Thai Army Deserves All The Current Praise It Is Getting: Flood

[RobertLeisk]

Well as one who is being helped at times by the army, my house is still being in 3 ft of water. I can only say. THANK YOU.

When I need to go and buy food its the army that takes me to the dry roads.

When I need to come home its the same lads who help. Dropping me off as close to my house as possible.

Well done. again THANK YOU

[Rama]

Funny, why is no praise being given to the Bkk police? There a quite a number of them in Chiang Mai now taking a well deserved break from their flood work..............................

[Deez]

Nice to see that The Nation is determined to continue politicizing the floods.

Next, ...

Huh? Truth hurts, right?

[metisdead]

Off topic posts and replies have been removed.

[DocN]

Yes they ARE doing their job. I'm afraid the same can't be said for the useless Prime Minister and her cronies though,

Yes, the Army is doing a good job.

But let's not forget: it is THEIR JOB!

Far more impressive:

- volunteers

- doctors and nurses running double shifts (without payment, I assume) in evacuee centers and field hospitals

- the guys cleaning up the mess

- the "normal people" helping others in their community instead of breaking down floodwalls

- everyone who contributes "real" aid, like shelter for the neighbors family, for the animals abbandoned...

Those will be the unsung heroes at the end of the day.

That was a very interesting contribution to subject, sir. Please enlighten me further on your specific views of who exactly did not perform...on the other hand: I KNOW, so ...don't!

[h90]

Yes they ARE doing their job. I'm afraid the same can't be said for the useless Prime Minister and her cronies though,

Yes, the Army is doing a good job.

But let's not forget: it is THEIR JOB!

Far more impressive:

- volunteers

- doctors and nurses running double shifts (without payment, I assume) in evacuee centers and field hospitals

- the guys cleaning up the mess

- the "normal people" helping others in their community instead of breaking down floodwalls

- everyone who contributes "real" aid, like shelter for the neighbors family, for the animals abbandoned...

Those will be the unsung heroes at the end of the day.

That's not fair. From the beginning it was clearly stated that the PM job is: bring Thaksin home, whitewash Thaksin, give Thaksin the money back, increase Minimum Salary.

Taking care of other things was not even promised at the elections.

[Roadman]

Nice to see that the Thai Army is the only institution in Thailand that has the interest of His Revered Royal Highness, Thailand, and the Thai people as its No 1 principle in spite of floods and convicted criminals....

Next...

[jayboy]

I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer,

The publican 'e up an' sez, "We serve no red-coats (soldiers) here."

The girls be'ind the bar they laughed an' giggled fit to die,

I outs into the street again an' to myself sez I:

O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, go away";

But it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play,

The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play,

O it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play. Rudyard Kippling.

Mostly true the World over, although latterly the UK and USA are giving much more credit to their brave service personnel and making their sacrifices known more widely to the public, consequently they are being looked upon far more favourably. I hope the same happens in Thailand for these unselfish, dedicated and hard working people. You have jusifiably earned the respect of your fellow countrymen.:jap:

To be fair I think the vast majority of Thais regardless of background and political affiliation have always held ordinary soldiers (the ones performing so well in this crisis) in high regard and affection.

The problem has rather been over many decades key senior officers' dreadful record,their human rights abuses, the murder of civilians,brutality in the South,their interference in politics more generally,their opposition to democratic progress, their business and media interests, their corruption,incompetence and complete absence of accountability.All of which wrapped up in one big lie, namely that the purpose is to serve the nation.

[rogerdee123]

It would be revealing to know if the 21st Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division are at all involved in the anti-flood actions. Does anyone know?

Their involvement may further improve the perception of the army among the general population.

And after all, they do need to save a few lives in order to balance their karmic books, so to speak.

I think most people don't pay attention to what regiment or division. They only know the Army as the Army.

Also I doubt that the Karmic books allocate karma to Army divisions in any case. Individual soldiers perhaps.

But what do I know? Bhudda may have been a marine.

Edited November 11, 2011 by rogerdee123

[hanuman1]

It would be revealing to know if the 21st Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division are at all involved in the anti-flood actions. Does anyone know?

Their involvement may further improve the perception of the army among the general population.

And after all, they do need to save a few lives in order to balance their karmic books, so to speak.

I think most people don't pay attention to what regiment or division. They only know the Army as the Army.

