Medical workers threaten speed-up of anti-govt protest

[webfact]

Medical workers threaten speed-up of anti-govt protest
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THOUSANDS OF medical workers joined the anti-government demonstration to shut down Bangkok and block one of the capital's main areas, the Lat Phrao five-way intersection.

They demanded political reform before the election and the establishment of a neutral and acceptable mechanism to reform politics and prevent the corruption of democracy.

The medical workers said the election on February 2 should be postponed and the caretaker government led by Yingluck Shinawatra should stand aside and pave the way for political reform. If the government did not respond to their demands, they would escalate their demonstration to topple the government, the workers said.

The group is led by former senior health officials and health experts. They include former public health minister Dr Mongkol na Songkla, who was appointed during the military government in 2006; former Food and Drug Administration secretary general Dr Siriwat Thiptharadol; former Medical Emergency Institute of Thailand director Dr Chatree Chareonchiwakul; Thailand Health Promotion Institute director Dr Hatai Chitanont; National Health Commission secretary general Dr Amphon Jindawattana; former Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Phaijit Warachit; and Dr Banlu Siripanich, former chairman of the fact-finding committee to investigate irregularities in the Thai Khem Khaeng project run by former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Narong Sahamethapat said the ministry had kept a close eye out for any violence at political demonstrations in three provinces - Buri Ram, Phitsanulok and Ayutthaya.

Since the political turmoil started in Bangkok two months ago, 286 people have been injured and three killed. About 15 have been admitted to hospitals in Bangkok.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Erawan Medical Emergency Services Centre reported yesterday that a 30-year-old man had been shot in the neck near Chaeng Wattana Road. He was undergoing treatment at Mongkut Watthana Hospital after losing a lot of blood.

The Public Health Ministry reported the man was shot near the anti-government demonstration barricade at Soi 14 on Chaeng Wattana Road.

Meanwhile, despite the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) threat to shut down Bangkok and block several main areas in the capital, officials at the Public Health Ministry were working as usual.

Yesterday a temporary employee at the ministry used a loudspeaker to criticise PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban and ask health officials not to join the demonstration.

"I want to ask you who pays your wages? We work for our country, not Suthep," he shouted.

Some health officials eventually blew whistles at him.

Protesters also shouted and blew whistles at the ministry's deputy permanent secretary Dr Chanwit Tarathep for backing the government.


-- The Nation 2014-01-14

[Prbkk]

This bloated old-guard bureaucracy is easily replaced. If they don't want their jobs, RESIGN.

[retsdon]

"Some health officials eventually blew whistles at him.

Protesters also shouted and blew whistles at the ministry's deputy permanent secretary Dr Chanwit Tarathep for backing the government."

Haha...the level of political discourse necessary to move the country forward?

[Yunla]

When your political differences are affecting health-care for the most vulnerable in society, it is time for both sides to put down their whistles, bullhorns and placards, and start discussing matters like mature human beings, before even one sick person dies from lack of care. To be extremely sick is to be in an infernal daily prison, a matter above and beyond trifling matters like which politician gets to wear the shiny hat for a few years. Doctors and nurses understand this dimension of total suffering, their lives are devoted to ease the pain for these unfortunate people. Politicians should follow medical workers in great respect and humility, not the other way round.

[poisonus]

Since the political turmoil started in Bangkok two months ago, 286 people have been injured and three killed. About 15 have been admitted to hospitals in Bangkok.

So the other 5 dead obviously recovered again. That's nice.

Just shows the massive support from very highly academic people this protest has attracted. In total contrast the the other side attracting the brainless thugs who couldn't reason their way out of a paper bag without a GPS (if someone showed them how to use one).

That goes for the farang too. Seems like the most reasonable and intelligent farang have the capacity to reason and see the entire scope of the problems while the obvious sub-intellects seem to cling on to the democracy argument not even realising that where a democracy is broken, there is NO democracy.

