Floods Major Test For Thailand's Novice Pm

[Lite Beer]

Floods major test for Thailand's novice PM

Focus by Daniel Rook

BANGKOK, October 23, 2011 (AFP) - Thailand's worst floods in decades are a baptism of fire for Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, observers say, as the political novice struggles to get a grip on a disaster that could define her career.

The 44-year-old former businesswoman, tapped by her fugitive brother Thaksin Shinawatra to run for office in his place, has been thrust to the forefront of a crisis that has killed hundreds of people and now threatens the capital.

At times the mother-of-one has showed signs of strain, appearing teary-eyed at news conferences and describing the crisis as overwhelming, while her political enemies have sought to use the occasion to undermine her popularity.

Her administration has been accused of initially responding too slowly and giving confusing information, although the strongest criticism has so far been directed at other officials rather than Yingluck herself.

"Yingluck has not lacked leadership," said Paul Chambers, a Thailand expert at the University of Chiang Mai in the north of the country.

"However, given that she is already saddled with the feeling among many that she is a mere proxy with no political experience, it makes it hard for her to suddenly earn her worth in these difficult flood-water times," he told AFP.

Experts say the seeds of the crisis were sown before Yingluck took office, as officials retained too much water in reservoirs, while the premier has had to deal with sometimes intransigent bureaucrats and Bangkok authorities.

The telegenic former president of a Thai real estate firm was swept to power on the back of the vast popularity of her brother Thaksin -- who was ousted in a 2006 coup -- among poor Thais, particularly in rural areas.

Now it is the very people who voted for her who are suffering the most as the government focuses its efforts on protecting the wealthy capital, the traditional heartland of the rival Democrat Party.

At first Yingluck, who has vowed a CEO-style premiership, appeared hesitant about how to deal with the deepening crisis, repeatedly reassuring people in Bangkok that the capital was safe as the waters drew closer.

Nonetheless she earned public admiration by spending her weekends visiting flood-stricken areas and posing for photographs with flood victims during the early days of the crisis.

Not all of the images have been PR coups, however -- one picture of her wearing rubber boots made by the Burberry luxury brand sparked a flurry of Internet chatter, not all of it favourable.

An initial strategy of blocking the floods upcountry failed and, in probably her most difficult decision yet, Yingluck on Thursday ordered the capital's floodgates to be opened to drain water through its canals.

"Yingluck has done her best but it has been insufficient. She has needed to be more decisive at times, but she is learning now," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University.

"Now you see more coordination than before -- she seems more in charge now," he added. "This crisis is going to define her premiership."

The disaster has already taken a heavy toll on the economy and the vital tourism sector, still recovering from deadly political unrest last year, and Yingluck warned Saturday flooding would last for four to six more weeks.

There have been signs of tensions between the prime minister and Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra, a rival Democrat, who has asked voters to ignore information from the central government and listen to him only.

Underscoring her growing frustration with the governor, Yingluck on Friday asserted her authority by invoking a disaster law to take nationwide control of the emergency response.

"In this particular case, my sense is that she acts as a CEO delegating responsibilities to the various ministries and politicians," said Pichai Chuengsuksawadi, editor-in-chief of the Bangkok Post, an English-language daily.

"She's not a politician and politicians know how to manage and have a track record of influence over government officials."

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-10-23

[Buchholz]

Not all of the images have been PR coups, however -- one picture of her wearing rubber boots made by the Burberry luxury brand sparked a flurry of Internet chatter, not all of it favourable.

CNN:

While out and about assessing the situation in the flood-hit provinces, she has been snapped wearing rubber boots by luxury brand Burberry, which set Thai social media networks abuzz on Monday. (For photos of the fashion-forward PM in her boots, visit her Facebook page.)

Read more:

http://www.cnngo.com/bangkok/life/thai-flood-fashion-face-chanel-vs-burberry-rain-boots-335279#ixzz1bZVfMPZG

public Facebook page photo:

The boots retail for about US$225 in the United States

.

Edited October 23, 2011 by Buchholz

[SunDaRi]

The news thread says FROC deny moving to chonburi, they better not.. Lost of all respect if they do.

