Govt wins lukewarm praise

[Lite Beer]

AFTER 6 MONTHS
Govt wins lukewarm praise
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Business heads 'satisfied' after 6 months in office; but more needs to be done, others say

THE government's performance over its first six months in office has received a mixed reaction after the prime minister gave a speech to mark the occasion yesterday, but people in the business sector mostly voiced satisfaction.

However, observers pointed to areas that they say the government needs to address urgently. They said a lot more still needs to be done to achieve the goal of reforming the country.

Business leaders commended the government of General Prayut Chan-o-cha for being open-minded when listening to opinions and suggestions from the private sector. They said the administration had shown real attention to tackling the country's problems despite many difficulties.

Voravan Tarapoom, chairwoman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organisation, said that the government's performance in supporting investment in the real sector, such as special economic zones, deserved a score of eight out of 10.

"The government is doing a good job supporting the real sector but it has yet to provide any tangible support for the money sector," she said.

Thongma Vijitpongpun, president and chief executive of leading property firm Pruksa Real Estate Plc, gave the government seven out of 10 for its management of the economy. "But for the country's political stability, we give the score of 10," he said.

Supant Mongkolsuthree, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said the government passed the performance test for showing real attention to managing the country. He said the government was open-minded in listening to opinions and suggestions raised by the private sector.

However, he suggested that the government should urgently tackle the issue of falling farm-produce prices by helping farmers cut their production costs.

Prime Minister Prayut said his government was adhering to its plans to restore democratic rule and denied speculation that the junta was going to prolong its stay in power.

"We have never deviated from the [reform] road map's timeframes. I don't want to stay in power. I've never received any benefits, only some compliments and much criticism," Prayut said in his speech.

The 90-minute speech was given at Government House and broadcast live.

'How much longer will they keep hurting Thailand?'

Prayut also blamed the previous government for some problems inherited by his administration although he did not clearly identify his predecessors.

The prime minister called on all sides to help the government achieve the goal of reforming Thailand and moving the country forward. He said his government was trying to maintain peace despite resistance at home and abroad.

"I'm here to fix problems. I don't want to hurt anyone," he said. "Ask someone outside the country, how much longer will they keep hurting Thailand?" he said, apparently referring to politicians linked to former powers-that-be.

Academics said that despite the government's many efforts, more still need to be done.

Independent political scientist Sirote Klampaiboon said the road map was on target in terms of the time schedule and objectives that were set by the junta. However, he added that nothing much had been done in bringing about a democratic and peaceful society.

"They manage to achieve their road map targets because they use martial law, tight control and use of force, without mutual consent from conflicting groups. Is the junta's roadmap going to create democracy and sustainable peace? I believe otherwise," he said.

Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University, said that Thailand was alienating Western democracies and getting closer to authoritarian major powers.

"It is understandable that Thailand remains open to close ties with all major powers, be it democratic or authoritarian. But as long as Thailand remains in the coup period, the alienation with Western democracies is likely to persist," he said.

A university researcher in Thai foreign policies, who asked not to be named, said current Thai foreign policy seemed to demonstrate a tendency to engage with certain partners while leaving others out of the loop. He said the government should give equal importance to all international partners.

Panitan Wattanayagorn, a security expert and adviser to Deputy PM and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, said Thailand had always tried to maintain a balanced relationship with all major powers. However, the complexity of international relations sometimes didn't allow the country to maintain the equilibrium with all partners.

"This time domestic politics has an influence on the analysis of the current situation. People who oppose the government may favour the relationship with the United States while the others understand the raison d'etre of Thailand's foreign policy in this period," he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Govt-wins-lukewarm-praise-30258228.html

-- The Nation 2015-04-18

[jerojero]

What's this BS about 6 months? Been a year now!

[noitom]

The comments by Sirote seem to be right on the mark. The longer the junta stays in power without legitimate democratic elections, the more the international community sees that the Thai government doesn't trust Thais to participate in its nation's self determination and form of governance.

[quandow]

. . . "people in the business sector mostly voiced satisfaction."

Like they have a CHOICE?!?

[wabothai]

yes, and falling.

[Commander Tamson]

As I see it, corruption at all levels of Thai society remains as this country's biggest single most problem. And I see no improvement in that since the Junta took over a year ago.

[elgordo38]

What's this BS about 6 months? Been a year now!

THE government's performance over its first six months in office has received a mixed reaction after the prime minister gave a speech to mark the occasion yesterday, but people in the business sector mostly voiced satisfaction.

Yes they should voice satisfaction.

[NongKhaiKid]

I feel a very favourable opinion poll, or two, coming on !

[Baerboxer]

What's this BS about 6 months? Been a year now!

When was the current government appointed by Royal decree?

[Baerboxer]

As I see it, corruption at all levels of Thai society remains as this country's biggest single most problem. And I see no improvement in that since the Junta took over a year ago.

What are you using as your measurement ?

