Thailand awaits crunch court ruling on election

[northernjohn]

They are so terrified of elections!

If the Constitutional Court gives the EC power to delay elections, it's really giving them the power to cancel elections. Once we're outside the Constitution 60 day limit, we're outside any legal boundary.

So when EC doesn't hold election for a year, two years, three years, what then?

It gives the council Suthep wants to set up to reform the government time to do a good job. One that will represent all of the people.

I have no problem with that it is better than what we have now.

Think about it for a minute take the rice growers for example. Once the largest rice exporting country in the world in two short years down to third and in two and a half year's it has the rice growers screaming for the money they were told they would get for their rice. That never happened before. Well done PTP some thing to be proud of.

Medical care that was free now cost 30 baht. Not a lot you say and you are right. But it cost 50 baht to process the paper work 1,000,000 patients net loss on each 20 baht . That is 20,000,000 baht that could be going into the hands on medical care. instead it is just floating around in burrocracy and corruption Now we have the medical profession up in arms.

These type of things that will be worked out and a government reformed that will not allow them to happen.

[ramrod711]

It is there in every media report in every paper in every country bar 2 or 3 in Thailand.

that is, the Army traditionally side with the Anti Thaksin movement. There's the problem.

Yingluk has even offered another election in one years time. Guess who is not talking? Too busy screaming the Peoples Council policies out loud from the stage. Making up policy on the hoof and promising to pay farmers if they support him.... after he blocked their payments.

So this is buying votes writ large and presumably once the Junta is installed in his dream coup, all his rants from the stage will have to be honored. Very democratic I don't think. Sound more like a dictator?

What a circus is the thai elite and their cronies. No wonder the Govermnet is digging in on this. They have to be got rid of. EC, CC, Army acting as a private business and mafia enforcer.

Stick with it Yingluck most of the world are behind you and the ones that are not with you, really don't deserve mention after this latest outrage.

Big deal, Abhisit offered an election in 3 months, Thaksin and the reds wouldn't talk, moved from demands to arson.

[northernjohn]

Spot on

Sad to see how the institutions, who officially are unpolitical, clearly siding with the elite, now that the winds have changed! In the interest of the country?? No to keep their "rightful" place at the trough!!

If might take some time, but the existing feudal system have to give way for something more democratic!

Thailand is in dire need of a European style Socialdemocratic Party. And to the Americans here, it doesn't equal communism!

Thailand is in dire need of a European style Socialdemocratic Party. And to the Americans here, it doesn't equal communism!

Well I am an American and I agree with you on that point. But in two and a half years I have not seen that happening here. That is one of the reasons I back Suthep in his bid to create a council to reform the government and put in some checks and balances. To take steps towards eliminating corruption and election fraud. Then hold an election. It would be one that would not be as attractive to the in it for the money that they can take through corruption. It would make room for more honest candidates. Corruption and fraud can not be wiped out but they can certainly be cut way back.

Some times we have to sit back and take an honest look at what is going on and this is one of them. It will not stop Democracy it will just give Thailand time to take a look at it and what the type of government they have is doing to the country. Then an election will be held and people will be much more aware of what the governments function are.

There are and will be those who refuse to change or even look at what is happening but there will be far fewer of them. I of course am presuming the council will be transparent in it's dealings and all sessions open to the public. The only reason I back the one side is because I am more concerned about Thailand than I am a family holding on to power just for the sake of it and the money they can bleed out of it.

Are you serious??? I am American also but what you are saying sounds like you are from Fantasy Island. Thailand end corruption first and get the money out of politics before the election...what a joke. Thailand has never dealt with its corruption and your saying they'll change overnight. Nonsense. And what's this about open and transparent meetings? When was the last time you heard of a public hearing or public comment in Thailand? It's a top down system. Sessions open to the public? You are definitely from Fantasy Island. If you think Suthep and crew are so malleable, why isn't he talking to the government now? Why couldn't process start now? Why does PM YL need to leave office since, as you wish, the process will be public and open? Go back to Fantasy Island.

Yes I am serious that is why I stay away from the fantasy island. You must have missed this part.

"Some times we have to sit back and take an honest look at what is going on and this is one of them. It will not stop Democracy it will just give Thailand time to take a look at it and what the type of government they have is doing to the country. Then an election will be held and people will be much more aware of what the governments function are."

