Thaksin Forced To Enlist Army Help For Novice PM Yingluck

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE

Thaksin forced to enlist Army help for novice PM

Piyanary Srivalo

The Nation

The centre is headed by Justice Minister Pracha Promnok, with the deputy prime ministers and other Cabinet members serving as its advisers. The FROC has two parts - the operations centre, headed by Science Minister Plodprasob Surassawadee, and the joint-command centre, headed by Transport Minister Sukampol Suwannathat.

The first part deals with relief work for residents affected by flooding, with the focus on emergency aid and evacuation. The second supports the work of the first part and its main responsibilities include assessment of the situation, issuing warnings, and crisis management of water.

The team includes Wim Rungwattanachinda, secretary to the PM's Office minister who acts as the FROC spokesman, Police General Pongsapat Pongcharoen from the Royal Thai Police, Thirachai Wuthitham from the Ministry of Justice, and General Palangkoon Klaharn from the Ministry of Defence.

As water runoff has flooded provinces upstream along the Chao Phraya and is now closing in on Bangkok, the government centre has still worked without clear direction and unity. It appears the government has been on the defensive in tackling the flood problems. The fast and furious flow of floodwater has put Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra - a political novice - under severe stress. There were media images of her breaking into tears while the crisis was worsening.

Only a small number of Cabinet members have been actively working with the FROC to tackle the flood problems. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit, who should have been the centre's chief, given his status in the government and the ruling Pheu Thai Party (he is the second-in-command in the Cabinet and the Pheu Thai leader), has failed to work proactively. Previously he was head of the government's 24/7 Emergency Operation Centre for Flood, Storms and Landslides, but he focused on routine jobs although the centre was supposed to work proactively, a source said.

"That explains why the [emergency operation] centre's work is considered a failure. And that's the reason why Yongyuth was not appointed as head of the FROC. The centre needs a man of fast action to head it so that he can tackle a big and severe disaster," the source said.

The prime minister appears to have been isolated, and the situation is not different from when she recently instructed her Cabinet members to visit different flood-hit areas. Only a handful of government ministers followed her order, as they obviously did not consider Yingluck the de-facto prime minister.

Her big brother Thaksin Shinawatra, who is considered the ruling party's "big boss", recently mobilised banned politicians from the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party to help Yingluck fight the flood crisis. They include Phumtham Wechayachai, Prommin Lertsuridej, Pongsak Raktapongpisarn, Sita Divari, Varathep Ratanakorn, and Suranand Vejjajiva. Red-shirt leaders like Natthawut Saikua also helped in "brainstorming" and worked with the FROC.

However, it appears too many cooks are spoiling the broth. "The centre now is chaotic and people work unsystematically. Information has to pass many processes before reaching the prime minister. Some information that required screening was reported to the public immediately, which led to widespread panic," the source said.

One instance was when Plodprasob issued a warning at a press conference on October 13 about water runoff and suggested an evacuation of areas in Pathum Thani and Bangkok. He was later corrected by colleagues at the FROC after the announcement caused widespread panic among residents in those areas.

To prevent such an incident, Natthawut and Suranand have now been assigned to act like programme producers for the FROC's press conferences and news updates to be broadcast on the state-run NBT.

Their back-up team includes red-shirt people, staff of Voice TV (satellite-based television owned by Thaksin's family), and PM advisers headed by Pansak Vinyurat.

With the situation getting critical and water nearing the capital, Thaksin summoned the defence minister and advised him to call a meeting of armed forces commanders with the prime minister. This was to summon help from the military, in terms if manpower, equipment, and systematic work.

Although the "big boss" is wary of the military commanders after they showed dissatisfaction over the Pheu Thai politicians' campaign to amend the Defence Ministry Act to allow more political involvement in military reshuffles, he needs them to come to the rescue at this time of crisis.

The government has refused to declare a state of emergency in the flood-hit areas to protect temporary flood walls from being destroyed by angry residents whose homes are inundated because of the walls.

