Thai PM Appeals For Unity Amid Flood Crisis

[animatic]

What's wrong with pointing out this governments inadequacies!!!! I don't see that it makes us sick - if you ARE a red supporter then I have to question "who's not OK in the head".:jap:. If you ARE NOT a red supporter then what are you carping on about????.

You do not have to be a red supporter to disagree with a lot of the nonsense some come out with on here. Some of us do not support anyside and as such are not blinded and consumed by hatred of anything red.. Sitting on the fence some of us can see things a lot clearer,

What oftentimes goes forgotten is that the majority of people who berate this government and all it's prior manifestations broadly support the aims of the underpriveleged and those who might identify themselves as Red Shirts. They're the salt of the earth for the most part and many many do not get well served by government. Where we differ is down to who can affect change that can sustainably lift these people up and future generations too. It is the Thaksin cabal we rail against and I can forgive even some of the more recent arrivals here that don't get that. As their perspective fills out I expect they will.

Seconded.

[Kilgore Trout]

Teary eyed? We need our leader to be strong or at least pretend to be strong. It's bad enough her government is incompetent but now we have to see her cry too. Way to reassure your frightened people.

What a silly reply, prime ministers tearing up in the face of adversity shows that they are people, and for one I am surprised as to why other people haven't had a few tears for what has happened. I sure have and I am a 44 year old man. Much to say that I have cried at the sheer loss of property, many of the peoples lives will have changed forever, and although not always much, many of these people have lost everything they have. Again, it is another show of the long term mismanagement of a country that can and used to be in a much better shape than it is now.

There is nothing wrong with feeling the way many people are feeling at the moment. If you need to have a cry, you can rest on my shoulder, I am right there with you.

Now, please excuse me I am fortifying our flood prevention at our home, all the while the neighbours are laughing at the foreigner and his actions around the house. Wonder if I will have the last laugh if and when the area floods.

Are you kidding me, it is not acceptable for the pm to appear crying and saying the situation is out of her control.

Ok, you can go back to your crack pipe now

[harryn]

What's wrong with pointing out this governments inadequacies!!!! I don't see that it makes us sick - if you ARE a red supporter then I have to question "who's not OK in the head".:jap:. If you ARE NOT a red supporter then what are you carping on about????.

You do not have to be a red supporter to disagree with a lot of the nonsense some come out with on here. Some of us do not support anyside and as such are not blinded and consumed by hatred of anything red.. Sitting on the fence some of us can see things a lot clearer,

What oftentimes goes forgotten is that the majority of people who berate this government and all it's prior manifestations broadly support the aims of the underpriveleged and those who might identify themselves as Red Shirts. They're the salt of the earth for the most part and many many do not get well served by government. Where we differ is down to who can affect change that can sustainably lift these people up and future generations too. It is the Thaksin cabal we rail against and I can forgive even some of the more recent arrivals here that don't get that. As their perspective fills out I expect they will.

Well said. I believe that most epole who lived here during the reign (and that is what it was) of Thaksin feels this way and as Farangs we have no other way of expressing our grief. Many came before him doing the same but Thaksin raised the bar and may still raise it further.

[Babcock]

I'm annoyed that my home may be flooded because of incompetent leaders. I hope that when all this is over, the people realize that selling their votes to elect a government whose sole purpose is to repatriate Thaksin; which understands disunity and the blame-game more than teamwork; whose Ministers listen to the de facto Prime Minister in Dubai more than to Thaksin's clone who lacks courage and statesmanship qualities; which really hasn't a clue what to do in a crisis; which in spite of the crisis continues to divide the country behind the scenes by creating a Red Shirt Village Federation, by filling all key positions with Thaksin's cronies and family members, and by bringing in Robert Amsterdam to find ways to get revenge on the Army which the government needs to solve the crisis; was a very bad mistake. When the next election comes around perhaps they might use other criteria than silly and empty promises and money gifts to choose their next government. Have I missed anything out?

TIT

[eastlight]

There's a plan?

Well how about this as a step in the right direction.

Bring in some specialised help from abroad, people who have the expertise and experience to deal with the situation?

Oh I forgot it would be loss of face so let the Thai continue to suffer.

[landofthefree]

I'm annoyed that my home may be flooded because of incompetent leaders. I hope that when all this is over, the people realize that selling their votes to elect a government whose sole purpose is to repatriate Thaksin; which understands disunity and the blame-game more than teamwork; whose Ministers listen to the de facto Prime Minister in Dubai more than to Thaksin's clone who lacks courage and statesmanship qualities; which really hasn't a clue what to do in a crisis; which in spite of the crisis continues to divide the country behind the scenes by creating a Red Shirt Village Federation, by filling all key positions with Thaksin's cronies and family members, and by bringing in Robert Amsterdam to find ways to get revenge on the Army which the government needs to solve the crisis; was a very bad mistake. When the next election comes around perhaps they might use other criteria than silly and empty promises and money gifts to choose their next government. Have I missed anything out?

