Thaksin Supporters Mark Thai Coup Anniversary

[webfact]

Thaksin supporters mark Thai coup anniversary

BANGKOK, September 19, 2011 (AFP) - Thousands of "Red Shirt" supporters of Thailand's fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra gathered in Bangkok on Sunday to mark the fifth anniversary of the coup which toppled their hero.

Special branch police estimated that about 6,000 Red Shirts had massed by early evening in the city's historic district, with around 1,000 police officers deployed or on standby.

"We still now do not have full democracy because of conditions which were set after the coup" including a new constitution introduced by the junta afterwards, Red Shirt spokesman Worawut Wichaidit told AFP.

The Red Shirts staged two months of mass demonstrations in central Bangkok in April and May last year that triggered a deadly military crackdown which left more than 90 people dead, mostly civilians.

The movement has held a series of peaceful one-day rallies since.

In July, Thaksin's youngest sister Yingluck Shinawatra, the current prime minister, led the Puea Thai party to a decisive election victory. She has raised the idea of an amnesty for politicians including her brother.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-09-19

[webfact]

Red Shirts mark 5th anniversary of 2006 coup

BANGKOK, Sept 19 - Red Shirt loyalists the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) gathered Sunday at the Democracy Monument in the Thai capital to mark the 5th anniversary of the 2006 military coup d'etat against the government of Thaksin Shinawatra.

The Red Shirt activists were led by leaders including Jatuporn Prompan, Nattawut Saikua, Korkaew Pikulthong and Weng Tojirakan. No longer in opposition, they have now all become members of parliament for the government-forming Pheu Thai party.

Acting UDD leader Thida Thavornsreth also joined the event.

The activity marks the fifth anniversay of the bloodless coup d'etat of Sept 19, 2006 which toppled then prime minister Thaksin, who was, at that time, in New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

The UDD movement believes that the 2006 coup marks the beginning of the destruction of Thailand's economic, social and political system.

Event activities also pointed out how the 2006 military coup destroyed the country's constitution. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-09-19

[nurofiend]

The 2006 coup was disgraceful and i don't mean because they got rid of Thaksin

[webfact]

Red-shirts mark coup anniversary

By The Nation

Red shirts yesterday congregated at the Democracy Monument and Ratchaprasong Intersection to carry out anti-coup rallies on the fifth anniversary of the September putsch that toppled the Thaksin administration.

Over 1,300 police kept security, while traffic congestion was reported as heavy in the two areas.

According to Abac Poll, 93.2 per cent of Thais believe that a democratic government was quite good for the country and 89.2 per cent said that democracy was better than other systems.

Only 6.8 per cent of the respondents said having a democratic government was not good.

About 62 per cent totally disagreed that democracy adversely affected the country's economic system, while 38 per cent totally agreed.

Asked to evaluate the statement that democracy is not a political system that maintains discipline among the people, 61 per cent disagreed, and 7.8 per cent agreed.

Almost 54 per cent said their faith in democracy would be eroded if the Yingluck government runs the country in favour of certain individuals and interest groups, while 46 per cent said their faith would still be intact in such circumstances.

While 52 per cent were worried that the government's attempt to amend the Constitution had something to do with the interests of some people and some groups, 48 per cent were sure that the government wanted to revise the charter for the public good.

-- The Nation 2011-09-19

[Roadman]

Almost 54 per cent said their faith in democracy would be eroded if the Yingluck government runs the country in favour of certain individuals and interest groups, while 46 per cent said their faith would still be intact in such circumstances.

While 52 per cent were worried that the government's attempt to amend the Constitution had something to do with the interests of some people and some groups, 48 per cent were sure that the government wanted to revise the charter for the public good.

Wow??? The penny is now dropping for Thai's as to what this current lot are all about.

Edited September 22, 2011 by metisdead
Removed bold font and used Insert quotation for the quoted content.