However, the armed forces have helped make flood prevention and relief efforts more systematic.

The military appears to be the prime minister's last resort in tackling the floods, while Thaksin has remained her major supporter.

-- The Nation 2011-10-18

[zakk9]

So now, the flood disaster management is run by the prime minister's runaway older brother over telephone from another country? Only in Thailand

One would believe that a country that has seen floods every single year since the beginning of time had a permanent flood management team working all year to prevent situations like this, but apparently not.

[IsaanAussie]

This article shows the situation here for what it is. Thaksins involvement, if any, to me is a side issue. The government at all levels here is based on Thai culture and the need for consensus and it slows reactions. Works for normal government functions but in an emergency there are just too many people involved for anyone to control or co-ordinate. I humbly suggest that the army should have a permanent charter to react in these circumstances. All the departments of all the ministries, provincial and local government departments with overlapping responsibilities are full of competent people I'm sure but there is no mechanism of delegation or co-ordination that can react quickly. I dont see this situation as anyones fault, it is the system itself that needs to be streamlined.

[Bakseedaa]

This article shows the situation here for what it is. Thaksins involvement, if any, to me is a side issue. The government at all levels here is based on Thai culture and the need for consensus and it slows reactions. Works for normal government functions but in an emergency there are just too many people involved for anyone to control or co-ordinate. I humbly suggest that the army should have a permanent charter to react in these circumstances. All the departments of all the ministries, provincial and local government departments with overlapping responsibilities are full of competent people I'm sure but there is no mechanism of delegation or co-ordination that can react quickly. I dont see this situation as anyones fault, it is the system itself that needs to be streamlined.

This government is completely useless... they turned this drama into a serious crisis through Very bad management.... not one minister is worthy of his or her job.... the poor Thai peoples are stuck with this and truth be told..... just as they deserve... you reap what you sow...!!!! Question:... How many Red Vilages were washed away.... Answer:... Not Enough...!

[geriatrickid]

Rubbish article with the intention of denigrating the elected government . The indirect result is that it insults the Thai military. . The military has been involved in the flood relief and prevention activities since the start of the crisis. It's active role was initiated as part of the longstanding government natural disaster protocol that predates the current administration. The reason that the military has been involved is attributable to the fact that the expenditures of the Defence Ministry are among the greatest of any ministry, absorbing a large proportion of the total national budget (source Thailand Ministry of Defense, http://www.mod.go.th/eng_mod/ ) As the ministry that gobbles up a large part of the budget, it is reasonable to expect that it would then shoulder a large part of the response. The large transport trucks that the MOI has been borrowing since the start of the crisis came from the military. The Nation appears to be on a mission to muckrack and try and stir up unrest.

Mr. Hearst would have been proud.

[IsaanAussie]

This article shows the situation here for what it is. Thaksins involvement, if any, to me is a side issue. The government at all levels here is based on Thai culture and the need for consensus and it slows reactions. Works for normal government functions but in an emergency there are just too many people involved for anyone to control or co-ordinate. I humbly suggest that the army should have a permanent charter to react in these circumstances. All the departments of all the ministries, provincial and local government departments with overlapping responsibilities are full of competent people I'm sure but there is no mechanism of delegation or co-ordination that can react quickly. I dont see this situation as anyones fault, it is the system itself that needs to be streamlined.

This government is completely useless... they turned this drama into a serious crisis through Very bad management.... not one minister is worthy of his or her job.... the poor Thai peoples are stuck with this and truth be told..... just as they deserve... you reap what you sow...!!!! Question:... How many Red Vilages were washed away.... Answer:... Not Enough...!

