We favour a democratic Lanna republic, Chiang Mai group says

[wolf5370]

@nocloudcoverThis is really crazy. Even Thaksin wouldn't be able to come up with such a dumb idea. The only thing that keeps Thailand's economy going is exports. Those exports include rice, that's for sure.

I beg to differ; outside money from farang (tourists and residents) is the biggest generator of revenue for Thailand, all parts.

When you factor in farang money spent on 'sin sod' (dowries) the amount shoots up further. Most farang money spent in Thailand (and socked away in Thai banks and investments) is not officially declared or taxed. The next biggest money earner for Thailand is probably rice exports, and we've been hearing how that sector has tanked.

Believe it or not, rubber was (is?) a bigger export than rice, even before the Rice Scheme ruined it.

They also do quite well in chickens and gems not to mention: ivory, protected species parts, dogs for meat and class A drugs.

[SICHONSTEVE]

@nocloudcoverThis is really crazy. Even Thaksin wouldn't be able to come up with such a dumb idea. The only thing that keeps Thailand's economy going is exports. Those exports include rice, that's for sure.

I beg to differ; outside money from farang (tourists and residents) is the biggest generator of revenue for Thailand, all parts.

When you factor in farang money spent on 'sin sod' (dowries) the amount shoots up further. Most farang money spent in Thailand (and socked away in Thai banks and investments) is not officially declared or taxed. The next biggest money earner for Thailand is probably rice exports, and we've been hearing how that sector has tanked.

Thai rice is a actually a drain on the finances not a money earner for Thailand!!!

[eddie61]

I am getting so sick of all the posters who say Thaksin's corruption conviction was a travesty of justice. It was a blatant violation of the 97 constitution and Thaksin was warned of this by many people. He elected to ignore them and his wife bought the land anyway with his approval. He felt that hr was above the law, and ad long as hr was PM he was, no one would challenge him. The only travesty of justice was that his wife wasn't convicted also.

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I seem to remember Yingluck when she became PM said they would look at his conviction to make see if there were any problems with it.

Not heard anything since.

The issue is not secession, it is federalism. In a federation, secession is seldom seriously considered, because states' rights are respected. In Thailand the problem is different. There is a bureaucratic rule from the centre: that is the problem here. Bureaucrats in Bangkok seem to know whats best for people in the far reaches of the kingdom.

[Thai at Heart]

I am getting so sick of all the posters who say Thaksin's corruption conviction was a travesty of justice. It was a blatant violation of the 97 constitution and Thaksin was warned of this by many people. He elected to ignore them and his wife bought the land anyway with his approval. He felt that hr was above the law, and ad long as hr was PM he was, no one would challenge him. The only travesty of justice was that his wife wasn't convicted also.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ X using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I seem to remember Yingluck when she became PM said they would look at his conviction to make see if there were any problems with it.

Not heard anything since.

The issue is not secession, it is federalism. In a federation, secession is seldom seriously considered, because states' rights are respected. In Thailand the problem is different. There is a bureaucratic rule from the centre: that is the problem here. Bureaucrats in Bangkok seem to know whats best for people in the far reaches of the kingdom.

And don't you forget it....

[dannyshin]

You may be correct but i think other big revenue generator is farang marrying these Lanna women for dowry. I know incident with one of my close friend. that women married two times before and he was her third husband. and she divorced him once she found a rich old farang in his 60s so that he could pay more dowry that her previous husband. I don't understand why Lanna does not want reform before election. I'm sure once Lanna Republic in existance this business will boom

@nocloudcoverThis is really crazy. Even Thaksin wouldn't be able to come up with such a dumb idea. The only thing that keeps Thailand's economy going is exports. Those exports include rice, that's for sure.

I beg to differ; outside money from farang (tourists and residents) is the biggest generator of revenue for Thailand, all parts.

When you factor in farang money spent on 'sin sod' (dowries) the amount shoots up further. Most farang money spent in Thailand (and socked away in Thai banks and investments) is not officially declared or taxed. The next biggest money earner for Thailand is probably rice exports, and we've been hearing how that sector has tanked.

Money laundering is the biggest source of Thai income.
Drug money from all over the world comes here to build shop-fronts, condos, plazas and opticians.

[dannyshin]

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marriage is source of business these women from Lanna marries she get dowry. I know incident with one of my friends who married a already 2 times divorced woman in Lampang and she divorced him once she found another rich old farang in his 60's because she really "LOVED" that old man. Thailand really need reform and it is not possible if these Red buffallos keep on elect Takshin family. I'm sure once Lanna republic set up this business would be biggest revenue generator there

I beg to differ; outside money from farang (tourists and residents) is the biggest generator of revenue for Thailand, all parts.

