A Government Of The People Should Not Threaten

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
A government of the people should not threaten
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Ministers have been getting overly sensitive and protective recently; they should learn some humility

About a week ago, Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi threatened to arrest protesters who showed up at the 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit in Chiang Mai. He compared to them to "garbage", suggesting that there was no place for them and that their concerns and opinions were worthless.

Apparently, the chairman of the Water and Flood Management Commission didn't want to have any unwanted incident at the summit - knowing that the media spotlight would be on him. Perhaps Plodprasop thought he was living in North Korea not in Thailand, where people - well most people at least - value this notion of freedom of expression.

But just as the dust in Chiang Mai had settled, the government found itself with another predicament that demonstrates that they have not learned much about anger management. Bad enough to have Plodprasop calling environmental activists "trash" and behaving dictatorially by threatening them with legal action.

Then, shortly after, the legal experts and big wigs in the Pheu Thai Party went on the record to state that they want to do something about the Guy Fawkes mask phenomenon - Thais or others on social media who oppose the Yingluck government in cyberspace.

What is mind boggling is the why this government is so thin skinned. The Pheu Thai sales pitch often claims it to be a government "of the people and by the people" - a line that they use to justify just about everything that they do, it seems. And yet, they are not willing to tolerate netizens using a well-known movie-based mask as their icon to criticise their work.

There is an old saying: If you don't mind, it don't matter. But apparently, the Pheu Thai people do mind, especially when the criticism involved their dear leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, the de facto leader of the party.

Never mind self respect or integrity, it was important for the Pheu Thai people to be the first to get off the block in defending Thaksin. It would be such a grave sin if they didn't defend his honour with all their might. Perhaps they are concerned that the

V-mask group could get out of hand and take their anti-government campaign from cyberspace and onto the streets. We have this before with the Yellow Shirt movement when a media personality went from old buddy of Thaksin to become one of his worst

enemies.

Today, this movement has hit a major roadblock as their leaders are facing criminal charges, something that confines their activities on the ground, not to mention that the move also faces a credibility problem.

But with the legal threat from the Pheu Thai leaders, it has become clear that not even cyberspace is a safe place for anybody wishing to voice criticism of the government's policies and activities, especially ones that centre around saving Thaksin from facing his criminal charges.

Anti-government movements around the world involve democracy to suit their needs. What sets Thailand apart with political action groups here is the level of hypocrisy. Supporters of the Pheu Thai Party cited democracy when they were in the opposition but now look the other way when their opponents are threatened with legal action and a possible clampdown.

Instead of showing anger and paranoia, perhaps the Pheu Thai Party should try a little humility and dignity. This shouldn't be too much to ask, especially if one claims to be a government for the people, of the people and by the people.

-- The Nation 2013-06-02

[MaxLee]

Dignity, social behavior, respect and empathy towards multi-cultural people, is something that most "high status Thai-(chinese) people" in power aren't taught, and never teach their "innocent children" from a young age on, with so much FACE and REPUTATION on the line...

[notmyself]

Government of people should not bribe or take bribes either.

[NongKhaiKid]

Very relevant words except to those, to whom they are directed. As Bill Cosby said " a word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones who need the advice . "

What could be more apt in Thailand these days ?

[Bellweather]

Shopping for a gift can bring up the old saying " what do you give someone who has everything ? " In Thailand these days it's " what can you tell a government that knows everything ? "

[Thai at Heart]

No government should threaten its people. As someone stated already, it's down to understanding equality of everyone.

George Orwell isn't very popular in Thailand, but v for vendetta seems to be getting some traction at least.

[DP25]

What is mind boggling is the why this government is so thin skinned.

It's not mind boggling at all once you realize all the democracy and free speech talk was nothing more than bull****, simply political propaganda spewed forth to use against their enemies. Anyone who lived here during the Thaksin years already realized that they are the enemies of free speech, believing that any criticism should be punished harshly, through both legal and extra legal means. Their sole goal is robbing the country blind, enriching themselves, and most of all pardoning a criminal of massive proportions that in any sensible country would be locked behind bars for the rest of his life. Free speech was just something to use to get the naive on their side when they were the opposition, once in power they can safely return to their old position of stomping anyone that gets in their way. Edited June 2, 2013 by DP25

[hanuman2543]

" What sets Thailand apart with political action groups here is the level of hypocrisy."