[apetley]

What's this BS about 6 months? Been a year now!

When was the current government appointed by Royal decree?

So there was somebody else in control before the Royal decree?

[Chris Lawrence]

'Business leaders commended the government of General Prayut Chan-o-cha for being open-minded when listening to opinions and suggestions from the private sector.'

So which business leaders are saying this? They should back themselves by nominating who the are.

[DM07]

'Business leaders commended the government of General Prayut Chan-o-cha for being open-minded when listening to opinions and suggestions from the private sector.'

So which business leaders are saying this? They should back themselves by nominating who the are.

Who said that?

An "unnamed source", like always!

In other words: no one ever said anything like that and the writer of the article or the Grand Mr. P made it up!

[Srikcir]

What's this BS about 6 months? Been a year now!

When was the current government appointed by Royal decree?

So there was somebody else in control before the Royal decree?

Thai king appoints army chief as junta head

BANGKOK, May 26, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's king has formally appointed the army chief as head of the nation's new military junta following a recent coup.

"To restore peace and order in the country and for sake of unity, the king appointed General Prayut Chan-O-Cha as head of the National Council of Peace and Order to run the country," according to a royal command seen by AFP on Monday."

General Prayut would have controlled the nation for ten months.

[mikemac]

The comments by Sirote seem to be right on the mark. The longer the junta stays in power without legitimate democratic elections, the more the international community sees that the Thai government doesn't trust Thais to participate in its nation's self determination and form of governance.

I can see where you are coming from noitom and I cannot wait to see a "fairly and democratically" elected government ruling the country. (but if the Shins are involved it will be back to bad ol' days I fear)

Many people do not want the Junta to have power but also do not want to return to the previous regimes' rule where an armed terrorist group, employed by the illegal leader of the government, an on the run criminal, murders opponents on the streets.

(Not to mention the blatant lies told to the population, the failed "subsidies", the billions of baht lost/squandered, and the key voter base let down.)

Tell me, just what did the international community think about those innocent people being gunned down and blown up ? What would they say if it happened in the USA, the UK, Canada or Australia ?

And why would a foreigner, living in Thailand, ever care what the international community thinks about Thailand ? The average farang probably does not care what they think about their own country.

It seems like me to be just another way to attack anyone who is Shin opposed. Like quoting stories from Asian Correspondent attacking Suthep and Abhisit.

[mikemac]

'Business leaders commended the government of General Prayut Chan-o-cha for being open-minded when listening to opinions and suggestions from the private sector.'

So which business leaders are saying this? They should back themselves by nominating who the are.

Who said that?

An "unnamed source", like always!

In other words: no one ever said anything like that and the writer of the article or the Grand Mr. P made it up!

Did you even bother reading the op ? I bet you did not even bother, you just read a comment by another poster and pounced on it.

You saw this -

"Business leaders commended the government of General Prayut Chan-o-cha for being open-minded when listening to opinions and suggestions from the private sector."

and immediately assumed it was bs, pro-Junta propaganda, but if you had read the entire article you would have also read these not quite pro-Junta quotes -

"However, observers pointed to areas that they say the government needs to address urgently. They said a lot more still needs to be done to achieve the goal of reforming the country."

"Voravan Tarapoom, chairwoman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organisation, said that the government's performance in supporting investment in the real sector, such as special economic zones, deserved a score of eight out of 10.

"The government is doing a good job supporting the real sector but it has yet to provide any tangible support for the money sector," she said."

"Academics said that despite the government's many efforts, more still need to be done."

"Independent political scientist Sirote Klampaiboon said the road map was on target in terms of the time schedule and objectives that were set by the junta. However, he added that nothing much had been done in bringing about a democratic and peaceful society.

"They manage to achieve their road map targets because they use martial law, tight control and use of force, without mutual consent from conflicting groups. Is the junta's roadmap going to create democracy and sustainable peace? I believe otherwise," he said."

If you can read and understand this you may even notice there are names attached to some of these quotes.

Your mouth must be at least "two feet" wide.

[DM07]

'Business leaders commended the government of General Prayut Chan-o-cha for being open-minded when listening to opinions and suggestions from the private sector.'

So which business leaders are saying this? They should back themselves by nominating who the are.

Who said that?

An "unnamed source", like always!

In other words: no one ever said anything like that and the writer of the article or the Grand Mr. P made it up!

Did you even bother reading the op ? I bet you did not even bother, you just read a comment by another poster and pounced on it.

You saw this -

"Business leaders commended the government of General Prayut Chan-o-cha for being open-minded when listening to opinions and suggestions from the private sector."

and immediately assumed it was bs, pro-Junta propaganda, but if you had read the entire article you would have also read these not quite pro-Junta quotes -

"However, observers pointed to areas that they say the government needs to address urgently. They said a lot more still needs to be done to achieve the goal of reforming the country."

