Thai editorial: Why do we need a coup-maker to do simple things?

[Keesters]

In both cases, they respect the law despite being quite able to break it without being caught. So which nationality is behaving strangely here?

Here is your answer in a nut shell. Thai's respect only themselves and the baht. Everything is about 'me' and how to make another baht. Is it surprising to see this reflected in the lives of the politicians and the police? Hell no. This is how they were brought up.

Wow....my wife and I were just discussing this last night.....also, my students (Thai professionals) said the exact same thing as you. Funny, one might think that a Buddhist country be more on the selfless side of life, but not here.

Buddhist country? Buddhism here is as selfish as can be. Read the latest report about jet flying monks, porn at temples, etc. And the people give money to the temple or the poor. WHY? To gain merit for THEMSELVES not about helping others.

[sanuk711]

I wouldn't be too concerned about this coup that's taking place in Thailand......................... Most Thai things usually result in a happy ending.......................

[klauskunkel]

Why do we need a coup-maker to do simple things?

The Nation

Clampdown on illegal beach vendors and strict law enforcement should have been done under democratic governments

Yes, these simple things should have been done under democratic governments, but they weren't. Therefore, yes, you need a coup-maker to do simple things.

Is this simple assessment clear and simple enough for you to understand?

The next logical question is: Do we need politicians who can't even do simple things?

[ekkamai]

Trying to make sense of this post as I am not sure just what has been achieved yet apart from the public example being made of the beach vendors in Phuket. There are new traffic laws but no drive to ensure the current ones are obeyed, there are to be new alcohol rules but no drive to ensure the current ones are obeyed. The visa run thing I do understand and I think has the potential to be a good development.

Puzzled

These are not new alcohol rules.

They are from 2008 and are simply being enforced - finally.

https://www.amchamthailand.com/asp/view_doc.asp?DocCID=1891

I think the same goes for traffic rules.

[rethaier]

Why do we need a coup-maker to do simple things?

The Nation

Clampdown on illegal beach vendors and strict law enforcement should have been done under democratic governments

Yes, these simple things should have been done under democratic governments, but they weren't. Therefore, yes, you need a coup-maker to do simple things.

Is this simple assessment clear and simple enough for you to understand?

The next logical question is: Do we need politicians who can't even do simple things?

IMHO, it would be a good thing if after free elections the military became a permanent oversight committee. Politicians and public servants are in it to improve the lot of themselves, their family and their friends. It's the same everywhere, it's just more overt in Thailand.

[jayboy]

Many populist "crackdowns" happening at the moment....and making headlines almost daily.....and it seems to be working, by getting the people "on side" with the generals...

The real show will start in a few months....when the government gets down to the real business of running the country effectively.........

Will there be open and real transparency? History shows that military governments fail in this regard.....hopefully fot Thailand' sake, things do go well.

Coup makers are always popular at first.Events have a way of changing perspectives, sooner rather than later.Still whatever one's views one would have to be churlish not to welcome many of the early reforms.The problem is that these remedial measures (beach clearances etc) while necessary are rather minor and in any event, going back to the thread subject matter, should really have been the responsibility of local administrations not central government.It should not have needed a military coup to tackle these "low hanginging fruit".The major areas for reform - education, military, police, tax, corruption remain untouched and to be fair it's asking too much of the Junta to do more than face the country in the right direction.

I have a sneaking feeling you are against the improvements ?? Only pick out Quote "beach clearances" and to cap it all you Quote." education-military-police-tax-corruption remain untouched" ??? have you been away for 3 months ?? as you are clearly not wanting to know.

If there were any detailed plans for improving Thailand's dreadful educational system, its bloated military,its inefficient tax system, lack of social justice or ineffective police force it might be possible to have an intelligent discussion.The steps so far have been the easy populist ones.I do not blame the Junta (a) because it's early days and more importantly ( because it's not its responsibility to implement the major reform programmes.Rather to organise a reset and launch a more responsible constitutional democracy which will take these tasks on.So far there has been much rhetoric but little more

[ginjag]

Many populist "crackdowns" happening at the moment....and making headlines almost daily.....and it seems to be working, by getting the people "on side" with the generals...

The real show will start in a few months....when the government gets down to the real business of running the country effectively.........

