Thaksin says Prayut government's performance unimpressive yet

[Baerboxer]

The point is this, we've still got to see Thaksin and Abhisit competing in a general election. And once Thaksin is back in power, then, only then, will America and Europe accept that Thailand is a democracy. Who knows, maybe Abhisit can win an election, fine.

Yes, I know that a stack of people on ThaiVisa don't like Thaksin, yes, and it doesn't matter if some Thais want him back in charge. But, the longer Thailand is regarded as being not a democracy, the longer it is that the West will continue to drift away from Thailand. And more time for China to convert Thailand into a Chinese colony.

The ruling Thai elite, the vast bulk of them Chinese-Thais, these are Thailand's richest two or three per cent, they hate Thaksin.

But this ruling elite are also a bit concerned about Thailand drifting away from the West. These people are far more likely to send their children to universities in the West rather than to China. They're also more likely to buy real estate in places like London and America, rather than China. And here's the point. It's not in their interest for Thailand to drift away from the West, they want the West to recognise Thailand as a democracy.

As said earlier, everybody (the Chinese-Thai elite and the West) will only accept Thailand as a deomocracy once Thaksin and Abhisit are in a general election. That's why, Thaksin, love him or hate him, he's still got a role to play regarding Thailand's future. That's why the media still mentions him.

You miss the tiny point that Thaksin can't compete in a general election. Convicted criminals aren't allowed to stand - whether serving their punishment or fugitives on the run.

Then there is the matter of the 15 more serious crimes awaiting his appearance in court, which he's desperate to avoid.

So he's tried, tries to bribe the court with his lawyer being caught, convicted and then legs it before sentencing. No attempt to appeal and fight. Does that tell you something? 15 serious charges - which he's letting the statute of limitations tick away rather than fighting them in court. Does that tell you anything?

Are you a fan of then blanket Amnesty, wipe the slate clean, forget the past, zero the clock theory?

Baerboxer, you have written your stuff. Okay, the pro-Thaksinites will feel that the charges against Thaksin were basically politically motivated. Now, it doesn't matter if people like us are anti or pro-Thaksin. It doesn't matter if five Thais or five million Thais want to wear red t-shirts.

The important or significant thing is, is what is the West trying to say ? The West obviously feels that there should be a general election with Thaksin and Abhisit competing against each other. And the West reckoning this, well, that's what's significant. Or do you reckon that the West drifting away from Thailand is not important ?

Nothing political at all. He broke the law, because he thought he was above the law, got caught, tried to bribe the court, failed, got convicted and ran.

Shin apologists will claim the conviction and all those 15 other charges, are all politically motivated; along with every other conviction and charge against any Shin family member, in-law or crony. Up to you if you want to believe it.

The West want to see democracy returned because that's their stand point, politically, which they use to try to get the moral ground.

Now, research how many business people, academics, educators NGO's, politicians and representatives from Western democracies have visited Thailand, signed agreements, held discussions aimed at collaborating more etc. You'll be surprised.

Saying the politically correct thing and actual actions are often completely the opposite.

BTW - the West ask for a return to elections and democracy. Never once have I read where they support Thaksin personally or any of his proxy parties or lackeys.

[MobileContent]

In 2017/8 Thaksin is free to return to Thailand as the 10 years have expired by then. Chuan Lekpai did the same. He stole 230 million Baht and stayed in Taiwan after the 10 years expired on his warrant of arrest he returned to Thailand.

[Tatsujin]

In 2017/8 Thaksin is free to return to Thailand as the 10 years have expired by then. Chuan Lekpai did the same. He stole 230 million Baht and stayed in Taiwan after the 10 years expired on his warrant of arrest he returned to Thailand.

Great, so when he comes back after it's expired (if indeed you are correct), they can then proceed with the 15+ other charges that he has awaiting him. Can't wait.

[Baerboxer]

as long as he out of thai politics who cares. We all know he is a criminal on the run and too scared to come home as he he knows he will spend many years in jail for all the other crimes he is guilty of. His main aim in life is to set up his own patsy govt so he can be pardoned, unfortunately for him it didnt work last time his sister tried and now she is paying the price. The best we can all hope for is that he simply disappears or dies but the truth will come out in the end of exactly what he has done to this country

It is an honour to be a "criminal on the run" under fascism.

