Election Results Good Or Bad For Good Ol' Cnx

[Okertes]

what do you think ?

[WinnieTheKhwai]

It's great, of course. Chiang Mai is a major center for the PTP party, and the hometown of the Shinawatra clan. Yingluck went to CM University.

It couldn't really get any better for Chiang Mai.

That said, and in all fairness, the Democrat government hasn't been quite as bad as I feared it would be for Chiang Mai. They did try to gain traction outside their traditional support base, but the election result tells the story of how successful they were with that. It shows that Thai politics is still very much based on regional bases, just like always.

Doesn't change that it's potentially very good for Chiang Mai, of course.

Edited July 3, 2011 by WinnieTheKhwai

[CMX]

If things settle down nicely, I suppose that we'll be looking for a new terminology for ring roads, the Outer (or Fourth or Third) being new. I cannot even imagine what they'll do with the worst intersection in the city (and you know where it is ).

It's hard to imagine, but construction projects may multiply, population as well. After all, Bangkok is sinking. On the other hand, the price of diesel fuel may well go up, following others announced yesterday.

{Incidentally, it's worth mentioning that the prognostication of these election results, based on a thorough and objective pre-election poll of his wife by WtK, was more accurate than most.}

Edited July 3, 2011 by CMX

[Maejo Man]

All I can say is, sadly we will never really know who should have won the election with vote buying on plague proportions here in the north and elsewhere. A very sad indictment for Thailand, but did we expect anything different?

[kalbo123]

I would say good, since there was not any major government development in Chiang mai the last couple of years..

Lets see where they come up with... good public transport? Casino's? New International airport?

Can't be any worse then the last government... they have done nothing for this region.

[hellodolly]

I seriously doubt we will see any change here in Chiang Mai. That is other than what the rest of Thailand will see. Thaksin does not have to cater to Chiang Mai he already has it.

I see my Canadian dollar is down this morning. All the markets are up a little bit. Time will tell. Even though I feel it was not the best result for Thailand I hope the parties that did not get to form the government will work with the government for the betterment of Thailand.

[Wingman615]

In my humble opinion, I believe that this is not only a great day for Chaing Mai but also Thailand. With 30.9 million eligible voters out of a possible 46.9 million casting their ballots yesterday, its an indication that democracy is alive and well in Thailand.

Now, I fully understand that vote buying is rampant and will continue to be a scourge in Thai politics until corruption is reined in, but I much rather see someone pocket 200 baht for a vote then to be killed at polling stations, as we have seen before in Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

Exactly what the inexperienced Yingluck will do with this new found power will be any ones guess. I hope that corruption will be at the forefront of her policy making as well as tackling the inflation that we have seen here increase exponentially over the past four years. The former PM Abhisit had a great opportunity to rectify long outstanding issues affecting Thailand, but unfortunately he squandered that opportunity. If Abhisit could have tackled some of the issues mentioned, he would have certainly won the election.

Edited July 4, 2011 by metisdead
Font reset, please use default forum font when posting.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

I would say good, since there was not any major government development in Chiang mai the last couple of years..

Lets see where they come up with... good public transport? Casino's? New International airport?

Can't be any worse then the last government... they have done nothing for this region.

Man, a Casino would be incredibly awesome for business in Chiang Mai.. . I don't see it happening of course, it would result in a shit-storm of protest by right wing / moralizing Buddhist elements.

Clearly the airport is just fine, and public transport can be improved with minor tweaks, not big infrastructure. The problem is getting enough people in to even utilize the airport to the maximum.. Take a look inside the International terminal for starters.

As for spending money, specifically on tourism and industry/business services, it's not that hard to come up with places where a big improvement can be made.

Anyone visit the Chiang Mai National Museum recently? It's been there forever, not much gets spent on it and it shows. With just a fraction of the cost of mega-projects like the Night Safari, CM museums could be so much better. And, they would be a GENUINE highlight of local culture and history, not something artificial.

Edited July 4, 2011 by WinnieTheKhwai

[afarang]

All I can say is, sadly we will never really know who should have won the election with vote buying on plague proportions here in the north and elsewhere. A very sad indictment for Thailand, but did we expect anything different?

