts to dispose of three legally elected governments, I had great hopes for the appointed British educated Abhisit. It still took the purchase of Newin and his group to tip the balance. Unfortunately Abhisit simply owed allegiance to too many people to be effective.

My wife was a yellow shirt in an upcountry red shirt awash village. Even she is tired of the present government being too busy trying to blame Thaksin for all the problems rather than to take care of government business. I might add that she is still no lover of Thaksin.

What is the army doing? It has many troops defending a disputed pile of old rocks while Thai citizens are being murdered in the far south of the country.

Maybe the fact that the front runner is a woman has some bearing on my wife's opinion. The fact is that she is sick of the corruption and has disposed of her yellow shirt. She now believes that ANY party or PM is better than what they have now.

No offence, but I think your post is a mix of your and your wife's opinion, rather than your wife only. Especially the 'Thai citizens murdered in the far South' is a non-issue for most Thais, who already didn't care when k. Thaksin explained one 'incident' with 'they were weak of fasting'.

Don't be afraid, you can post your own opinion, just like I'm doing now

[whybother]

Despite the fact that it took the army, yellow shirts and the courts to dispose of three legally elected governments,

<snip>

Let's see ...

Thaksin disposed of his own elected government when he dissolved parliament for elections in 2006.

The army "overthrew" a care-taker government that didn't stage new elections in the prescribed time. There was no disposal of an elected government.

Following the 2007 election, Samak was elected PM by the parliament. Samak was forced to stand down as PM because he had a second job and lied to the courts. There was no disposal of an elected government.

After Samak was forced to step down, Somchai was elected PM by the parliament, even though Samak was still eligible. Somchai, and other PPP executives, were banned for electoral fraud. There was no disposal of a government.

The yellow shirts protested against a government that was trying to change laws to whitewash Thaksin's crimes. There was no disposal on an elected government.

After the PPP executives were banned, a big chunk of the PPP party decided that they didn't want to support Thaksin, and started their own party. Abhisit was elected PM by the parliament after this group backed him. A parliamentary election disposed of an elected government.

[Britannia]

"The party has a clear policy to reduce living costs by terminating the fuel fund," - won't that increase costs ... of everything?

No, because the fund is basically empty now. It is an acceptance of the fact that a continuation of the fuel fund is a waste of limited funds.

"by next January all grade one students would get tablet PCs" - and ensure the infrastructure is there so that they can use the internet? And have a teaching program so that the children actually use them for learning? Are you aware that India is launching a similar program? 2200rupee tablets (1500 baht) India and Thailand have a similar situation, and yet India is lauded for the program.

"basic salaries for bureaucrats adjusted to Bt15,000" - I thought it was basic salaries for graduates?

15,000 baht is basically a subsistence income in some areas of the country. Are you opposed to people earning a liveable wage?

"maximum personal income tax would be reduced from 30 to 23 per cent." - that will help the poor farmers!

It will encourage people to pay their taxes if the system is fair and will not punish those that earn more from hard work. It does not refer to corporate taxes. Nor does it refer to the elimination of tax loopholes. That too will be included in such a plan. It is a cornerstone of belief of conservatives to lower personal income taxes. So much for PTP being a bunch of commies.

"They might not complete 100 per cent of their policies" - I'm expecting 100% of their "Vision 2020" policies to be incomplete.

So? Would you rather they didn't have a vision or some stated goals like the Democrats? Without goals how can there be a direction? I take it you prefer the rudderless Democrat led government that is drifting in a lazy circle?

Traffic on Ramkhamhaeng Road was jammed from 4.30pm onwards." - It was Friday afternoon. It's always jammed from 4:30pn onwards..

Ok. The report did state; Supporters took the initiative of distributing party leaflets or setting up stalls selling Yingluck and Pheu Thai T-shirts". Are you complaining just for the sake of complaining?

"15,000 baht is basically a subsistence income in some areas of the country."

Where exactly is that? In a Sukhumvit Rd. penthouse? Does subsistence in your book include the running costs of the BMW?

15,000 baht - US$ 500 - GBP 300 PER MONTH!!! can you point me in the direction of the BMW garage , you sound like you want to keep people in poverty, is that to make you feel better about your income?