Will there be open and real transparency? History shows that military governments fail in this regard.....hopefully fot Thailand' sake, things do go well.

Coup makers are always popular at first.Events have a way of changing perspectives, sooner rather than later.Still whatever one's views one would have to be churlish not to welcome many of the early reforms.The problem is that these remedial measures (beach clearances etc) while necessary are rather minor and in any event, going back to the thread subject matter, should really have been the responsibility of local administrations not central government.It should not have needed a military coup to tackle these "low hanginging fruit".The major areas for reform - education, military, police, tax, corruption remain untouched and to be fair it's asking too much of the Junta to do more than face the country in the right direction.

I have a sneaking feeling you are against the improvements ?? Only pick out Quote "beach clearances" and to cap it all you Quote." education-military-police-tax-corruption remain untouched" ??? have you been away for 3 months ?? as you are clearly not wanting to know.

If there were any detailed plans for improving Thailand's dreadful educational system, its bloated military,its inefficient tax system, lack of social justice or ineffective police force it might be possible to have an intelligent discussion.The steps so far have been the easy populist ones.I do not blame the Junta (a) because it's early days and more importantly ( because it's not its responsibility to implement the major reform programmes.Rather to organise a reset and launch a more responsible constitutional democracy which will take these tasks on.So far there has been much rhetoric but little more

Quote "It might be possible to have an intelligent discussion" maybe possible if your post was not so biased, Police were controlled by Thaksin over the last 3 years, difficult to clean up in 3 months---Education who WAS in charge before ?? in 3 months you think only a few EASY populist ones??

They are in power and so therefore it is their responsibility--like it or lump it.

[fab4]

Yes I can see it now.

Scenario 1. PTP government demolish buildings encroaching on beach and illegal taxi stands. Articles appear in The Nation decrying such actions as "populist" and heavyhanded. Owners, Local mafia and politicians exploit situation and organise demonstrations. Some violence is caused by hired armed "security personnel". Police are called in to break up demonstrations. Expat forums are filled with posts blaming "Takky". Courts rule demonstrations are peaceful and governments hands are tied.

Who is seen as the Bad Boy in this?

Scenario 2. Military Junta backed by Martial Law, ban on demonstrations and censorship, demolish buildings encroaching on beach and illegal taxi stands. Articles appear in The Nation praising return to "natural beauty" that they have not cared a fig about, much less write articles about, in the intervening years between coups. Owners, local mafia (there are no politicians to speak of) keep quiet, because they have to. Expat forums are filled with posts praising Prayuth.

Who is seen as the Good Boy in this?

[ginjag]

Yes I can see it now.

Scenario 1. PTP government demolish buildings encroaching on beach and illegal taxi stands. Articles appear in The Nation decrying such actions as "populist" and heavyhanded. Owners, Local mafia and politicians exploit situation and organise demonstrations. Some violence is caused by hired armed "security personnel". Police are called in to break up demonstrations. Expat forums are filled with posts blaming "Takky". Courts rule demonstrations are peaceful and governments hands are tied.

Who is seen as the Bad Boy in this?

Scenario 2. Military Junta backed by Martial Law, ban on demonstrations and censorship, demolish buildings encroaching on beach and illegal taxi stands. Articles appear in The Nation praising return to "natural beauty" that they have not cared a fig about, much less write articles about, in the intervening years between coups. Owners, local mafia (there are no politicians to speak of) keep quiet, because they have to. Expat forums are filled with posts praising Prayuth.

Who is seen as the Good Boy in this?

Is there a bit of bitterness here.?? your prerogative to post no problem. try to give a balanced view.

[Benmart]

In both cases, they respect the law despite being quite able to break it without being caught. So which nationality is behaving strangely here?

Here is your answer in a nut shell. Thai's respect only themselves and the baht. Everything is about 'me' and how to make another baht. Is it surprising to see this reflected in the lives of the politicians and the police? Hell no. This is how they were brought up.

Wow....my wife and I were just discussing this last night.....also, my students (Thai professionals) said the exact same thing as you. Funny, one might think that a Buddhist country be more on the selfless side of life, but not here.

Many practice the teachings in word only and not by deed.

"The veneer of adherence, when rubbed ever so gently, reveals a sordid, greed laden and corrupt layer hiding beneath.".