Sorry but there are 280 people dead and many thousands if not millions directly affected. None of them deserved this. I live in a Red Village as a matter of fact with most of the people here very local to Thaksin as his actions during his tenure improved their lives immensely. That isn't relevant either. The point being made is there is a fault in the system that needs to be fixed for times of crisis. The fact that this has happened during the first months of a new government just makes it worse. Regardless of political beliefs this should be seen as a chance to establish rapid responses for future ocassions. The knive throwers should wait until the waters have subsided now they should be helping carrying sandbags.

G'Kid,

Thanks for the clarification.

Edited October 18, 2011 by IsaanAussie

[BuckarooBanzai]

This article shows the situation here for what it is. Thaksins involvement, if any, to me is a side issue. The government at all levels here is based on Thai culture and the need for consensus and it slows reactions. Works for normal government functions but in an emergency there are just too many people involved for anyone to control or co-ordinate. I humbly suggest that the army should have a permanent charter to react in these circumstances. All the departments of all the ministries, provincial and local government departments with overlapping responsibilities are full of competent people I'm sure but there is no mechanism of delegation or co-ordination that can react quickly. I dont see this situation as anyones fault, it is the system itself that needs to be streamlined.

And what pray tell is the army's expertise in flood management that would make them appropriate for the leadership role? There are competent groups out there but the publicity grabbing know-it-alls need to be cut off. Fully agree a clear mandate is required for who is to take the leadership in responding to floods but the army surely does not come to mind except in a supportive role.

[Crushdepth]

Rubbish article with the intention of denigrating the elected government . The indirect result is that it insults the Thai military. . The military has been involved in the flood relief and prevention activities since the start of the crisis. It's active role was initiated as part of the longstanding government natural disaster protocol that predates the current administration. The reason that the military has been involved is attributable to the fact that the expenditures of the Defence Ministry are among the greatest of any ministry, absorbing a large proportion of the total national budget (source Thailand Ministry of Defense, http://www.mod.go.th/eng_mod/ ) As the ministry that gobbles up a large part of the budget, it is reasonable to expect that it would then shoulder a large part of the response. The large transport trucks that the MOI has been borrowing since the start of the crisis came from the military. The Nation appears to be on a mission to muckrack and try and stir up unrest.

Mr. Hearst would have been proud.

Thank you Mr One-eye. Elected governments that prove incompetent should be criticised. Its part of the democratic process. Getting elected does not obligate the population or the media to fawn at your feet. Sorry if it upsets your useless lightweight heroes.

[Buchholz]

Red-shirt leaders like Natthawut Saikua also helped in "brainstorming"

that's reassuring...

.

Edited October 18, 2011 by Buchholz

[Who, me ?]

Red-shirt leaders like Natthawut Saikua also helped in "brainstorming"

that's reassuring...

.

:cheesy:

Help, brainstorming, Natthawut........ :cheesy:

[IsaanAussie]

The issue is the disaster guys. Can we agree on that? The reason I suggested the army is they are trained to react quickly and have the ability to dedicate resources to co-ordinate other specialist resources available to my mind better than anyone else, especially those that have a country to run. G'kids response was from a position of fact, hardly one eyed. The cause of this is that it rained, and it rained and it rained.

QED for me.

[jonclark]

Rubbish article with the intention of denigrating the elected government . The indirect result is that it insults the Thai military. . The military has been involved in the flood relief and prevention activities since the start of the crisis. It's active role was initiated as part of the longstanding government natural disaster protocol that predates the current administration. The reason that the military has been involved is attributable to the fact that the expenditures of the Defence Ministry are among the greatest of any ministry, absorbing a large proportion of the total national budget (source Thailand Ministry of Defense, http://www.mod.go.th/eng_mod/ ) As the ministry that gobbles up a large part of the budget, it is reasonable to expect that it would then shoulder a large part of the response. The large transport trucks that the MOI has been borrowing since the start of the crisis came from the military. The Nation appears to be on a mission to muckrack and try and stir up unrest.

Mr. Hearst would have been proud.