"Vote buying in plague proportions"?, Actually , quite the reverse. Only one party was involved here And they lost, big time. Not Numbers 1 or 10.It was , without doubt ,the lowest level of vote buying in living history.I have been following elections here for 21 years.

[uptheos]

In my humble opinion, I believe that this is not only a great day for Chaing Mai but also Thailand. With 30.9 million eligible voters out of a possible 46.9 million casting their ballots yesterday, it's an indication that democracy is alive and well in Thailand.

...........at least until the next coup.

Casting ballots does not necessarily = democracy.

When the military is answerable to the government, not the other way around and a certain law that I will not name is rescinded........then we can start talking about democracy being alive and well in Thailand.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

In my humble opinion, I believe that this is not only a great day for Chaing Mai but also Thailand. With 30.9 million eligible voters out of a possible 46.9 million casting their ballots yesterday, it's an indication that democracy is alive and well in Thailand.

...........at least until the next coup.

Casting ballots does not necessarily = democracy.

Yes.

And sometimes it doesn't even require a coup. Making a threat of a coup behind the scenes is just as effective to control the government, especially with the recent (2006) demonstration of power.

Still, the scope of this topic 'will it be good for place X' is within the scope of the stuff that does actually get decided by government/parliament. The government is quite capable to throw a couple scraps our way without getting in trouble with the higher-ups.

In Thailand: Government == Middle management.

Edited July 4, 2011 by WinnieTheKhwai

[Loaded]

...Man, a Casino would be incredibly awesome for business in Chiang Mai.. . I don't see it happening of course, it would result in a shit-storm of protest by right wing / moralizing Buddhist elements...

It would also be competition for the army generals' casinos just across the Burmese and Cambodian borders.

Edited July 4, 2011 by Loaded

[uptheos]

Yes.

And sometimes it doesn't even require a coup. Making a threat of a coup behind the scenes is just as effective to control the government, especially with the recent (2006) demonstration of power.

Absolutely!

[Wingman615]

Uptheos

"Casting ballots does not necessarily = democracy"

Point well taken

[daoyai]

I would say good, since there was not any major government development in Chiang mai the last couple of years..

Lets see where they come up with... good public transport? Casino's? New International airport?

Can't be any worse then the last government... they have done nothing for this region.

Man, a Casino would be incredibly awesome for business in Chiang Mai.. . I don't see it happening of course, it would result in a shit-storm of protest by right wing / moralizing Buddhist elements.

Clearly the airport is just fine, and public transport can be improved with minor tweaks, not big infrastructure. The problem is getting enough people in to even utilize the airport to the maximum.. Take a look inside the International terminal for starters.

As for spending money, specifically on tourism and industry/business services, it's not that hard to come up with places where a big improvement can be made.

Anyone visit the Chiang Mai National Museum recently? It's been there forever, not much gets spent on it and it shows. With just a fraction of the cost of mega-projects like the Night Safari, CM museums could be so much better. And, they would be a GENUINE highlight of local culture and history, not something artificial.

A bit off-topic....but yea, the National museum could (should) be a real highlight, I am always amazed that in such an anciet land, inhabited for thousands of years, there are so few artifacts to be seen (other than religious relics). So few archiological sites.

[uptheos]

Clearly the airport is just fine, and public transport can be improved with minor tweaks, not big infrastructure. The problem is getting enough people in to even utilize the airport to the maximum.. Take a look inside the International terminal for starters.

Usually enough empty space to turn it into a skating rink!

[jackr]

All I can say is, sadly we will never really know who should have won the election with vote buying on plague proportions here in the north and elsewhere. A very sad indictment for Thailand, but did we expect anything different?

"Vote buying in plague proportions"?, Actually , quite the reverse. Only one party was involved here And they lost, big time. Not Numbers 1 or 10.It was , without doubt ,the lowest level of vote buying in living history.I have been following elections here for 21 years.

How closely were you watching? Plenty of 100s under the table in the Mae Jo area for the '1'.

As for good or bad for CM, we will see. Would have been bad if Mark had won - as the kids would be on the streets again - but as soon as matey boy ruffles feathers or comes home for some khao soi, look out.