[OzMick]

Almost 54 per cent said their faith in democracy would be eroded if the Yingluck government runs the country in favour of certain individuals and interest groups, while 46 per cent said their faith would still be intact in such circumstances.

While 52 per cent were worried that the government's attempt to amend the Constitution had something to do with the interests of some people and some groups, 48 per cent were sure that the government wanted to revise the charter for the public good.

Wow??? The penny is now dropping for Thai's as to what this current lot are all about.

Still, it would seem about 46% of those asked are 1/ gullible and/or 2/ ignorant of how democracy should work.

"........a political system that maintains discipline among the people, 61 per cent disagreed, and 7.8 per cent agreed." And the other 31% said "Ummm.............." Perhaps the question was too hard.

[Bakseedaa]

The 2006 coup was disgraceful and i don't mean because they got rid of Thaksin

Why was it disgraceful....? Pray explain... words are cheap..!

[nurofiend]

The 2006 coup was disgraceful and i don't mean because they got rid of Thaksin

Why was it disgraceful....? Pray explain... words are cheap..!

very cheap indeed.... and i still won't waste them explaining it to you

do a bit of reading on it, and then do a bit more..... if you think it was a righteous act and done solely with good intentions and all actions taken were valid and legal, then that's your issue.

[backtonormal]

The 2006 coup was disgraceful and i don't mean because they got rid of Thaksin

Why was it disgraceful....? Pray explain... words are cheap..!

It was disgraceful and fuelled by the greed...not of Thaksin. Do you think that Thaksin is the most corrupt person in this country. Think again. Would love to see some other bank accounts, you know the ones that get spin offs from buying scrap planes and unsuitable bomb detectors and submarines that are no good for the gulf of Thailand and on and on and on its gone for maybe 60 years. And if those noggy pog Dems would have retained power we may have had a 3rd infantry in Isaan at a cost of 100,000,000,000baht over ten years. Spin offs have been quoted as high as 30% on Government contracts. Yes thats right thats another $1,000,000,000 in somebodys pocket. Thaksin likes his money but at least he may be swinging business decisions in his favour, by means of his position, the people I refer to are just low life thieves and take far more out of the coffers than Thaksin did

Edited September 19, 2011 by backtonormal

[alexakap]

The 2006 coup was disgraceful and i don't mean because they got rid of Thaksin

Why was it disgraceful....? Pray explain... words are cheap..!

do a bit of reading on it, and then do a bit more..... if you think it was a righteous act and done solely with good intentions and all actions taken were valid and legal, then that's your issue.

Do you know the meaning of the latin wording "Victores non judicant"? I may translate that as"Success is never blamed" or even "You can't judge The Winner". :jap:

[nurofiend]

The 2006 coup was disgraceful and i don't mean because they got rid of Thaksin

Why was it disgraceful....? Pray explain... words are cheap..!

do a bit of reading on it, and then do a bit more..... if you think it was a righteous act and done solely with good intentions and all actions taken were valid and legal, then that's your issue.

Do you know the meaning of the latin wording "Victores non judicant"? I may translate that as"Success is never blamed" or even "You can't judge The Winner". :jap:

indeed!

very apt

[OzMick]

The 2006 coup was disgraceful and i don't mean because they got rid of Thaksin

Why was it disgraceful....? Pray explain... words are cheap..!

very cheap indeed.... and i still won't waste them explaining it to you

do a bit of reading on it, and then do a bit more..... if you think it was a righteous act and done solely with good intentions and all actions taken were valid and legal, then that's your issue.

And what is the alternative way of removing a PM who's term has expired, has given his resignation to the head of state, and then decides he isn't going? should we have waited for a few years as it was dragged through the courts, allowing him to cement his dictatorial ambitions?

[nurofiend]

The 2006 coup was disgraceful and i don't mean because they got rid of Thaksin

Why was it disgraceful....? Pray explain... words are cheap..!

very cheap indeed.... and i still won't waste them explaining it to you

do a bit of reading on it, and then do a bit more..... if you think it was a righteous act and done solely with good intentions and all actions taken were valid and legal, then that's your issue.