Sorry I did not mention that Suthep is talking about a year to a year and a half to do this. It is not an over night thing as you seem to think. These are people who are looking for an answer to get out of the mess the government is in now. I shouldn't have had to mention that if you had been listening to his proposal you obviously were not.

He is not talking to the government now because they are not willing to do what it takes to straighten out the mess that the government is in now. Why should Suthep talk to them. They have nothing to offer other than a way to continue with the present mess. Do you honestly think a council set up by thed present government and chaired by Yingluck is going to make it a better government. Remember these are people who were trying to pass legislation to make corruption OK. Drop some 25,000 charges just continue on your merry old way.

You are correct Thailand has never dealt with it's corruption and as I said and you missed it.

It is time to sit back and look at what is going on. Then and only then do they have a chance to deal with it. this head long race to maintain the same standards they have that you are supporting will just help matters get worse and worse.

You musty have gotten the extended vacation package for fantasy island.

[pipkins]

It's foolish to assume that a western system can be cut and pasted over Thailand's feudal class system and succeed. The reality is that corruption is so ingrained that it will not be stamped out. Politicians are not outraged that Thaksin was corrupt, it was that he was so blatant about it and not willing to cut them in. The army and the police are businesses in Thailand. I believe that reforms are necessary before any election can have a chance of success. Unfortunately the people tasked with making the reforms will not go far enough, they will only seek to stack the deck in their favor.

No it can't be pasted over it. It's needs to replace it completely! The casts system that underlies a feudal system, needs to end. No more 'elites' grabbing power from the majority. Democracy must replace this.

Another thing, you yellows that are obsessed with Thaksin, get over it! If you feel guilty because you kicked him out in 2006, then go visit a therapist or something! All you ever do is drone on about Thaksin.

What is your education policy?... Get Thaksin out of education.

What is your food security policy?.... We want to remove all the evil Thaksin food subsidies.

What is your job creation policys?.... We'll cancel the evil Thaksin minimum wage and give 20 lash the serfs to work harder!

What is your export policy?.... We will deport all Thaksin supporters from the country!

Half of the reason the Dems are so unelectable is because they have to wait around for Thaksin to say something on a Facebook page to know what they are against today!

He broke your heart, so get over it and move on! It's been 7 or 8 years already.

I count flames as likes and got 7 for my last post. Not one word of sense or reasons, just the usuall barstool guff.

You'll get the same for your post as it is dead on. The other reason the Dems did so badly last time was due to thaksinophobia.

They spent their entire term trying to get him banned from other countries... and failed. All the while the country rottedn and they were trying to get 400 billion to get themselves and policies out of a hole.

Then PT blocked them at CC and got the shush fund loan down to 200 billion. So, the Dems and backers lost the tea money on the extra 200 billiion and came out and shot some demostraters.

Other than avoiding elections, ducking responsibliliy etc. They have done ok.

waiting for the likes!

[northernjohn]

It's foolish to assume that a western system can be cut and pasted over Thailand's feudal class system and succeed. The reality is that corruption is so ingrained that it will not be stamped out. Politicians are not outraged that Thaksin was corrupt, it was that he was so blatant about it and not willing to cut them in. The army and the police are businesses in Thailand. I believe that reforms are necessary before any election can have a chance of success. Unfortunately the people tasked with making the reforms will not go far enough, they will only seek to stack the deck in their favor.

No it can't be pasted over it. It's needs to replace it completely! The casts system that underlies a feudal system, needs to end. No more 'elites' grabbing power from the majority. Democracy must replace this.

Another thing, you yellows that are obsessed with Thaksin, get over it! If you feel guilty because you kicked him out in 2006, then go visit a therapist or something! All you ever do is drone on about Thaksin.

What is your education policy?... Get Thaksin out of education.

What is your food security policy?.... We want to remove all the evil Thaksin food subsidies.

What is your job creation policys?.... We'll cancel the evil Thaksin minimum wage and give 20 lash the serfs to work harder!

What is your export policy?.... We will deport all Thaksin supporters from the country!

Half of the reason the Dems are so unelectable is because they have to wait around for Thaksin to say something on a Facebook page to know what they are against today!

He broke your heart, so get over it and move on! It's been 7 or 8 years already.

Well what you say is true.