[amexpat]

Man, a Casino would be incredibly awesome for business in Chiang Mai.. . I don't see it happening of course, it would result in a shit-storm of protest by right wing / moralizing Buddhist elements.

Anyone visit the Chiang Mai National Museum recently? It's been there forever, not much gets spent on it and it shows. With just a fraction of the cost of mega-projects like the Night Safari, CM museums could be so much better. And, they would be a GENUINE highlight of local culture and history, not something artificial.

A natural, Lanna style casino?

[meadish_sweetball]

Anyone visit the Chiang Mai National Museum recently? It's been there forever, not much gets spent on it and it shows. With just a fraction of the cost of mega-projects like the Night Safari, CM museums could be so much better. And, they would be a GENUINE highlight of local culture and history, not something artificial.

  I agree. But it is difficult to cram 100 street stalls into a museum space, and nobody has come up with an alternative plan at turning a museum into a money-making machine, so my guess is that things will not change much, at least not until a rich benefactor decides it is time. So far I have not seen any world class museums in Thailand, it seems locals expect them to be boring and stuffy and it has turned into a self-fulfilling prophecy. Would love to one day be proven wrong.

[Maejo Man]

All I can say is, sadly we will never really know who should have won the election with vote buying on plague proportions here in the north and elsewhere. A very sad indictment for Thailand, but did we expect anything different?

"Vote buying in plague proportions"?, Actually , quite the reverse. Only one party was involved here And they lost, big time. Not Numbers 1 or 10.It was , without doubt ,the lowest level of vote buying in living history.I have been following elections here for 21 years.

I hate to disagree with you, but I can cite at least a dozen Thai nationals that I know presonally that have been bought for their #1 vote including my maid and her husband. That was a wasted 1000 baht as both were going to vote #1 anyway. There was a marked absence of the Dems offering anything. Like yourself I have been following elections here for the last 25 years, and I must admit it has been worse in the past, but that does not negate the fact that there was a lot going on this election as well.

[CMX]

Sour grapes attempting to divert us from the real the meaning of this avalanche. Next we'll hear about Thaksin himself vying for access to the public trough. He'll be lucky to wrest it from his accusers, who will continue to be the mainlining principal feeders there.

I'm for a Skytrain! running from Mae Rim toward Mae Hong Song, coming through town and built exactly alongside the outer side the moat, running south the west side with stops at Ram and Cod-Swan-Cow Mall, then Suthep Rd., Airport Plaza (free jitney to airport with ticket) and heading south, with promises to go all the way to Hang Dong some day.

Edited July 4, 2011 by CMX

[hellodolly]

...Man, a Casino would be incredibly awesome for business in Chiang Mai.. . I don't see it happening of course, it would result in a shit-storm of protest by right wing / moralizing Buddhist elements...

It would also be competition for the army generals' casinos just across the Burmese and Cambodian borders.

So some people seem to think it would be a good idea for tourism to legalize gambling. Why not relax the laws on selling alcohol and make the ladies cheaper to rent that would help Tourism in Thailand a lot according to there line of thinking.

If Yingluck intends to be a honest PM why would she favor Chiang Mai over Udon Thani or Nonkong Si Tammaret for that matter. Sounds to me like every one here (my self included) is not looking for a honest PM.

[Ricardo]

With all the recent expansion, CNX-airport should be fine, for the next 50 years !

But perhaps there is a slightly-higher chance of the rail-link being improved ? And a replacement for Arcade Bus Station is surely long-overdue.

[hellodolly]

I would say good, since there was not any major government development in Chiang mai the last couple of years..

Lets see where they come up with... good public transport? Casino's? New International airport?

Can't be any worse then the last government... they have done nothing for this region.

Man, a Casino would be incredibly awesome for business in Chiang Mai.. . I don't see it happening of course, it would result in a shit-storm of protest by right wing / moralizing Buddhist elements.

Clearly the airport is just fine, and public transport can be improved with minor tweaks, not big infrastructure. The problem is getting enough people in to even utilize the airport to the maximum.. Take a look inside the International terminal for starters.

As for spending money, specifically on tourism and industry/business services, it's not that hard to come up with places where a big improvement can be made.