When you factor in farang money spent on 'sin sod' (dowries) the amount shoots up further. Most farang money spent in Thailand (and socked away in Thai banks and investments) is not officially declared or taxed. The next biggest money earner for Thailand is probably rice exports, and we've been hearing how that sector has tanked.

[ultimate weapon]

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"Petchawat said people who prefer dictatorship can move from the northern region to other parts of Thailand"

This guy Can't see the forest for the trees, they are the ones who loves to live under Thaksin's dictatorship. "Democratic" Lanna Republic, yeah dream on.

No doubt they would bring Thaksin back as their democratic elected leader for life, succeeded by his son.

They would have their red army, red schools, red law for the masses with leaders exempt and anyone who didn't agree with them would be banned, like the singers.

Even if they did so what?

You don't seem to get it. If the people want someone to be their leader well that is their own prerogative. They don't want the yellow side to rule them they want someone else.

If they pick thaksin well then so be it. What's up with you giving your opinion like somehow their choices are wrong while yours are correct?

Will you be living there? I doubt it. Even if you did you probably wouldn't have a chance to select a leader over there. It is just like a bunch of foreigners living in russia going oh you know putin is such a horrible leader. Why do they pick him.

[SICHONSTEVE]

"It is just like a bunch of foreigners living in Russia going oh you know Putin is such a horrible leader. Why do they pick him".

Oh the naivety!!!! .

[bigbamboo]

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"Petchawat said people who prefer dictatorship can move from the northern region to other parts of Thailand"

This guy Can't see the forest for the trees, they are the ones who loves to live under Thaksin's dictatorship. "Democratic" Lanna Republic, yeah dream on.

No doubt they would bring Thaksin back as their democratic elected leader for life, succeeded by his son.

They would have their red army, red schools, red law for the masses with leaders exempt and anyone who didn't agree with them would be banned, like the singers.

Even if they did so what?

You don't seem to get it. If the people want someone to be their leader well that is their own prerogative. They don't want the yellow side to rule them they want someone else.

If they pick thaksin well then so be it. What's up with you giving your opinion like somehow their choices are wrong while yours are correct?

Will you be living there? I doubt it. Even if you did you probably wouldn't have a chance to select a leader over there. It is just like a bunch of foreigners living in russia going oh you know putin is such a horrible leader. Why do they pick him.

True enough. The Cambodians picked Hun Sen just as the Zimbabweans did Mugabe. Further back the Italians were happy to have Mussolini just as the Germans were with Hitler.

Even when they have the right to choose they don't always choose right.

Edited March 5, 2014 by bigbamboo

[pmugghc]

@nocloudcoverThis is really crazy. Even Thaksin wouldn't be able to come up with such a dumb idea. The only thing that keeps Thailand's economy going is exports. Those exports include rice, that's for sure.

I beg to differ; outside money from farang (tourists and residents) is the biggest generator of revenue for Thailand, all parts.

When you factor in farang money spent on 'sin sod' (dowries) the amount shoots up further. Most farang money spent in Thailand (and socked away in Thai banks and investments) is not officially declared or taxed. The next biggest money earner for Thailand is probably rice exports, and we've been hearing how that sector has tanked.

Disagree. Tourism is around 15% of GDP. Industrial exports (cars, disk drives etc) is around 44%. Agriculture 9%.

Forget about "sin sods" having any GDP impact.

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[JRSoul]

True enough. The Cambodians picked Hun Sen just as the Zimbabweans did Mugabe. Further back the Italians were happy to have Mussolini just as the Germans were with Hitler.

Even when they have the right to choose they don't always choose right.

Democracy is the mistaken impression that more than 50% of the people will be right more than 50% of the time.

Old quote, can't remember who.

[ultimate weapon]

"It is just like a bunch of foreigners living in Russia going oh you know Putin is such a horrible leader. Why do they pick him".

Oh the naivety!!!! .

let's not talk politics. It's just like a bunch of non russians giving their own opinion on what the russian want to vote. You see that is the type of talk some of them were engaging in. It isn't like thaksin took a gun and forced them to vote for him.

[personchester]

The creation of an independent "Lanna" state might or might not occur, it depends on the decisions taken by the Thai public, should it take place it will not essentially be a disaster, the following countries below did the same.

Czechoslovakia did separate itself into two free countries ... Czech republic, and Slovakia.

