Thai govt urged to be more sincere in addressing grievances

[webfact]

Govt urged to be more sincere in addressing grievances
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Mutual political hatred might last an entire lifetime for those involved in the current political feud and could become one of the most troubling aspects of the ongoing crisis, Srisuwan Kuankachorn, chairperson of Thailand's largest NGO consortium, said.

Srisuwan, who chairs the NGOs Coordinating Committee on Development (NGO-COD), which has 300 members who support both sides of the divide, said each side had valid grievances that need to be addressed. However, he pointed out that these problems could not be dealt with in the current zero-sum struggle that's plunging Thailand into a deep political and economic crisis.

"[This hatred] might last an entire lifetime. It is severe and widespread. This is what we are most concerned with," Srisuwan said, adding that both sides should try harder to hold a sincere dialogue and agree to a compromise before the Kingdom plunges into a bloodbath.

"We want both sides to defuse the bomb. We support the Election Commission's proposal to postpone the election. Perhaps the Constitutional Court should be consulted on the matter. It's imperative to defer the election, because it should be one that defuses violence, not one that leads to more clashes," he said.

Srisuwan also criticised the caretaker government for not being sincere enough to address the grievances brought up the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) regarding corruption and national reform.

"The government cannot just bring out reform by themselves alone. Sincerity is needed," he said.

He also said the Army should not even think about staging a coup, as that would most definitely lead to a civil war.

Srisuwan, whose consortium is monitoring and analysing the situation every few hours, acknowledged that it would be difficult for this generation to erase this mutual hatred. Nevertheless, he said, those who can do something should try and create a climate of trust.

He also urged politicians to be altruistic in a time of crisis and be more than just competitors for votes.

-- The Nation 2014-01-17

[EricBerg]

The mutual hatred is deep. It seems there will be no elections on feb 2nd. But it will not ease the tension much.

[poisonus]

He also said the Army should not even think about staging a coup, as that would most definitely lead to a civil war.

I wouldn't exactly say 'most definitely'. But there would be a half decent chance of it. I would say more like an accelerated bout of civil unrest and violence that the army would eventually deal with.

However, these protests will stay ongoing, as Thaksin will not back down seeing he is sat in a safety zone out of the country, and his sister has probably a helicopter on hand primed and ready to go at a moment's notice. leaving this to spiral out of control which it will eventually happen anyway.

Everything is in place for a coup to happen, we are all just playing the waiting game. Nobody is going to back down, and things are just going to get more tense and a hell of a lot more aggravated.

[noitom]

How about starting with law and order fair and equal before the law for all? How about one man one vote for all? How about running for elected office for all even if you don't have a university degree? NGO's have already conceded their legitimacy by working their agenda within the "existing" corrupt system.

[NongKhaiKid]

Sincere Government, isn't that an oxymoron ?

[pookiki]

If this consortium is looking to be neutral and a potential arbiter in this dispute, why not come up with some recommendations on reform other than making a single recommendation to postpone the elections? Not very enlightened in my opinion. Lots of talk about reform but no concrete proposals as far as I have seen. And the basic conundrum remains is how to have continued governance of this country if there are no elections. The answer is? With concrete proposals please.

[Spalpeen]

In conflicts around the world there are always idiots who call on "both sides to compromise", as if both sides are being equally unreasonable. In Thailand only one side was elected, only one side is standing for re-election and only one side has repeatedly offered to negotiate. The other side has refused to respect the ballot box and refuses even to turn up for negotiations. There is no "both sides" parity here.

[Tatsujin]

If this consortium is looking to be neutral and a potential arbiter in this dispute, why not come up with some recommendations on reform other than making a single recommendation to postpone the elections? Not very enlightened in my opinion. Lots of talk about reform but no concrete proposals as far as I have seen. And the basic conundrum remains is how to have continued governance of this country if there are no elections. The answer is? With concrete proposals please.

And that's the problem on both/all sides. They focus on the hate speeches as per usual, when really they should be focusing on solving the problems and giving concrete solutions/suggestions as to what reforms need to take place and how they are going to go about doing them.

[Tatsujin]

In conflicts around the world there are always idiots who call on "both sides to compromise", as if both sides are being equally unreasonable. In Thailand only one side was elected, only one side is standing for re-election and only one side has repeatedly offered to negotiate. The other side has refused to respect the ballot box and refuses even to turn up for negotiations. There is no "both sides" parity here.