Anyone visit the Chiang Mai National Museum recently? It's been there forever, not much gets spent on it and it shows. With just a fraction of the cost of mega-projects like the Night Safari, CM museums could be so much better. And, they would be a GENUINE highlight of local culture and history, not something artificial.

A bit off-topic....but yea, the National museum could (should) be a real highlight, I am always amazed that in such an anciet land, inhabited for thousands of years, there are so few artifacts to be seen (other than religious relics). So few archiological sites.

Just returned from Cambodia and it struck me that such a small poor country could have such a rich history with monumental projects still in existence today. One of them is so great Thailand is trying to block it off. That was a cheap shot.

What has Thailand got to offer in the way of monuments and culture.

We even got the traditional dance from Cambodia.

I visited the museum at three kings a few years back and they had some really good exibits with explanations for them. Problem was they forgot to pay the electric bill and it was hard to see them much lees read the explanations if they were in English. To dark to even see that. Possibly sent some one affiliated with it to Siem Reap to see the national museum there. It would be a eye opener for them. Why didn't Thaksin fix that when he was in before?

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

but the big question is how will the new puppet government treat the expats...

It was getting a bit frosty toward the end of the previous Thaksin era.. The world economy was quite a bit better however.

[hellodolly]

Sour grapes attempting to divert us from the real the meaning of this avalanche. Next we'll hear about Thaksin himself vying for access to the public trough. He'll be lucky to wrest it from his accusers, who will continue to be the mainlining principal feeders there.

I'm for a Skytrain! running from Mae Rim toward Mae Hong Song, coming through town and built exactly alongside the outer side the moat, running south the west side with stops at Ram and Cod-Swan-Cow Mall, then Suthep Rd., Airport Plaza (free jitney to airport with ticket) and heading south, with promises to go all the way to Hang Dong some day.

Can we make a detour to the Night Bazaar.

[Lite Beer]

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[Thighlander]

It's good, as mentioned she went to CMU and is beautiful. That sets a good example for the rest of the World. Nothing worse than a woman with sideburns and a crewcut with lots of power. I would like to see viable plans on foreign property ownership and fewer visa hassles. I think those situations have gotten worse in the last five years.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

A natural, Lanna style casino?

+Like! That would be awesome. Cute chicks in 100-years-ago Lanna clothing (so with their upper kit off) dealing at the Pok Daeng tables!

So some people seem to think it would be a good idea for tourism to legalize gambling.

Look what it does for Macau.

I'm for a Skytrain! running from Mae Rim toward Mae Hong Song, coming through town and built exactly alongside the outer side the moat, running south the west side with stops at Ram and Cod-Swan-Cow Mall, then Suthep Rd., Airport Plaza (free jitney to airport with ticket) and heading south, with promises to go all the way to Hang Dong some day.

Let's at least make it go to China then. Heck, just a proper road between Northern Thailand and China will do wonders.

I would like to see viable plans on foreign property ownership and fewer visa hassles. I think those situations have gotten worse in the last five years.

But... if it would become too easy then even more riff-raff would make it over here. Inevitably that's going to end up worse than having sensible rules in place. Making tourism easier while becoming more strict on people wanting to stay long term I think would be good. So that would mean no more 15 day limit at land borders while not allowing consecutive land entries.

[IMA_FARANG]

I think the election results are basically irrelevant...both for Cnx and the rest of Thailand.

Now I could be proved wrong...if it brings about a real change in Thailand.

But being cynical, I personally think that the results are just one privaledged group of Thai high-so's replacing another group of privaledged high-so"s.

I would LIKE to be wrong about that, and I guess only time will tell.

Unfortunately for the Thais that have or had so faith placed in Thaksin and clone I'm afraid I won't be wrong in the end.

My question is this, "Precisely when did that family actually demonstrate any concern for the Thai "poor" EXCEPT as a means of that family acquiring more wealth and privaledges"?

Or for that matter when did ANY Thai politician from any party show any real concern for the common people in Thailand other than for the same reason.

As I said before it's just one privaledged group figting another for the control of the wealth and privaledges.

And I'm afraid that many Red supporters will be learning that lesson soon enough....in Cnx and elsewhere in Thailand.

Edited July 4, 2011 by IMA_FARANG