[djjamie]

Just look at the broad section of the population that come out to protest. For the PTP it is the rice farmers. For the DEMS it is unions, students, tax payers, teachers, academics, public servants and doctors and the list keeps growing. A broad section of popular support is called a democracy. A narrow supporter base is called a dictatorship. It comes as no surprise that the medical profession is against the current regime either. Look no further than the failed 30 baht health care scheme to understand the contempt TS has for the poor. 70% of hospitals became unprofitable and unable to pay their staff. A lot closed down due to bankruptcy. The poor had to travel greater distances to get health care. The care was substandard because the govt were unable to make up the shortfall thus doctors had no choice but to offer the services to people with more money. Absolute disaster. Though the ministry of propaganda would have you believe differently…………..Because it won votes. It is all a conspiracy against the PTP. The ministry would have you believe that the World bank, Moody's, UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, the environmentalists, the corn farmer, the rubber farmers, academics, global economists and IMF all have "incentives" too. It is the world against the PTP. And it seems the doctors are part of it too now. The list keeps growing. There are children at the protest today too. Did the PTP take toys from them to fund the subsidy of the rice scheme which they have still not paid to the farmers? Or do we wait for an official "children's incentive" from the ministry of propaganda before replying. Better let the all powerful number one brother plant the train of thought before replying me thinks.

[Baerboxer]

This bloated old-guard bureaucracy is easily replaced. If they don't want their jobs, RESIGN.

Just like Yingluck eh? Oh no, big brother the caddy and strategic thinker won't let her.

Why should anyone resign ? Just because they have a view against a very corrupt caretaker government clinging on to power?

[harber8]

Just look at the broad section of the population that come out to protest. For the PTP it is the rice farmers. For the DEMS it is unions, students, tax payers, teachers, academics, public servants and doctors and the list keeps growing. A broad section of popular support is called a democracy. A narrow supporter base is called a dictatorship. It comes as no surprise that the medical profession is against the current regime either. Look no further than the failed 30 baht health care scheme to understand the contempt TS has for the poor. 70% of hospitals became unprofitable and unable to pay their staff. A lot closed down due to bankruptcy. The poor had to travel greater distances to get health care. The care was substandard because the govt were unable to make up the shortfall thus doctors had no choice but to offer the services to people with more money. Absolute disaster. Though the ministry of propaganda would have you believe differently..Because it won votes. It is all a conspiracy against the PTP. The ministry would have you believe that the World bank, Moody's, UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, the environmentalists, the corn farmer, the rubber farmers, academics, global economists and IMF all have "incentives" too. It is the world against the PTP. And it seems the doctors are part of it too now. The list keeps growing. There are children at the protest today too. Did the PTP take toys from them to fund the subsidy of the rice scheme which they have still not paid to the farmers? Or do we wait for an official "children's incentive" from the ministry of propaganda before replying. Better let the all powerful number one brother plant the train of thought before replying me thinks.

Where did you copy and paste your comment from? Or do you usually write in different fonts?

Speak your own voice.

[Skywalker69]

Just look at the broad section of the population that come out to protest. For the PTP it is the rice farmers. For the DEMS it is unions, students, tax payers, teachers, academics, public servants and doctors and the list keeps growing. A broad section of popular support is called a democracy. A narrow supporter base is called a dictatorship. It comes as no surprise that the medical profession is against the current regime either. Look no further than the failed 30 baht health care scheme to understand the contempt TS has for the poor. 70% of hospitals became unprofitable and unable to pay their staff. A lot closed down due to bankruptcy. The poor had to travel greater distances to get health care. The care was substandard because the govt were unable to make up the shortfall thus doctors had no choice but to offer the services to people with more money. Absolute disaster. Though the ministry of propaganda would have you believe differently..Because it won votes. It is all a conspiracy against the PTP. The ministry would have you believe that the World bank, Moody's, UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, the environmentalists, the corn farmer, the rubber farmers, academics, global economists and IMF all have "incentives" too. It is the world against the PTP. And it seems the doctors are part of it too now. The list keeps growing. There are children at the protest today too. Did the PTP take toys from them to fund the subsidy of the rice scheme which they have still not paid to the farmers? Or do we wait for an official "children's incentive" from the ministry of propaganda before replying. Better let the all powerful number one brother plant the train of thought before replying me thinks.