Slight correction to your propaganda. The Govt side has only recently feebly and half-heartedly attempted to compromise, they refused point blank to even talk prior to this year. Additionally they only want compromise as long as it is by their rules and follows their guidelines, which is kind of the point of what the protests are all about.

Case in point being reforms before elections. The Govt has railroaded this election through as quickly as possible for fear of losing their rice farmer vote (due to the inability to pay the monies needed for their Rice Scam) and for fear of actually not having any MP's to stand as they are likely to all be convicted of fraud, graft, malfeasance etc. The anti-Govt protestors have said from day 1 that reforms need to take place before any elections. There is no compromise on this issue and more and more people are agreeing with this all over the country now.

[fab4]

At first I was suprised by this article as Pravit is normally more balanced in his writing than this. By the the time I had finished the article I realised that it is entirely based on the words of one Srisuwan Kuankachorn, who chairs the NGOs Coordinating Committee on Development (NGO-COD), whatever that is, with not one comment from Pravit.

It appears that even Pravit has succumbed to the lazy journalism epitomised by The Nation, well, certainly in this article.

[kurtgruen]

What gets me, is the apathy, I see, coming from most Thai people, up here, in the North, where I live. They might proclaim to be red or yellow or whatever, but when it comes right down to it, they don't really get upset or excited, about any of it, at least not the people, who I know personally, on both sides. I know, some people care, but most don't seem to. They have given up, in the political process and I think, that they believe, that they will get screwed, no matter who is in power (and they may very well be right)

[lostmebike]

How can anyone in a Thai government office be sincere when all they are concerned about is skimming money? They simply don't have the time or energy for being concerned with anything other than themselves or their wives new car or that bit of land at the end of the street or ...

Edited January 17, 2014 by lostmebike

[virtualtraveller]

The only sincere thing this govt has shown is their desire to win over as many votes as possible by whatever means. Everything else is a dirty game.

[icommunity]

The government has always been sincere. When or how has the government just bring out reform by themselves alone? The government has seek the involvement of all relevant parties/group/individuals in Thai societies? But the oppositions choose to sabotage it and came out with their own without the participation of lawmakers and a government - nominating their own peoples, families and clans with direct involvement at all time. The changing demand of PDRC is endless.

The constitution court is not a law making body. If it rules that the election can be deferred, than it has abused its power and acted unconstitutionally. Apparently, some part of election law need amending. That is the job of the lawmakers and when passed into law, the government has to implement it. Without an elected government and lawmakers, how can that be possibly democratic? Furthermore, the respected King has ruled out his involvement in political matters which could be undemocratic and unconstitutional.

Under the situation that have been created (I shall not mention how, who, what have been created for now), deferring the election will not defuse violence. Instead, it will spark violence which we have never seen before.

The malicious use of Judiciary by oppositions and the involvement of Judiciary in politics have left many felt hapless especially among the 'Redshirt/UDD'. Their silence at the moment is likely to be a storm that is coming. They know they do not have the arsenals of military and judges. But it is a dangerous situation that may result in the overthrowing of the 'present system.' You call kill the body but not the soul.

We often talk about the 'third party'. Who are these people? What is their objective in trying to fish in troubled water?

IMO, if the old-elites and old military continue to work to exclude the 'lower income', 'lower educated', the disadvantaged people, than we should prepare for a cleansing through blood and burning fire to re-define us.

Is going with the flow on the awakening of the people's rights in judiciary, political and social matters very difficult?

[ChrisY1]

If this consortium is looking to be neutral and a potential arbiter in this dispute, why not come up with some recommendations on reform other than making a single recommendation to postpone the elections? Not very enlightened in my opinion. Lots of talk about reform but no concrete proposals as far as I have seen. And the basic conundrum remains is how to have continued governance of this country if there are no elections. The answer is? With concrete proposals please.

I think it's fairly clear that these people are not capable of devising any sort of reform....I find it hard to believe they even have an idea of where to start.

It needs outside help...how could they be expected to denounce corruption for example, when many of them are directly responsible for much of it?

[tingtongteesood]

In conflicts around the world there are always idiots who call on "both sides to compromise", as if both sides are being equally unreasonable. In Thailand only one side was elected, only one side is standing for re-election and only one side has repeatedly offered to negotiate. The other side has refused to respect the ballot box and refuses even to turn up for negotiations. There is no "both sides" parity here.