[FOODLOVER]

Not all of the images have been PR coups, however -- one picture of her wearing rubber boots made by the Burberry luxury brand sparked a flurry of Internet chatter, not all of it favourable.

CNN:

While out and about assessing the situation in the flood-hit provinces, she has been snapped wearing rubber boots by luxury brand Burberry, which set Thai social media networks abuzz on Monday. (For photos of the fashion-forward PM in her boots, visit her Facebook page.)

Read more:

http://www.cnngo.com...9#ixzz1bZVfMPZG

public Facebook page photo:

The boots retail for about US$225 in the United States

.

"Fans of the distinctive tartan will be happy to know that these boots aced our water-resistance test. The lining also dried more quickly than some — it was just slightly damp after 24 hours. Testers complimented the fit, but wished the footbed were more cushioned. Unless you're in love with the label, the nearly $200 price may give you pause. In charcoal or dark camel, and European sizes 35 to 41 (U.S. 5 to 10)".

The little bow on the front is worth every penny, simply darling to have in any and all of your third world flooding needs. With this ensemble I would highly recommend a very small dog to be carried along side in the classic Burberry carry your little piece of shit with you designer hand bag. This can always come in handy to carry bulky cash around, for the poor!

Edited October 23, 2011 by FOODLOVER

[bhoydy]

The boots retail for about US$225 in the United States

I've seen them in Jatujak for ฿225

[ES1]

Major test? News flash, the test is over and she failed miserably.

[Buchholz]

The boots retail for about US$225 in the United States

I've seen them in Jatujak for ฿225

Somehow I don't think the billionairess shops for cheap knock-offs in the weekend market.

.

[geriatrickid]

The news thread says FROC deny moving to chonburi, they better not.. Lost of all respect if they do.

Would you ather they remain in an area where they will be flooded and the personnel needed for the work, be unable to show up? The unit has to locate where it will be able to function.

[geriatrickid]

Not all of the images have been PR coups, however -- one picture of her wearing rubber boots made by the Burberry luxury brand sparked a flurry of Internet chatter, not all of it favourable.

CNN:

While out and about assessing the situation in the flood-hit provinces, she has been snapped wearing rubber boots by luxury brand Burberry, which set Thai social media networks abuzz on Monday. (For photos of the fashion-forward PM in her boots, visit her Facebook page.)

Read more:

http://www.cnn

public Facebook page photo:

The boots retail for about US$225 in the United States

.

And the motive for your petty comment is what? Did you pay for the boots? How do you know she hadn't the boots on hand? If she wants to buy a pair of boots that she likes, good for her. So what if they are $225? My field boots were far more expensive. What's your point? Are you jealous or what?

Obviously, you don't associate with Thai women of means. Dressing well is part of the local culture. Even Thais of modest means will try to be as fashionable as possible. My friend's sister was busy doing her nails before leaving her apartment for safety and the girl is a university student.

[Buchholz]

Not all of the images have been PR coups, however -- one picture of her wearing rubber boots made by the Burberry luxury brand sparked a flurry of Internet chatter, not all of it favourable.

CNN:

While out and about assessing the situation in the flood-hit provinces, she has been snapped wearing rubber boots by luxury brand Burberry, which set Thai social media networks abuzz on Monday. (For photos of the fashion-forward PM in her boots, visit her Facebook page.)

Read more:

http://www.cnn

public Facebook page photo:

The boots retail for about US$225 in the United States

And the motive for your petty comment is what?

<snip>

The comment is from the CNN article.

Ask them.

[dru2]

Not all of the images have been PR coups, however -- one picture of her wearing rubber boots made by the Burberry luxury brand sparked a flurry of Internet chatter, not all of it favourable.

CNN:

While out and about assessing the situation in the flood-hit provinces, she has been snapped wearing rubber boots by luxury brand Burberry, which set Thai social media networks abuzz on Monday. (For photos of the fashion-forward PM in her boots, visit her Facebook page.)

Read more:

http://www.cnn

public Facebook page photo:

The boots retail for about US$225 in the United States

.

And the motive for your petty comment is what? Did you pay for the boots? How do you know she hadn't the boots on hand? If she wants to buy a pair of boots that she likes, good for her. So what if they are $225? My field boots were far more expensive. What's your point? Are you jealous or what?