Isn't hypocrisy on all levels of society one of the major problems here?

[soi41]

"A government of the people"

[OzMick]

" What sets Thailand apart with political action groups here is the level of hypocrisy."

Isn't hypocrisy on all levels of society one of the major problems here?

When you put yourself above others, your hypocrisy is more easily seen.

[Siripon]

Surely no one thinks that people like Chalerm, Plodprasop,Arisaman, Nattawut, Jatupon really believe in freedom of speech!

[MikeOboe57]

"Government for the People" is a euphemism like "People's Republic of". It serves no other purpose than to cover up your real intentions.

[wildorchid]

Deputy Prime minister Plodprasop Suraswadi was WRONG in saying protesters are "garbage" and threatening arrest of protesters and their opinions are worthless is again WRONG!!!, I THINK HE SHOULD STEP DOWN AFTER APOLERGISING TO THE PEOPLE OF Thailand AND THE GOVERNMENT.

This article is WRONG with its comment, "The Pheu Thai sales pitch often claims it to be a government of the people by the people, IT IS!!!

The people of Thailand a democratically elected this government on 3 separate times, GET OVER IT! OR TRY TO TAKE GOVERNMENT WITHOUT A COUP!

"A government of the people" The 2005 general election the Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Thai Rak Thai party won 374 seats out of 500 seats,

2006 Thaksin Shinawatra was OVERTHROWN in a military coup, NOT OF THE PEOPLE!!!

A "government of the people" as they (the people) elected this current party into power,

PTP won 265 seats out of 500 seats, the Democrat party won 159 seats, again GET OVER IT!!!

[ramrod711]

The government will not tolerate garbage protesters wearing masks, only terrorists need wear a mask.

[SlideRiceFC]

Deputy Prime minister Plodprasop Suraswadi was WRONG in saying protesters are "garbage" and threatening arrest of protesters and their opinions are worthless is again WRONG!!!, I THINK HE SHOULD STEP DOWN AFTER APOLERGISING TO THE PEOPLE OF Thailand AND THE GOVERNMENT.

This article is WRONG with its comment, "The Pheu Thai sales pitch often claims it to be a government of the people by the people, IT IS!!!

The people of Thailand a democratically elected this government on 3 separate times, GET OVER IT! OR TRY TO TAKE GOVERNMENT WITHOUT A COUP!

"A government of the people" The 2005 general election the Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Thai Rak Thai party won 374 seats out of 500 seats,

2006 Thaksin Shinawatra was OVERTHROWN in a military coup, NOT OF THE PEOPLE!!!

A "government of the people" as they (the people) elected this current party into power,

PTP won 265 seats out of 500 seats, the Democrat party won 159 seats, again GET OVER IT!!!

What is so "wrong" about the comment "The Pheu Thai sales pitch often claims it to be a government of the people by the people"? I think that's a factual statement. It sets the stage for their argument. They claim this but do this instead.

Throwing about election numbers (as if those mean much in a system plagued with vote-buying) is irrelevant. The point of the entire article is that a government is for everyone...not just ones that voted them. They have to be accountable for decisions that will affect everyone in this country. Everyone should have a voice and not fear being silenced, ridiculed or prosecuted by the government.

This article is just stating the obvious. The fact that you seem bent out of shape about it says more about you than the person that wrote it.

[wildorchid]

Deputy Prime minister Plodprasop Suraswadi was WRONG in saying protesters are "garbage" and threatening arrest of protesters and their opinions are worthless is again WRONG!!!, I THINK HE SHOULD STEP DOWN AFTER APOLERGISING TO THE PEOPLE OF Thailand AND THE GOVERNMENT.

This article is WRONG with its comment, "The Pheu Thai sales pitch often claims it to be a government of the people by the people, IT IS!!!

The people of Thailand a democratically elected this government on 3 separate times, GET OVER IT! OR TRY TO TAKE GOVERNMENT WITHOUT A COUP!

"A government of the people" The 2005 general election the Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Thai Rak Thai party won 374 seats out of 500 seats,

2006 Thaksin Shinawatra was OVERTHROWN in a military coup, NOT OF THE PEOPLE!!!

A "government of the people" as they (the people) elected this current party into power,

PTP won 265 seats out of 500 seats, the Democrat party won 159 seats, again GET OVER IT!!!