In Thailand only one side was elected - actually, they didn't get enough votes and made a coalition with friends of their dear leader Taksin to make a majority.

only one side is standing for re-election - which would be a total waste of time yet they still persist

only one side has repeatedly offered to negotiate - The Dems tried many times in parliament and were repeatedly ignored. The PT cronies did whatever their dear leader commanded via Skype from the desert regardless of what anyone else had to say. This is not democracy. And this is why we have the current problem. The Dems quit because of this, no point wasting effort being there when they are completely ignored and treated like dirt by the supposedly 'unbiased' speaker who is best mates with Taksin.

This whole situation arose because of the amnesty for the fugitive and that is the whole reason he wants his party back in power within the 180 days. Don't even try to pretend there is anything more to it. If there is a war it is because Taksin doesn't have his amnesty yet. This sick puppy is the reason for the 2010 violence and he is the reason for everything that is happening now. He is a cancerous pollop that needs surgically removing as soon as possible !

[tingtongteesood]

The government has always been sincere. When or how has the government just bring out reform by themselves alone? The government has seek the involvement of all relevant parties/group/individuals in Thai societies? But the oppositions choose to sabotage it and came out with their own without the participation of lawmakers and a government - nominating their own peoples, families and clans with direct involvement at all time. The changing demand of PDRC is endless.

The constitution court is not a law making body. If it rules that the election can be deferred, than it has abused its power and acted unconstitutionally. Apparently, some part of election law need amending. That is the job of the lawmakers and when passed into law, the government has to implement it. Without an elected government and lawmakers, how can that be possibly democratic? Furthermore, the respected King has ruled out his involvement in political matters which could be undemocratic and unconstitutional.

Under the situation that have been created (I shall not mention how, who, what have been created for now), deferring the election will not defuse violence. Instead, it will spark violence which we have never seen before.

The malicious use of Judiciary by oppositions and the involvement of Judiciary in politics have left many felt hapless especially among the 'Redshirt/UDD'. Their silence at the moment is likely to be a storm that is coming. They know they do not have the arsenals of military and judges. But it is a dangerous situation that may result in the overthrowing of the 'present system.' You call kill the body but not the soul.

We often talk about the 'third party'. Who are these people? What is their objective in trying to fish in troubled water?

IMO, if the old-elites and old military continue to work to exclude the 'lower income', 'lower educated', the disadvantaged people, than we should prepare for a cleansing through blood and burning fire to re-define us.

Is going with the flow on the awakening of the people's rights in judiciary, political and social matters very difficult?

What a load of utter rubbish, you are living on a different planet !!

[icommunity]

The government has always been sincere. When or how has the government just bring out reform by themselves alone? The government has seek the involvement of all relevant parties/group/individuals in Thai societies? But the oppositions choose to sabotage it and came out with their own without the participation of lawmakers and a government - nominating their own peoples, families and clans with direct involvement at all time. The changing demand of PDRC is endless.

The constitution court is not a law making body. If it rules that the election can be deferred, than it has abused its power and acted unconstitutionally. Apparently, some part of election law need amending. That is the job of the lawmakers and when passed into law, the government has to implement it. Without an elected government and lawmakers, how can that be possibly democratic? Furthermore, the respected King has ruled out his involvement in political matters which could be undemocratic and unconstitutional.

Under the situation that have been created (I shall not mention how, who, what have been created for now), deferring the election will not defuse violence. Instead, it will spark violence which we have never seen before.

The malicious use of Judiciary by oppositions and the involvement of Judiciary in politics have left many felt hapless especially among the 'Redshirt/UDD'. Their silence at the moment is likely to be a storm that is coming. They know they do not have the arsenals of military and judges. But it is a dangerous situation that may result in the overthrowing of the 'present system.' You call kill the body but not the soul.

We often talk about the 'third party'. Who are these people? What is their objective in trying to fish in troubled water?

IMO, if the old-elites and old military continue to work to exclude the 'lower income', 'lower educated', the disadvantaged people, than we should prepare for a cleansing through blood and burning fire to re-define us.

Is going with the flow on the awakening of the people's rights in judiciary, political and social matters very difficult?

What a load of utter rubbish, you are living on a different planet !!