And what is the alternative way of removing a PM who's term has expired, has given his resignation to the head of state, and then decides he isn't going? should we have waited for a few years as it was dragged through the courts, allowing him to cement his dictatorial ambitions?

No, they could have waited a whole month or two and had a legal general election that was scheduled... maybe?

[OzMick]

It was disgraceful and fuelled by the greed...not of Thaksin. Do you think that Thaksin is the most corrupt person in this country. Think again. Would love to see some other bank accounts, you know the ones that get spin offs from buying scrap planes and unsuitable bomb detectors and submarines that are no good for the gulf of Thailand and on and on and on its gone for maybe 60 years. And if those noggy pog Dems would have retained power we may have had a 3rd infantry in Isaan at a cost of 100,000,000,000baht over ten years. Spin offs have been quoted as high as 30% on Government contracts. Yes thats right thats another $1,000,000,000 in somebodys pocket. Thaksin likes his money but at least he may be swinging business decisions in his favour, by means of his position, the people I refer to are just low life thieves and take far more out of the coffers than Thaksin did

You do realise that setting up a military base in a depressed area is a tried and proven way to lift the local economy? Not to mention a neighbouring country prone to the occasional border incursion.

[Buchholz]

It was disgraceful and fuelled by the greed...not of Thaksin. Do you think that Thaksin is the most corrupt person in this country. Think again. Would love to see some other bank accounts, you know the ones that get spin offs from buying scrap planes and unsuitable bomb detectors and submarines that are no good for the gulf of Thailand and on and on and on its gone for maybe 60 years. And if those noggy pog Dems would have retained power we may have had a 3rd infantry in Isaan at a cost of 100,000,000,000baht over ten years. Spin offs have been quoted as high as 30% on Government contracts. Yes thats right thats another $1,000,000,000 in somebodys pocket. Thaksin likes his money but at least he may be swinging business decisions in his favour, by means of his position, the people I refer to are just low life thieves and take far more out of the coffers than Thaksin did

You do realise that setting up a military base in a depressed area is a tried and proven way to lift the local economy? Not to mention a neighbouring country prone to the occasional border incursion.

Meanwhile, we have a Billionairess PM who refuses to ride in military helicopter, because of their 40 year-old technology and very prone to crashing.

While that in and of itself is wise, it will be interesting to see if she approves funding for something that isn't from the 1960's, or will she moan about the military trying to buy "more toys"....

and allow the antiques to remain in service for the vile military members to crash and die in.

.

Edited September 19, 2011 by Buchholz

[jayboy]

Meanwhile, we have a Billionairess PM who refuses to ride in military helicopter, because of their 40 year-old technology and very prone to crashing.

While that in and of itself is wise, it will be interesting to see if she approves funding for something that isn't from the 1960's, or will she moan about the military trying to buy "more toys"....

and allow the antiques to remain in service for the vile military members to crash and die in.

.

It's not only the PM that is concerned about safety.We know that key generals also prefer to go by road.

But yes clearly the army must have up to date helicopters.I suggest that instead of lashing out meaninglessly at the PM you focus more on the corruption in military procurement which has meant safety and spares have been neglected.

Incidentally nobody has suggested the military is "vile".Officers and men of the Thai armed forces are pretty much universally respected.It's the senior generals that have let them down with their corruption, incompetence, "business" interests and interfering in politics.

[JurgenG]

It was disgraceful and fuelled by the greed...not of Thaksin. Do you think that Thaksin is the most corrupt person in this country. Think again. Would love to see some other bank accounts, you know the ones that get spin offs from buying scrap planes and unsuitable bomb detectors and submarines that are no good for the gulf of Thailand and on and on and on its gone for maybe 60 years. And if those noggy pog Dems would have retained power we may have had a 3rd infantry in Isaan at a cost of 100,000,000,000baht over ten years. Spin offs have been quoted as high as 30% on Government contracts. Yes thats right thats another $1,000,000,000 in somebodys pocket. Thaksin likes his money but at least he may be swinging business decisions in his favour, by means of his position, the people I refer to are just low life thieves and take far more out of the coffers than Thaksin did

You do realise that setting up a military base in a depressed area is a tried and proven way to lift the local economy? Not to mention a neighbouring country prone to the occasional border incursion.