But they are right in order to fix these things they will have to get Thaksin out of it.

How can you defend a man who doesn't even live in the country by his own choice. Yet he runs it. The word ludicrous comes to mind.

[Thait Spot]

It is there in every media report in every paper in every country bar 2 or 3 in Thailand.

that is, the Army traditionally side with the Anti Thaksin movement. There's the problem.

Yingluk has even offered another election in one years time. Guess who is not talking? Too busy screaming the Peoples Council policies out loud from the stage. Making up policy on the hoof and promising to pay farmers if they support him.... after he blocked their payments.

So this is buying votes writ large and presumably once the Junta is installed in his dream coup, all his rants from the stage will have to be honored. Very democratic I don't think. Sound more like a dictator?

What a circus is the thai elite and their cronies. No wonder the Govermnet is digging in on this. They have to be got rid of. EC, CC, Army acting as a private business and mafia enforcer.

Stick with it Yingluck most of the world are behind you and the ones that are not with you, really don't deserve mention after this latest outrage.

Spot on

Sad to see how the institutions, who officially are unpolitical, clearly siding with the elite, now that the winds have changed! In the interest of the country?? No to keep their "rightful" place at the trough!!

If might take some time, but the existing feudal system have to give way for something more democratic!

Thailand is in dire need of a European style Socialdemocratic Party. And to the Americans here, it doesn't equal communism!

You must be referring to the police, the DSI and the OAG

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Thait Spot]

Government willing to accept outcome of court ruling on election

It is a direct biproduct of the government's illegal behaviour in the house that it has to issue statements like this.

It grew a nasty carbuncle on the face of Thai democracy and cowers behind statements like this.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[BlueNoseCodger]

It's foolish to assume that a western system can be cut and pasted over Thailand's feudal class system and succeed. The reality is that corruption is so ingrained that it will not be stamped out. Politicians are not outraged that Thaksin was corrupt, it was that he was so blatant about it and not willing to cut them in. The army and the police are businesses in Thailand. I believe that reforms are necessary before any election can have a chance of success. Unfortunately the people tasked with making the reforms will not go far enough, they will only seek to stack the deck in their favor.

No it can't be pasted over it. It's needs to replace it completely! The casts system that underlies a feudal system, needs to end. No more 'elites' grabbing power from the majority. Democracy must replace this.

Another thing, you yellows that are obsessed with Thaksin, get over it! If you feel guilty because you kicked him out in 2006, then go visit a therapist or something! All you ever do is drone on about Thaksin.

What is your education policy?... Get Thaksin out of education.

What is your food security policy?.... We want to remove all the evil Thaksin food subsidies.

What is your job creation policys?.... We'll cancel the evil Thaksin minimum wage and give 20 lash the serfs to work harder!

What is your export policy?.... We will deport all Thaksin supporters from the country!

Half of the reason the Dems are so unelectable is because they have to wait around for Thaksin to say something on a Facebook page to know what they are against today!

He broke your heart, so get over it and move on! It's been 7 or 8 years already.

Well what you say is true.

But they are right in order to fix these things they will have to get Thaksin out of it.

How can you defend a man who doesn't even live in the country by his own choice. Yet he runs it. The word ludicrous comes to mind.

I should add one:

"What is your mental health policy?.... Get Thaksin out of my mind! Ahhh!!!"

[Nowhereman60]

It really only means the protest will go on longer. I can almost insure you the court almost never sides with the government and I doubt they will this time. Just means more protest, more bombs, more killings, more intimidation from the thugs, more power and water cut offs. same same but different Of course the court will say the protest is peaceful, isn't justice blind.

[focus27]

I thought this was due at 9.30 am?!

Oh, I see... will be 5 hours late followed by 5 hours of preamble so that most people will be safely in bed and the reactions will follow slowly in the morning.

[ManopY]

It really only means the protest will go on longer. I can almost insure you the court almost never sides with the government and I doubt they will this time. Just means more protest, more bombs, more killings, more intimidation from the thugs, more power and water cut offs. same same but different Of course the court will say the protest is peaceful, isn't justice blind.

Justice is maybe blind but so are you!

Thank you Thaksin for my allowance!

[bkkjames]

I thought this was due at 9.30 am?!

Oh, I see... will be 5 hours late followed by 5 hours of preamble so that most people will be safely in bed and the reactions will follow slowly in the morning.