[Thai at Heart]

They ask this stupid question.

The answer is "Thainess".

[fab4]

Yes I can see it now.

Scenario 1. PTP government demolish buildings encroaching on beach and illegal taxi stands. Articles appear in The Nation decrying such actions as "populist" and heavyhanded. Owners, Local mafia and politicians exploit situation and organise demonstrations. Some violence is caused by hired armed "security personnel". Police are called in to break up demonstrations. Expat forums are filled with posts blaming "Takky". Courts rule demonstrations are peaceful and governments hands are tied.

Who is seen as the Bad Boy in this?

Scenario 2. Military Junta backed by Martial Law, ban on demonstrations and censorship, demolish buildings encroaching on beach and illegal taxi stands. Articles appear in The Nation praising return to "natural beauty" that they have not cared a fig about, much less write articles about, in the intervening years between coups. Owners, local mafia (there are no politicians to speak of) keep quiet, because they have to. Expat forums are filled with posts praising Prayuth.

Who is seen as the Good Boy in this?

Is there a bit of bitterness here.?? your prerogative to post no problem. try to give a balanced view.

You confuse bitterness with reality. As you confuse "balanced view" with whatever stance you're taking, usually the path of least resistance, dare I say it, a populist stance.

Edited August 27, 2014 by fab4

[gemini81]

Yes I can see it now.

Scenario 1. PTP government demolish buildings encroaching on beach and illegal taxi stands. Articles appear in The Nation decrying such actions as "populist" and heavyhanded. Owners, Local mafia and politicians exploit situation and organise demonstrations. Some violence is caused by hired armed "security personnel". Police are called in to break up demonstrations. Expat forums are filled with posts blaming "Takky". Courts rule demonstrations are peaceful and governments hands are tied.

Who is seen as the Bad Boy in this?

Scenario 2. Military Junta backed by Martial Law, ban on demonstrations and censorship, demolish buildings encroaching on beach and illegal taxi stands. Articles appear in The Nation praising return to "natural beauty" that they have not cared a fig about, much less write articles about, in the intervening years between coups. Owners, local mafia (there are no politicians to speak of) keep quiet, because they have to. Expat forums are filled with posts praising Prayuth.

Who is seen as the Good Boy in this?

Is there a bit of bitterness here.?? your prerogative to post no problem. try to give a balanced view.

You confuse bitterness with reality. As you confuse balanced view with whatever stance you're taking, usually the path of least resistance, dare I say it, a populist stance.

Should be a good stance for you to admire then, seeing as you're the biggest fan of populist Thaksinomics fiefdom.

[sweatalot]

Many populist "crackdowns" happening at the moment....and making headlines almost daily.....and it seems to be working, by getting the people "on side" with the generals...

The real show will start in a few months....when the government gets down to the real business of running the country effectively.........

Will there be open and real transparency? History shows that military governments fail in this regard.....hopefully fot Thailand' sake, things do go well.

populist "crackdowns"

crackdowns that were necessary and therefore appreciated would be popular.

You say populist - that means you are saying the military is doing the crackdowns not because they are needed but only to get popular?

How do you know that?

All this shows is your weird way of thinking - so I guess you would not care for other peole, you just wanted to be "popular"

Pathetic

[sweatalot]

Why do we need a coup-maker to do simple things

because available politicians in this country are not interested, they are interested only in filling their pockets. And they have a "shining" example that they try to follow

[Thai at Heart]

Many populist "crackdowns" happening at the moment....and making headlines almost daily.....and it seems to be working, by getting the people "on side" with the generals...

The real show will start in a few months....when the government gets down to the real business of running the country effectively.........

Will there be open and real transparency? History shows that military governments fail in this regard.....hopefully fot Thailand' sake, things do go well.

populist "crackdowns"

crackdowns that were necessary and therefore appreciated would be popular.

You say populist - that means you are saying the military is doing the crackdowns not because they are needed but only to get popular?

How do you know that?

All this shows is your weird way of thinking - so I guess you would not care for other peole, you just wanted to be "popular"

Pathetic

Why are they necessary?

The buildings have gone and the beaches are somewhat cleared. Has the junta done anything to arrest the people in local govt who facilitated this?