Obviously, you don't associate with Thai women of means. Dressing well is part of the local culture. Even Thais of modest means will try to be as fashionable as possible. My friend's sister was busy doing her nails before leaving her apartment for safety and the girl is a university student.

[dru2]

Not all of the images have been PR coups, however -- one picture of her wearing rubber boots made by the Burberry luxury brand sparked a flurry of Internet chatter, not all of it favourable.

CNN:

While out and about assessing the situation in the flood-hit provinces, she has been snapped wearing rubber boots by luxury brand Burberry, which set Thai social media networks abuzz on Monday. (For photos of the fashion-forward PM in her boots, visit her Facebook page.)

Read more:

http://www.cnn

public Facebook page photo:

The boots retail for about US$225 in the United States

.

And the motive for your petty comment is what? Did you pay for the boots? How do you know she hadn't the boots on hand? If she wants to buy a pair of boots that she likes, good for her. So what if they are $225? My field boots were far more expensive. What's your point? Are you jealous or what?

Obviously, you don't associate with Thai women of means. Dressing well is part of the local culture. Even Thais of modest means will try to be as fashionable as possible. My friend's sister was busy doing her nails before leaving her apartment for safety and the girl is a university student.

'Thai women of means'. What happened to all the usual Leftist crap? You are a poseur as well as a complete idiot.

Edited October 23, 2011 by dru2

[ES1]

Not all of the images have been PR coups, however -- one picture of her wearing rubber boots made by the Burberry luxury brand sparked a flurry of Internet chatter, not all of it favourable.

CNN:

While out and about assessing the situation in the flood-hit provinces, she has been snapped wearing rubber boots by luxury brand Burberry, which set Thai social media networks abuzz on Monday. (For photos of the fashion-forward PM in her boots, visit her Facebook page.)

Read more:

http://www.cnn

public Facebook page photo:

The boots retail for about US$225 in the United States

.

And the motive for your petty comment is what? Did you pay for the boots? How do you know she hadn't the boots on hand? If she wants to buy a pair of boots that she likes, good for her. So what if they are $225? My field boots were far more expensive. What's your point? Are you jealous or what?

Obviously, you don't associate with Thai women of means. Dressing well is part of the local culture. Even Thais of modest means will try to be as fashionable as possible. My friend's sister was busy doing her nails before leaving her apartment for safety and the girl is a university student.

'Thai women of means'. What happened to all the usual Leftist crap? You are a poseur as well as a complete idiot.

More of the 'usual' rightist/red shirt defender crap

[givenall]

Haven’t seen the worst yet. Wait till the economy tankstoo after the flood

[OzMick]

I think that Paul at UCM is at least smart enough to know which side of his bread is buttered, or is perhaps a little apprehensive about his personal safety.

[KKvampire]

Haven't seen the worst yet. Wait till the economy tankstoo after the flood

O yes it will and all because of Lack of planning, The Thai mentality of not being prepared.. All these school kids wearing the Scout uniforms on Wednesday is certainly nothing about the Baden Powell ethics, But some of them will make good Politicians in the future. Fact is nothing will ever change unless the people say so and they wont

[serenitynow]

I think that Paul at UCM is at least smart enough to know which side of his bread is buttered, or is perhaps a little apprehensive about his personal safety.

I belive "Paul" is from Payap University, Thailand's 38th ranked university.

Anyway I abhor discussions of process over substance. A non article it seems.

[ETatBKK]

not yet, in between after-flood disease, in between food and water shotage, in between more unemployed . . .

these will be big challenges after the expected '4 to 6 weeks' of flood !

Haven't seen the worst yet. Wait till the economy tankstoo after the flood

[AngelofDeath]

I wonder how many major tests Yingluck are going to face? From the 300baht scheme to the flood, Yingluck has not rise up to the people's expectation.

[lazygourmet]

[sirchai]

I wonder how many major tests Yingluck are going to face? From the 300baht scheme to the flood, Yingluck has not rise up to the people's expectation.

As a new research, made by me, has shown- she won't be jobless in the future......