What is so "wrong" about the comment "The Pheu Thai sales pitch often claims it to be a government of the people by the people"? I think that's a factual statement. It sets the stage for their argument. They claim this but do this instead.

Throwing about election numbers (as if those mean much in a system plagued with vote-buying) is irrelevant. The point of the entire article is that a government is for everyone...not just ones that voted them. They have to be accountable for decisions that will affect everyone in this country. Everyone should have a voice and not fear being silenced, ridiculed or prosecuted by the government.

This article is just stating the obvious. The fact that you seem bent out of shape about it says more about you than the person that wrote it.

It seems YOU did not read my opening sentence,,, AGIAN, what the deputy PM said is wrong and he should step down after the apologies are made to the Thai people and the government and this should NEVER happen again.

Yes everyone has an opinion and can voice them as long as it dose not exclude others rights.

Again if you don't like it then win then WIN the government by vote NOT by coup, or do you prefer a bloody coup to the democratic vote? Do you have the right to vote? Hmmm I wounder?

Politicians around the world have done and said some truly stupid things, politicians around the world have said some truly stupid things and Deputy PM is one of them.

Throwing around "vote buying" (your opinion)(can you prove it?) is not helping, and disrespectful of the peoples choice of government.

so the FACT is they have the approval of the MAJORITY of the people.

if you don't like it then go live and make comment in SYRIA, Turkey, or Afghanistan, because some(the minority) seem to not be happy to accept the(majority) peoples vote again and again and again...

[hellodolly]

Surely no one thinks that people like Chalerm, Plodprasop,Arisaman, Nattawut, Jatupon really believe in freedom of speech!

They do as it applies to them and their red shirted militia.

Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi

pretty well summed up his parties version of people who are not yes men.

"About a week ago, Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi threatened

to arrest protesters who showed up at the 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit

in Chiang Mai. He compared to them to "garbage", suggesting that there

was no place for them and that their concerns and opinions were

worthless."

He even had the schools closed for four days so there would be less traffic on the road and then went out and proceeded to block traffic off on streets when the various attendants were on their way to their various hotels.

I still maintain he is trying to oust Jatuporn as fool of the year. In a three way race for the title it is possible that both of them could get 50% of the vote. The third person would be so far behind he or she would think they were ahead.

[billd766]

Deputy Prime minister Plodprasop Suraswadi was WRONG in saying protesters are "garbage" and threatening arrest of protesters and their opinions are worthless is again WRONG!!!, I THINK HE SHOULD STEP DOWN AFTER APOLERGISING TO THE PEOPLE OF Thailand AND THE GOVERNMENT.

This article is WRONG with its comment, "The Pheu Thai sales pitch often claims it to be a government of the people by the people, IT IS!!!

The people of Thailand a democratically elected this government on 3 separate times, GET OVER IT! OR TRY TO TAKE GOVERNMENT WITHOUT A COUP!

"A government of the people" The 2005 general election the Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Thai Rak Thai party won 374 seats out of 500 seats,

2006 Thaksin Shinawatra was OVERTHROWN in a military coup, NOT OF THE PEOPLE!!!

A "government of the people" as they (the people) elected this current party into power,

PTP won 265 seats out of 500 seats, the Democrat party won 159 seats, again GET OVER IT!!!

What is so "wrong" about the comment "The Pheu Thai sales pitch often claims it to be a government of the people by the people"? I think that's a factual statement. It sets the stage for their argument. They claim this but do this instead.

Throwing about election numbers (as if those mean much in a system plagued with vote-buying) is irrelevant. The point of the entire article is that a government is for everyone...not just ones that voted them. They have to be accountable for decisions that will affect everyone in this country. Everyone should have a voice and not fear being silenced, ridiculed or prosecuted by the government.

This article is just stating the obvious. The fact that you seem bent out of shape about it says more about you than the person that wrote it.

It seems YOU did not read my opening sentence,,, AGIAN, what the deputy PM said is wrong and he should step down after the apologies are made to the Thai people and the government and this should NEVER happen again.

Yes everyone has an opinion and can voice them as long as it dose not exclude others rights.