Where did you copy and paste your comment from? Or do you usually write in different fonts?

Speak your own voice.

So you have never copy and past? Good boy.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Anon999]

Sorry to deflate your little historical revisionist efforts Gentleman Jim and Poster djjamie above...When Thaksin introduced the 30-baht hospital program, Chuan Lel Pai opposed it. He has not been known to be the source of many "brain children" anyway...When Thaksin promoted his 30-baht scheme as potential relief for every disease, Mr. Chuan reiterated that The 30-baht scheme will instead amount to death for every disease (or something to that effect)...That discourse aside, of the many programs for ordinary people spawned by Thaksin, and derided as Populist by his political opposites, this hospital policy is the cornerstone of subsequent electoral success. No single initiative offered such 'dignity' to the underclasses...Just imagine arriving at the hospital in dire medical straits, only to be turned away for lack of funds...Imagine...They were selling land in order to afford such care in some cases...To deride that program based on agenda, is 'political agenda' run amok. To imply inferior hospital care also doesn't stand analyitical support...Hospital care before and after did not change appreciably.

You have no understanding of the way hospitals operate. They will NEVER turn away anyone that needs medical treatment. This is not the USA.

[djjamie]

Just look at the broad section of the population that come out to protest. For the PTP it is the rice farmers. For the DEMS it is unions, students, tax payers, teachers, academics, public servants and doctors and the list keeps growing. A broad section of popular support is called a democracy. A narrow supporter base is called a dictatorship. It comes as no surprise that the medical profession is against the current regime either. Look no further than the failed 30 baht health care scheme to understand the contempt TS has for the poor. 70% of hospitals became unprofitable and unable to pay their staff. A lot closed down due to bankruptcy. The poor had to travel greater distances to get health care. The care was substandard because the govt were unable to make up the shortfall thus doctors had no choice but to offer the services to people with more money. Absolute disaster. Though the ministry of propaganda would have you believe differently..Because it won votes. It is all a conspiracy against the PTP. The ministry would have you believe that the World bank, Moody's, UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, the environmentalists, the corn farmer, the rubber farmers, academics, global economists and IMF all have "incentives" too. It is the world against the PTP. And it seems the doctors are part of it too now. The list keeps growing. There are children at the protest today too. Did the PTP take toys from them to fund the subsidy of the rice scheme which they have still not paid to the farmers? Or do we wait for an official "children's incentive" from the ministry of propaganda before replying. Better let the all powerful number one brother plant the train of thought before replying me thinks.

Where did you copy and paste your comment from? Or do you usually write in different fonts?

Speak your own voice.

FYI - My voice. If you must know, I post on another site as well and save all my comments. Above is a collection of MY comments from my archive. BTW - I do cut and paste from web pages though.

[Fryslan boppe]

Sorry to deflate your little historical revisionist efforts Gentleman Jim and Poster djjamie above...When Thaksin introduced the 30-baht hospital program, Chuan Lel Pai opposed it. He has not been known to be the source of many "brain children" anyway...When Thaksin promoted his 30-baht scheme as potential relief for every disease, Mr. Chuan reiterated that The 30-baht scheme will instead amount to death for every disease (or something to that effect)...That discourse aside, of the many programs for ordinary people spawned by Thaksin, and derided as Populist by his political opposites, this hospital policy is the cornerstone of subsequent electoral success. No single initiative offered such 'dignity' to the underclasses...Just imagine arriving at the hospital in dire medical straits, only to be turned away for lack of funds...Imagine...They were selling land in order to afford such care in some cases...To deride that program based on agenda, is 'political agenda' run amok. To imply inferior hospital care also doesn't stand analyitical support...Hospital care before and after did not change appreciably.

