UK shows interest in Thai mega-projects

[wilcopops]

Mr Kent; is he in the habit of going into phone boxes and coming out with his underpants outside his trousers.... Immortalised in that comic strip "Simperman"?

[happydude303]

Well the UK did invent the steam engine and double line track , just saying , why not let them have a bid. At the end of the day it's got to better then some shit Chinese crap and North Korea ...well lets hope not, the way I see it is the more investment from the western world the better it will be for westerners , the more investment from Asia the more chances there are , there tell us all to piss off

Edited January 9, 2015 by happydude303

[Thai at Heart]

Isn't the only train builder in the UK, Bombardier?

So better to talk to Brazil right?

[aparasher]

1 million pounds project being discussed at British government level?? Please increase the budget by 10 times to include all bureaucracy, processes and procedures to be implemented. And don;t forget contract writing lawyers' fee....LOL...

[fgmr]

What a load of codswollop!! More lies and propaganda from this military Junta trying fool the Thai public into thinking their regime has legitimacy in the eyes of the Western Nations. UK would NEVER invest in a country that is trying to get into bed with North Korea and China.

If memory serves me right it was not so long ago that that the Mayor of London & the occupant of 11 Downing St., were touting China for investment in the UK. If there is any codswollop around I now know it's source.

[fgmr]

Has there been any statement issued by the UK FCO or any other UK Government authority in response to this supposedly confidential diplomatic discussion that took place with Mark Kent who is after all a DIPLOMAT (lips sealed & eyes wide open).

[marcusd]

It would seem that Thailand thinks everyone is interested in their overpriced mega projects.

Just because beaurocrats READ a document does not mean they are interested in INVESTING

[jayboy]

I'm waiting for some members to explain why the UK government will assist it's industrial powers to try to get a piece of the cake and deal with what some like to describe as a 'pariah state'.

How nice to be principled [/quote

Because that's the view of "some" not the UK Government which has never suggested that commercial and economic relationships be interrupted.What has been said is that the coup was a regrettable mistake and that democracy should be restored as soon as possible.For the time being Thai leaders will not be received at a high level but this may change as Thailand

moves towards democracy and elections.

[tonbridgebrit]

British colonization could'nt be such a bad idea, albeit a hundred years too late.

Not sure if Thailand has forgiven Britain for "stealing" Shan State, that is currently part of Myanmar (albeit reluctantly, according to many of the locals up there) and the north-western portions of Malaysia, both of which were formerly under Siamese administration.

I always ponder to myself what Thailand could look like if it weren't for European colonization of it's neighbors? Would Thailand be almost twice as big as it currently is? Something to ponder about...

Thailand would look a lot better now had it been colonised by a European country instead of by the Chinese.

Right, Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, they was all colonised by Britain and France. Are Thailand's neighbours better of than Thailand ??

[tonbridgebrit]

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/apr/11/david-cameron-business-burma-tourists

"David Cameron to take business leaders into Burma as tourists

Members of business delegation will accompany the PM on key leg of Asian tour, despite EU sanctions"

The prime minister turned up in Burma about two years ago. Maybe he should turn up in Thailand, and lobby the Thai government with regards to contracts for British companies.

[rubl]

I'm waiting for some members to explain why the UK government will assist it's industrial powers to try to get a piece of the cake and deal with what some like to describe as a 'pariah state'.

How nice to be principled

Because that's the view of "some" not the UK Government which has never suggested that commercial and economic relationships be interrupted.What has been said is that the coup was a regrettable mistake and that democracy should be restored as soon as possible.For the time being Thai leaders will not be received at a high level but this may change as Thailand

moves towards democracy and elections.

With the UK Ambassador representing the UK and H.M. Government I detect a certain level of hypocrisy which I must admit seems normal in the Western World (and outside). "don't ask, don't tell".

So, it's a regrettable mistake, should be corrected ASAP, in the mean time we cannot receive you, but of course we still want to do business with you. In the mean time please walk around and use the door in the back to save all of us a certain level of embarrassment.

[jayboy]

I'm waiting for some members to explain why the UK government will assist it's industrial powers to try to get a piece of the cake and deal with what some like to describe as a 'pariah state'.