Fair points G'Kid but I put it to you if you or I had done our jobs as poorly as this government had done theirs when faced with this crisis, would you reasonably expect to have a job to return to? The buck stops at Yinglucks door her failure to get her house in order has resulted in this crisis becoming a catastrophe, in time of trouble a country needs a leader and in this respect she has been an abject failure - na ka!

[philw]

This article shows the situation here for what it is. Thaksins involvement, if any, to me is a side issue. The government at all levels here is based on Thai culture and the need for consensus and it slows reactions. Works for normal government functions but in an emergency there are just too many people involved for anyone to control or co-ordinate. I humbly suggest that the army should have a permanent charter to react in these circumstances. All the departments of all the ministries, provincial and local government departments with overlapping responsibilities are full of competent people I'm sure but there is no mechanism of delegation or co-ordination that can react quickly. I dont see this situation as anyones fault, it is the system itself that needs to be streamlined.

This government is completely useless... they turned this drama into a serious crisis through Very bad management.... not one minister is worthy of his or her job.... the poor Thai peoples are stuck with this and truth be told..... just as they deserve... you reap what you sow...!!!! Question:... How many Red Vilages were washed away.... Answer:... Not Enough...!

Sorry but there are 280 people dead and many thousands if not millions directly affected. None of them deserved this. I live in a Red Village as a matter of fact with most of the people here very local to Thaksin as his actions during his tenure improved their lives immensely. That isn't relevant either. The point being made is there is a fault in the system that needs to be fixed for times of crisis. The fact that this has happened during the first months of a new government just makes it worse. Regardless of political beliefs this should be seen as a chance to establish rapid responses for future ocassions. The knive throwers should wait until the waters have subsided now they should be helping carrying sandbags.

G'Kid,

Thanks for the clarification.

Well stated, likewise G'kid.

This mess is going to drag on for months and millions are suffering but there is hope that this will open the eyes of many and improvements will be born of this disaster.

"Thailand" can and will learn, politically and environmentally, but probably this time next year the naysayers on here will be just as unhappy with a Government that still has the mandate and has also made the necessary preventative and restorative actions.

As for the "person" ( and i use the word guardedly ) who wishes to see more villages swept away and more human suffering, I hope they can find the medical treatment they so clearly need.

Incarceration might be a start........

[bkkjames]

I suggested two weeks ago to 'hire out' the issue to the US military who I believe have a core of engineers that can 'make the tough' decisions that need to be made.

It gives the gov a convenient place to blame.

Failing that, the coud use the navy/marine resources to deliver aid, rescue people who are in desp need.

It's too late for politics and face saving exercises - that opportunity washed away weeks ago.

The thing is will they accept a 3rd hand?

Offers of financial aid are welcome of course (and could come in handy post disaster) but we have enough resources to cope: just not enough of the logistics needed to deliver it until the water goes away.

[jonclark]

Red-shirt leaders like Natthawut Saikua also helped in "brainstorming"

that's reassuring...

.

:cheesy:

Help, brainstorming, Natthawut........ :cheesy:

During the brainstorming session he suggested putting up barriers at Ratchprasong.

[scorecard]

Rubbish article with the intention of denigrating the elected government . The indirect result is that it insults the Thai military. . The military has been involved in the flood relief and prevention activities since the start of the crisis. It's active role was initiated as part of the longstanding government natural disaster protocol that predates the current administration. The reason that the military has been involved is attributable to the fact that the expenditures of the Defence Ministry are among the greatest of any ministry, absorbing a large proportion of the total national budget (source Thailand Ministry of Defense, http://www.mod.go.th/eng_mod/ ) As the ministry that gobbles up a large part of the budget, it is reasonable to expect that it would then shoulder a large part of the response. The large transport trucks that the MOI has been borrowing since the start of the crisis came from the military. The Nation appears to be on a mission to muckrack and try and stir up unrest.

Mr. Hearst would have been proud.