Don’t you know, the poor of Thailand are uneducated, Idiots and easily lead. And Taksin is a Terrorist, Hitler, Sadham, a Bin Laden.

All those that use these names as evil, also want to condemn the poor of Thailand to a similar fate that the aforementioned names bestowed upon humanity.

It’s the rich that condemns their own its evil that points the finger at others

[Ricardo]

Despite the fact that it took the army, yellow shirts and the courts to dispose of three legally elected governments,

You fail to give Thaksin the credit, for stabbing PM-Samak in-the-back, when PPP should have simply reappointed him, after that rather-silly court-case. And it does show how he rewards loyalty, no wonder Newin was feeling nervous a few months later, about his former-boss.

But he'd never do that to his sister ... would he ?

[OzMick]

"The party has a clear policy to reduce living costs by terminating the fuel fund," - won't that increase costs ... of everything?

No, because the fund is basically empty now. It is an acceptance of the fact that a continuation of the fuel fund is a waste of limited funds.

"by next January all grade one students would get tablet PCs" - and ensure the infrastructure is there so that they can use the internet? And have a teaching program so that the children actually use them for learning? Are you aware that India is launching a similar program? 2200rupee tablets (1500 baht) India and Thailand have a similar situation, and yet India is lauded for the program.

"basic salaries for bureaucrats adjusted to Bt15,000" - I thought it was basic salaries for graduates?

15,000 baht is basically a subsistence income in some areas of the country. Are you opposed to people earning a liveable wage?

"maximum personal income tax would be reduced from 30 to 23 per cent." - that will help the poor farmers!

It will encourage people to pay their taxes if the system is fair and will not punish those that earn more from hard work. It does not refer to corporate taxes. Nor does it refer to the elimination of tax loopholes. That too will be included in such a plan. It is a cornerstone of belief of conservatives to lower personal income taxes. So much for PTP being a bunch of commies.

"They might not complete 100 per cent of their policies" - I'm expecting 100% of their "Vision 2020" policies to be incomplete.

So? Would you rather they didn't have a vision or some stated goals like the Democrats? Without goals how can there be a direction? I take it you prefer the rudderless Democrat led government that is drifting in a lazy circle?

Traffic on Ramkhamhaeng Road was jammed from 4.30pm onwards." - It was Friday afternoon. It's always jammed from 4:30pn onwards..

Ok. The report did state; Supporters took the initiative of distributing party leaflets or setting up stalls selling Yingluck and Pheu Thai T-shirts". Are you complaining just for the sake of complaining?

"15,000 baht is basically a subsistence income in some areas of the country."

Where exactly is that? In a Sukhumvit Rd. penthouse? Does subsistence in your book include the running costs of the BMW?

15,000 baht - US$ 500 - GBP 300 PER MONTH!!! can you point me in the direction of the BMW garage , you sound like you want to keep people in poverty, is that to make you feel better about your income?

What does the conversion rate matter, the subject was the cost of living in Thailand. Samui is one of the most expensive places to live in Thailand, wages run around B5-6,000/month, and people are not "subsistence living". So where is B15,000 a subsistence income?

Edited July 2, 2011 by OzMick

[hellodolly]

"The party has a clear policy to reduce living costs by terminating the fuel fund," - won't that increase costs ... of everything?

No, because the fund is basically empty now. It is an acceptance of the fact that a continuation of the fuel fund is a waste of limited funds.

"by next January all grade one students would get tablet PCs" - and ensure the infrastructure is there so that they can use the internet? And have a teaching program so that the children actually use them for learning? Are you aware that India is launching a similar program? 2200rupee tablets (1500 baht) India and Thailand have a similar situation, and yet India is lauded for the program.

"basic salaries for bureaucrats adjusted to Bt15,000" - I thought it was basic salaries for graduates?

15,000 baht is basically a subsistence income in some areas of the country. Are you opposed to people earning a liveable wage?

"maximum personal income tax would be reduced from 30 to 23 per cent." - that will help the poor farmers!