Yes Thaksin was the only Prime minister returned to office twice and his Sister won a landslide victory. What can we conclude? we are the white men here but that doesnt make us know what is good for the Thai people. Clearly they like Pheu Thai, Thaksin and Yingluck. Never mind the minority elite rich often Chinese Thais who favour a system where they get rich at the expense of the poor. Good luck to the Thais its their country if they like Thaksin its their choice not the white man's.

[eastlight]

She should take a few lessons from Margaret Thatcher on how to be a strong female PM.

Teary eyed? We need our leader to be strong or at least pretend to be strong. It's bad enough her government is incompetent but now we have to see her cry too. Way to reassure your frightened people.

Could you imagine our only female Prime Minister at a time of crisis appearing to be tearful during an interview?

[nicknostitz]

But what about Suphanburi?

If Nick Nostitz wants a good story he ought to do some digging on why Suphanburi has been spared to the detriment of other locales.

Nick Nostitz has been most of the day wading in chest deep water taking photos of submerged estates, or on boats with the military in Navanakorn.

Nick Nostitz just knows that there is a huge amount of water, and sees people on the ground working together as good as they can, and people trying to laugh in the face of this mess.

Nick Nostitz is amazed at all the instant flood experts he sees here on Thaivisa, and how they all know that of course the government is at fault for all the water.

And now Nick Nostitz wants to have a rest, he just tried to have a look at updates on what is going on, and is forced to wade instead through post after post of moaning and miserable know-it-alls.

And please, don't get me involved in your diatribes.

[Cayenne]

What oftentimes goes forgotten is that the majority of people who berate this government and all it's prior manifestations broadly support the aims of the underpriveleged and those who might identify themselves as Red Shirts. They're the salt of the earth for the most part and many many do not get well served by government. Where we differ is down to who can affect change that can sustainably lift these people up and future generations too. It is the Thaksin cabal we rail against and I can forgive even some of the more recent arrivals here that don't get that. As their perspective fills out I expect they will.

Truly well said! Most of us expats on this board have lived during the Thaksin years to know what he is capable of; not that Thailand was perfect before that but we simply do not want our adopted home to become a place where nepotism and corruption ran rampant as it did during his tenure. Many of us have also started families here so we have a stake in the future of this country and it definitely means we are not anti-Thai people as some posters might believe.

If fact, you'll be surprised that a lot of us might also have friends who are moderately "red in view" but are in agreement with us that there is an underprivileged class as serenity mentioned who has not been well served by any government past or present. Where we disagree on is the choice of leadership as we feel these underprivileged people are being exploited by Thaksin and his cronies under the guise of democracy, and that is simply unacceptable to us because Thaksin, through his actions, have perverted the ideals of democracy time and time again.

[DocN]

Seems like PM Yingluck was the only person not to realise the situation was already out of control. Typical female response when all else has failed, turn on the waterworks. That'll be MORE water to push out into the gulf ! Having said that, I do not envy her her position. I think ( and that means my thoughts ), that this government is sadly lacking in politicians and really need to address the situation after the flooding issue is resolved.....

Typical female response? Now we are going the sexist way? On the other hand: you are propably just saying, what many here are thinking. On that bahlf: thanks for your honsty! On any other: shame on you, sir!

[eastlight]

PM Yingluck has hardly had time to assimilate AND address this natural catastrophe---- which has been made worse by years of poor planning, of which she inherits the consequences. Not that Thailand is the ONLY place with such indifference to nature-- it's been the modern way, hasn't it? Why do we build cities near rivers to begin with, knowing they will sooner or later flood? So, I'd say (being admittedly rather uneducated about the details) the responsibility must be shared among many.

Anyone using the forum who IS actually well educated about this situation, please raise their hand, stand up, or post a sensible post that is not the typical, cynical view that we see so much of here.

London is based upon a river which could inundated with water from high tide in the North Sea.

As a precaution and an investment the Thames Barrier was built. It has been raised a number of times when a high tide was predicted. There is no reliance on earth dykes.

Could you imagine something like this even being thought of in the this country (unless there was backhander money going of course).