Meanwhile, we have a Billionairess PM who refuses to ride in military helicopter, because of their 40 year-old technology and very prone to crashing.

While that in and of itself is wise, it will be interesting to see if she approves funding for something that isn't from the 1960's, or will she moan about the military trying to buy "more toys"....

and allow the antiques to remain in service for the vile military members to crash and die in.

.

The point backtonormal is making is that the army is using government funding to buy defective equipments and obsolete technology in order to line their pockets. It's not about reducing the defense budget, it's about the misuse of public money.

Beside I don't think it's Ms Yingluck who chose how the money is spent. The government vote a budget for the army, the army choose how to spend it.

Edited September 19, 2011 by JurgenG

[serenitynow]

It was disgraceful and fuelled by the greed...not of Thaksin. Do you think that Thaksin is the most corrupt person in this country. Think again. Would love to see some other bank accounts, you know the ones that get spin offs from buying scrap planes and unsuitable bomb detectors and submarines that are no good for the gulf of Thailand and on and on and on its gone for maybe 60 years. And if those noggy pog Dems would have retained power we may have had a 3rd infantry in Isaan at a cost of 100,000,000,000baht over ten years. Spin offs have been quoted as high as 30% on Government contracts. Yes thats right thats another $1,000,000,000 in somebodys pocket. Thaksin likes his money but at least he may be swinging business decisions in his favour, by means of his position, the people I refer to are just low life thieves and take far more out of the coffers than Thaksin did

You do realise that setting up a military base in a depressed area is a tried and proven way to lift the local economy? Not to mention a neighbouring country prone to the occasional border incursion.

Meanwhile, we have a Billionairess PM who refuses to ride in military helicopter, because of their 40 year-old technology and very prone to crashing.

While that in and of itself is wise, it will be interesting to see if she approves funding for something that isn't from the 1960's, or will she moan about the military trying to buy "more toys"....

and allow the antiques to remain in service for the vile military members to crash and die in.

.

The point backtonormal is making is that the army is using government funding to buy defective equipments and obsolete technology in order to line their pockets. It's not about reducing the defense budget, it's about the misuse of public money.

Beside I don't think it's Ms Yingluck who chose how the money is spent. The government vote a budget for the army, the army choose how to spend it.

Your arguments would have more weight if they first make sense.

As far as I know there has only been one Prime Ministerial candidate EVER that has promised to take steps to bring the Army under the legitimate control of a civilian government and to pledge the reform of Lese Majeste laws. His vow was based (understandably) on receiving sufficient votes to form a majority government. He was just voted out of office,

[pitanu]

The 2006 coup was disgraceful and i don't mean because they got rid of Thaksin

Why was it disgraceful....? Pray explain... words are cheap..!

It was disgraceful and fuelled by the greed...not of Thaksin. Do you think that Thaksin is the most corrupt person in this country. Think again. Would love to see some other bank accounts, you know the ones that get spin offs from buying scrap planes and unsuitable bomb detectors and submarines that are no good for the gulf of Thailand and on and on and on its gone for maybe 60 years. And if those noggy pog Dems would have retained power we may have had a 3rd infantry in Isaan at a cost of 100,000,000,000baht over ten years. Spin offs have been quoted as high as 30% on Government contracts. Yes thats right thats another $1,000,000,000 in somebodys pocket. Thaksin likes his money but at least he may be swinging business decisions in his favour, by means of his position, the people I refer to are just low life thieves and take far more out of the coffers than Thaksin did

Was the 3rd Infantry a gift for someone, or was it due to the threat from Vietnam on the Thai / Cambodia border? Who knows. But the sum you mention please do some mathematics.