It will encourage people to pay their taxes if the system is fair and will not punish those that earn more from hard work. It does not refer to corporate taxes. Nor does it refer to the elimination of tax loopholes. That too will be included in such a plan. It is a cornerstone of belief of conservatives to lower personal income taxes. So much for PTP being a bunch of commies.

"They might not complete 100 per cent of their policies" - I'm expecting 100% of their "Vision 2020" policies to be incomplete.

So? Would you rather they didn't have a vision or some stated goals like the Democrats? Without goals how can there be a direction? I take it you prefer the rudderless Democrat led government that is drifting in a lazy circle?

Traffic on Ramkhamhaeng Road was jammed from 4.30pm onwards." - It was Friday afternoon. It's always jammed from 4:30pn onwards..

Ok. The report did state; Supporters took the initiative of distributing party leaflets or setting up stalls selling Yingluck and Pheu Thai T-shirts". Are you complaining just for the sake of complaining?

A computer will not make a student smarter. In most likelihood it will distract the child from essential learning. I would think that Thai children need help with the basics including focus and a desire to learn. A smart Thai parent would take the computer and sell it if they could. A computer would be more valuable at a later stage of learning. Additionally this is a very expensive proposition that I am sure could be contracted to one of Thaksin's companies:)

By the way you sound like a cheerleader for Thaksin and his policies.

With a computer they won't have to learn how to add 2 plus 2. Why learn any thing just Google it. And bonus learn to play games.

Yes he is a Thaksin cheer leader just doesn't want to admit it.

[geriatrickid]

[

A computer will not make a student smarter. In most likelihood it will distract the child from essential learning. I would think that Thai children need help with the basics including focus and a desire to learn. A smart Thai parent would take the computer and sell it if they could. A computer would be more valuable at a later stage of learning. Additionally this is a very expensive proposition that I am sure could be contracted to one of Thaksin's companies:)

By the way you sound like a cheerleader for Thaksin and his policies.

No one claimed a computer would make a student smarter. Rather, it is about providing the tools that reflect changes in society that allow children to achieve more. I suggest you take the time and read up the published peer reviewed studies. The pedogogy has adapted in the past decade and you seem to confuse computer games and surfing the web for naked kathoeys with the intent of the tablet program.. The tablets are basically little multipurpose textbooks and exercise books. It is an efficient way of packing in a large amount of information into one item. The tablets have been shown to facilitate the teaching of mathematics and science as well as basics such as the alphabet.

Years ago there were some that scoffed at the idea of hand calculators; that it would make students lazy. Everyone had to learn to use a slide ruler. Well guess what? They were wrong. No one uses a slide ruler anymore. The tablet proposal is a concept that is shared by many nations. China and India are moving ahead with their plans. Take the time to read up on what the intent of the program is before dismissing it.

Edited July 2, 2011 by geriatrickid

[Bkkorupcountry]

...And this election is certainly not the same song on a different record... just watch the overseas investments dry up... and this money is what has been keeping Thailands head above the water for the last few years.. corruption is killing this beautiful land. Thaksin = corruption on a Grand Scale.. Today, say goodbye to the Thailand you knew...........!

I thought the same, when I read about 9 month ago, that PepsiCo investing about 100 USD into a new facility in Vietnam to produce RTD's for the region. Vietnam over Thailand? Wow...

9 months ago...... Weren't the Dems in power then? Or is it that the LADY BOSS of Pepsi has a crystal ball showing PT forming the new Govt? Either way, you've shot yourself in the foot.

[lannarebirth]

[

A computer will not make a student smarter. In most likelihood it will distract the child from essential learning. I would think that Thai children need help with the basics including focus and a desire to learn. A smart Thai parent would take the computer and sell it if they could. A computer would be more valuable at a later stage of learning. Additionally this is a very expensive proposition that I am sure could be contracted to one of Thaksin's companies:)

By the way you sound like a cheerleader for Thaksin and his policies.

No one claimed a computer would make a student smarter. Rather, it is about providing the tools that reflect changes in society that allow children to achieve more. I suggest you take the time and read up the published peer reviewed studies. The pedogogy has adapted in the past decade and you seem to confuse computer games and surfing the web for naked kathoeys with the intent of the tablet program.. The tablets are basically little multipurpose textbooks and exercise books. It is an efficient way of packing in a large amount of information into one item. The tablets have been shown to facilitate the teaching of mathematics and science as well as basics such as the alphabet.