[eastlight]

Seems like PM Yingluck was the only person not to realise the situation was already out of control. Typical female response when all else has failed, turn on the waterworks. That'll be MORE water to push out into the gulf ! Having said that, I do not envy her her position. I think ( and that means my thoughts ), that this government is sadly lacking in politicians and really need to address the situation after the flooding issue is resolved.....

No matter how many politicians there are in Thailand, or what colour flag they fly, when this is all over it will be 'mae pen rai' and carry on as usual. They will all go back to their Mansions on high ground and open another bottle of Cognac. If any thought whatsoever is given to future planning it will be steered by the elite who will want the highest possible walls built around their center's of self interest. The rest of Thailand can go to the dogs for all they care and the Thai people cannot do much about it because whoever they vote for..........they get the same result !

Totally Agree

[LTGTR]

The "she-puppet" is paying the price now.

Teary eyed? We need our leader to be strong or at least pretend to be strong. It's bad enough her government is incompetent but now we have to see her cry too. Way to reassure your frightened people.

[culicine]

I'm annoyed that my home may be flooded because of incompetent leaders. I hope that when all this is over, the people realize that selling their votes to elect a government whose sole purpose is to repatriate Thaksin; which understands disunity and the blame-game more than teamwork; whose Ministers listen to the de facto Prime Minister in Dubai more than to Thaksin's clone who lacks courage and statesmanship qualities; which really hasn't a clue what to do in a crisis; which in spite of the crisis continues to divide the country behind the scenes by creating a Red Shirt Village Federation, by filling all key positions with Thaksin's cronies and family members, and by bringing in Robert Amsterdam to find ways to get revenge on the Army which the government needs to solve the crisis; was a very bad mistake. When the next election comes around perhaps they might use other criteria than silly and empty promises and money gifts to choose their next government. Have I missed anything out?

Yes Thaksin was the only Prime minister returned to office twice and his Sister won a landslide victory. What can we conclude? we are the white men here but that doesnt make us know what is good for the Thai people. Clearly they like Pheu Thai, Thaksin and Yingluck. Never mind the minority elite rich often Chinese Thais who favour a system where they get rich at the expense of the poor. Good luck to the Thais its their country if they like Thaksin its their choice not the white man's.

Probably I'd be inclined to look who has been managing water resources for the last decade or so - especially those in charge of reservoir discharge. Did they over stock water for the coming dry season? Not to mention land use issues - development on flood planes (industry, new villages, large airports) etc. I also contend too much diking / embankments is significantly worsens flooding, as these structures often burst and release a large amount of water, thus worsening flooding, usually at the expense of the poor living in rural areas.

[ToffeEFCpower]

Asusuring to know the Thai's Have everything under control as usual.

[OzMick]

She needs to give her power to someone who has the fortitude to get the job done. Tears won't save her this time. That way she can have time to revel at concerts while her country drowns.

I hear that hey are playing Handel's Water Suite and Eine Kleine Wasser Musik.

[animatic]

I'm annoyed that my home may be flooded because of incompetent leaders. I hope that when all this is over, the people realize that selling their votes to elect a government whose sole purpose is to repatriate Thaksin; which understands disunity and the blame-game more than teamwork; whose Ministers listen to the de facto Prime Minister in Dubai more than to Thaksin's clone who lacks courage and statesmanship qualities; which really hasn't a clue what to do in a crisis; which in spite of the crisis continues to divide the country behind the scenes by creating a Red Shirt Village Federation, by filling all key positions with Thaksin's cronies and family members, and by bringing in Robert Amsterdam to find ways to get revenge on the Army which the government needs to solve the crisis; was a very bad mistake. When the next election comes around perhaps they might use other criteria than silly and empty promises and money gifts to choose their next government. Have I missed anything out?

Yes Thaksin was the only Prime minister returned to office twice and his Sister won a landslide victory. What can we conclude? we are the white men here but that doesnt make us know what is good for the Thai people. Clearly they like Pheu Thai, Thaksin and Yingluck. Never mind the minority elite rich often Chinese Thais who favour a system where they get rich at the expense of the poor. Good luck to the Thais its their country if they like Thaksin its their choice not the white man's.

He was "returned to office" ONCE.

He then decided to call a snap election,

he was not returned to office.

We can conclude he has set up an excellent political machine and is able to use that to keep in power, by manipulating a credulous portion of the populace.The appearance of democracy is the tool he uses to gain the cloak of legitimacy for his political machinations.

Beyond that we can not properly conclude he is loved for his good deeds and actual personal atributes. He has created a product of himself as image in the political market place and sells it well.

Edited October 19, 2011 by animatic

[whybother]

London is based upon a river which could inundated with water from high tide in the North Sea.