Again if you don't like it then win then WIN the government by vote NOT by coup, or do you prefer a bloody coup to the democratic vote? Do you have the right to vote? Hmmm I wounder?

Politicians around the world have done and said some truly stupid things, politicians around the world have said some truly stupid things and Deputy PM is one of them.

Throwing around "vote buying" (your opinion)(can you prove it?) is not helping, and disrespectful of the peoples choice of government.

so the FACT is they have the approval of the MAJORITY of the people.

if you don't like it then go live and make comment in SYRIA, Turkey, or Afghanistan, because some(the minority) seem to not be happy to accept the(majority) peoples vote again and again and again...

Fact

At the last general election in 2011

PTP won 15.3 million votes

Democrats about 11 million votes

In 2011 there were 46,918,719 people eligible to vote

35,203,107 actually voted

So 20 million people who did vote did NOT vote PTP.

So PTP did NOT win a MAJORITY of the votes by about 5 million.

They only won 32% of the eligble votes or 43.4 of the total votes cast.

Neither figure is the MAJORITY of the people unless you are using Red Shirt mathematics where accuracy does not count or matter.

Source

http://www.idea.int/vt/countryview.cfm?CountryCode=TH

Edited June 2, 2013 by billd766

[wildorchid]

Deputy Prime minister Plodprasop Suraswadi was WRONG in saying protesters are "garbage" and threatening arrest of protesters and their opinions are worthless is again WRONG!!!, I THINK HE SHOULD STEP DOWN AFTER APOLERGISING TO THE PEOPLE OF Thailand AND THE GOVERNMENT.

This article is WRONG with its comment, "The Pheu Thai sales pitch often claims it to be a government of the people by the people, IT IS!!!

The people of Thailand a democratically elected this government on 3 separate times, GET OVER IT! OR TRY TO TAKE GOVERNMENT WITHOUT A COUP!

"A government of the people" The 2005 general election the Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Thai Rak Thai party won 374 seats out of 500 seats,

2006 Thaksin Shinawatra was OVERTHROWN in a military coup, NOT OF THE PEOPLE!!!

A "government of the people" as they (the people) elected this current party into power,

PTP won 265 seats out of 500 seats, the Democrat party won 159 seats, again GET OVER IT!!!

What is so "wrong" about the comment "The Pheu Thai sales pitch often claims it to be a government of the people by the people"? I think that's a factual statement. It sets the stage for their argument. They claim this but do this instead.

Throwing about election numbers (as if those mean much in a system plagued with vote-buying) is irrelevant. The point of the entire article is that a government is for everyone...not just ones that voted them. They have to be accountable for decisions that will affect everyone in this country. Everyone should have a voice and not fear being silenced, ridiculed or prosecuted by the government.

This article is just stating the obvious. The fact that you seem bent out of shape about it says more about you than the person that wrote it.

It seems YOU did not read my opening sentence,,, AGIAN, what the deputy PM said is wrong and he should step down after the apologies are made to the Thai people and the government and this should NEVER happen again.

Yes everyone has an opinion and can voice them as long as it dose not exclude others rights.

Again if you don't like it then win then WIN the government by vote NOT by coup, or do you prefer a bloody coup to the democratic vote? Do you have the right to vote? Hmmm I wounder?

Politicians around the world have done and said some truly stupid things, politicians around the world have said some truly stupid things and Deputy PM is one of them.

Throwing around "vote buying" (your opinion)(can you prove it?) is not helping, and disrespectful of the peoples choice of government.

so the FACT is they have the approval of the MAJORITY of the people.

if you don't like it then go live and make comment in SYRIA, Turkey, or Afghanistan, because some(the minority) seem to not be happy to accept the(majority) peoples vote again and again and again...

Fact

At the last general election in 2011

PTP won 15.3 million votes

Democrats about 11 million votes

In 2011 there were 46,918,719 people eligible to vote

35,203,107 actually voted

So 20 million people who did vote did NOT vote PTP.

So PTP did NOT win a MAJORITY of the votes by about 5 million.

They only won 32% of the eligble votes or 43.4 of the total votes cast.

Neither figure is the MAJORITY of the people unless you are using Red Shirt mathematics where accuracy does not count or matter.