Also I doubt that the Karmic books allocate karma to Army divisions in any case. Individual soldiers perhaps.

But what do I know? Bhudda may have been a marine.

Most westerners might not pay attention, but the significance of this unit - and one or two others - is somewhat elevated in the minds of many Thais. The reasons for this lie in the unit's patronage and also the role it played in controlling the crowds at Rachprasong.

Seeing this unit out and about in flood waters might soften many Thai's stance against it and - by looser association - the wider army as a whole, as well as its other...errr...stakeholders.

As for karma in army units, okay, maybe there is none.

Edited November 11, 2011 by hanuman1

[Skywalker69]

Soldiers have won the hearts of the Thai public through real hard work and sacrifice. While politicians keep up their petty fighting over who is to blame and who is blocking floodwaters, soldiers keep their heads down and hard at work, only concentrating on their immediate job.

Opinion polls have confirmed who is being vindicated and who is being perceived as playing politics. Most surveys place soldiers as the biggest heroes so far in this flood crisis. Politicians, predictably, rank below volunteers and the media.

Not difficult to understand when scenes like this are repeatedly captured by Thais

.

There is nothing political about young men sacrificing their lives in trying to save the life of another. The young man below was electrocuted trying to save a family. The real heroes are the volunteers and the military who both work endlessly and unselfishly. I cannot say that about any member of this government who are far to preoccupied with image, distorting facts and withholding information. My hats off to the volunteers and Thai military.

I take my hat of for the Thai Army helping people, that would also be the Governments job, but to me it seems they can´t even tie thier own shoelaces.

[rogerdee123]

Soldiers have won the hearts of the Thai public through real hard work and sacrifice. While politicians keep up their petty fighting over who is to blame and who is blocking floodwaters, soldiers keep their heads down and hard at work, only concentrating on their immediate job.

Opinion polls have confirmed who is being vindicated and who is being perceived as playing politics. Most surveys place soldiers as the biggest heroes so far in this flood crisis. Politicians, predictably, rank below volunteers and the media.

Not difficult to understand when scenes like this are repeatedly captured by Thais

.

I'd vote for the lady in the orange shirt !

I shall remember her as Joan of Ark.

Edited November 11, 2011 by rogerdee123

[Roadman]

It would be revealing to know if the 21st Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division are at all involved in the anti-flood actions. Does anyone know?

Their involvement may further improve the perception of the army among the general population.

And after all, they do need to save a few lives in order to balance their karmic books, so to speak.

I think most people don't pay attention to what regiment or division. They only know the Army as the Army.

Also I doubt that the Karmic books allocate karma to Army divisions in any case. Individual soldiers perhaps.

But what do I know? Bhudda may have been a marine.

Most westerners might not pay attention, but the significance of this unit - and one or two others - is somewhat elevated in the minds of many Thais. The reasons for this lie in the unit's patronage and also the role it played in controlling the crowds at Rachprasong.

Seeing this unit out and about in flood waters might soften many Thai's stance against it and - by looser association - the wider army as a whole, as well as its other...errr...stakeholders.

As for karma in army units, okay, maybe there is none.

The Thai Army is not the total A hole that many would have believe it is. I am their No 1 falang supporter as they are the only institution in the country that has the Monarch, Thailand and the Thai people as their No 1 priority. Agreed that for toy spending and general (should that be General) money wasting they are no better at times than the rest of Thai's for fighting for trough feeding space.

I would rather that their role in the country's politics was non existent but when you have a police force, judical system, voting system and governance that is at the whim of the highest ฿฿฿ bidder then their role is acceptable.

[h90]

It would be revealing to know if the 21st Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division are at all involved in the anti-flood actions. Does anyone know?

Their involvement may further improve the perception of the army among the general population.

And after all, they do need to save a few lives in order to balance their karmic books, so to speak.

I think most people don't pay attention to what regiment or division. They only know the Army as the Army.

Also I doubt that the Karmic books allocate karma to Army divisions in any case. Individual soldiers perhaps.

But what do I know? Bhudda may have been a marine.

Most westerners might not pay attention, but the significance of this unit - and one or two others - is somewhat elevated in the minds of many Thais. The reasons for this lie in the unit's patronage and also the role it played in controlling the crowds at Rachprasong.