They will not announce this until early evening. Let the rush hour get part way home.

I can assume that they will pass the buck and let it go forward...the hot potato to lay in someone else's hand for a few more weeks...

[BlueNoseCodger]

Big deal, Abhisit offered an election in 3 months, Thaksin and the reds wouldn't talk, moved from demands to arson.

No, reds accepted his elections offer, he then demanded they hand their id cards to the army as they left the protest site. They feared the army who had just been shooting at them would kill them in their homes, and broke out of the camp instead.

Thailand was under a censorship law, so the official version was that 'black shirt terrorists of Thaksin were killing the protestors to make the Dem government look bad'. An Udonthani woman was prosecuted for distributing a DVD showing the video footage contradicting this lie.

As expected Abhisit was lying about the elections too.

[bkkjames]

Big deal, Abhisit offered an election in 3 months, Thaksin and the reds wouldn't talk, moved from demands to arson.

No, reds accepted his elections offer, he then demanded they hand their id cards to the army as they left the protest site. They feared the army who had just been shooting at them would kill them in their homes, and broke out of the camp instead.

Thailand was under a censorship law, so the official version was that 'black shirt terrorists of Thaksin were killing the protestors to make the Dem government look bad'. An Udonthani woman was prosecuted for distributing a DVD showing the video footage contradicting this lie.

As expected Abhisit was lying about the elections too.

I must be mistaken in thinking many of the ID cards you refer to were never given back by the Red Leaders in the first place?

[casualbiker]

Big deal, Abhisit offered an election in 3 months, Thaksin and the reds wouldn't talk, moved from demands to arson.

No, reds accepted his elections offer, he then demanded they hand their id cards to the army as they left the protest site. They feared the army who had just been shooting at them would kill them in their homes, and broke out of the camp instead.

Thailand was under a censorship law, so the official version was that 'black shirt terrorists of Thaksin were killing the protestors to make the Dem government look bad'. An Udonthani woman was prosecuted for distributing a DVD showing the video footage contradicting this lie.

As expected Abhisit was lying about the elections too.

What a load of <deleted>. Where did you get this gem from?

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[scorecard]

Big deal, Abhisit offered an election in 3 months, Thaksin and the reds wouldn't talk, moved from demands to arson.

No, reds accepted his elections offer, he then demanded they hand their id cards to the army as they left the protest site. They feared the army who had just been shooting at them would kill them in their homes, and broke out of the camp instead.

Thailand was under a censorship law, so the official version was that 'black shirt terrorists of Thaksin were killing the protestors to make the Dem government look bad'. An Udonthani woman was prosecuted for distributing a DVD showing the video footage contradicting this lie.

As expected Abhisit was lying about the elections too.

What?

The events / activities whatever in regard to the 2010 etc., situation have been written about, reported, commented on, mentioned in court proceeding, discussed etc., a million times.

So how come this gem has never been mentioned before?

[rubl]

Big deal, Abhisit offered an election in 3 months, Thaksin and the reds wouldn't talk, moved from demands to arson.

No, reds accepted his elections offer, he then demanded they hand their id cards to the army as they left the protest site. They feared the army who had just been shooting at them would kill them in their homes, and broke out of the camp instead.

Thailand was under a censorship law, so the official version was that 'black shirt terrorists of Thaksin were killing the protestors to make the Dem government look bad'. An Udonthani woman was prosecuted for distributing a DVD showing the video footage contradicting this lie.

As expected Abhisit was lying about the elections too.

And once more history gets rewritten, or is that that we have members who seem to live in a parallel universe with an alternate history, or a history as would have liked to have seen it' ?

Edited January 24, 2014 by rubl

[JRSoul]

No, reds accepted his elections offer, he then demanded they hand their id cards to the army as they left the protest site. They feared the army who had just been shooting at them would kill them in their homes, and broke out of the camp instead.

Thailand was under a censorship law, so the official version was that 'black shirt terrorists of Thaksin were killing the protestors to make the Dem government look bad'. An Udonthani woman was prosecuted for distributing a DVD showing the video footage contradicting this lie.

As expected Abhisit was lying about the elections too.

So that was what was said in the mystery phone call.

[jackr]

It is there in every media report in every paper in every country bar 2 or 3 in Thailand.

that is, the Army traditionally side with the Anti Thaksin movement. There's the problem.