[rubl]

The UDD movement believes that the 2006 coup marks the beginning of the destruction of Thailand's economic, social and political system.

Different people, different opinions. I believe the beginning of the destruction of Thailand's social and political system can be put on 2006-01-23 when on the day a new telecoms law regulating foreign stake holding became in force and that very same day the Shinawatra clan sold their stake in Shinawatra holdings to the Singaporean Temasek group. And by the way, no need to pay taxes, that's not for the Amply Rich, that's for poor suckers. The destruction of Thailand's economical system may just have started, let's date it at 2011-07-03

Edited September 19, 2011 by rubl

[OzMick]

]

very cheap indeed.... and i still won't waste them explaining it to you

do a bit of reading on it, and then do a bit more..... if you think it was a righteous act and done solely with good intentions and all actions taken were valid and legal, then that's your issue.

And what is the alternative way of removing a PM who's term has expired, has given his resignation to the head of state, and then decides he isn't going? should we have waited for a few years as it was dragged through the courts, allowing him to cement his dictatorial ambitions?

No, they could have waited a whole month or two and had a legal general election that was scheduled... maybe?

Thaksin resigns 5 April - only duty as caretaker PM is to arrange an election within the next 6 months.

Coup 19 September - no election had been announced or even suggested. As there is a minimum lead time before an election is held (1 month ??) thaksin had failed to carry out his ONLY duty. Abhisit gave nearly 2 months lead into the last election.

[rubl]

It was disgraceful and fuelled by the greed...not of Thaksin. Do you think that Thaksin is the most corrupt person in this country. Think again. Would love to see some other bank accounts, you know the ones that get spin offs from buying scrap planes and unsuitable bomb detectors and submarines that are no good for the gulf of Thailand and on and on and on its gone for maybe 60 years. And if those noggy pog Dems would have retained power we may have had a 3rd infantry in Isaan at a cost of 100,000,000,000baht over ten years. Spin offs have been quoted as high as 30% on Government contracts. Yes thats right thats another $1,000,000,000 in somebodys pocket. Thaksin likes his money but at least he may be swinging business decisions in his favour, by means of his position, the people I refer to are just low life thieves and take far more out of the coffers than Thaksin did

100,000,000,000 baht over ten years. Whow, that much? Sure you didn't mean another number? The highest number I found is 70,000,000,000, that's from a Khmer source, but the same in an article from a local newspaper we are not allowed to quote from (that was from 2011-01-07).

2010-07-24

"Local newspapers have reported that Army chief Gen Anupong Paochinda ordered the 3rd Army region, responsible for security affairs in the North, to study the establishment of the 7th Infantry Division in Chiang Mai. Establishment of the unit will cost an estimated Bt10 billion over five years, starting in 2011."

2011-01-28

"The Ministry will propose for the cabinet’s approval a budget of about 8-9 billion baht over three years, 2011-2013. The personnel for the new division will be transferred from the 3rd Army Area’s 5 infantry regiments which had previously been dissolved."

http://www.prachatai3.info/english/node/2270

2011-03-03

"Thai Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan told the cabinet on Tuesday that the at first stage 300 million Baht will be spent to create the new tank regiment. After that the cabinet will request the government to allocate 70,000 million Baht ($2.34 billion) for the arming of this newly-created Intervention Division for the next 10 years."

http://unitedkhmer.wordpress.com/2011/03/03/thai-army-created-a-new-tank-regiment-for-deployment-at-preah-vihear-frontline/

[timekeeper]

]

very cheap indeed.... and i still won't waste them explaining it to you

do a bit of reading on it, and then do a bit more..... if you think it was a righteous act and done solely with good intentions and all actions taken were valid and legal, then that's your issue.