Years ago there were some that scoffed at the idea of hand calculators; that it would make students lazy. Everyone had to learn to use a slide ruler. Well guess what? They were wrong. No one uses a slide ruler anymore. The tablet proposal is a concept that is shared by many nations. China and India are moving ahead with their plans.

Take the time to read up on what the intent of the program is before dismissing it.

The intent of the program is to garner votes, is it not?

[Bkkorupcountry]

"The party has a clear policy to reduce living costs by terminating the fuel fund," - won't that increase costs ... of everything?

No, because the fund is basically empty now. It is an acceptance of the fact that a continuation of the fuel fund is a waste of limited funds.

"by next January all grade one students would get tablet PCs" - and ensure the infrastructure is there so that they can use the internet? And have a teaching program so that the children actually use them for learning? Are you aware that India is launching a similar program? 2200rupee tablets (1500 baht) India and Thailand have a similar situation, and yet India is lauded for the program.

"basic salaries for bureaucrats adjusted to Bt15,000" - I thought it was basic salaries for graduates?

15,000 baht is basically a subsistence income in some areas of the country. Are you opposed to people earning a liveable wage?

"maximum personal income tax would be reduced from 30 to 23 per cent." - that will help the poor farmers!

It will encourage people to pay their taxes if the system is fair and will not punish those that earn more from hard work. It does not refer to corporate taxes. Nor does it refer to the elimination of tax loopholes. That too will be included in such a plan. It is a cornerstone of belief of conservatives to lower personal income taxes. So much for PTP being a bunch of commies.

"They might not complete 100 per cent of their policies" - I'm expecting 100% of their "Vision 2020" policies to be incomplete.

So? Would you rather they didn't have a vision or some stated goals like the Democrats? Without goals how can there be a direction? I take it you prefer the rudderless Democrat led government that is drifting in a lazy circle?

Traffic on Ramkhamhaeng Road was jammed from 4.30pm onwards." - It was Friday afternoon. It's always jammed from 4:30pn onwards..

Ok. The report did state; Supporters took the initiative of distributing party leaflets or setting up stalls selling Yingluck and Pheu Thai T-shirts". Are you complaining just for the sake of complaining?

"15,000 baht is basically a subsistence income in some areas of the country."

Where exactly is that? In a Sukhumvit Rd. penthouse? Does subsistence in your book include the running costs of the BMW?

15,000 baht - US$ 500 - GBP 300 PER MONTH!!! can you point me in the direction of the BMW garage , you sound like you want to keep people in poverty, is that to make you feel better about your income?

What does the conversion rate matter, the subject was the cost of living in Thailand. Samui is one of the most expensive places to live in Thailand, wages run around B5-6,000/month, and people are not "subsistence living". So where is B15,000 a subsistence income?

Conversion rate does not matter???? Hahahahahaha. Unbelievable comment.

Try living in Bkk on B15,000 a month.

[noahvail]

...And this election is certainly not the same song on a different record... just watch the overseas investments dry up... and this money is what has been keeping Thailands head above the water for the last few years.. corruption is killing this beautiful land. Thaksin = corruption on a Grand Scale.. Today, say goodbye to the Thailand you knew...........!

I thought the same, when I read about 9 month ago, that PepsiCo investing about 100 USD into a new facility in Vietnam to produce RTD's for the region. Vietnam over Thailand? Wow...

9 months ago...... Weren't the Dems in power then? Or is it that the LADY BOSS of Pepsi has a crystal ball showing PT forming the new Govt? Either way, you've shot yourself in the foot.

Yep, it's true, the Dems were in power then. That was, what, about 3 months after the UDD folks left BKK burning in their wake? Not to mention tossing grenades at various banks and businesses that were not supporters of UDD? So, maybe, just maybe, that had some slight influence in her perception in the stability of the Thai government - and that Thailand might just not be the right place to drop a boodle of $$ ?

[OzMick]

"15,000 baht is basically a subsistence income in some areas of the country."