This is not a cleaning house as yet. This is a dusting off of the window. Slight window dressing. The corruption is still there,festering. The effect will only last as long as the junta is in power unless they start to make a real example of corrupt govt employees.

What did the do so far? Hand them all an 8% pay rise.

[fab4]

Should be a good stance for you to admire then, seeing as you're the biggest fan of populist Thaksinomics fiefdom.

If there were such a beast as "populist Thaksinomics fiefdom" do you really think that supporting it would be following the path of least resistance? Especially on this forum.

[jayboy]

Coup makers are always popular at first.Events have a way of changing perspectives, sooner rather than later.Still whatever one's views one would have to be churlish not to welcome many of the early reforms.The problem is that these remedial measures (beach clearances etc) while necessary are rather minor and in any event, going back to the thread subject matter, should really have been the responsibility of local administrations not central government.It should not have needed a military coup to tackle these "low hanginging fruit".The major areas for reform - education, military, police, tax, corruption remain untouched and to be fair it's asking too much of the Junta to do more than face the country in the right direction.

I have a sneaking feeling you are against the improvements ?? Only pick out Quote "beach clearances" and to cap it all you Quote." education-military-police-tax-corruption remain untouched" ??? have you been away for 3 months ?? as you are clearly not wanting to know.

If there were any detailed plans for improving Thailand's dreadful educational system, its bloated military,its inefficient tax system, lack of social justice or ineffective police force it might be possible to have an intelligent discussion.The steps so far have been the easy populist ones.I do not blame the Junta (a) because it's early days and more importantly ( because it's not its responsibility to implement the major reform programmes.Rather to organise a reset and launch a more responsible constitutional democracy which will take these tasks on.So far there has been much rhetoric but little more

Quote "It might be possible to have an intelligent discussion" maybe possible if your post was not so biased, Police were controlled by Thaksin over the last 3 years, difficult to clean up in 3 months---Education who WAS in charge before ?? in 3 months you think only a few EASY populist ones??

They are in power and so therefore it is their responsibility--like it or lump it.

I see you are struggling though I'm afraid the simple minded on either side will have problems dealing with complexity.Taking the two areas you identify as examples - the police issue predates Thaksin by a number of decades.The educational system structural weaknesses equally are of long standing.Politicians of all parties have to take responsibility as indeed must civil society.The Junta is quite ill equipped to deal with the latter (education reform) not least because it requires a dismantling of the deferential culture the generals are keen on promoting.I think that some progress can be made on the police organisation and associated corruption issue.The problem in that regard is of course is that the military itself needs fully fledged reform including a crack down on its corruption and extraordinary business/media interests, so it's hard to see how it can takle the lead on police reform.

[Eric Loh]

Yes I can see it now.

Scenario 1. PTP government demolish buildings encroaching on beach and illegal taxi stands. Articles appear in The Nation decrying such actions as "populist" and heavyhanded. Owners, Local mafia and politicians exploit situation and organise demonstrations. Some violence is caused by hired armed "security personnel". Police are called in to break up demonstrations. Expat forums are filled with posts blaming "Takky". Courts rule demonstrations are peaceful and governments hands are tied.

Who is seen as the Bad Boy in this?

Scenario 2. Military Junta backed by Martial Law, ban on demonstrations and censorship, demolish buildings encroaching on beach and illegal taxi stands. Articles appear in The Nation praising return to "natural beauty" that they have not cared a fig about, much less write articles about, in the intervening years between coups. Owners, local mafia (there are no politicians to speak of) keep quiet, because they have to. Expat forums are filled with posts praising Prayuth.

Who is seen as the Good Boy in this?

Fab, expect this kind of scenario if the PT government confiscate all the illegal land owned by the Thaugsuban family in Samui. Organized protest and road blockages. Injunction by the courts and the Thausuban family will sue the government. Street protest escalate and move to Bangkok for wider escalation. Third parties involvement and violence. Of course for a balance view, the opposition will do the same if the Dem government demolished beach infrastructures in Pattaya.

On the other hand, current junta has martial law and no protest allowed. They can do all these because they can. Everyone keeps quiet and really an easy job to bring happiness. Wonder why the junta has yet to move to recover all state land from the Thausuban in Samui. Cherry picking.