You have no understanding of the way hospitals operate. They will NEVER turn away anyone that needs medical treatment. This is not the USA.

OK, one more reply and I'm outta here......Yes anon999, they did turn people away, and often. Many were afraid to even go to the hospital for fear of being humiliated. The nurse would simply ask if they had money, and if not, they would be gently steered away, regardless of their condition....Hospitals became known as 'slaughterhouses'. Selling property such as land, a cow or buffalo was a common occurance. They had the right to petition for assistance, submitting a written request for free medical care as they had no money...The Hospital would consider it and frequently turn it down..Apparently it helped if one knew someone in the Hospital...One cannot underestimate the effect on dignity and self-worth this 30-baht Thaksin hospital policy intervention had on these people.. Their subsequent electoral support has roots, believe me. Edited January 14, 2014 by Fryslan boppe

[SICHONSTEVE]

This bloated old-guard bureaucracy is easily replaced. If they don't want their jobs, RESIGN.

Of course they want their jobs - they just want a new and Democratic government and it is their right to air their views and give their opinion!!

These are educated people that can see the corruption and disrespect for the constitution that this government practices and it goes against their principles to support such actions from a government that has lost all legitimacy

What is wrong with this I would like you to tell me?.

[wirat69]

... and a continued misuse/abuse of the emblem of the International Committee of Red Cross whilst The Thai Red Cross Society stands by and lets the abuse continue....

[SICHONSTEVE]

... and a continued misuse/abuse of the emblem of the International Committee of Red Cross whilst The Thai Red Cross Society stands by and lets the abuse continue....

What do you mean? They are trying to shut the abuse down not let it continue!!!

[moonao]

I dont trust these people to provide professional and neutral medical services. They will prioritise their workload based on political preferences.

[djjamie]

Those dreaded academics with their pesky studies and in depth analysis including evidence to back it up is a real thorn in the side of Thaksin and his 30 baht health care schemes.

http://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/UF/E0/01/15/44/00001/kanjanarat_p.pdf

In summary -

• The 30-Baht scheme failed to improve access to drug and hospital services to the population who needed it.

• A slow natural positive trend in drug utilization and hospital visit rates showing it is not likely that the health status of the population will improve. (It didn't)

  Page 124 is interesting too.

  BUT the ministry of propaganda that would have you believe that the World bank, Moody's, UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, the environmentalists, the corn farmer, the rubber farmers, academics, global economists and IMF are all wrong would want you to believe the 30 baht health care scheme was right. Why? Because it suits the PTP agenda.

[LivinLOS]

These are educated people that can see the corruption and disrespect for the constitution that this government practices and it goes against their principles

Its great how these principled defenders of the constitution bristle at the slightest debatable legal point that doesnt fit it..

Yet when the constitution clearly states that an election must happen between 45 and 60 days from a dissolution of the house.. Suddenly its not such an important document ???

[Mampara]

When your political differences are affecting health-care for the most vulnerable in society, it is time for both sides to put down their whistles, bullhorns and placards, and start discussing matters like mature human beings, before even one sick person dies from lack of care. To be extremely sick is to be in an infernal daily prison, a matter above and beyond trifling matters like which politician gets to wear the shiny hat for a few years. Doctors and nurses understand this dimension of total suffering, their lives are devoted to ease the pain for these unfortunate people. Politicians should follow medical workers in great respect and humility, not the other way round.

another wet dream

[englishoak]

Those dreaded academics with their pesky studies and in depth analysis including evidence to back it up is a real thorn in the side of Thaksin and his 30 baht health care schemes.

http://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/UF/E0/01/15/44/00001/kanjanarat_p.pdf

In summary -

• The 30-Baht scheme failed to improve access to drug and hospital services to the population who needed it.