Source

http://www.idea.int/vt/countryview.cfm?CountryCode=TH

Are you aware that the people that were not in their province (due to work or other obligations)on the day of the vote they were not allowed to cast an absentee vote? so how many northern people that work in another province were prevented to vote. possible this counts for the 20 million NON votes cast? and who is responsible for this?

if you win an election even by ONE vote then is that not the majority?

[mikemac]

"He even had the schools closed for four days so there would be less traffic on the road" !!! Judging by the intelligence, or lack thereof, displayed by the current government, the schools should be open as much as possible.

I do agree with what Plod said about garbage protesters hiding behind masks. I have seen it first hand, destroying public and privately owned property, blocking bridges with burning tires and trashing ATMs with sledge hammers, all wearing masks, red ones.

[thaicbr]

Fact

At the last general election in 2011

PTP won 15.3 million votes

Democrats about 11 million votes

In 2011 there were 46,918,719 people eligible to vote

35,203,107 actually voted

So 20 million people who did vote did NOT vote PTP.

So PTP did NOT win a MAJORITY of the votes by about 5 million.

They only won 32% of the eligble votes or 43.4 of the total votes cast.

Neither figure is the MAJORITY of the people unless you are using Red Shirt mathematics where accuracy does not count or matter.

Source

http://www.idea.int/vt/countryview.cfm?CountryCode=TH

Are you aware that the people that were not in their province (due to work or other obligations)on the day of the vote they were not allowed to cast an absentee vote? so how many northern people that work in another province were prevented to vote. possible this counts for the 20 million NON votes cast? and who is responsible for this?

if you win an election even by ONE vote then is that not the majority?

Were YOU not aware that people traveled back to vote.. You ask WHO is responsible.. Umm maybe the Government.... previous as well as current. Them have ALWAYS been the rules.

You ask "if you win an election even by ONE vote then is that not the majority?" NO. It's just a win.

[wildorchid]

Fact

At the last general election in 2011

PTP won 15.3 million votes

Democrats about 11 million votes

In 2011 there were 46,918,719 people eligible to vote

35,203,107 actually voted

So 20 million people who did vote did NOT vote PTP.

So PTP did NOT win a MAJORITY of the votes by about 5 million.

They only won 32% of the eligble votes or 43.4 of the total votes cast.

Neither figure is the MAJORITY of the people unless you are using Red Shirt mathematics where accuracy does not count or matter.

Source

http://www.idea.int/vt/countryview.cfm?CountryCode=TH

Are you aware that the people that were not in their province (due to work or other obligations)on the day of the vote they were not allowed to cast an absentee vote? so how many northern people that work in another province were prevented to vote. possible this counts for the 20 million NON votes cast? and who is responsible for this?

if you win an election even by ONE vote then is that not the majority?

Were YOU not aware that people traveled back to vote.. You ask WHO is responsible.. Umm maybe the Government.... previous as well as current. Them have ALWAYS been the rules.

You ask "if you win an election even by ONE vote then is that not the majority?" NO. It's just a win.

PTP are in government fact, they won fact, get over it or ...CRY ME A RIVER LADY'S...

[thaicbr]

Fact

 

At the last general election in 2011

 

PTP won 15.3 million votes

Democrats about 11 million votes

 

In 2011 there were 46,918,719 people eligible to vote

35,203,107 actually voted

So 20 million people who did vote did NOT vote PTP.

 

 

So PTP did NOT win a MAJORITY of the votes by about 5 million.

 

They only won 32% of the eligble votes or 43.4 of the total votes cast.

 

Neither figure is the MAJORITY of the people unless you are using Red Shirt mathematics where accuracy does not count or matter.

 

 

Source

 

http://www.idea.int/vt/countryview.cfm?CountryCode=TH

Are you aware that the people that were not in their province (due to work or other obligations)on the day of the vote they were not allowed to cast an absentee vote? so how many northern people that work in another province were prevented to vote. possible this counts for the 20 million NON votes cast? and who is responsible for this?

if you win an election even by ONE vote then is that not the majority?

 

Were YOU not aware that people traveled back to vote.. You ask WHO is responsible.. Umm maybe the Government.... previous as well as current. Them have ALWAYS been the rules.

You ask  "if you win an election even by ONE vote then is that not the majority?" NO. It's just a win. 