Fair points G'Kid but I put it to you if you or I had done our jobs as poorly as this government had done theirs when faced with this crisis, would you reasonably expect to have a job to return to? The buck stops at Yinglucks door her failure to get her house in order has resulted in this crisis becoming a catastrophe, in time of trouble a country needs a leader and in this respect she has been an abject failure - na ka!

And let's not forget that thaksin (the one pulling strings from afar* and the one sitting in the seat) appointed a whole raft of totally incapable people to ministerial and other high positions and it now shows very clearly. (*who just yesterday made another (repeat another) big announcement that he is finished with politics and doesn't interfere.)

[cowslip]

incompetent politicians in Thailand? I find that hard to believe.

[MunterHunter]

"Thailand" can and will learn, politically and environmentally, but probably this time next year the naysayers on here will be just as unhappy with a Government that still has the mandate and has also made the necessary preventative and restorative actions.

You honestly think that this government will have 'made the necessary preventative and restorative actions' either this time next year or the day before the next general election? I say to you sir, you are dreaming.

The Yingluck government had an opportunity to start putting in place 'the necessary preventative and restorative actions' towards the end of August when Chiang Mai got flooded out, instead they focused their energies on getting Brothers, Cousins and Family members in positions of power and back tracking on their election promises to find ways out of them.

Why wait until the water is lapping at your feet before you act? Then do such a p*ss-poor job at it in terms of mismanaging communication and doing 'too little, too late'. Why not put in place solid strategies and flood defenses when you know its coming?

Granting the Government a 'honey moon' period because they are newly elected is one thing, watching them fail so miserably at managing this crisis whilst they re-install their family dynasty into positions of power is something else entirely.

Let just hope that the Democrats push for a vote of no confidence after this disaster is over, and lets hope enough of the Red foot soldiers are no longer disillusioned enough to actually support the move. The sooner we get rid of this lame duck government the better. Red, White, Green, Blue or Yellow... i dont care what colour the government is, i just want one that will act appropriately to protect *all* of the country above all else.

[Thaddeus]

"Thailand" can and will learn, politically and environmentally,

First time for everything I suppose, let's check back in 12 months and see.

[cowslip]

"Thailand" can and will learn, politically and environmentally, but probably this time next year the naysayers on here will be just as unhappy with a Government that still has the mandate and has also made the necessary preventative and restorative actions.

You honestly think that this government will have 'made the necessary preventative and restorative actions' either this time next year or the day before the next general election? I say to you sir, you are dreaming.

The Yingluck government had an opportunity to start putting in place 'the necessary preventative and restorative actions' towards the end of August when Chiang Mai got flooded out, instead they focused their energies on getting Brothers, Cousins and Family members in positions of power and back tracking on their election promises to find ways out of them.

Why wait until the water is lapping at your feet before you act? Then do such a p*ss-poor job at it in terms of mismanaging communication and doing 'too little, too late'. Why not put in place solid strategies and flood defenses when you know its coming?

Granting the Government a 'honey moon' period because they are newly elected is one thing, watching them fail so miserably at managing this crisis whilst they re-install their family dynasty into positions of power is something else entirely.

Let just hope that the Democrats push for a vote of no confidence after this disaster is over, and lets hope enough of the Red foot soldiers are no longer disillusioned enough to actually support the move. The sooner we get rid of this lame duck government the better. Red, White, Green, Blue or Yellow... i dont care what colour the government is, i just want one that will act appropriately to protect *all* of the country above all else.

Votes of "no confidence" and endless political and legal wrangling do nothing to improve democracy and effective government.

Until a proper democratic system with all the appropriate institutions is installed, Thailand will be saddled with incompetent governments.

THe last admin - the Army - was no better they had several years to establish a democracy but they wasted the opportunity trying unsuccessfully to suppress the majority of the electorate.

Politics in Thailand are polarised and "bitchy" - self-interest is king......

The photo-ops of boat-loads of VIPs looking at flooding illustrates the attitude of the ruling elite to the situation.

