Expats' view on political chaos in Thailand

[webfact]

Expats' view on political chaos
Nophakhun Limsamarnphun
The Nation


Marc Spiegel, left, and Nandor von der Luehe, centre.

Leaders voice support for fresh election, reform

BANGKOK: -- Several long-time expatriate business leaders based in Thailand have been voicing their opinions on the country's latest round of political confrontation.

Nandor von der Luehe, director of the Thai-Swiss Chamber of Commerce and former president of the Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, said: "First of all, as foreigners, we try to stay out of politics, but on the other hand, we're also stakeholders in the Thai economy.

"We're observing what's happening very closely - the political stand-off we've seen over the past 40 days. It's the right step in the right direction for the prime minister to dissolve the House for a new general election.

"We hope Thailand can reform itself. Over the past several years, we already had many conflicts. In terms of economic impacts, we've seen the GDP and export growth rates to be far less than what we expected early this year," he said. Export growth is flat, while growth in gross domestic product is likely to drop to 3 per cent from 5 per cent forecast early this year.

"Political tension certainly did not help this situation and as a caretaker government, the disbursement of government budgets will slow down, causing another problem for the economy.

"Foreign direct investment or FDI will also be affected. Investors look carefully to see which country they will put their money into. People are watching the Asean Economic Community [AEC], where to put their FDI money. You just don't put your money into a bank where you're not so sure how safe it is or like a country where demonstrations are going on. "Certain sectors such as the automotive sector are strong, however, so they can still attract foreign investors.

"In terms of domestic consumption, that's also hurt by the political situation. After raising the minimum wage to Bt300 per day, everything seems to be more expensive," so the net benefit from the wage increase was limited as far as boosting domestic consumption is concerned.

Marc Spiegel, president of the Thai-Finnish Chamber of Commerce and vice president of the Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce, said: "It's the right decision to dissolve the House to prevent the conflict from escalating any further.

"Given that, I come from America. Throughout our history, we had many protests when the people did not support the ideas of government. It's the way people speak out, but of course we hope it's done peacefully within the rule of law and without any violence.

"In terms of economic impact [from the political conflict], it has already included the tourism sector, in which 400,000 foreigners have cancelled their trips to Thailand. "Another casualty is probably the Bt2-trillion mega-infrastructure scheme, which is being reviewed by the Constitutional Court.

"The good news is that the Red Line electric-train project is already under construction in Bangkok, while the Purple Line's contract has been signed. But now there will be delays in budget disbursement.

"Thailand has declared that it wants to be a centre of Asean and, given its mega-infrastructure schemes, it has the capability to do so. But there is also competition from other countries such as China.

"However, compared with other countries in the region, the politics of Philippines until recently was much worse. It turned the corner two or three years ago, but Thailand has dropped. The Philippines also ranked better than Thailand in Transparency International's index, at 94 compared with Thailand's 102.

"Malaysia's politics also outperformed Thailand's, but the last election was not very clean. Still, it's ranked 53rd on the transparency index. Indonesia is doing worse at 114 on the transparency index, which covers about 180 countries worldwide.

"In terms of democracy, Thailand has had its Constitution for only 81 years. If you look at my country, America, we got the constitution in 1787 - 81 years later we were facing civil war. That gives you some idea of an advancement."


-- The Nation 2013-12-21

[soi41]

Now we are just waiting for Benito Sutheppi's sheeps to gather outside the Swiss Embassy, to protest against Mr von der Luehe's support of a general election!

[casindonet]

Kasit said "Foreigners shut up"......Suthep said "I don't respect the foreigners"....

Sent from my GT-I9200 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[spare5]

Farang don't even have the right to vote.

[zydeco]

Why is the president of the Thai-Finnish Chamber of Commerce from the United States?

[chainarong]

Farang don't even have the right to vote.

Marvellous we didn't know that , thanks for the info, now go back to your bottle.

[chainarong]

The view from outside should be taken seriously ,the trouble with Thailand is that it always tends to look inward, when something is commented on they all come out of the wood work, you want to be a member of the world , well start listening , learning , you call yourself a democracy , want to bet on that., you are so far off the mark its funny , but I admit entertaining.

[whybother]

Farang don't even have the right to vote.

But they are stakeholders in the Thai economy, so do have a right to have an opinion.

Sent from my phone ...

[whybother]

Now we are just waiting for Benito Sutheppi's sheeps to gather outside the Swiss Embassy, to protest against Mr von der Luehe's support of a general election!

Actually, Nandor said that he supported the decision to dissolve parliament.

Sent from my phone ...

[HeavyDrinker]

It's nice to see them trying to focus on the positives such as the improvements to the infrastructure and the future as a member of the AEC

Beats the heck out of the hungover 'Suthep this" and "Plodsaprap that" tired old drivel one usually gets here.....