How nice to be principled

Because that's the view of "some" not the UK Government which has never suggested that commercial and economic relationships be interrupted.What has been said is that the coup was a regrettable mistake and that democracy should be restored as soon as possible.For the time being Thai leaders will not be received at a high level but this may change as Thailand

moves towards democracy and elections.

With the UK Ambassador representing the UK and H.M. Government I detect a certain level of hypocrisy which I must admit seems normal in the Western World (and outside). "don't ask, don't tell".

So, it's a regrettable mistake, should be corrected ASAP, in the mean time we cannot receive you, but of course we still want to do business with you. In the mean time please walk around and use the door in the back to save all of us a certain level of embarrassment.

I do not recognise the hypocrisy.There are many governments which do not match democratic standards - Russia,China etc - but nobody suggests that commercial relationships should not continue with the countries they represent.You are looking for inconsistencies which don't exist.

[wilcopops]

British colonization could'nt be such a bad idea, albeit a hundred years too late.

Not sure if Thailand has forgiven Britain for "stealing" Shan State, that is currently part of Myanmar (albeit reluctantly, according to many of the locals up there) and the north-western portions of Malaysia, both of which were formerly under Siamese administration.

I always ponder to myself what Thailand could look like if it weren't for European colonization of it's neighbors? Would Thailand be almost twice as big as it currently is? Something to ponder about...

Thailand would look a lot better now had it been colonised by a European country instead of by the Chinese.

Right, Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, they was all colonised by Britain and France. Are Thailand's neighbours better of than Thailand ??

Quite a risible statement as you clearly can't differentiate between causation and association.

[wilcopops]

I'm waiting for some members to explain why the UK government will assist it's industrial powers to try to get a piece of the cake and deal with what some like to describe as a 'pariah state'.

How nice to be principled

Because that's the view of "some" not the UK Government which has never suggested that commercial and economic relationships be interrupted.What has been said is that the coup was a regrettable mistake and that democracy should be restored as soon as possible.For the time being Thai leaders will not be received at a high level but this may change as Thailand

moves towards democracy and elections.

With the UK Ambassador representing the UK and H.M. Government I detect a certain level of hypocrisy which I must admit seems normal in the Western World (and outside). "don't ask, don't tell".

So, it's a regrettable mistake, should be corrected ASAP, in the mean time we cannot receive you, but of course we still want to do business with you. In the mean time please walk around and use the door in the back to save all of us a certain level of embarrassment.

I do not recognise the hypocrisy.There are many governments which do not match democratic standards - Russia,China etc - but nobody suggests that commercial relationships should not continue with the countries they represent.You are looking for inconsistencies which don't exist.

Your premise is very much at fault - Firstly countries like UK are quite careful about balancing the pros and cons about DOING BUSINESS with countries like Russia and China - they are currently part of sanctions against Russia. Many feel that governments in the West are selective enough, but the precedent is well established.

however we don't give AID to these countries or consider a one-sided deal, which we would be doing with Thailand - it is quite common for any deal to be tied to such things as human rights etc....you may have noticed that most western countries were boycotting Burma until they liberalised their government - well Thailand's government is even MORE restrictive than Myanmar's.

[wilcopops]

I'm waiting for some members to explain why the UK government will assist it's industrial powers to try to get a piece of the cake and deal with what some like to describe as a 'pariah state'.

How nice to be principled

Because that's the view of "some" not the UK Government which has never suggested that commercial and economic relationships be interrupted.What has been said is that the coup was a regrettable mistake and that democracy should be restored as soon as possible.For the time being Thai leaders will not be received at a high level but this may change as Thailand

moves towards democracy and elections.

With the UK Ambassador representing the UK and H.M. Government I detect a certain level of hypocrisy which I must admit seems normal in the Western World (and outside). "don't ask, don't tell".

So, it's a regrettable mistake, should be corrected ASAP, in the mean time we cannot receive you, but of course we still want to do business with you. In the mean time please walk around and use the door in the back to save all of us a certain level of embarrassment.

I do not recognise the hypocrisy.There are many governments which do not match democratic standards - Russia,China etc - but nobody suggests that commercial relationships should not continue with the countries they represent.You are looking for inconsistencies which don't exist.

[rubl]

I'm waiting for some members to explain why the UK government will assist it's industrial powers to try to get a piece of the cake and deal with what some like to describe as a 'pariah state'.