[ginjag]

I have a sneaking feeling you are against the improvements ?? Only pick out Quote "beach clearances" and to cap it all you Quote." education-military-police-tax-corruption remain untouched" ??? have you been away for 3 months ?? as you are clearly not wanting to know.

If there were any detailed plans for improving Thailand's dreadful educational system, its bloated military,its inefficient tax system, lack of social justice or ineffective police force it might be possible to have an intelligent discussion.The steps so far have been the easy populist ones.I do not blame the Junta (a) because it's early days and more importantly ( because it's not its responsibility to implement the major reform programmes.Rather to organise a reset and launch a more responsible constitutional democracy which will take these tasks on.So far there has been much rhetoric but little more

Quote "It might be possible to have an intelligent discussion" maybe possible if your post was not so biased, Police were controlled by Thaksin over the last 3 years, difficult to clean up in 3 months---Education who WAS in charge before ?? in 3 months you think only a few EASY populist ones??

They are in power and so therefore it is their responsibility--like it or lump it.

I see you are struggling though I'm afraid the simple minded on either side will have problems dealing with complexity.Taking the two areas you identify as examples - the police issue predates Thaksin by a number of decades.The educational system structural weaknesses equally are of long standing.Politicians of all parties have to take responsibility as indeed must civil society.The Junta is quite ill equipped to deal with the latter (education reform) not least because it requires a dismantling of the deferential culture the generals are keen on promoting.I think that some progress can be made on the police organisation and associated corruption issue.The problem in that regard is of course is that the military itself needs fully fledged reform including a crack down on its corruption and extraordinary business/media interests, so it's hard to see how it can takle the lead on police reform.

Police lacking predates Thaksin???? what then is PTPs excuse then for them to clean up the force ?? Thaksins BILaw at the helm.

If the junta is ill equipped, does not say much for earlier POLITICIANS era. Completely biased as usual/denial --Why did not Yingluck do anything to reform all these -police--education etc.----politicians cannot do--you said so, so who does then ??? at least changes in 3 months are not going down hill (as they were in the last 3 years) improvements ARE being gradually made.

[jayboy]

Quote "It might be possible to have an intelligent discussion" maybe possible if your post was not so biased, Police were controlled by Thaksin over the last 3 years, difficult to clean up in 3 months---Education who WAS in charge before ?? in 3 months you think only a few EASY populist ones??

They are in power and so therefore it is their responsibility--like it or lump it.

I see you are struggling though I'm afraid the simple minded on either side will have problems dealing with complexity.Taking the two areas you identify as examples - the police issue predates Thaksin by a number of decades.The educational system structural weaknesses equally are of long standing.Politicians of all parties have to take responsibility as indeed must civil society.The Junta is quite ill equipped to deal with the latter (education reform) not least because it requires a dismantling of the deferential culture the generals are keen on promoting.I think that some progress can be made on the police organisation and associated corruption issue.The problem in that regard is of course is that the military itself needs fully fledged reform including a crack down on its corruption and extraordinary business/media interests, so it's hard to see how it can takle the lead on police reform.

Police lacking predates Thaksin???? what then is PTPs excuse then for them to clean up the force ?? Thaksins BILaw at the helm.

If the junta is ill equipped, does not say much for earlier POLITICIANS era. Completely biased as usual/denial --Why did not Yingluck do anything to reform all these -police--education etc.----politicians cannot do--you said so, so who does then ??? at least changes in 3 months are not going down hill (as they were in the last 3 years) improvements ARE being gradually made.

Difficult to interpret this rather confused offering.Still as earlier noted the simple minded will inevitably struggle with complexity.Like Orwell's farm animals they tend to avoid reflection and simply neigh "four legs good two legs bad".

[MaxYakov]

In both cases, they respect the law despite being quite able to break it without being caught. So which nationality is behaving strangely here?

Here is your answer in a nut shell. Thai's respect only themselves and the baht. Everything is about 'me' and how to make another baht. Is it surprising to see this reflected in the lives of the politicians and the police? Hell no. This is how they were brought up.

I believe they too often respect neither. They want wealth but too many don't know how to create it so, often, they will steal it. Make a list of those things you believe they respect just from observation of their behavior. Make a list of Thai wealth-creators, there are many. Make a list of wealth-consumers. Put my ex-GF at the top of the list.