Seeing this unit out and about in flood waters might soften many Thai's stance against it and - by looser association - the wider army as a whole, as well as its other...errr...stakeholders.

As for karma in army units, okay, maybe there is none.

The Thai Army is not the total A hole that many would have believe it is. I am their No 1 falang supporter as they are the only institution in the country that has the Monarch, Thailand and the Thai people as their No 1 priority. Agreed that for toy spending and general (should that be General) money wasting they are no better at times than the rest of Thai's for fighting for trough feeding space.

I would rather that their role in the country's politics was non existent but when you have a police force, judical system, voting system and governance that is at the whim of the highest ฿฿฿ bidder then their role is acceptable.

Right: money wasting and toy spending, but at the end of the day, if there are troubles they also jump into the water and rescue us.

Unlike the police force or politician who also cost a lot, politicians even much more than the army and don't do anything to help people.

[hellodolly]

It would be revealing to know if the 21st Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division are at all involved in the anti-flood actions. Does anyone know?

Their involvement may further improve the perception of the army among the general population.

And after all, they do need to save a few lives in order to balance their karmic books, so to speak.

I think most people don't pay attention to what regiment or division. They only know the Army as the Army.

Also I doubt that the Karmic books allocate karma to Army divisions in any case. Individual soldiers perhaps.

But what do I know? Bhudda may have been a marine.

Most westerners might not pay attention, but the significance of this unit - and one or two others - is somewhat elevated in the minds of many Thais. The reasons for this lie in the unit's patronage and also the role it played in controlling the crowds at Rachprasong.

Seeing this unit out and about in flood waters might soften many Thai's stance against it and - by looser association - the wider army as a whole, as well as its other...errr...stakeholders.

As for karma in army units, okay, maybe there is none.

I have to differ with you on this. I don't believe most Thai's like most Foreigners would have a clue what unit the soldier seeing to it that they get to and from their homes and in general helping out come from.

Let us remember that the army is being restrained by the PM.

That is not the case with the volunteers unless they connect themselves with the government.

Remember doctors with out borders a volunteer organization left because of the restraints put on them by the government.

Kudos to those volunteers also even the one's under the government.

None to the ones putting Thaksins name on the supplies.

[rogerdee123]

Soldiers have won the hearts of the Thai public through real hard work and sacrifice. While politicians keep up their petty fighting over who is to blame and who is blocking floodwaters, soldiers keep their heads down and hard at work, only concentrating on their immediate job.

Opinion polls have confirmed who is being vindicated and who is being perceived as playing politics. Most surveys place soldiers as the biggest heroes so far in this flood crisis. Politicians, predictably, rank below volunteers and the media.

Not difficult to understand when scenes like this are repeatedly captured by Thais

.

I'd vote for the lady in the orange shirt !

I shall remember her as Joan of Ark.

Did you choose Joan of ARK by accident...?!

guess

[DocN]

Maybe you weren't bashing the Army but you sure as Hell were trying to minimise the good work they've done during this crisis. Only a stupid asshol_e would criticisewhat they're doing at this present moment which is why it wouldn't be surprising if you did so.

God, you wouldn't know sarcasm, if it farted in your face! Exactly: it was pointed out -especially by you- a million times over. That's why exactly no one needs it anymore.

And I was not bashing the army, as you usually do with everybody else except the people that are exactly of your opinion. I just stated (and I said they did a good one), that they do their job, whereas many people are working beyond that.

But go on, get it off your chest. Don't want you to end up congested!

Care to point out, where I am criticizing them?

Or minimising?

I said, they are doing a good job, didn't I?

Didn't I bow down deep enough and praise them?

All I was saying, was that, what they are doing is their job.

Every time a bank- cashier hands you some money, every time some waiter puts down the dish you ordered in front of you...do you give them a standing ovation?

I respectfully was pointing out, that other people should actually praised for what they do.

What is your problem actually?

[metisdead]

An insult and baiting session has been removed.

[tlansford]

Nice to see that The Nation is determined to continue politicizing the floods.

Next, ...

More than half of you took the above as a criticism of the Army.

I was here in March :

The Thai military did a fine job then. Although I am not in BKK, everything I have heard from friends and seen here has shown that EVERYONE is doing their best in Bangkok, Army, Police, Gov't, & red shirts...

99% of all first hand reports I have seen coming from BKK have been positive news about people helping people in a really tough situation.