How nice to be principled

Because that's the view of "some" not the UK Government which has never suggested that commercial and economic relationships be interrupted.What has been said is that the coup was a regrettable mistake and that democracy should be restored as soon as possible.For the time being Thai leaders will not be received at a high level but this may change as Thailand

moves towards democracy and elections.

With the UK Ambassador representing the UK and H.M. Government I detect a certain level of hypocrisy which I must admit seems normal in the Western World (and outside). "don't ask, don't tell".

So, it's a regrettable mistake, should be corrected ASAP, in the mean time we cannot receive you, but of course we still want to do business with you. In the mean time please walk around and use the door in the back to save all of us a certain level of embarrassment.

I do not recognise the hypocrisy.There are many governments which do not match democratic standards - Russia,China etc - but nobody suggests that commercial relationships should not continue with the countries they represent.You are looking for inconsistencies which don't exist.

Not inconsistencies, that's the point. The government dealing with the NCPO are just consistent. The normal "don't ask, don't tell" hypocrisy.

BTW to be sure. If the OP said something like that about the Netherlands Ambassador I would have written the same posts.

Edited January 10, 2015 by rubl

[keebone]

British colonization could'nt be such a bad idea, albeit a hundred years too late.

Not sure if Thailand has forgiven Britain for "stealing" Shan State, that is currently part of Myanmar (albeit reluctantly, according to many of the locals up there) and the north-western portions of Malaysia, both of which were formerly under Siamese administration.

I always ponder to myself what Thailand could look like if it weren't for European colonization of it's neighbors? Would Thailand be almost twice as big as it currently is? Something to ponder about...

Thailand would look a lot better now had it been colonised by a European country instead of by the Chinese.

Right, Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, they was all colonised by Britain and France. Are Thailand's neighbours better of than Thailand ??

Malaysia certainly is, GDP per capita almost twice Thailand's. Burma would probably be in advance too if the military dictatorship hadn't made such a mess of their country post independence/post democracy.

[fsut2180]

The Uk want to see how the Expacts and tourist are treated b4 getting involved with Thai projects, They will be treated just the sameand get scammed

[mikemac]

What a load of codswollop!! More lies and propaganda from this military Junta trying fool the Thai public into thinking their regime has legitimacy in the eyes of the Western Nations. UK would NEVER invest in a country that is trying to get into bed with North Korea and China.

You aren't forgetting that Britain not only got into bed with China, but gave her a memorable screwing a while back?.

The only reason the UK would object to Thailand getting into bed with China would be because it would start to get a bit crowded. The UK is already in that bed !

From gov.uk website -

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-and-china-agree-14-billion-of-trade-and-investment-deals

[Mudcrab]

What a load of codswollop!! More lies and propaganda from this military Junta trying fool the Thai public into thinking their regime has legitimacy in the eyes of the Western Nations. UK would NEVER invest in a country that is trying to get into bed with North Korea and China.

Damn...I thought that was Tullygarnardly and had over frothed his usual spiel and drowned himself in crap.

Maybe son of Tully

Maybe son of Moonao

Maybe son of..gulp..the legend.. Rich teacher.

No matter the newbies with a socialist/fascist/redshirtt agenda will always be outed.

Have a good day boys.

[johnj]

Quite amazing how the nearly bankrupt UK., all of a sudden can find billions to invest in Thailand. Maybe the UK., Tory despots are going to use the money they've saved by decimating public services and not giving nurses and local council workers a pay rise for years. Yes I think theycould well afford it, but oh! what about the 56 billion GBP., for HS1 & HS2., here in the UK., I suppose their going to postpone that for a hundred years, so they can invest in the land of corruption.

[Mudcrab]

Quite amazing how the nearly bankrupt UK., all of a sudden can find billions to invest in Thailand. Maybe the UK., Tory despots are going to use the money they've saved by decimating public services and not giving nurses and local council workers a pay rise for years. Yes I think theycould well afford it, but oh! what about the 56 billion GBP., for HS1 & HS2., here in the UK., I suppose their going to postpone that for a hundred years, so they can invest in the land of corruption.

How about getting a job and contributing?

The only reason "they" have or have not money is due to people working and paying tax.

Less people working Less tax paid Tax...less nurses...simple innit?

Don't get overly concerned about macroeconomics, they'll work themselves out over time.