As a precaution and an investment the Thames Barrier was built. It has been raised a number of times when a high tide was predicted. There is no reliance on earth dykes.

Could you imagine something like this even being thought of in the this country (unless there was backhander money going of course).

London does get water like this flowing down the Thames.

I don't think a barrier at the mouth of the Chao Phraya would do much good now.

[whybother]

Probably I'd be inclined to look who has been managing water resources for the last decade or so - especially those in charge of reservoir discharge. Did they over stock water for the coming dry season? Not to mention land use issues - development on flood planes (industry, new villages, large airports) etc. I also contend too much diking / embankments is significantly worsens flooding, as these structures often burst and release a large amount of water, thus worsening flooding, usually at the expense of the poor living in rural areas.

Funnily enough, for about 70% of that time it has been a Thaksin (or proxy) government.

[MILT]

PM Yingluck! "Cry me a river" Oh wait! enough water already. The Rain water is to blame period. Disasters come and go but the media and most of not all the poser's on this forum never shut up. Including myself I suppose.

May the dead from this disaster rest in peace and may all the victims find refuge.

No one in their right mind should rely on any government to save them. Nope! Not going to happen.

Governments are designed by nature to <deleted> things up period. People should put stock in themselves like I have been witnessing these past few weeks.

People can take care of themselves better than any government could ever hope to do.

Bad planning short sightedness bla bla bla.

Things like floods and earthquakes, tsunami's droughts and <deleted> sun flares are designed to topple governments.

"It is no great measure of health to be profoundly adapted to a sick society"- Carl Jung

[rubl]

Nick Nostitz has been most of the day wading in chest deep water taking photos of submerged estates, or on boats with the military in Navanakorn.

Nick Nostitz just knows that there is a huge amount of water, and sees people on the ground working together as good as they can, and people trying to laugh in the face of this mess.

Nick Nostitz is amazed at all the instant flood experts he sees here on Thaivisa, and how they all know that of course the government is at fault for all the water.

And now Nick Nostitz wants to have a rest, he just tried to have a look at updates on what is going on, and is forced to wade instead through post after post of moaning and miserable know-it-alls.

And please, don't get me involved in your diatribes.

The OP is about 'unity'. It's good to see that you participate and even trust your life to the military. Probably good choice, those boats of Minister Plodprasop are going nowhere

As for who's at fault, in any country 'we, the people' only blame the current government because that's the one in a position to do something. The previous government, if no longer in power, is not interesting. Those elected to be in power now are the ones with responsibilities and therefor are accountable. Nothing personal at all. Similar protests would have been voiced if the previous government would still be in power and was seen similarly incompetent. IMHO

(edit: add: on the 9th this month PM Yingluck spoke a very true thing: About prevention, Ms Yingluck says the government cannot prevent floods in all areas as there is too much water.)

Edited October 19, 2011 by rubl

[OzMick]

open the rivers, help the water to go, don't block the water but make it leave, ask the army to use bombs and explosives to open ways in the ground if necessary and MOVE !!!!!!!

Well, now I know why it is impossible to get a WP to be in charge.

Who says a WP is in charge?

Guys, the water has to leave. You can't block it. The idea to help the rivers to excrete it using boats was good, but obviously it was not enough.

If they open the way and enlarge some canals and rivers, the water will leave faster. It can sound a bit extreme, but the situation is extreme.

Someone in the government should study a map and talk with some geologist to see where it is possible to help the water to go. And quickly.

"The idea to help the rivers to excrete it using boats was good..........."

How to blow your credibility with just a few words.

[Abduljabbar01]

Many she should consult her famous brother for advice in this matter.

[OzMick]

I'm annoyed that my home may be flooded because of incompetent leaders. I hope that when all this is over, the people realize that selling their votes to elect a government whose sole purpose is to repatriate Thaksin; which understands disunity and the blame-game more than teamwork; whose Ministers listen to the de facto Prime Minister in Dubai more than to Thaksin's clone who lacks courage and statesmanship qualities; which really hasn't a clue what to do in a crisis; which in spite of the crisis continues to divide the country behind the scenes by creating a Red Shirt Village Federation, by filling all key positions with Thaksin's cronies and family members, and by bringing in Robert Amsterdam to find ways to get revenge on the Army which the government needs to solve the crisis; was a very bad mistake. When the next election comes around perhaps they might use other criteria than silly and empty promises and money gifts to choose their next government. Have I missed anything out?