Yingluk has even offered another election in one years time. Guess who is not talking? Too busy screaming the Peoples Council policies out loud from the stage. Making up policy on the hoof and promising to pay farmers if they support him.... after he blocked their payments.

So this is buying votes writ large and presumably once the Junta is installed in his dream coup, all his rants from the stage will have to be honored. Very democratic I don't think. Sound more like a dictator?

What a circus is the thai elite and their cronies. No wonder the Govermnet is digging in on this. They have to be got rid of. EC, CC, Army acting as a private business and mafia enforcer.

Stick with it Yingluck most of the world are behind you and the ones that are not with you, really don't deserve mention after this latest outrage.

The outrage occurred when she stepped in as inept puppet for her brother, after they bought up votes on the backs of the uneducated. Everything they touched failed and is an outrage. The worst outrage is foreign posters who are thicker than a plank not to see this little oligarchy of ineptitude crumbling as a result of ill deeds; with even farmers taking a stand.

Another well crafted post. So all the 18 coups, the hundreds shot dead by the army in support of the elites, inc' all the students they shot dead in the 70s and 90's thats ok.

If I I ever meet with the approval of jaded cliche throwing expats, I'll know I have lost my way in life.

Just make sure you never read any foreign media or you'll be horrified at the massive corruption level of your aspiring dictator. I know you won't read or google anything as knowledge is a bar to supporting this fascist mob. He is relying on the unthinking and has screamed abuse at all the media portraying him for what he is...

He is now left with a rump stock of disgraced homegrown media (not all of them by any means) one or 2 cranks on blog rolls and the resident know-nowt expats who would love to see the old corrupt ways continue apace.

I don't care how bad he is, or you think he is, it'd still be a big one up from the status quo.

[JoeThePoster]

I thought this was due at 9.30 am?!

Oh, I see... will be 5 hours late followed by 5 hours of preamble so that most people will be safely in bed and the reactions will follow slowly in the morning.

It will be around the time the stock mark....err casino closes.

[BlueNoseCodger]

And once more history gets rewritten, or is that that we have members who seem to live in a parallel universe with an alternate history, or a history as would have liked to have seen it' ?

This is why I think it will be good for Thailand to have the murder trial of Suthep and see the evidence in full, including all the video footage that was banned.

[BlueNoseCodger]

They are so terrified of elections!

If the Constitutional Court gives the EC power to delay elections, it's really giving them the power to cancel elections. Once we're outside the Constitution 60 day limit, we're outside any legal boundary.

So when EC doesn't hold election for a year, two years, three years, what then?

It gives the council Suthep wants to set up to reform the government time to do a good job. One that will represent all of the people.

I have no problem with that it is better than what we have now.

Think about it for a minute take the rice growers for example. Once the largest rice exporting country in the world in two short years down to third and in two and a half year's it has the rice growers screaming for the money they were told they would get for their rice. That never happened before. Well done PTP some thing to be proud of.

Medical care that was free now cost 30 baht. Not a lot you say and you are right. But it cost 50 baht to process the paper work 1,000,000 patients net loss on each 20 baht . That is 20,000,000 baht that could be going into the hands on medical care. instead it is just floating around in burrocracy and corruption Now we have the medical profession up in arms.

These type of things that will be worked out and a government reformed that will not allow them to happen.

Suthep didn't do any reforms when he was in power, he can't even specify any reforms now or who or when or anything else.

The rice pledging scheme followed in the wake of Philippines and Indian rice shortages, it is a rice reserve, and a farm subsidy. It needs tweaking but then so did the 30 baht scheme when it was introduced.

The 30 baht scheme is two parts, the person pays 30 baht, the government pays about 1800 baht for that visit. It's socialized medicine. When the coup took over in 2006, they tweaked it by dropping the 30 baht part to zero and increasing the government part from about 1500 to 1800.

I think that was a mistake to drop the 30 baht, it was to deter a poor person using the scheme unless they are actually ill, so it was re-introduced. It's not a net loss of 20 million baht, it's a substantial amount of money into hospitals.

[Thait Spot]

And once more history gets rewritten, or is that that we have members who seem to live in a parallel universe with an alternate history, or a history as would have liked to have seen it' ?