• A slow natural positive trend in drug utilization and hospital visit rates showing it is not likely that the health status of the population will improve. (It didn't)

  Page 124 is interesting too.

  BUT the ministry of propaganda that would have you believe that the World bank, Moody's, UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, the environmentalists, the corn farmer, the rubber farmers, academics, global economists and IMF are all wrong would want you to believe the 30 baht health care scheme was right. Why? Because it suits the PTP agenda.

That report is souley on IMPACT OF THE 30-BAHT HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY ON HOSPITAL DRUG UTILIZATION IN THAILAND.. thats all just drug utilization....

it is NOT a report on the 30 Baht scheme overall.

It has been a massive benefit to millions here, I can think of at least a dozen people I personally know who have benefited from immediate and otherwise expensively prohibitive treatment since it was introduced.

Cant believe some people still think that the poor dont deserve top class treatment if they cant afford it.Simply

[geriatrickid]

Just look at the broad section of the population that come out to protest. For the PTP it is the rice farmers. For the DEMS it is unions, students, tax payers, teachers, academics, public servants and doctors and the list keeps growing. A broad section of popular support is called a democracy. A narrow supporter base is called a dictatorship. It comes as no surprise that the medical profession is against the current regime either. Look no further than the failed 30 baht health care scheme to understand the contempt TS has for the poor. 70% of hospitals became unprofitable and unable to pay their staff. A lot closed down due to bankruptcy. The poor had to travel greater distances to get health care. The care was substandard because the govt were unable to make up the shortfall thus doctors had no choice but to offer the services to people with more money. Absolute disaster. Though the ministry of propaganda would have you believe differently…………..Because it won votes. It is all a conspiracy against the PTP. The ministry would have you believe that the World bank, Moody's, UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, the environmentalists, the corn farmer, the rubber farmers, academics, global economists and IMF all have "incentives" too. It is the world against the PTP. And it seems the doctors are part of it too now. The list keeps growing. There are children at the protest today too. Did the PTP take toys from them to fund the subsidy of the rice scheme which they have still not paid to the farmers? Or do we wait for an official "children's incentive" from the ministry of propaganda before replying. Better let the all powerful number one brother plant the train of thought before replying me thinks.

Ok let's look at your broad section. For the PTP I don't dispute that it is a group that can be categorized as the "have nots" of which rice farmers form a large part. However, when almost 1/2 of the economy is comprised of the agricultural sector, of whom the majority are on subsistence wages, it is to be expected. You reference unions. When did Thailand have a significant unionized workforce? Are you aware that less than 3% of Thailand's workforce is unionized? The only union with any significant participation in the protest is the Thai Airways union. As you know, the union is currently feuding with the government over some important changes that need to be made at the airline, including redundancies and control of the retirement pension plan that is no longer sustainable. The Thai union has previously stated it will exact revenge upon the government and this is it. Have you noticed, that none of the industrial unions are participating? Why's that? Where's the Gypsum sector? After all Thailand is the 2nd largest producer in the world. What about the miners?

Students? Really? Sorry, but the turnout from the reputable universities such as Mahidol, Chula and Thammasat isn't significant. The students for the most part have kept their distance from both the government and Suthep. If you mean RamaK, well, yes I suppose technically it is a university, an "open" university, but students hang around there for years, never completing their course of studies. I don't think any reputable academic outside ofThailand would be as generous with the term university, but it is what it is and yes some of the Rama K folks are in attendance.

Academics? Sorry, but there are just as many academics who side with the government as oppose it. and there are even more who want no part of this protest.