Yes Thaksin was the only Prime minister returned to office twice and his Sister won a landslide victory. What can we conclude? we are the white men here but that doesnt make us know what is good for the Thai people. Clearly they like Pheu Thai, Thaksin and Yingluck. Never mind the minority elite rich often Chinese Thais who favour a system where they get rich at the expense of the poor. Good luck to the Thais its their country if they like Thaksin its their choice not the white man's.

Actually, I conclude that the Thai People don't know whats good for the Thai People. I also conclude that's why there has been no attempt by any of the Thaksin orientated governments to improve education standards.

[bino]

I find it amazing that she is seriously failing in managing this situation, when it is something she promised just a few months ago.

[hanuman1]

Nick Nostitz has been most of the day wading in chest deep water taking photos of submerged estates, or on boats with the military in Navanakorn.

Nick Nostitz just knows that there is a huge amount of water, and sees people on the ground working together as good as they can, and people trying to laugh in the face of this mess.

Nick Nostitz is amazed at all the instant flood experts he sees here on Thaivisa, and how they all know that of course the government is at fault for all the water.

And now Nick Nostitz wants to have a rest, he just tried to have a look at updates on what is going on, and is forced to wade instead through post after post of moaning and miserable know-it-alls.

And please, don't get me involved in your diatribes.

The OP is about 'unity'. It's good to see that you participate and even trust your life to the military. Probably good choice, those boats of Minister Plodprasop are going nowhere

As for who's at fault, in any country 'we, the people' only blame the current government because that's the one in a position to do something. The previous government, if no longer in power, is not interesting. Those elected to be in power now are the ones with responsibilities and therefor are accountable. Nothing personal at all. Similar protests would have been voiced if the previous government would still be in power and was seen similarly incompetent. IMHO

(edit: add: on the 9th this month PM Yingluck spoke a very true thing: About prevention, Ms Yingluck says the government cannot prevent floods in all areas as there is too much water.)

You make some fair points, uncle. But when a driver inherits a car, whilst he is solely responsible for taking any wrong turns, he may not be so responsible for the knackered gearbox or leaky fuel pipes that also contribute to overall performance. Those kind of underlying problems can be harder to identify and take longer to fix, if they can be fixed at all.

[h90]

I'm annoyed that my home may be flooded because of incompetent leaders. I hope that when all this is over, the people realize that selling their votes to elect a government whose sole purpose is to repatriate Thaksin; which understands disunity and the blame-game more than teamwork; whose Ministers listen to the de facto Prime Minister in Dubai more than to Thaksin's clone who lacks courage and statesmanship qualities; which really hasn't a clue what to do in a crisis; which in spite of the crisis continues to divide the country behind the scenes by creating a Red Shirt Village Federation, by filling all key positions with Thaksin's cronies and family members, and by bringing in Robert Amsterdam to find ways to get revenge on the Army which the government needs to solve the crisis; was a very bad mistake. When the next election comes around perhaps they might use other criteria than silly and empty promises and money gifts to choose their next government. Have I missed anything out?

Yes Thaksin was the only Prime minister returned to office twice and his Sister won a landslide victory. What can we conclude? we are the white men here but that doesnt make us know what is good for the Thai people. Clearly they like Pheu Thai, Thaksin and Yingluck. Never mind the minority elite rich often Chinese Thais who favour a system where they get rich at the expense of the poor. Good luck to the Thais its their country if they like Thaksin its their choice not the white man's.

What can we conclude: Vote buying does work.

[sausageandmash]

Anyone would be in tears after being stabbed in the back by the men in grey suits. It's ok to cry at the end of your term in office, but Yingluck's doing it right at the outset. Anyway, wouldn't you cry if you thought John Major was taking over. I bloody would!!

She should take a few lessons from Margaret Thatcher on how to be a strong female PM.

Teary eyed? We need our leader to be strong or at least pretend to be strong. It's bad enough her government is incompetent but now we have to see her cry too. Way to reassure your frightened people.

That will be the Thatcher who left Downing Street in tears?

[wallswod]

But what about Suphanburi?

If Nick Nostitz wants a good story he ought to do some digging on why Suphanburi has been spared to the detriment of other locales.

Please explain more what you are saying?

[gl555]

She should take a few lessons from Margaret Thatcher on how to be a strong female PM.

Teary eyed? We need our leader to be strong or at least pretend to be strong. It's bad enough her government is incompetent but now we have to see her cry too. Way to reassure your frightened people.

That will be the Thatcher who left Downing Street in tears?

Thatcher NEVER cried in public while in office and she sure as Hell never cried during a crisis. Even if you're saying the puppet is on her way out, she still shouldn't be crying in public while a whole chunk of the country is submerged.