Is this the best you can throw?

[Anon999]

The government has always been sincere. When or how has the government just bring out reform by themselves alone? The government has seek the involvement of all relevant parties/group/individuals in Thai societies? But the oppositions choose to sabotage it and came out with their own without the participation of lawmakers and a government - nominating their own peoples, families and clans with direct involvement at all time. The changing demand of PDRC is endless.

The constitution court is not a law making body. If it rules that the election can be deferred, than it has abused its power and acted unconstitutionally. Apparently, some part of election law need amending. That is the job of the lawmakers and when passed into law, the government has to implement it. Without an elected government and lawmakers, how can that be possibly democratic? Furthermore, the respected King has ruled out his involvement in political matters which could be undemocratic and unconstitutional.

Under the situation that have been created (I shall not mention how, who, what have been created for now), deferring the election will not defuse violence. Instead, it will spark violence which we have never seen before.

The malicious use of Judiciary by oppositions and the involvement of Judiciary in politics have left many felt hapless especially among the 'Redshirt/UDD'. Their silence at the moment is likely to be a storm that is coming. They know they do not have the arsenals of military and judges. But it is a dangerous situation that may result in the overthrowing of the 'present system.' You call kill the body but not the soul.

We often talk about the 'third party'. Who are these people? What is their objective in trying to fish in troubled water?

IMO, if the old-elites and old military continue to work to exclude the 'lower income', 'lower educated', the disadvantaged people, than we should prepare for a cleansing through blood and burning fire to re-define us.

Is going with the flow on the awakening of the people's rights in judiciary, political and social matters very difficult?

What a load of utter rubbish, you are living on a different planet !!

Is this the best you can throw?

Try your first paragraph for a start. The camel that broke the camels back, for instance, known as the Amnesty Bill. Please explain to one and all how they were sincere with that? I won't hold my breath. Then you can move on to the Rice Pledging scheme!

[icommunity]

When an Amnesty Bill proposed by MP, debated, scrutinized, voted and passed in parliament, the government is duty bound to obey and implement the law. However, since the incitement through MPs en masse resignations and called their supporters to protest in the streets, the lawmakers, at the request of the government, decided to take a step back and voluntarily killed it through the Senate.

The government has always been finding a way to reconciling and unite the nation so that it can move forward. The oppositions constantly distort the reconciliation and unity process and have never had a plan for them. Furthermore, the sudden change of the original amnesty proposal content to a blanket cover one caused many RED/UDD to be upset. I don't think it would be difficult for you to find out why they were upset beside the reason that it will whitewash AV and Suthep. However, the government weighted more on reconciliation and unity than their popularity and therefore supported the lawmakers’ decision before oppositions used the bill to start street protests to seize power...

Therefore, the government is always sincere about reconciliation and unity despite the risk of being rejected by their supporters. Which mean the interest of the country far outweigh their risk of future election success.

On rice pledging scheme, with all the challenges, the government is sincere in closing the social gaps, income disparity, promote social cohesion, and ensure food security. The success of the scheme will encourage domestic consumption and stimulate the growth, development and expansion of related industries. Corruption, exploitation of loophole of the scheme by unscrupulous politicians, officials, traders, farmers, etc. are challenges of the government. However, it does not mean the government is insincere unless they do nothing about it. This is the job of NACC. However, at this stage of probe and enquiry, there is no conclusive evidence that proved the government is guilty of negligent. We have a lot of speculation on figures, irregularities, opinions on the scheme depending on the 'agenda' of the individual, group and media.

The present government is always sincere in bringing unity, peace, progress, and prosperity to the nation. Although it has a history from TRT, it does not operate entirely on the opinions and advice of its predecessors. BTW, TRT is the first party in Thai political history to fulfill all its election promises. The CPI is low as compared to all previous government. Its 'war on drug' though accused of illegal killings not substantiated, reunited families, freed young girls from prostitution, and handicapped crimes associated with drug trade. I can go on and mention more of their contribution but I think you should not have problem to find more unless your focus is on mistake.

Having said these, I do not expect PTP or the government to be perfect. Of course, in politics, oppositions look for imperfection to exploit. Even in exploitation, I am looking for the oppositions to come up with policies and plans that will reconcile and unite the people for our future general. Sadly, I find them in the ‘victim mentality’ world.