You reference hospitals closing down for bankruptcy. Well, how many closed? can you name one? 70% are unprofitable? Just where are you getting your "facts". Has it dawned on you that the state hospitals are not supposed to make a profit? Is it just possible the handful of facilities that closed were not really hospitals in the conventional sense, but were private clinics? No major public hospital in Thailand has closed because of bankruptcy, contrary to your claim. The doctors are angry with the government because they want to be paid more. The wanted massive increases and the government like all governments said, get real, no. The private hospital owners are angry with the government because they are expected to help treat the majority of Thais and that means no overcharging in the same way that foreigners are overcharged. The private hospitals deeply resent the concept of "medicare" If they had there way, everything would be a business and the government would abandon public hospitals.

Yes, some former Democrat Ministry of Health officials have joined the protests. Is that really a surprise that the Democrat party has aligned itself with the man who gave the party seats in the House? Suthep is the most important man in the Democrat party and more powerful than Abhisit. Suthep was able to deliver the votes in the south.

Yes some of the southern rubber farmers are upset. They want a bigger subsidy. They also happen to come from Sutheps southern power base.

The key farming sector workers are not participating, nor do they agree with Suthep.

Tell you what, why not put it to a test. Let the people of Thailand vote. The party that can win the most seats can have first crack at forming the next government, ok?

[spare5]

The poor do not deserves the 30-baht scheme.

It took too much money from the tax payer.

Please don't get me wrong, I am not saying the poor do not deserves treatment.

All I am saying is that the poor should source other financial assitance fist, like broowing from the rich relatives, or obtain donation from their local temple first, to pay for proper treatment.

The reason why there are so little doctor in Thailand is because doctors are not properly paid, hence refuse to enrol to study to become a doctor.

Most doctors now specialise in skin & beauty, so they can work of clinic like Wuttisak & Nittipon, with hundreds of branches throughout Thailand, even in small villages.

Edited January 14, 2014 by spare5

[rreddin]

Since the political turmoil started in Bangkok two months ago, 286 people have been injured and three killed. About 15 have been admitted to hospitals in Bangkok.

So the other 5 dead obviously recovered again. That's nice.

Just shows the massive support from very highly academic people this protest has attracted. In total contrast the the other side attracting the brainless thugs who couldn't reason their way out of a paper bag without a GPS (if someone showed them how to use one).

That goes for the farang too. Seems like the most reasonable and intelligent farang have the capacity to reason and see the entire scope of the problems while the obvious sub-intellects seem to cling on to the democracy argument not even realising that where a democracy is broken, there is NO democracy.

Well poisonous, you would do well to remember that the educated middle classes are easy to dupe and slow to realize their mistake. The nazis and fascists in 1930's Europe were quick to learn this and used it to their advantage. Fascism is alive and well and desperately trying to get a foothold in Thailand. The intelligensia will eventually realize this, but by then it will be too late.

[SICHONSTEVE]

These are educated people that can see the corruption and disrespect for the constitution that this government practices and it goes against their principles

Its great how these principled defenders of the constitution bristle at the slightest debatable legal point that doesnt fit it..

Yet when the constitution clearly states that an election must happen between 45 and 60 days from a dissolution of the house.. Suddenly its not such an important document ???

.......and you believe that??

The fact that they will not be able to form a government anyway and it will waste a further 3.8 billions of baht are two very good reasons not to hold the election, wouldn't you agree!!

I doubt that they will be able to find enough candidates for the election anyway once 308 (or so) of them are impeached.

Thaksin's latest joke about Yingluck possibly being sent to prison if she stands down from the caretaker prime minister's position constituting dereliction of duty is yet another poor excuse to enable her to cling on to power.

Do they think that people are that stupid to believe this hogwash?? - well, maybe some will and do!! .

[Scamper]

As the protesters continue to use their weapon of choice - whistles - to express their anger towards this administration - so do those who oppose these protesters use the weapon of their choice - guns - to express theirs. As these nightly terror campaigns continue, there is only violence on one side. Not that anyone should be surprised at this point. In terms of the medical workers - well done. Good for them. It's called empowerment. And it feels good. It feels good to voice your opinions. Peacefully.