This is why I think it will be good for Thailand to have the murder trial of Suthep and see the evidence in full, including all the video footage that was banned.

What "footage"?

Are you obsessed with nine inch Nicky or do you have something to add to the debate?

You do, of course, realise that the last thing that Thaksin wants is a televised trial and the second last thing he wants is a trial?

And to add to that, those who are not supporters of the red shirts would love to see the trial on TV. I might invite a few over to watch it.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[BlueNoseCodger]

And once more history gets rewritten, or is that that we have members who seem to live in a parallel universe with an alternate history, or a history as would have liked to have seen it' ?

This is why I think it will be good for Thailand to have the murder trial of Suthep and see the evidence in full, including all the video footage that was banned.

What "footage"?

Are you obsessed with nine inch Nicky or do you have something to add to the debate?

You do, of course, realise that the last thing that Thaksin wants is a televised trial and the second last thing he wants is a trial?

And to add to that, those who are not supporters of the red shirts would love to see the trial on TV. I might invite a few over to watch it.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

You seriously don't even know there's footage of all the shooting incidents????? The temple, the times the army got shot and from where?? Wow!

[LadPhrao123]

An exceptional pack of fascistas waving perilously empty ideas today while waiting their next bump for the yellow EC from the Dem bought CC. Boredom and tension?

At idle times like these good to contemplate another poster's question...

"Why are Suthep and his backers really so down on Thaksin?

Seems like a nice airport.

Skytrain is pretty cool.

The 30 baht per visit medical program seems to help many in need.

Everyone benefited from the economic recovery from the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

Reducing poverty from 21.3% to 11.3% is a good thing I think.

Balancing the national budget and producing fiscal surpluses for 2003 to 2005 would be considered fiscally responsible.

Foreign exchange reserves doubling seems like a success.

Government Lottery for education would have not only reduced illegal gambling, but provided education for those in need.

Privatizing MCOT and increasing freedom of speech seems like a move in the right direction.

Student Loan Fund (SLF) helping low income students get an education with low interest rates was nice.

Supporting Nicholas Negroponte's One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project was a cool idea.

Wholesale power pool competition in the energy markets lowering these costs would tend to benefit the people.

Introducing Islamic law and making Pattani-Malay (Yawi) an official language in southern region seemed like a start to help reduce conflict there.

Transformation of the government department, ministries, and provincial governors operating style of the traditional bureaucracy into a more results-oriented instrument would have been awesome.

Crackdown on mafia crime was long overdue.

Profit agreements with Cambodia on the huge oil potential in the gulf of Thailand could have made Thailand energy independent.

Maybe Thaksin did too much? Are they jealous of Thaksin's popularity?

Those in the black box behind this movement need to look past personal interests and put the interests of the whole above yourselves."

[harrry]

They are so terrified of elections!

If the Constitutional Court gives the EC power to delay elections, it's really giving them the power to cancel elections. Once we're outside the Constitution 60 day limit, we're outside any legal boundary.

So when EC doesn't hold election for a year, two years, three years, what then?

It gives the council Suthep wants to set up to reform the government time to do a good job. One that will represent all of the people.

I have no problem with that it is better than what we have now.

Think about it for a minute take the rice growers for example. Once the largest rice exporting country in the world in two short years down to third and in two and a half year's it has the rice growers screaming for the money they were told they would get for their rice. That never happened before. Well done PTP some thing to be proud of.

Medical care that was free now cost 30 baht. Not a lot you say and you are right. But it cost 50 baht to process the paper work 1,000,000 patients net loss on each 20 baht . That is 20,000,000 baht that could be going into the hands on medical care. instead it is just floating around in burrocracy and corruption Now we have the medical profession up in arms.

These type of things that will be worked out and a government reformed that will not allow them to happen.

Suthep didn't do any reforms when he was in power, he can't even specify any reforms now or who or when or anything else.

The rice pledging scheme followed in the wake of Philippines and Indian rice shortages, it is a rice reserve, and a farm subsidy. It needs tweaking but then so did the 30 baht scheme when it was introduced.

The 30 baht scheme is two parts, the person pays 30 baht, the government pays about 1800 baht for that visit. It's socialized medicine. When the coup took over in 2006, they tweaked it by dropping the 30 baht part to zero and increasing the government part from about 1500 to 1800.