Where exactly is that? In a Sukhumvit Rd. penthouse? Does subsistence in your book include the running costs of the BMW?

15,000 baht - US$ 500 - GBP 300 PER MONTH!!! can you point me in the direction of the BMW garage , you sound like you want to keep people in poverty, is that to make you feel better about your income?

What does the conversion rate matter, the subject was the cost of living in Thailand. Samui is one of the most expensive places to live in Thailand, wages run around B5-6,000/month, and people are not "subsistence living". So where is B15,000 a subsistence income?

Conversion rate does not matter???? Hahahahahaha. Unbelievable comment.

Try living in Bkk on B15,000 a month.

Did you read the original comment? We are/were discussing Thai wages, and to Thais your problems with the exchange rate don't affect their lifestyle in the least. There are many millions of thais living in BKK on less than B15,000/month, and quite a few expats, and it isn't that difficult if you stay out of the girlie bars.

[letitbe]

It is time to stop all the bickering and just let the chips fall where they will. PTP or Dems, it's just the same song on a different record. My only reservation about Yingluck is this. To use an analogy: You wouldn't give a man the job of driving a school bus if he had never driven before. Yet here we stand on the cusp of an election and the prospect of a women, who has never been in parliament, with no political experience about to take the reins of the country. If fear she will be torn to shreds in the lions dens and a crash maybe imminent. It's all well and good on the election trail with prepared notes and choreograph routines, i feel she will be in for a harsh and brutal shock and she may rue the day she was chosen for this.

But on a more positive note its great for women to actually have a high profile public figure to aspire to.

Everyone has a high public figure to aspire to...... Our Lord Jesus Christ.

And this election is certainly not the same song on a different record... just watch the overseas investments dry up... and this money is what has been keeping Thailands head above the water for the last few years.. corruption is killing this beautiful land. Thaksin = corruption on a Grand Scale.. Today, say goodbye to the Thailand you knew...........!

your probably right if Taksin is allowed to come back. But if thats all then after a few years the thai people will get totally rid of him and his lot and can then start on a proper road. Real problem is theirs a lot worse that could happen and IMO not much better whichever side wins. In some ways I wish Taksin wins and that poor dupes who worship him finally see him for what he is and his sister as purely his clone poppet or whatever. Unless something quite unexpected happens then ill just continue taking what I can out and unless it gets very violent sit it out with my wife and 2 children but anyone thinking future is anything but bleak under taksin or that his sister has any mind of her own will be very disappointed. If I could be bothered id keep a number of current pro Taksin and PTP posts just in case any of those people dare show themselves under same alias when it all ends in tears under the new leader or will it be good brother

[geriatrickid]

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Has a nice ring to it don't you think?

[rubl]

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Has a nice ring to it don't you think?

Please excuse me, surely you meant 'has a nice smile to it'

[Bkkorupcountry]

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Has a nice ring to it don't you think?

Please excuse me, surely you meant 'has a nice smile to it'

Both actually - nice ring and nice smile. I wouldn't mind being a Thai just to say that she's my PM. By far, the best looking female premier in the world.

[hellodolly]

It is time to stop all the bickering and just let the chips fall where they will. PTP or Dems, it's just the same song on a different record. My only reservation about Yingluck is this. To use an analogy: You wouldn't give a man the job of driving a school bus if he had never driven before. Yet here we stand on the cusp of an election and the prospect of a women, who has never been in parliament, with no political experience about to take the reins of the country. If fear she will be torn to shreds in the lions dens and a crash maybe imminent. It's all well and good on the election trail with prepared notes and choreograph routines, i feel she will be in for a harsh and brutal shock and she may rue the day she was chosen for this.

But on a more positive note its great for women to actually have a high profile public figure to aspire to.

Everyone has a high public figure to aspire to...... Our Lord Jesus Christ.