[JRSoul]

This bloated old-guard bureaucracy is easily replaced. If they don't want their jobs, RESIGN.

The word "former" before their position indicates that they have resigned or retired. That does not mean that they have turned into vegetables without intelligence, experience or opinions.

[fab4]

When your political differences are affecting health-care for the most vulnerable in society, it is time for both sides to put down their whistles, bullhorns and placards, and start discussing matters like mature human beings, before even one sick person dies from lack of care. To be extremely sick is to be in an infernal daily prison, a matter above and beyond trifling matters like which politician gets to wear the shiny hat for a few years. Doctors and nurses understand this dimension of total suffering, their lives are devoted to ease the pain for these unfortunate people. Politicians should follow medical workers in great respect and humility, not the other way round.

Whilst I agree with you entirely it is painfully obvious that not all "Doctors and nurses understand this dimension of total suffering" or if they do they have a strange way of showing it. Being "devoted to ease the pain for these unfortunate people" hasn't stopped them from joining sutheps roadshow.

I have every respect for those Doctors and nurses who remain at work, along with the often overlooked ancilliary workers, the cleaners, the cooks, the porters who are essential to keep the whole thing going - I have none whatsoever for those who have joined the protests.

Edited January 14, 2014 by fab4

[LivinLOS]

The poor do not deserves the 30-baht scheme.

It took too much money from the tax payer.

Please don't get me wrong, I am not saying the poor do not deserves treatment.

All I am saying is that the poor should source other financial assitance fist, like broowing from the rich relatives, or obtain donation from their local temple first, to pay for proper treatment.

The reason why there are so little doctor in Thailand is because doctors are not properly paid, hence refuse to enrol to study to become a doctor.

Most doctors now specialise in skin & beauty, so they can work of clinic like Wuttisak & Nittipon, with hundreds of branches throughout Thailand, even in small villages.

And so speaks the voice of the protest..

[djjamie]

Just look at the broad section of the population that come out to protest. For the PTP it is the rice farmers. For the DEMS it is unions, students, tax payers, teachers, academics, public servants and doctors and the list keeps growing. A broad section of popular support is called a democracy. A narrow supporter base is called a dictatorship. It comes as no surprise that the medical profession is against the current regime either. Look no further than the failed 30 baht health care scheme to understand the contempt TS has for the poor. 70% of hospitals became unprofitable and unable to pay their staff. A lot closed down due to bankruptcy. The poor had to travel greater distances to get health care. The care was substandard because the govt were unable to make up the shortfall thus doctors had no choice but to offer the services to people with more money. Absolute disaster. Though the ministry of propaganda would have you believe differently…………..Because it won votes. It is all a conspiracy against the PTP. The ministry would have you believe that the World bank, Moody's, UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, the environmentalists, the corn farmer, the rubber farmers, academics, global economists and IMF all have "incentives" too. It is the world against the PTP. And it seems the doctors are part of it too now. The list keeps growing. There are children at the protest today too. Did the PTP take toys from them to fund the subsidy of the rice scheme which they have still not paid to the farmers? Or do we wait for an official "children's incentive" from the ministry of propaganda before replying. Better let the all powerful number one brother plant the train of thought before replying me thinks.

Ok let's look at your broad section. For the PTP I don't dispute that it is a group that can be categorized as the "have nots" of which rice farmers form a large part. However, when almost 1/2 of the economy is comprised of the agricultural sector, of whom the majority are on subsistence wages, it is to be expected. You reference unions. When did Thailand have a significant unionized workforce? Are you aware that less than 3% of Thailand's workforce is unionized? The only union with any significant participation in the protest is the Thai Airways union. As you know, the union is currently feuding with the government over some important changes that need to be made at the airline, including redundancies and control of the retirement pension plan that is no longer sustainable. The Thai union has previously stated it will exact revenge upon the government and this is it. Have you noticed, that none of the industrial unions are participating? Why's that? Where's the Gypsum sector? After all Thailand is the 2nd largest producer in the world. What about the miners?