The power struggle has to do with the 'peculiar transition' we have to face at the moment. The awakening of the people's rights, duties and responsibilities in social, political and judicial arena are causing anxiety and fear in 'old elites' and 'old military'. They need time to adjust and only talks behind the scene can help. I hope what PM YS is doing behind the scene will not be distorted, twisted or smeared by people who only think of their own interests and thus destroy our democratic system of government with the King as the Head of State, and the Kingdom of Thailand.

[ratcatcher]

When an Amnesty Bill proposed by MP, debated, scrutinized, voted and passed in parliament, the government is duty bound to obey and implement the law. However, since the incitement through MPs en masse resignations and called their supporters to protest in the streets, the lawmakers, at the request of the government, decided to take a step back and voluntarily killed it through the Senate.

The government has always been finding a way to reconciling and unite the nation so that it can move forward. The oppositions constantly distort the reconciliation and unity process and have never had a plan for them. Furthermore, the sudden change of the original amnesty proposal content to a blanket cover one caused many RED/UDD to be upset. I don't think it would be difficult for you to find out why they were upset beside the reason that it will whitewash AV and Suthep. However, the government weighted more on reconciliation and unity than their popularity and therefore supported the lawmakers’ decision before oppositions used the bill to start street protests to seize power...

Therefore, the government is always sincere about reconciliation and unity despite the risk of being rejected by their supporters. Which mean the interest of the country far outweigh their risk of future election success.

On rice pledging scheme, with all the challenges, the government is sincere in closing the social gaps, income disparity, promote social cohesion, and ensure food security. The success of the scheme will encourage domestic consumption and stimulate the growth, development and expansion of related industries. Corruption, exploitation of loophole of the scheme by unscrupulous politicians, officials, traders, farmers, etc. are challenges of the government. However, it does not mean the government is insincere unless they do nothing about it. This is the job of NACC. However, at this stage of probe and enquiry, there is no conclusive evidence that proved the government is guilty of negligent. We have a lot of speculation on figures, irregularities, opinions on the scheme depending on the 'agenda' of the individual, group and media.

The present government is always sincere in bringing unity, peace, progress, and prosperity to the nation. Although it has a history from TRT, it does not operate entirely on the opinions and advice of its predecessors. BTW, TRT is the first party in Thai political history to fulfill all its election promises. The CPI is low as compared to all previous government. Its 'war on drug' though accused of illegal killings not substantiated, reunited families, freed young girls from prostitution, and handicapped crimes associated with drug trade. I can go on and mention more of their contribution but I think you should not have problem to find more unless your focus is on mistake.

Having said these, I do not expect PTP or the government to be perfect. Of course, in politics, oppositions look for imperfection to exploit. Even in exploitation, I am looking for the oppositions to come up with policies and plans that will reconcile and unite the people for our future general. Sadly, I find them in the ‘victim mentality’ world.

The power struggle has to do with the 'peculiar transition' we have to face at the moment. The awakening of the people's rights, duties and responsibilities in social, political and judicial arena are causing anxiety and fear in 'old elites' and 'old military'. They need time to adjust and only talks behind the scene can help. I hope what PM YS is doing behind the scene will not be distorted, twisted or smeared by people who only think of their own interests and thus destroy our democratic system of government with the King as the Head of State, and the Kingdom of Thailand.

I will reiterate what tingtongteesod asked about your planetary location. Where? Pluto or Uranus?

There can never be reconciliation while Thaksin Shinawatra calls the shots. It really is that simple.

[icommunity]

When an Amnesty Bill proposed by MP, debated, scrutinized, voted and passed in parliament, the government is duty bound to obey and implement the law. However, since the incitement through MPs en masse resignations and called their supporters to protest in the streets, the lawmakers, at the request of the government, decided to take a step back and voluntarily killed it through the Senate.

The government has always been finding a way to reconciling and unite the nation so that it can move forward. The oppositions constantly distort the reconciliation and unity process and have never had a plan for them. Furthermore, the sudden change of the original amnesty proposal content to a blanket cover one caused many RED/UDD to be upset. I don't think it would be difficult for you to find out why they were upset beside the reason that it will whitewash AV and Suthep. However, the government weighted more on reconciliation and unity than their popularity and therefore supported the lawmakers’ decision before oppositions used the bill to start street protests to seize power...