Just for now...get a job.

And then dream about living in Thailand.

[elliss]

Can't wait to hear Mark Kent's side of the story. I don't doubt it will differ somewhat.

The plan is , too relocate the british lame and lazy , to Thailand .

indeed this would be the end of the benefit culture, which has taken the great out of Britain.

Working alongside the Chinese ,this would certainly be a worth while work experience ,

Nee Ow , Kap.

[wilcopops]

Quite amazing how the nearly bankrupt UK., all of a sudden can find billions to invest in Thailand. Maybe the UK., Tory despots are going to use the money they've saved by decimating public services and not giving nurses and local council workers a pay rise for years. Yes I think theycould well afford it, but oh! what about the 56 billion GBP., for HS1 & HS2., here in the UK., I suppose their going to postpone that for a hundred years, so they can invest in the land of corruption.

your premise is simply incorrect so any following argument is rubbish.

[wilcopops]

I don't for one second believe any of this propaganda. Thailand will not let someone else make money over its own construction groups. Problem is that they cant get their ducks in a row (pay off enough people) to have their own projects completed. Thailand has been attempting to expand its sky train for how long? Though there has been some progress it has been coming at a snails pace. The projects they are and have been working on if passed to another professional engineering country would have already been completed and on time.

again a very poor example - Skytrain is a white elephant - just a showpiece to make Bkk look modern......any "expansion would require far too much realestate to be practical or make the system have any real value.

[rubl]

I don't for one second believe any of this propaganda. Thailand will not let someone else make money over its own construction groups. Problem is that they cant get their ducks in a row (pay off enough people) to have their own projects completed. Thailand has been attempting to expand its sky train for how long? Though there has been some progress it has been coming at a snails pace. The projects they are and have been working on if passed to another professional engineering country would have already been completed and on time.

again a very poor example - Skytrain is a white elephant - just a showpiece to make Bkk look modern......any "expansion would require far too much realestate to be practical or make the system have any real value.

I'm afraid you're a bit off there. For many people in Bangkok the BTS Skytrain has tremendous value even if for some it's rather expensive.

Where you are more correct is in the problems with expansion, but most expension will be by the SRT and some MRTA. I'm not sure there's anything left to expand to for the BTS itself. Also the concept of 'interchange station' seems to include much more 'need to walk' time than in other countries.

[tonbridgebrit]

Not sure if Thailand has forgiven Britain for "stealing" Shan State, that is currently part of Myanmar (albeit reluctantly, according to many of the locals up there) and the north-western portions of Malaysia, both of which were formerly under Siamese administration.

I always ponder to myself what Thailand could look like if it weren't for European colonization of it's neighbors? Would Thailand be almost twice as big as it currently is? Something to ponder about...

Thailand would look a lot better now had it been colonised by a European country instead of by the Chinese.

Right, Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, they was all colonised by Britain and France. Are Thailand's neighbours better of than Thailand ??

Quite a risible statement as you clearly can't differentiate between causation and association.

Wilcopops, why don't you try to attempt to make yourself look good by saying why you think Thailand would be better/worse off if it had of been colonised. And say that this was by a cause or association.

[tonbridgebrit]

What a load of codswollop!! More lies and propaganda from this military Junta trying fool the Thai public into thinking their regime has legitimacy in the eyes of the Western Nations. UK would NEVER invest in a country that is trying to get into bed with North Korea and China.

You aren't forgetting that Britain not only got into bed with China, but gave her a memorable screwing a while back?.

The only reason the UK would object to Thailand getting into bed with China would be because it would start to get a bit crowded. The UK is already in that bed !

From gov.uk website -

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-and-china-agree-14-billion-of-trade-and-investment-deals

Britain did screw a whole load of countries long ago, including China. That's probably why China is hell-bent on piling on the trade surplus against Europe and America, they're hell-bent on winning the trade war.

Most Europeans who screw with Chinese in the long-term, most of them do know it's actually a mistake. Better to screw the neighbours rather than outsiders !

[ginglee]

Can someone ask Alan Sugar what he thinks.

You're fired !!............?

[3NUMBAS]

thats a laugh they need to get their own decrepit infra structure sorted first before somebody elses .

they dont have the engineers any more to do such a job .

somones having a laugh

maybe jeremy clarkson could do it