Edited August 27, 2014 by MaxYakov

[ginjag]

Quote "It might be possible to have an intelligent discussion" maybe possible if your post was not so biased, Police were controlled by Thaksin over the last 3 years, difficult to clean up in 3 months---Education who WAS in charge before ?? in 3 months you think only a few EASY populist ones??

They are in power and so therefore it is their responsibility--like it or lump it.

I see you are struggling though I'm afraid the simple minded on either side will have problems dealing with complexity.Taking the two areas you identify as examples - the police issue predates Thaksin by a number of decades.The educational system structural weaknesses equally are of long standing.Politicians of all parties have to take responsibility as indeed must civil society.The Junta is quite ill equipped to deal with the latter (education reform) not least because it requires a dismantling of the deferential culture the generals are keen on promoting.I think that some progress can be made on the police organisation and associated corruption issue.The problem in that regard is of course is that the military itself needs fully fledged reform including a crack down on its corruption and extraordinary business/media interests, so it's hard to see how it can takle the lead on police reform.

Police lacking predates Thaksin???? what then is PTPs excuse then for them to clean up the force ?? Thaksins BILaw at the helm.

If the junta is ill equipped, does not say much for earlier POLITICIANS era. Completely biased as usual/denial --Why did not Yingluck do anything to reform all these -police--education etc.----politicians cannot do--you said so, so who does then ??? at least changes in 3 months are not going down hill (as they were in the last 3 years) improvements ARE being gradually made.

Difficult to interpret this rather confused offering.Still as earlier noted the simple minded will inevitably struggle with complexity.Like Orwell's farm animals they tend to avoid reflection and simply neigh "four legs good two legs bad".

Not difficult mate, I only answered to your post and it is clear to me that you want to screw it around to try to make it out confusing.

You full well know and understand my post, without this sort of reply--maybe the reply is difficult as there is not much to deny. your baiting-re Quote. "the simple minded" does not work-sorry.

[ramrod711]

Yes I can see it now.

Scenario 1. PTP government demolish buildings encroaching on beach and illegal taxi stands. Articles appear in The Nation decrying such actions as "populist" and heavyhanded. Owners, Local mafia and politicians exploit situation and organise demonstrations. Some violence is caused by hired armed "security personnel". Police are called in to break up demonstrations. Expat forums are filled with posts blaming "Takky". Courts rule demonstrations are peaceful and governments hands are tied.

Who is seen as the Bad Boy in this?

Scenario 2. Military Junta backed by Martial Law, ban on demonstrations and censorship, demolish buildings encroaching on beach and illegal taxi stands. Articles appear in The Nation praising return to "natural beauty" that they have not cared a fig about, much less write articles about, in the intervening years between coups. Owners, local mafia (there are no politicians to speak of) keep quiet, because they have to. Expat forums are filled with posts praising Prayuth.

Who is seen as the Good Boy in this?

Scenario #1 is hypothetical because it would never happen. What would happen is what has happened, zero regulation, absolutely no respect for the law, because the police would be down on the beach to collect their share of the graft. Under no circumstance would a policeman close down a revenue source. The police would encourage more people to move in, because more business means more revenue.

[fab4]

Yes I can see it now.

Scenario 1. PTP government demolish buildings encroaching on beach and illegal taxi stands. Articles appear in The Nation decrying such actions as "populist" and heavyhanded. Owners, Local mafia and politicians exploit situation and organise demonstrations. Some violence is caused by hired armed "security personnel". Police are called in to break up demonstrations. Expat forums are filled with posts blaming "Takky". Courts rule demonstrations are peaceful and governments hands are tied.

Who is seen as the Bad Boy in this?

Scenario 2. Military Junta backed by Martial Law, ban on demonstrations and censorship, demolish buildings encroaching on beach and illegal taxi stands. Articles appear in The Nation praising return to "natural beauty" that they have not cared a fig about, much less write articles about, in the intervening years between coups. Owners, local mafia (there are no politicians to speak of) keep quiet, because they have to. Expat forums are filled with posts praising Prayuth.

Who is seen as the Good Boy in this?