Unprepared and incompetent hey are incapable of doing anything so they huddle in great groups as they are bussed fro one photo op to the next. they hope that if they appear at a flooded area it will create the impression that they are doing something.THe previous admin would have been no different.

Having said that in amongst all this posturing are a few "experts" - mostly civil servants - who do actually now what they are doing and despite the efforts of politicians and other dignitaries, VIPs etc., are trying to do their job.

Edited October 18, 2011 by cowslip

[OzMick]

Rubbish article with the intention of denigrating the elected government . The indirect result is that it insults the Thai military. . The military has been involved in the flood relief and prevention activities since the start of the crisis. It's active role was initiated as part of the longstanding government natural disaster protocol that predates the current administration. The reason that the military has been involved is attributable to the fact that the expenditures of the Defence Ministry are among the greatest of any ministry, absorbing a large proportion of the total national budget (source Thailand Ministry of Defense, http://www.mod.go.th/eng_mod/ ) As the ministry that gobbles up a large part of the budget, it is reasonable to expect that it would then shoulder a large part of the response. The large transport trucks that the MOI has been borrowing since the start of the crisis came from the military. The Nation appears to be on a mission to muckrack and try and stir up unrest.

Mr. Hearst would have been proud.

" The large transport trucks that the MOI has been borrowing since the start of the crisis came from the military. "

Money well spent then?

[MunterHunter]

THe previous admin would have been no different.

Agreed, the previous government would have been helpless, they were in a weak coalition and had to spend vast amounts of energy trying to fend off the red mobs. They didnt get chance to govern. The last government was crippled by the red mob, this government is crippled by ineptitude.

Which is better?

[OzMick]

This article shows the situation here for what it is. Thaksins involvement, if any, to me is a side issue. The government at all levels here is based on Thai culture and the need for consensus and it slows reactions. Works for normal government functions but in an emergency there are just too many people involved for anyone to control or co-ordinate. I humbly suggest that the army should have a permanent charter to react in these circumstances. All the departments of all the ministries, provincial and local government departments with overlapping responsibilities are full of competent people I'm sure but there is no mechanism of delegation or co-ordination that can react quickly. I dont see this situation as anyones fault, it is the system itself that needs to be streamlined.

This government is completely useless... they turned this drama into a serious crisis through Very bad management.... not one minister is worthy of his or her job.... the poor Thai peoples are stuck with this and truth be told..... just as they deserve... you reap what you sow...!!!! Question:... How many Red Vilages were washed away.... Answer:... Not Enough...!

Sorry but there are 280 people dead and many thousands if not millions directly affected. None of them deserved this. I live in a Red Village as a matter of fact with most of the people here very local to Thaksin as his actions during his tenure improved their lives immensely. That isn't relevant either. The point being made is there is a fault in the system that needs to be fixed for times of crisis. The fact that this has happened during the first months of a new government just makes it worse. Regardless of political beliefs this should be seen as a chance to establish rapid responses for future ocassions. The knive throwers should wait until the waters have subsided now they should be helping carrying sandbags.

G'Kid,

Thanks for the clarification.

" I live in a Red Village......" Well that's a surprise. Do you point out to your neighbours how many billions of baht Thaksin stole from them, without ever making any contribution from his personal wealth, or would that be hazardous?

[cowslip]

THe previous admin would have been no different.

Agreed, the previous government would have been helpless, they were in a weak coalition and had to spend vast amounts of energy trying to fend off the red mobs. They didnt get chance to govern. The last government was crippled by the red mob, this government is crippled by ineptitude.

Which is better?

" The last government was crippled by the red mob," I've read some tripe in my time but this has to be up there in the top ten.

It would really be off topic to post at length here so why don't you PM me ? I could do with a laugh

[OzMick]

" Thaksin ...... mobilised banned politicians from the dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party to help Yingluck fight the flood crisis."

However, it appears too many crooks are spoiling the broth.