Students? Really? Sorry, but the turnout from the reputable universities such as Mahidol, Chula and Thammasat isn't significant. The students for the most part have kept their distance from both the government and Suthep. If you mean RamaK, well, yes I suppose technically it is a university, an "open" university, but students hang around there for years, never completing their course of studies. I don't think any reputable academic outside ofThailand would be as generous with the term university, but it is what it is and yes some of the Rama K folks are in attendance.

Academics? Sorry, but there are just as many academics who side with the government as oppose it. and there are even more who want no part of this protest.

You reference hospitals closing down for bankruptcy. Well, how many closed? can you name one? 70% are unprofitable? Just where are you getting your "facts". Has it dawned on you that the state hospitals are not supposed to make a profit? Is it just possible the handful of facilities that closed were not really hospitals in the conventional sense, but were private clinics? No major public hospital in Thailand has closed because of bankruptcy, contrary to your claim. The doctors are angry with the government because they want to be paid more. The wanted massive increases and the government like all governments said, get real, no. The private hospital owners are angry with the government because they are expected to help treat the majority of Thais and that means no overcharging in the same way that foreigners are overcharged. The private hospitals deeply resent the concept of "medicare" If they had there way, everything would be a business and the government would abandon public hospitals.

Yes, some former Democrat Ministry of Health officials have joined the protests. Is that really a surprise that the Democrat party has aligned itself with the man who gave the party seats in the House? Suthep is the most important man in the Democrat party and more powerful than Abhisit. Suthep was able to deliver the votes in the south.

Yes some of the southern rubber farmers are upset. They want a bigger subsidy. They also happen to come from Sutheps southern power base.

The key farming sector workers are not participating, nor do they agree with Suthep.

Tell you what, why not put it to a test. Let the people of Thailand vote. The party that can win the most seats can have first crack at forming the next government, ok?

Yep tried that. The one principle of democracy that you adhere too that allows the PTP to abuse every other principle. You may notice there are currently protests to ensure those other 14 principles are adhered too "post ballot box" as well.

[SICHONSTEVE]

Those dreaded academics with their pesky studies and in depth analysis including evidence to back it up is a real thorn in the side of Thaksin and his 30 baht health care schemes.

http://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/UF/E0/01/15/44/00001/kanjanarat_p.pdf

In summary -

• The 30-Baht scheme failed to improve access to drug and hospital services to the population who needed it.

• A slow natural positive trend in drug utilization and hospital visit rates showing it is not likely that the health status of the population will improve. (It didn't)

  Page 124 is interesting too.

  BUT the ministry of propaganda that would have you believe that the World bank, Moody's, UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, the environmentalists, the corn farmer, the rubber farmers, academics, global economists and IMF are all wrong would want you to believe the 30 baht health care scheme was right. Why? Because it suits the PTP agenda.

That report is souley on IMPACT OF THE 30-BAHT HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY ON HOSPITAL DRUG UTILIZATION IN THAILAND.. thats all just drug utilization....

it is NOT a report on the 30 Baht scheme overall.

It has been a massive benefit to millions here, I can think of at least a dozen people I personally know who have benefited from immediate and otherwise expensively prohibitive treatment since it was introduced.

Cant believe some people still think that the poor dont deserve top class treatment if they cant afford it.Simply

So you want to talk about the 30 baht healthcare scheme:

Cost to patients of healthcare under Thaksin Shinawatra - 30 baht.

Cost to patients under Abhisit - 0 baht.

Cost to patients under Yingluck - 30 baht.

What do you say to Yingluck's tax on the poor and vulnerable then!!!

........ and Abhisit increased the free education period from 12 years to 15 years as well.

Interested to see the 'reds' response to this bombshell!!!