"Voravan Tarapoom, chairwoman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organisation, said that the government's performance in supporting investment in the real sector, such as special economic zones, deserved a score of eight out of 10.

"The government is doing a good job supporting the real sector but it has yet to provide any tangible support for the money sector," she said."

"Academics said that despite the government's many efforts, more still need to be done."

"Independent political scientist Sirote Klampaiboon said the road map was on target in terms of the time schedule and objectives that were set by the junta. However, he added that nothing much had been done in bringing about a democratic and peaceful society.

"They manage to achieve their road map targets because they use martial law, tight control and use of force, without mutual consent from conflicting groups. Is the junta's roadmap going to create democracy and sustainable peace? I believe otherwise," he said."

If you can read and understand this you may even notice there are names attached to some of these quotes.

Your mouth must be at least "two feet" wide.

And if you were as honest as you are arrogant, you would admit, that the powers that be, make up BS all the time.

But I really can't be bothered to get into a discussion with you.

[Yunla]

The comments by Sirote seem to be right on the mark. The longer the junta stays in power without legitimate democratic elections, the more the international community sees that the Thai government doesn't trust Thais to participate in its nation's self determination and form of governance.

I agree with your analysis. I would also compare the situation under the last regime/s to a hospital scene, a victim left terribly wounded by an accident. The arrival of the current situation was an emergency response to save the wounded victim, it was ICU life-support and critical rehabilitation procedures.

Following this metaphor, it is actually extremely harmful for a patient to spend too long in the isolated cocoon of hospital, after the main danger has passed, it is very important for the patient to start learning to walk again unassisted, to eat normally, and to begin the return to normal life as soon as possible. This is often traumatic, the withdrawal of hospital medicines and ICU treatment etc. are very difficult, but it is essential that the patient is withdrawn from this as quickly as possible. Because the return to near-normal life, walking and eating normally and interacting with the outside world, are essential for both physical and mental recovery from serious injury. I would say the same for the return to near-normal democracy following essential emergency rule, and for very similar reasons.

Edited April 19, 2015 by Yunla

[Commander Tamson]

As I see it, corruption at all levels of Thai society remains as this country's biggest single most problem. And I see no improvement in that since the Junta took over a year ago.

What are you using as your measurement ?

Well, the only measurement I can use is what I see in my own town of Ubon. Example - airport recently suffered fire from electrical junction box failure - that was obviously substandard to begin with.. Original budget for repair 40m baht. Job barely started, money all gone, new budget an extra 70m baht. Nother example - new villages being built on outskirts of Ubon - roads all resurfaced less than a year ago and new drainage pipes put in. Road already a mass of potholes and scree and now flooding where there was no water before - even in current dry season. I can go on - but the above is not just bad planning. Does Thailand not have quantity surveyors?

Endemic! And unlikely to change in our lifetime

[mikemac]

'Business leaders commended the government of General Prayut Chan-o-cha for being open-minded when listening to opinions and suggestions from the private sector.'

So which business leaders are saying this? They should back themselves by nominating who the are.

Who said that?

An "unnamed source", like always!

In other words: no one ever said anything like that and the writer of the article or the Grand Mr. P made it up!

Did you even bother reading the op ? I bet you did not even bother, you just read a comment by another poster and pounced on it.

You saw this -

"Business leaders commended the government of General Prayut Chan-o-cha for being open-minded when listening to opinions and suggestions from the private sector."

and immediately assumed it was bs, pro-Junta propaganda, but if you had read the entire article you would have also read these not quite pro-Junta quotes -

"However, observers pointed to areas that they say the government needs to address urgently. They said a lot more still needs to be done to achieve the goal of reforming the country."

"Voravan Tarapoom, chairwoman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organisation, said that the government's performance in supporting investment in the real sector, such as special economic zones, deserved a score of eight out of 10.

"The government is doing a good job supporting the real sector but it has yet to provide any tangible support for the money sector," she said."

"Academics said that despite the government's many efforts, more still need to be done."

"Independent political scientist Sirote Klampaiboon said the road map was on target in terms of the time schedule and objectives that were set by the junta. However, he added that nothing much had been done in bringing about a democratic and peaceful society.

"They manage to achieve their road map targets because they use martial law, tight control and use of force, without mutual consent from conflicting groups. Is the junta's roadmap going to create democracy and sustainable peace? I believe otherwise," he said."

If you can read and understand this you may even notice there are names attached to some of these quotes.

Your mouth must be at least "two feet" wide.

And if you were as honest as you are arrogant, you would admit, that the powers that be, make up BS all the time.

But I really can't be bothered to get into a discussion with you.

Don't change the subject, I was commenting on the comment you made earlier in this topic. Not interested in what the powers that be do all the time, they all bs, believe it not Yingluck and co. did it too.

You can flame me and change the subject all you like but pull your feet out of your mouth and stop posting hogwash. You are just making yourself look silly.

Edited April 19, 2015 by mikemac