[Cayenne]

The photo-ops of boat-loads of VIPs looking at flooding illustrates the attitude of the ruling elite to the situation.

Unprepared and incompetent hey are incapable of doing anything so they huddle in great groups as they are bussed fro one photo op to the next. they hope that if they appear at a flooded area it will create the impression that they are doing something.THe previous admin would have been no different.

Having said that in amongst all this posturing are a few "experts" - mostly civil servants - who do actually now what they are doing and despite the efforts of politicians and other dignitaries, VIPs etc., are trying to do their job.

Totally agree cowslip and I think that the "ruling elite" should be ashamed of themselves especially as their supporters the red shirts say they (PTP) represent the "prai" underclass while painting the opposition as representing the "ammart" side and yet now they are acting like this.

I just wished that those experts you spoke of had been put in place to properly do their jobs at the beginning of the crisis instead of waiting for this mess to happen.

[Cayenne]

The prime minister appears to have been isolated, and the situation is not different from when she recently instructed her Cabinet members to visit different flood-hit areas. Only a handful of government ministers followed her order, as they obviously did not consider Yingluck the de-facto prime minister.

[\quote]

That says it all. In any crisis you need a strong leader to pull together and rally various parties to work together. Unfortunately, the one person who should be the leader doesn't have the needed leadership skills and she is constantly overshadowed by her brother in Dubai.

[finnomick1]

AHA !!! Wondered when he would resurface and throw his 10 cents-worth in......

[eddiench]

This article shows the situation here for what it is. Thaksins involvement, if any, to me is a side issue. The government at all levels here is based on Thai culture and the need for consensus and it slows reactions. Works for normal government functions but in an emergency there are just too many people involved for anyone to control or co-ordinate. I humbly suggest that the army should have a permanent charter to react in these circumstances. All the departments of all the ministries, provincial and local government departments with overlapping responsibilities are full of competent people I'm sure but there is no mechanism of delegation or co-ordination that can react quickly. I dont see this situation as anyones fault, it is the system itself that needs to be streamlined.

This government is completely useless... they turned this drama into a serious crisis through Very bad management.... not one minister is worthy of his or her job.... the poor Thai peoples are stuck with this and truth be told..... just as they deserve... you reap what you sow...!!!! Question:... How many Red Vilages were washed away.... Answer:... Not Enough...!

Only less than 300 dead...all the reds should die from this! They sure dam_n deserve it!

[geriatrickid]

Rubbish article with the intention of denigrating the elected government . The indirect result is that it insults the Thai military. . The military has been involved in the flood relief and prevention activities since the start of the crisis. It's active role was initiated as part of the longstanding government natural disaster protocol that predates the current administration. The reason that the military has been involved is attributable to the fact that the expenditures of the Defence Ministry are among the greatest of any ministry, absorbing a large proportion of the total national budget (source Thailand Ministry of Defense, http://www.mod.go.th/eng_mod/ ) As the ministry that gobbles up a large part of the budget, it is reasonable to expect that it would then shoulder a large part of the response. The large transport trucks that the MOI has been borrowing since the start of the crisis came from the military. The Nation appears to be on a mission to muckrack and try and stir up unrest.

Mr. Hearst would have been proud.

Thank you Mr One-eye. Elected governments that prove incompetent should be criticised. Its part of the democratic process. Getting elected does not obligate the population or the media to fawn at your feet. Sorry if it upsets your useless lightweight heroes.

If someone wishes to criticize, then by all means hr/she should do so. However, the criticism should be based upon accurate facts, not subjective interpretations from biased sources that have the objective of spreading negative nonsense. You disagree with what I wrote. Fine. What is inaccurate or false about my statements? The fact of the matter is that the military was involved since the crisis started. Army engineers were deployed immediately. They did some quick work that bought some extra time. the military did the job because they had the resources. The MOI doesn't have the budget that the military has. As such it cannot provide the equipment, nor the manpower.What's the point of distoring facts?