My criticism is not at all with the Army, but with The Nation. This editorial pretends to be about the Army. But the article just uses the praise for the military as cover for another "Nation Flame" against the govt, PTP, and the red shirts.

So once again, Nice to see that The Nation is determined to continue politicizing the floods.

Next, ...

[tlansford]

Yes, the Army is doing a good job.

But let's not forget: it is THEIR JOB!

Far more impressive:

- volunteers

- doctors and nurses running double shifts (without payment, I assume) in evacuee centers and field hospitals

- the guys cleaning up the mess

- the "normal people" helping others in their community instead of breaking down floodwalls

- everyone who contributes "real" aid, like shelter for the neighbors family, for the animals abbandoned...

Those will be the unsung heroes at the end of the day.

DocN - it is good to see someone point out how many people are helping one another. A refreshing change from editorials like this one and the subsequent negativity that it generates.

[MikeyIdea]

Nice to see that The Nation is determined to continue politicizing the floods.

Next, ...

More than half of you took the above as a criticism of the Army.

I was here in March :

media removed

The Thai military did a fine job then. Although I am not in BKK, everything I have heard from friends and seen here has shown that EVERYONE is doing their best in Bangkok, Army, Police, Gov't, & red shirts...

99% of all first hand reports I have seen coming from BKK have been positive news about people helping people in a really tough situation.

My criticism is not at all with the Army, but with The Nation. This editorial pretends to be about the Army. But the article just uses the praise for the military as cover for another "Nation Flame" against the govt, PTP, and the red shirts.

So once again, Nice to see that The Nation is determined to continue politicizing the floods.

Next, ...

Interesting that you are (not) in Bangkok and see (from where you are) the police doing their best. I drive around Bangkok every day and I have yet to see a policeman with wet feet

[whybother]

DocN - it is good to see someone point out how many people are helping one another. A refreshing change from editorials like this one and the subsequent negativity that it generates.

Yes. Why do your posts need to be so negative?

[h90]

Nice to see that The Nation is determined to continue politicizing the floods.

Next, ...

More than half of you took the above as a criticism of the Army.

I was here in March :

The Thai military did a fine job then. Although I am not in BKK, everything I have heard from friends and seen here has shown that EVERYONE is doing their best in Bangkok, Army, Police, Gov't, & red shirts...

99% of all first hand reports I have seen coming from BKK have been positive news about people helping people in a really tough situation.

My criticism is not at all with the Army, but with The Nation. This editorial pretends to be about the Army. But the article just uses the praise for the military as cover for another "Nation Flame" against the govt, PTP, and the red shirts.

So once again, Nice to see that The Nation is determined to continue politicizing the floods.

Next, ...

No NOT everyone is doing their best. Police is hiding....

Here in our Soi the Police boss run to Pattaya and 3 policemen stay in his house taking care of it, instead of helping people.

Red Shirts: yes we saw it....helping only red shirt, donations get labeled with "With Love from Khun Thaksin".

Here in my village which is for sure mostly not red:

The Army came.

The Army provided shuttle service

Once 2 young guys from the Democrats came and handed over donations: neither the boat, nor the donations nor anything else indicated that they are from the Democrats. My wife didn't recognize it until the neighbors did.

No police

No red shirts

I think Bangkok helped with pumps (but not sure on that).

All my staff I was in contact is reporting similar things. No one has seen the police help.

[lannarebirth]

Well as one who is being helped at times by the army, my house is still being in 3 ft of water. I can only say. THANK YOU.

When I need to go and buy food its the army that takes me to the dry roads.

When I need to come home its the same lads who help. Dropping me off as close to my house as possible.

Well done. again THANK YOU

Hard to imagine for most of us. Good luck, sincerely.

[lannarebirth]

Funny, why is no praise being given to the Bkk police? There a quite a number of them in Chiang Mai now taking a well deserved break from their flood work..............................

I have to be honest. Except for the hundreds of police that are blocking roads here and there so that the Prince can travel unencumbered, I haven't seen a policeman in more than a month. That's just my first hand account. I hope that doesn't fall under any LM legislation.

[OzMick]

The army are just doing their job seems to be condemning with faint praise, overlooking that they are doing their job with diligence and competence lacking in many of the others involved.

Will those only willing to concede that they are doing their job, also admit that removing armed terrorists from the capital was also "only doing their job"?