I think that was a mistake to drop the 30 baht, it was to deter a poor person using the scheme unless they are actually ill, so it was re-introduced. It's not a net loss of 20 million baht, it's a substantial amount of money into hospitals.

That is not 1800 baht a visit. It is per year. per person on the tabian bahn in the hospital's district.

[BlueNoseCodger]

That is not 1800 baht a visit. It is per year. per person on the tabian bahn in the hospital's district.

According to Wikipedia its 65% of the money spent on healthcare in Thailand, so without the scheme, hospitals lose the majority of their income because poor people can't pay it.

Is it per visit or per person registered in a hospital district per year? Because if the average visit is less than once per year, it's better than once per visit!

[Thait Spot]

And once more history gets rewritten, or is that that we have members who seem to live in a parallel universe with an alternate history, or a history as would have liked to have seen it' ?

This is why I think it will be good for Thailand to have the murder trial of Suthep and see the evidence in full, including all the video footage that was banned.

What "footage"?

Are you obsessed with nine inch Nicky or do you have something to add to the debate?

You do, of course, realise that the last thing that Thaksin wants is a televised trial and the second last thing he wants is a trial?

And to add to that, those who are not supporters of the red shirts would love to see the trial on TV. I might invite a few over to watch it.

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You seriously don't even know there's footage of all the shooting incidents????? The temple, the times the army got shot and from where?? Wow!

So, what footage?

I have heard this from you only

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[BlueNoseCodger]

So, what footage?

I have heard this from you only

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Probably your best starting place is youtube and the bbc documentary on this. I'd like to link to one of the copies, but it mentions in the intro someone who should not be discussed in such contexts. After that go ahead and search for yourself, there's lot of footage, it was 2010, camera-phones where everywhere!

[northernjohn]

Spot on

Sad to see how the institutions, who officially are unpolitical, clearly siding with the elite, now that the winds have changed! In the interest of the country?? No to keep their "rightful" place at the trough!!

If might take some time, but the existing feudal system have to give way for something more democratic!

Thailand is in dire need of a European style Socialdemocratic Party. And to the Americans here, it doesn't equal communism!

Thailand is in dire need of a European style Socialdemocratic Party. And to the Americans here, it doesn't equal communism!

Well I am an American and I agree with you on that point. But in two and a half years I have not seen that happening here. That is one of the reasons I back Suthep in his bid to create a council to reform the government and put in some checks and balances. To take steps towards eliminating corruption and election fraud. Then hold an election. It would be one that would not be as attractive to the in it for the money that they can take through corruption. It would make room for more honest candidates. Corruption and fraud can not be wiped out but they can certainly be cut way back.

Some times we have to sit back and take an honest look at what is going on and this is one of them. It will not stop Democracy it will just give Thailand time to take a look at it and what the type of government they have is doing to the country. Then an election will be held and people will be much more aware of what the governments function are.

There are and will be those who refuse to change or even look at what is happening but there will be far fewer of them. I of course am presuming the council will be transparent in it's dealings and all sessions open to the public. The only reason I back the one side is because I am more concerned about Thailand than I am a family holding on to power just for the sake of it and the money they can bleed out of it.

Some nice points however many many folks simply don't trust the pt party (the 'get very rich very quickly club', no capabilities or valid experience needed nor morals needed, guaranteed spot at the trough club) to organize or conduct credible debate which includes various opportunities for open / public input and debate, etc. (with no requirement to register in advance) on what reform is needed, a clear picture of the aim / outcome of any reforms, and implementation of reforms.

Well what you say is true as matters stand now. If Suthep gets his way I believe that the council will be composed of more people with out personal political goals. People from Industry, Labor, Academia, the farming communities and yes a mixture of politicians.

I really don't know who would pick the chair or how they would go about selecting the committee. This would be a very hard thing to accomplish. I can think of one person to appoint the chair but I am not sure if the constitution would allow him to do so. I for obvious reasons can not name him here.

It would be an incredible lot of work but the results would be worth it as they would be permanent. As it sits now we are on a long slide down hill. Time to bite the bullet go through what we have to and get the country turned around.

I defiantly have to admire Suthep for sticking to his guns in this but I would defiantly be against him being a part of the council. He is not open minded enough. The council would require people with an open mind not personal agendas.

Yes I don't know who they are but I am sure there are some in the political ranks.