[sirchai]

Not all of the images have been PR coups, however -- one picture of her wearing rubber boots made by the Burberry luxury brand sparked a flurry of Internet chatter, not all of it favourable.

CNN:

While out and about assessing the situation in the flood-hit provinces, she has been snapped wearing rubber boots by luxury brand Burberry, which set Thai social media networks abuzz on Monday. (For photos of the fashion-forward PM in her boots, visit her Facebook page.)

Read more:

http://www.cnn

public Facebook page photo:

The boots retail for about US$225 in the United States

.

And the motive for your petty comment is what? Did you pay for the boots? How do you know she hadn't the boots on hand? If she wants to buy a pair of boots that she likes, good for her. So what if they are $225? My field boots were far more expensive. What's your point? Are you jealous or what?

Obviously, you don't associate with Thai women of means. Dressing well is part of the local culture. Even Thais of modest means will try to be as fashionable as possible. My friend's sister was busy doing her nails before leaving her apartment for safety and the girl is a university student.

Thais payed for her boots!

[MaxYakov]

Not all of the images have been PR coups, however -- one picture of her wearing rubber boots made by the Burberry luxury brand sparked a flurry of Internet chatter, not all of it favourable.

CNN:

While out and about assessing the situation in the flood-hit provinces, she has been snapped wearing rubber boots by luxury brand Burberry, which set Thai social media networks abuzz on Monday. (For photos of the fashion-forward PM in her boots, visit her Facebook page.)

Read more:

http://www.cnn

public Facebook page photo:

The boots retail for about US$225 in the United States

.

And the motive for your petty comment is what? Did you pay for the boots? How do you know she hadn't the boots on hand? If she wants to buy a pair of boots that she likes, good for her. So what if they are $225? My field boots were far more expensive. What's your point? Are you jealous or what?

Obviously, you don't associate with Thai women of means. Dressing well is part of the local culture. Even Thais of modest means will try to be as fashionable as possible. My friend's sister was busy doing her nails before leaving her apartment for safety and the girl is a university student.

Thais payed for her boots!

Is that a misspelling of 'prayed' by any chance?

[MaxYakov]

I wonder how many major tests Yingluck are going to face? From the 300baht scheme to the flood, Yingluck has not rise up to the people's expectation.

As a new research, made by me, has shown- she won't be jobless in the future......

Was the locale portrayed intended to be the Italian Venice or the new, reborn Venice of the East?

[ratcatcher]

Not all of the images have been PR coups, however -- one picture of her wearing rubber boots made by the Burberry luxury brand sparked a flurry of Internet chatter, not all of it favourable.

CNN:

While out and about assessing the situation in the flood-hit provinces, she has been snapped wearing rubber boots by luxury brand Burberry, which set Thai social media networks abuzz on Monday. (For photos of the fashion-forward PM in her boots, visit her Facebook page.)

Read more:

http://www.cnn

public Facebook page photo:

The boots retail for about US$225 in the United States

.

And the motive for your petty comment is what? Did you pay for the boots? How do you know she hadn't the boots on hand? If she wants to buy a pair of boots that she likes, good for her. So what if they are $225? My field boots were far more expensive. What's your point? Are you jealous or what?

Obviously, you don't associate with Thai women of means. Dressing well is part of the local culture. Even Thais of modest means will try to be as fashionable as possible. My friend's sister was busy doing her nails before leaving her apartment for safety and the girl is a university student.

Thais payed for her boots!

Under the circumstances, it might be better if she used a little tact and showed a modicum of humility when paddling among the soaking wet, homeless denizens of the realm.

Posing in high fashion accessories in this disaster is, shall we say, rather tacky.

But I am aware that finding suitable down market clothes in her wardrobe is probably difficult and her electorate probably expects her to be stylish, after all we can't have our PM showing up in kit from BIG C.

BTW if she had the boots on hand they'd be gloves.

[Buchholz]

[sirchai]

Experts say the seeds of the crisis were sown before Yingluck took office, as officials retained too much water in reservoirs, while the premier has had to deal with sometimes intransigent bureaucrats and Bangkok authorities.

Gotta love this one! What an evil itch with a b in front-----

Edited September 29, 2012 by sirchai