Scenario #1 is hypothetical because it would never happen. What would happen is what has happened, zero regulation, absolutely no respect for the law, because the police would be down on the beach to collect their share of the graft. Under no circumstance would a policeman close down a revenue source. The police would encourage more people to move in, because more business means more revenue.

Scenario: a postulated sequence or development of events.

Postulate: Suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief

Hypothetical: involving or based on a suggested idea or theory............................................

Edited August 27, 2014 by fab4

[ramrod711]

Yes I can see it now.

Scenario 1. PTP government demolish buildings encroaching on beach and illegal taxi stands. Articles appear in The Nation decrying such actions as "populist" and heavyhanded. Owners, Local mafia and politicians exploit situation and organise demonstrations. Some violence is caused by hired armed "security personnel". Police are called in to break up demonstrations. Expat forums are filled with posts blaming "Takky". Courts rule demonstrations are peaceful and governments hands are tied.

Who is seen as the Bad Boy in this?

Scenario 2. Military Junta backed by Martial Law, ban on demonstrations and censorship, demolish buildings encroaching on beach and illegal taxi stands. Articles appear in The Nation praising return to "natural beauty" that they have not cared a fig about, much less write articles about, in the intervening years between coups. Owners, local mafia (there are no politicians to speak of) keep quiet, because they have to. Expat forums are filled with posts praising Prayuth.

Who is seen as the Good Boy in this?

Scenario #1 is hypothetical because it would never happen. What would happen is what has happened, zero regulation, absolutely no respect for the law, because the police would be down on the beach to collect their share of the graft. Under no circumstance would a policeman close down a revenue source. The police would encourage more people to move in, because more business means more revenue.

Scenario: a postulated sequence or development of events.

Postulate: Suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief

Hypothetical: involving or based on a suggested idea or theory............................................

Evasive: inclined or intended to evade. As in you intending not to address my reply to your hypothetical scenario. As in you evaded the issue once again. I've seen other posters accuse you of this before but while I didn't agree with you most of the time I respected the fact that you had an opinion.....until now.

[samuiwonder]

Well thought out and well written article.

[lee68]

The reality is that bringing such positive changes does not depend solely on the government in power

Having a government that cared about people, rather than just filling their pockets might be a good place to start.

we dont even have that in the UK.

[lee68]

Is it just me or are people still driving as crazy as ever here in Chiang mai?

yes ive been away for 2 months and its just worse than ever,even my wife complains.

[fab4]

Yes I can see it now.

Scenario 1. PTP government demolish buildings encroaching on beach and illegal taxi stands. Articles appear in The Nation decrying such actions as "populist" and heavyhanded. Owners, Local mafia and politicians exploit situation and organise demonstrations. Some violence is caused by hired armed "security personnel". Police are called in to break up demonstrations. Expat forums are filled with posts blaming "Takky". Courts rule demonstrations are peaceful and governments hands are tied.

Who is seen as the Bad Boy in this?

Scenario 2. Military Junta backed by Martial Law, ban on demonstrations and censorship, demolish buildings encroaching on beach and illegal taxi stands. Articles appear in The Nation praising return to "natural beauty" that they have not cared a fig about, much less write articles about, in the intervening years between coups. Owners, local mafia (there are no politicians to speak of) keep quiet, because they have to. Expat forums are filled with posts praising Prayuth.

Who is seen as the Good Boy in this?

Scenario #1 is hypothetical because it would never happen. What would happen is what has happened, zero regulation, absolutely no respect for the law, because the police would be down on the beach to collect their share of the graft. Under no circumstance would a policeman close down a revenue source. The police would encourage more people to move in, because more business means more revenue.

Scenario: a postulated sequence or development of events.

Postulate: Suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief

Hypothetical: involving or based on a suggested idea or theory............................................

Evasive: inclined or intended to evade. As in you intending not to address my reply to your hypothetical scenario. As in you evaded the issue once again. I've seen other posters accuse you of this before but while I didn't agree with you most of the time I respected the fact that you had an opinion.....until now.

I think you missed the point. I posted two hypothetical sequences of events - that is what a scenario is, I didn't need you to tell me. Then you state that my hypothetical scenario won't happen whilst positing your own which you state will. What is the point in replying to you? What is there to discuss, what am I evading?