Farang don't even have the right to vote.

I'd wager their opinion would be far more listened to than yours.....

[casindonet]

The view from outside should be taken seriously ,the trouble with Thailand is that it always tends to look inward, when something is commented on they all come out of the wood work, you want to be a member of the world , well start listening , learning , you call yourself a democracy , want to bet on that., you are so far off the mark its funny , but I admit entertaining.

Look on the bright side....without all this thai political soap opera going on, most of us on TV would be reading about thai-chinese GF stories only

[Bender]

Luckily for us, they didnt invite some of the grumpy yellow TV members to voice their opinion to open their big mouth.

Our reputation, as foreigner, in Thailand will be tarnished for century

ps: i am still shaking

[MrSlatersParrot]

"Thailand has had its Constitution for only 81 years. If you look at my country, America, we got the constitution in 1787 - 81 years later we were facing civil war. That gives you some idea of an advancement."

in the words of the late great Vivian Stanshall

"Erm Oh dear"

[mca]

Why is the president of the Thai-Finnish Chamber of Commerce from the United States?

He got on the wrong bus in Helsinki

[ChrisY1]

Farang don't even have the right to vote.

So are you saying the foreigners in your country CAN vote.....?

[Nibbles48]

"In terms of democracy, Thailand has had its Constitution for only 81 years. If you look at my country, America, we got the constitution in 1787 - 81 years later we were facing civil war. That gives you some idea of an advancement."

Nice observation.

So for all those who think civil war is unlikely, think again.

The country is already totally split between north and south.

[nputman]

If any Farang looked into the current groups stand on Westerners one would not be in support of them.

AKA Thai patriots Network for one.

[ozyjon]

Sometimes i am made to reflect,, we come to this country because we like the culture, the country the freedom then someone else comes along and wants to change it, therefore go back to where you came from and re-stuff that place up and leave me alone. I'm happy here with all the bullshit that goes on, i signed up knowing all that so now i live with it. (Pee off and leave me alone)

[Time Traveller]

Farang don't even have the right to vote.

They don't need it. The foreign investors can fire all of their Thai employees, close down their business and take their money elsewhere. They have that right at least

Edited December 21, 2013 by Time Traveller

[Time Traveller]

"Thailand has had its Constitution for only 81 years. If you look at my country, America, we got the constitution in 1787 - 81 years later we were facing civil war. That gives you some idea of an advancement."

in the words of the late great Vivian Stanshall

"Erm Oh dear"

Well I doubt that Thailand is 150 years behind America. 70 or 80 years perhaps, but definitely not 150 years.

[Larry001]

The ignorance of people like Suthep is why the country is slowly declining. Maybe its about time some of these people took advice from farangs who come from prosperous democratic countries. Unlike Thai politics, which is basically a joke. Ever heard of a Thai winning a Nobel prize for anything. Very few. Could be seen as a measure of this countries brain power.

[pkspeaker]

Because the US invaded the Thai-Finnish Chamber of Commerce shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and still hasn't withdrawn.

Why is the president of the Thai-Finnish Chamber of Commerce from the United States?

[monty1412]

Farang don't even have the right to vote.

Sherlock... what was your first clue.....??? did you figure this out all by yourself or did you have a few friends help.... marvellous commentary.... ever thought of a career in Thai journalism.. you seem to have all the right credentials

[Harleys]

Will they get deported now, before x-mas or after, ... or wait, these tow lads are BIGshots, right, so THEY can voice out their opinion, even. (or maybe they just have enough money to PAY for this privilege?)

Small folks farang can't even walk aside their family in support of their opinion.

OH GLORIOUS THAILAND, YOU

[salavan]

"first of all as foreigners we try to stay out of politics" mr you gotta stay out of politics you got no choice you are allowed a temporary stay here same as the rest of us mr you aint git no rights to get involved in politics

[sawadee1947]

surprising news indeed from highly intelligent people. I did not know it before...

[TinoThailand]

Zombie Apocalypse, you can talk to fapanang... But hey they sure look smart

[Bpuumike]

Why is the president of the Thai-Finnish Chamber of Commerce from the United States?

I didn't quite understand that either.

[NCFC]

Farang don't even have the right to vote.

They vote with their money. Business people, tourists, residents. If you read the article you would have understood that.

[mijan24]

"Thailand has had its Constitution for only 81 years. If you look at my country, America, we got the constitution in 1787 - 81 years later we were facing civil war. That gives you some idea of an advancement."

in the words of the late great Vivian Stanshall

"Erm Oh dear"

Well I doubt that Thailand is 150 years behind America. 70 or 80 years perhaps, but definitely not 150 years.

You must be looking at the world through "rose coloured" or "rose colored" spectacles or glasses - does 543 ring your bell ??