And what is the alternative way of removing a PM who's term has expired, has given his resignation to the head of state, and then decides he isn't going? should we have waited for a few years as it was dragged through the courts, allowing him to cement his dictatorial ambitions?

No, they could have waited a whole month or two and had a legal general election that was scheduled... maybe?

Thaksin resigns 5 April - only duty as caretaker PM is to arrange an election within the next 6 months.

Coup 19 September - no election had been announced or even suggested. As there is a minimum lead time before an election is held (1 month ??) thaksin had failed to carry out his ONLY duty. Abhisit gave nearly 2 months lead into the last election.

40 love

advantage Ozmick

neurofen.......no return

game to Ozmick

[webfact]

Red Shirts Organize Event to Mark 5th Anniversary of Coup

The red shirt group organized an event to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the September 19 coup.

The group also submitted a letter to the justice minister demanding that jailed red-shirt members be released on bail.

The red shirt group submitted a letter to Justice Minister Pracha Promnok, demanding that the government release their comrades, who are currently being held on unrest-related and lèse majesté charges, on bail.

The group also asked that the red shirt detainees' living conditions in prisons be improved and that they be separated from the rest of the prisoners.

The group also urged the government to guarantee their political rights by reconsidering the laws regarding the state of emergency and computer crimes.

At the same time, the red shirts are asking that those responsible for the violent crackdown on their rally last year be brought to justice.

Today, the red shirts organized symbolic activities to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the September 19 coup in front of the army headquarters at 3 P.M.

After that, they are scheduled to gather at the Sanam Luang at 4:30 P.M. before marching to the Democracy Monument.

Some of them will also travel to Ratchaprasong Intersection where they will hold a candlelight vigil.

-- Tan Network 2011-09-19

[Buchholz]

The group also asked that the red shirt detainees' living conditions in prisons be improved and that they be separated from the rest of the prisoners.

"We're fighting to the death against double standards.... unless it involves us coming out ahead."

[timekeeper]

Red Shirts Organize Event to Mark 5th Anniversary of Coup

The red shirt group organized an event to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the September 19 coup.

The group also submitted a letter to the justice minister demanding that jailed red-shirt members be released on bail.

The red shirt group submitted a letter to Justice Minister Pracha Promnok, demanding that the government release their comrades, who are currently being held on unrest-related and lèse majesté charges, on bail.

The group also asked that the red shirt detainees' living conditions in prisons be improved and that they be separated from the rest of the prisoners.

The group also urged the government to guarantee their political rights by reconsidering the laws regarding the state of emergency and computer crimes.

At the same time, the red shirts are asking that those responsible for the violent crackdown on their rally last year be brought to justice.

Today, the red shirts organized symbolic activities to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the September 19 coup in front of the army headquarters at 3 P.M.

After that, they are scheduled to gather at the Sanam Luang at 4:30 P.M. before marching to the Democracy Monument.

Some of them will also travel to Ratchaprasong Intersection where they will hold a candlelight vigil.

-- Tan Network 2011-09-19

The group also asked that the red shirt detainees' living conditions in prisons be improved and that they be separated from the rest of the prisoners.

maybe set up a red shirt prison village and give them a million baht to each village to get them started

The group also urged the government to guarantee their political rights by reconsidering the laws regarding the state of emergency and computer crimes.

that's good, change the law so it does not fit their crime

At the same time, the red shirts are asking that those responsible for the violent crackdown on their rally last year be brought to justice.

that will be difficult to do, most of them are now Red MP's

Some of them will also travel to Ratchaprasong Intersection where they will hold a candlelight vigil.

fire and flame are familiar symbols for the reds in the heart of the city they tried to destroy, so they should feel right at home...........