And this election is certainly not the same song on a different record... just watch the overseas investments dry up... and this money is what has been keeping Thailands head above the water for the last few years.. corruption is killing this beautiful land. Thaksin = corruption on a Grand Scale.. Today, say goodbye to the Thailand you knew...........!

your probably right if Taksin is allowed to come back. But if thats all then after a few years the thai people will get totally rid of him and his lot and can then start on a proper road. Real problem is theirs a lot worse that could happen and IMO not much better whichever side wins. In some ways I wish Taksin wins and that poor dupes who worship him finally see him for what he is and his sister as purely his clone poppet or whatever. Unless something quite unexpected happens then ill just continue taking what I can out and unless it gets very violent sit it out with my wife and 2 children but anyone thinking future is anything but bleak under taksin or that his sister has any mind of her own will be very disappointed. If I could be bothered id keep a number of current pro Taksin and PTP posts just in case any of those people dare show themselves under same alias when it all ends in tears under the new leader or will it be good brother

You have a good point there. If Thaksin wins I wonder how long before his sheep start disappearing and we get a crop of new posters. On the one hand it looks good for the exchange rate for us expats.

[Bkkorupcountry]

15,000 baht - US$ 500 - GBP 300 PER MONTH!!! can you point me in the direction of the BMW garage , you sound like you want to keep people in poverty, is that to make you feel better about your income?

What does the conversion rate matter, the subject was the cost of living in Thailand. Samui is one of the most expensive places to live in Thailand, wages run around B5-6,000/month, and people are not "subsistence living". So where is B15,000 a subsistence income?

Conversion rate does not matter???? Hahahahahaha. Unbelievable comment.

Try living in Bkk on B15,000 a month.

Did you read the original comment? We are/were discussing Thai wages, and to Thais your problems with the exchange rate don't affect their lifestyle in the least. There are many millions of thais living in BKK on less than B15,000/month, and quite a few expats, and it isn't that difficult if you stay out of the girlie bars.

Putting aside the conversion issue, let's look at how far B15,000 per month will get you.

Rental - studio apartment in the vicinity of Ratchada - B8,000 pm (I pay B40,000 pm and I DON'T live in a Sukhumvit penthouse apartment)

Utilities (water, electricity) - B1,000 pm (a/c only on those extremely hot and humid nights)

Transportation - MRT / BTS / motorbike taxis - B2,000 pm (B100 per day x 20 days - weekdays only)

Food - B3,000 pm (B100 per day)

This is already T14,000 pm without including clothes, cigarettes, alcohol, the occasional movie ticket, internet access, LBC etc etc. Anyone who lives in Bkk will tell you that the above is actually not even possible.

There are millions of Thais who earn less than B15,000 pm but they are pretty much all staying at home with their parents. For thos expats who earn less than B15,000 per month, I really wonder what they are doing here.

[whybother]

Putting aside the conversion issue, let's look at how far B15,000 per month will get you.

Rental - studio apartment in the vicinity of Ratchada - B8,000 pm (I pay B40,000 pm and I DON'T live in a Sukhumvit penthouse apartment)

Utilities (water, electricity) - B1,000 pm (a/c only on those extremely hot and humid nights)

Transportation - MRT / BTS / motorbike taxis - B2,000 pm (B100 per day x 20 days - weekdays only)

Food - B3,000 pm (B100 per day)

This is already T14,000 pm without including clothes, cigarettes, alcohol, the occasional movie ticket, internet access, LBC etc etc. Anyone who lives in Bkk will tell you that the above is actually not even possible.

There are millions of Thais who earn less than B15,000 pm but they are pretty much all staying at home with their parents. For thos expats who earn less than B15,000 per month, I really wonder what they are doing here.

Try 3,000 baht for a studio apartment in the vicinity of Ratchada. And that is in a reasonable (but small) studio, only 3 stops from Suk.

Walking distance from MRT.

[rubl]

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Has a nice ring to it don't you think?

Please excuse me, surely you meant 'has a nice smile to it'

Both actually - nice ring and nice smile. I wouldn't mind being a Thai just to say that she's my PM. By far, the best looking female premier in the world.

Now let me count and envision.

- Australia, PM Julia Gillard

- Germany, PM Angela Merkel

- Iceland, PM Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir

- St.Maarten, PM Sarah Wescot-Williams

- ... ...

Assuming Ms. Yingluck gets in, it seems indeed the best looking female PM. Now having granted you this, can we move on to more relevant qualifications people tend to look for in PM material ?