The initial Yogoslavia did separate itself into six free countries ... Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzgovina, Macedonia, Albania, and a small Yogoalavia remains.

The above separated countries are doing well, financially, commercially, and morally.

Should a separate Lanna country be created it will not necessarily be a disaster, and will certainly not be like North Korea as some fellows stated.

Nevertheless, it might be better for Thailand to stay together, sort their political problems in a peaceful manner and remain the good and splendid country Thailand.

[canuckamuck]

Thailand needs to separate...

From their current politicians

[SICHONSTEVE]

Thailand needs to separate...

From their current politicians

I think that Suthep and Abhisit would be in favour of this!!!

[rametindallas]

Petchawat Wattanapongsirikul said the PDRL would just be a separate political system for the North, split from Bangkok, and not an independent state. He claims as many as four million out of six million northerners support the idea. Petchawat said people who prefer dictatorship can move from the northern region to other parts of Thailand and warned actors and singers supporting the anti-government People Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) that Chiang Mai people do not welcome them.

Khun Petchawat seems to have the terms Democracy and Dictatorship completely reversed. Who does his (secret) polling? Will he give loyalty tests to citizens of the North? Let's see; two million Northerners will have to find a new place to live. Will there be compensation for the businesses, homes, friends, and families they give up? I don't think he has thought his cunning plan through. He makes Suthep's craziest rants seem logical and reasoned.

[canuckamuck]

Thailand needs to separate...

From their current politicians

I think that Suthep and Abhisit would be in favour of this!!!

I said politicians, not just the government, Last time I checked those two were quite involved in politics

[SICHONSTEVE]

Thailand needs to separate...

From their current politicians

I think that Suthep and Abhisit would be in favour of this!!!

I said politicians, not just the government, Last time I checked those two were quite involved in politics

Suthep is stepping down and Abhisit said that he would remove himself from politics (if the need to do so was part of, or as a result of the reforms). He is an honourable man and is willing to sacrifice his career for the benefit of Thailand!!

[canuckamuck]

Well that's a good start.

[ThailandNoob]

Thailand needs to separate...

From their current politicians

I think that Suthep and Abhisit would be in favour of this!!!

I said politicians, not just the government, Last time I checked those two were quite involved in politics

Suthep is stepping down and Abhisit said that he would remove himself from politics (if the need to do so was part of, or as a result of the reforms). He is an honourable man and is willing to sacrifice his career for the benefit of Thailand!!

After all the times that Suthep has declared that he would "leave the political stage if his final push failed" (and then clearly not), do you really believe him?

Same goes for Abhisit promising elections for late 2010, and then going back on his word. Hardly the act of an "honourable man"!

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[SICHONSTEVE]

Yes, I do believe him actually and Thaksin indirectly had the election date cancelled when he ordered Nattawut, Prompan and the other red shirt to scupper them!!!

[fab4]

Suthep is stepping down and Abhisit said that he would remove himself from politics (if the need to do so was part of, or as a result of the reforms). He is an honourable man and is willing to sacrifice his career for the benefit of Thailand!!

Well that made me chuckle.

[Mrgk]

Democracy is the mistaken impression that more than 50% of the people will be right more than 50% of the time.

Old quote, can't remember who.

Democracy is not about getting the "right" decisions (for some definition of "right"). It´s about deciding who gets to rule, and (most importantly perhaps) transferring power without having to resort to "classical" means, I.e. the competitiors simply going at each other until the killing stops.

There have been other attempts to solve the same problem, I.e. inherited legitimacy and Divine Right, but those approaches have limited usefulness in modern socieities. More recently the more novel innovation of Scientific Socialism as a fount of legitimacy has come upon hard times. The options that remain are therefore popular legitimacy and raw power in some mix.

Edited March 8, 2014 by Mrgk

[culicine]

Petchawat Wattanapongsirikul said the PDRL would just be a separate political system for the North, split from Bangkok, and not an independent state. He claims as many as four million out of six million northerners support the idea. Petchawat said people who prefer dictatorship can move from the northern region to other parts of Thailand and warned actors and singers supporting the anti-government People Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) that Chiang Mai people do not welcome them.

Khun Petchawat seems to have the terms Democracy and Dictatorship completely reversed. Who does his (secret) polling? Will he give loyalty tests to citizens of the North? Let's see; two million Northerners will have to find a new place to live. Will there be compensation for the businesses, homes, friends, and families they give up? I don't think he has thought his cunning plan through. He makes Suthep's craziest rants seem logical and reasoned.

Probably means a democratic dictatorship....sure u can vote ....but there is only one party lol