[lannarebirth]

I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer,

The publican 'e up an' sez, "We serve no red-coats (soldiers) here."

The girls be'ind the bar they laughed an' giggled fit to die,

I outs into the street again an' to myself sez I:

O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, go away";

But it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play,

The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play,

O it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play. Rudyard Kippling.

Mostly true the World over, although latterly the UK and USA are giving much more credit to their brave service personnel and making their sacrifices known more widely to the public, consequently they are being looked upon far more favourably. I hope the same happens in Thailand for these unselfish, dedicated and hard working people. You have jusifiably earned the respect of your fellow countrymen.:jap:

To be fair I think the vast majority of Thais regardless of background and political affiliation have always held ordinary soldiers (the ones performing so well in this crisis) in high regard and affection.

The problem has rather been over many decades key senior officers' dreadful record,their human rights abuses, the murder of civilians,brutality in the South,their interference in politics more generally,their opposition to democratic progress, their business and media interests, their corruption,incompetence and complete absence of accountability.All of which wrapped up in one big lie, namely that the purpose is to serve the nation.

I'm not saying you're wrong entirely Jayboy, but why do you hold the military up to such a higher standard than the police. Anyone with two braincells to rub together will know the police have killed many more people, stolen much more money, affected much more fear, than has the Army. Why do you always let one slide and not the other?

[gl555]

I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer,

The publican 'e up an' sez, "We serve no red-coats (soldiers) here."

The girls be'ind the bar they laughed an' giggled fit to die,

I outs into the street again an' to myself sez I:

O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, go away";

But it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play,

The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play,

O it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play. Rudyard Kippling.

Mostly true the World over, although latterly the UK and USA are giving much more credit to their brave service personnel and making their sacrifices known more widely to the public, consequently they are being looked upon far more favourably. I hope the same happens in Thailand for these unselfish, dedicated and hard working people. You have jusifiably earned the respect of your fellow countrymen.:jap:

To be fair I think the vast majority of Thais regardless of background and political affiliation have always held ordinary soldiers (the ones performing so well in this crisis) in high regard and affection.

The problem has rather been over many decades key senior officers' dreadful record,their human rights abuses, the murder of civilians,brutality in the South,their interference in politics more generally,their opposition to democratic progress, their business and media interests, their corruption,incompetence and complete absence of accountability.All of which wrapped up in one big lie, namely that the purpose is to serve the nation.

I'm not saying you're wrong entirely Jayboy, but why do you hold the military up to such a higher standard than the police. Anyone with two braincells to rub together will know the police have killed many more people, stolen much more money, affected much more fear, than has the Army. Why do you always let one slide and not the other?

Thaksin Shinwatra was a cop! So all cops must be good!

[lannarebirth]

It would be revealing to know if the 21st Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division are at all involved in the anti-flood actions. Does anyone know?

Their involvement may further improve the perception of the army among the general population.

And after all, they do need to save a few lives in order to balance their karmic books, so to speak.

I think most people don't pay attention to what regiment or division. They only know the Army as the Army.

Also I doubt that the Karmic books allocate karma to Army divisions in any case. Individual soldiers perhaps.

But what do I know? Bhudda may have been a marine.

I've no time for either the Police or the Army, though I've met many many representatives of both, some of whom I've liked, though not most. The truth is the police are a criminal cabal. The army contains elements of same, but at the end of the day they ensure Thailand doesn't become Cambodia.

[lannarebirth]

Nice to see that The Nation is determined to continue politicizing the floods.

Next, ...

More than half of you took the above as a criticism of the Army.

I was here in March :

The Thai military did a fine job then. Although I am not in BKK, everything I have heard from friends and seen here has shown that EVERYONE is doing their best in Bangkok, Army, Police, Gov't, & red shirts...

99% of all first hand reports I have seen coming from BKK have been positive news about people helping people in a really tough situation.

My criticism is not at all with the Army, but with The Nation. This editorial pretends to be about the Army. But the article just uses the praise for the military as cover for another "Nation Flame" against the govt, PTP, and the red shirts.

So once again, Nice to see that The Nation is determined to continue politicizing the floods.

Next, ...

Frankly, I don't believe you. The Police NEVER do anything unless you pay them. I'll bet you thought this country was like the one you came from but just spoke a different language, huh?