Edited September 19, 2011 by timekeeper

[serenitynow]

It was disgraceful and fuelled by the greed...not of Thaksin. Do you think that Thaksin is the most corrupt person in this country. Think again. Would love to see some other bank accounts, you know the ones that get spin offs from buying scrap planes and unsuitable bomb detectors and submarines that are no good for the gulf of Thailand and on and on and on its gone for maybe 60 years. And if those noggy pog Dems would have retained power we may have had a 3rd infantry in Isaan at a cost of 100,000,000,000baht over ten years. Spin offs have been quoted as high as 30% on Government contracts. Yes thats right thats another $1,000,000,000 in somebodys pocket. Thaksin likes his money but at least he may be swinging business decisions in his favour, by means of his position, the people I refer to are just low life thieves and take far more out of the coffers than Thaksin did

100,000,000,000 baht over ten years. Whow, that much? Sure you didn't mean another number? The highest number I found is 70,000,000,000, that's from a Khmer source, but the same in an article from a local newspaper we are not allowed to quote from (that was from 2011-01-07).

2010-07-24

"Local newspapers have reported that Army chief Gen Anupong Paochinda ordered the 3rd Army region, responsible for security affairs in the North, to study the establishment of the 7th Infantry Division in Chiang Mai. Establishment of the unit will cost an estimated Bt10 billion over five years, starting in 2011."

http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__3769744

2011-01-28

"The Ministry will propose for the cabinet's approval a budget of about 8-9 billion baht over three years, 2011-2013. The personnel for the new division will be transferred from the 3rd Army Area's 5 infantry regiments which had previously been dissolved."

http://www.prachatai...glish/node/2270

2011-03-03

"Thai Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan told the cabinet on Tuesday that the at first stage 300 million Baht will be spent to create the new tank regiment. After that the cabinet will request the government to allocate 70,000 million Baht ($2.34 billion) for the arming of this newly-created Intervention Division for the next 10 years."

http://unitedkhmer.w...hear-frontline/

I commend you rubl for your forbearance and equanimity. I would find it much harder to respond to people spouting outright lies. Oh, BTW:

Since 2001, Thaksin has increased the military budget, lifted the embargo on military procurements that had been in place since the 1997 Asian financial crisis, and approved the entire army's spending list for the 2005-13 period. With Thaksin in power, the army has also managed to hold on to its radio frequencies.

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/GD07Ae01.html

[nurofiend]

And what is the alternative way of removing a PM who's term has expired, has given his resignation to the head of state, and then decides he isn't going? should we have waited for a few years as it was dragged through the courts, allowing him to cement his dictatorial ambitions?

No, they could have waited a whole month or two and had a legal general election that was scheduled... maybe?

Thaksin resigns 5 April - only duty as caretaker PM is to arrange an election within the next 6 months.

Coup 19 September - no election had been announced or even suggested. As there is a minimum lead time before an election is held (1 month ??) thaksin had failed to carry out his ONLY duty. Abhisit gave nearly 2 months lead into the last election.

40 love

advantage Ozmick

neurofen.......no return

game to Ozmick

uh, the election was scheduled for 15 October

Edited September 19, 2011 by nurofiend

[ralphlsasser]

The 2006 coup was disgraceful and i don't mean because they got rid of Thaksin

Why was it disgraceful....? Pray explain... words are cheap..!

It was disgraceful and fuelled by the greed...not of Thaksin. Do you think that Thaksin is the most corrupt person in this country. Think again. Would love to see some other bank accounts, you know the ones that get spin offs from buying scrap planes and unsuitable bomb detectors and submarines that are no good for the gulf of Thailand and on and on and on its gone for maybe 60 years. And if those noggy pog Dems would have retained power we may have had a 3rd infantry in Isaan at a cost of 100,000,000,000baht over ten years. Spin offs have been quoted as high as 30% on Government contracts. Yes thats right thats another $1,000,000,000 in somebodys pocket. Thaksin likes his money but at least he may be swinging business decisions in his favour, by means of his position, the people I refer to are just low life thieves and take far more out of the coffers than Thaksin did

Very well said.

[bkkjames]

Putting a few thousand soldiers in the north and northeast would have some economic spinoffs no, well at least more than a new satelite and free tablet computers?