PTP are in government fact, they won fact, get over it or ...CRY ME A RIVER LADY'S...

You are correct PTP ARE in government. Now can you tell when they will actually govern for the sake of the Thai people in general?

Cry me a river is a great song... don't belittle it by having it in the same sentence as PTP and government

Sent from my i-mobile i-STYLE Q6

[mikemac]

I am quite aware the PTP are in power. Otherwise there would be protests (gasp !) all over the country and Bangkok would be blockaded and on fire. Also I would not be game to stick my card into a Bangkok Bank ATM for fear of having my hand crushed by red sledge hammer.

[klauskunkel]

Well, it is a government of the people, just not by the people...

[khunken]

Fact

At the last general election in 2011

PTP won 15.3 million votes

Democrats about 11 million votes

In 2011 there were 46,918,719 people eligible to vote

35,203,107 actually voted

So 20 million people who did vote did NOT vote PTP.

So PTP did NOT win a MAJORITY of the votes by about 5 million.

They only won 32% of the eligble votes or 43.4 of the total votes cast.

Neither figure is the MAJORITY of the people unless you are using Red Shirt mathematics where accuracy does not count or matter.

Source

http://www.idea.int/vt/countryview.cfm?CountryCode=TH

Are you aware that the people that were not in their province (due to work or other obligations)on the day of the vote they were not allowed to cast an absentee vote? so how many northern people that work in another province were prevented to vote. possible this counts for the 20 million NON votes cast? and who is responsible for this?

if you win an election even by ONE vote then is that not the majority?

Were YOU not aware that people traveled back to vote.. You ask WHO is responsible.. Umm maybe the Government.... previous as well as current. Them have ALWAYS been the rules.

You ask "if you win an election even by ONE vote then is that not the majority?" NO. It's just a win.

PTP are in government fact, they won fact, get over it or ...CRY ME A RIVER LADY'S...

You seem to come from the PTP/red shirt types that have a mantra of 'we won the election so we can do what we like'.

Unfortunately, democracy involves a bit more than that. It involves checks & balances, allowing opposition, allowing people to express views that are critical of government, not using militias to intimidate courts & the opposition.

Heavy handed clamp downs on anti-PTP protestors (especially while allowing pro-government militias a free hand), is a dictatorial trait. It's just hypocrisy to criticise a coup as anti-democratic while accepting - or even supporting - a dictatorship.

[wildorchid]

HMMMmmm Start governing for the good of Thai people?

Well I know so many working people are or were happier with getting a bigger (300 baht per day) salary,

unfortunately so many so many rich landlords and others have increased the rents eroding that increase.

An increase of uni graduates minimum salary Hmmm,

I as an employer am happy to pay a fair salary for my staff.

and "CRY ME A RIVER" is not that great of a song,

[thaicbr]

HMMMmmm Start governing for the good of Thai people?

Well I know so many working people are or were happier with getting a bigger (300 baht per day) salary,

unfortunately so many so many rich landlords and others have increased the rents eroding that increase.

An increase of uni graduates minimum salary Hmmm,

I as an employer am happy to pay a fair salary for my staff.

and "CRY ME A RIVER" is not that great of a song,

Were happier is correct. Because food and household stuff has also gone up. As it would.

And your last sentence just shows your being argumentative

Sent from my GT-P1010 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[wildorchid]

WHAT??? What was done to the red shirt protesters was NOT HEAVY HANDED? you are joking!!! how many shot? how many killed how many injured? MEN WOMAN AND CHILDREN!!! this sanctioned by hmmm whom? was it in power by default via coup? or do you justify military coup when the out come dose not suite you?

you keep dodging that one or do you selectively choose your HEAVY handedness on protesters?

[wildorchid]

HMMMmmm Start governing for the good of Thai people?

Well I know so many working people are or were happier with getting a bigger (300 baht per day) salary,

unfortunately so many so many rich landlords and others have increased the rents eroding that increase.

An increase of uni graduates minimum salary Hmmm,

I as an employer am happy to pay a fair salary for my staff.

and "CRY ME A RIVER" is not that great of a song,

Were happier is correct. Because food and household stuff has also gone up. As it would.

And your last sentence just shows your being argumentative

Sent from my GT-P1010 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

NO my last sentence it was said in 'jest' of a previous post.