Therefore, the government is always sincere about reconciliation and unity despite the risk of being rejected by their supporters. Which mean the interest of the country far outweigh their risk of future election success.

On rice pledging scheme, with all the challenges, the government is sincere in closing the social gaps, income disparity, promote social cohesion, and ensure food security. The success of the scheme will encourage domestic consumption and stimulate the growth, development and expansion of related industries. Corruption, exploitation of loophole of the scheme by unscrupulous politicians, officials, traders, farmers, etc. are challenges of the government. However, it does not mean the government is insincere unless they do nothing about it. This is the job of NACC. However, at this stage of probe and enquiry, there is no conclusive evidence that proved the government is guilty of negligent. We have a lot of speculation on figures, irregularities, opinions on the scheme depending on the 'agenda' of the individual, group and media.

The present government is always sincere in bringing unity, peace, progress, and prosperity to the nation. Although it has a history from TRT, it does not operate entirely on the opinions and advice of its predecessors. BTW, TRT is the first party in Thai political history to fulfill all its election promises. The CPI is low as compared to all previous government. Its 'war on drug' though accused of illegal killings not substantiated, reunited families, freed young girls from prostitution, and handicapped crimes associated with drug trade. I can go on and mention more of their contribution but I think you should not have problem to find more unless your focus is on mistake.

Having said these, I do not expect PTP or the government to be perfect. Of course, in politics, oppositions look for imperfection to exploit. Even in exploitation, I am looking for the oppositions to come up with policies and plans that will reconcile and unite the people for our future general. Sadly, I find them in the ‘victim mentality’ world.

The power struggle has to do with the 'peculiar transition' we have to face at the moment. The awakening of the people's rights, duties and responsibilities in social, political and judicial arena are causing anxiety and fear in 'old elites' and 'old military'. They need time to adjust and only talks behind the scene can help. I hope what PM YS is doing behind the scene will not be distorted, twisted or smeared by people who only think of their own interests and thus destroy our democratic system of government with the King as the Head of State, and the Kingdom of Thailand.

I will reiterate what tingtongteesod asked about your planetary location. Where? Pluto or Uranus?

There can never be reconciliation while Thaksin Shinawatra calls the shots. It really is that simple.

There is no reconciliation because you don't it. It has to start with you.

I think tintongteesod does not know where he lives. He is lost. Attempt to rescue him is futile.

Edited January 18, 2014 by icommunity

[moonao]

The hatred the yellow shirts are experiencing is self-inflicted, caused by their own ignorance, gullibility and their irrational, narrow minded, unhealthy obssession with Thaksin.

Watching this madness unfold is a perfect example of how a consuming negative emotion like hatred can damage yourself and the people around you.

The governemnt doesn't need to be more sincere. Whats needed is for the yellow shirts to drop their idiodic leader Suthep, drop their narrow minded irrational hatred for Thaksin, and become a bit more self aware. This goes for a few posters here on TV as well.

[bigbamboo]

The hatred the yellow shirts are experiencing is self-inflicted, caused by their own ignorance, gullibility and their irrational, narrow minded, unhealthy obssession with Thaksin.

Watching this madness unfold is a perfect example of how a consuming negative emotion like hatred can damage yourself and the people around you.

The governemnt doesn't need to be more sincere. Whats needed is for the yellow shirts to drop their idiodic leader Suthep, drop their narrow minded irrational hatred for Thaksin, and become a bit more self aware. This goes for a few posters here on TV as well.

You seem pretty consumed with negative emotions yourself old chap!

Try to lighten up, take a balanced view and treat all Thai politicians with equal contempt.

[moonao]

The hatred the yellow shirts are experiencing is self-inflicted, caused by their own ignorance, gullibility and their irrational, narrow minded, unhealthy obssession with Thaksin.

Watching this madness unfold is a perfect example of how a consuming negative emotion like hatred can damage yourself and the people around you.

The governemnt doesn't need to be more sincere. Whats needed is for the yellow shirts to drop their idiodic leader Suthep, drop their narrow minded irrational hatred for Thaksin, and become a bit more self aware. This goes for a few posters here on TV as well.

You seem pretty consumed with negative emotions yourself old chap!

Try to lighten up, take a balanced view and treat all Thai politicians with equal contempt.

I couldnt be happier, son. And well done. Contempt is much better than hatred.