It might be an honor to be a political criminal on the run under fascism, communism or any other political system that persecutes opponents.

But, there is no honor in being common criminal on the run. Just a coward.

There is nothing "common" about Taksin. He is the only genuine politician in the history of Thailand. Not a criminal, not a coward, just the future of Thailand, that's all.

He's a very rich elite Chinese Thai, from a very rich family. He's proved he's a liar, cheat with no moral or ethical conscience.

He's a convicted criminal who fled rather than fighting in court, fled other charges because he's scared (makes him a coward) and quite prepared to see lives lost to further his agenda.

The only thing genuine about him is he's a proven common criminal and fugitive. The future of Thailand - I sincerely hope not unless you want to see a bankrupt country headed by one very rich clan.

[bangkapi]

Democracy is the same all over the world. The people get to vote to choose who will exploit and enslave them.

[MAJIC]

Seems like Thaksin is getting impatient that he hasn't got an amnesty yet?

[Tatsujin]

as long as he out of thai politics who cares. We all know he is a criminal on the run and too scared to come home as he he knows he will spend many years in jail for all the other crimes he is guilty of. His main aim in life is to set up his own patsy govt so he can be pardoned, unfortunately for him it didnt work last time his sister tried and now she is paying the price. The best we can all hope for is that he simply disappears or dies but the truth will come out in the end of exactly what he has done to this country

It is an honour to be a "criminal on the run" under fascism.

It might be an honor to be a political criminal on the run under fascism, communism or any other political system that persecutes opponents.

But, there is no honor in being common criminal on the run. Just a coward.

There is nothing "common" about Taksin. He is the only genuine politician in the history of Thailand. Not a criminal, not a coward, just the future of Thailand, that's all.

You're trolling, right? Or taking some kind of medication that prevents you from seeing or understanding the real world rather than the "red" fantasy portrayal of Thaksin?

[Tatsujin]

Democracy is the same all over the world. The people get to vote to choose who will exploit and enslave them.

That's the most accurate summation of "democracy" I've read so far ...

[trogers]

So, mr. paymaster, what progress did you, somchai, yingluck, chalerm etc., and trt, pt, udd et all make on the numerous fronts the general is now trying to work through?

Also mr. paymaster are you conveniently not recognizing that on many of these items it will take many years to make progress to eventually get a better picture and then years to lock the changes into place?

And mr. paymaster are you conveniently not recognizing that there will be major delays and slowdowns caused by those who will fight change and renewal on every front possible and for as long as possible.

Hmmm, maybe .... but before you point this out, come with some proof that this populist junta did make some progress , I doubt it, economy down, export down, tourism down, show me what and where it goes better now than under the former government ...

Didn't you notice? More money isn't following B700+ billion down the rice-hole, government ministers aren't selling rice to themselves at bargain basement prices disguised as exports, rights to political expression are curtailed including the right to murder anti-government protesters and bystanders, formerly untouchable criminals are being prosecuted and huge chunks of national parks reclaimed, politicians are being forced to explain their actions.

Is that progress or regress?

That's the chemotherapy the cancer patient is undergoing...

[whatawonderfulday]

Their are hundreds or may even be thousands of people that get transferred for corruption and he is the only one that was sentenced by a Junta linked court to prison of which the state did not lost one cent. Just yesterday at the Tourism & Sport Ministry about 3 billion Baht was cheated and no one has been put in jail beside that CIB big shot a few months which we can't really discuss due to LM.

The economy is down, the yellows with Suthep destroyed tourism last year and the tourism that we see today comes from Chinese visitors which is good of course.

What happened to the land taxes. The 10 biggest Thai Chinese tycoons own over 1 million Rai so I called that political corruption for not moving forward with the land taxes. 1 million Rai x 5000 Baht for commercial land is 5.000.0000.000 Baht in the cover for the government and another 7 million Rai for farmland x 500 Baht is 3.5 billion Baht to the coffers.

When is Prayuth hunting the army on encroaching forestry land?

Prayuth is a buffoon trying to run the country solely on his own good ideas. The problem is no one else know how his ideas can actually help anyone, least help the country. The economy is in tatters and going south.

At least Thaksin was financially astute and managed to repay the IMF loans of the 1990's quickly. The way Pratyuth is going they (Thailand) will be a basket case similar to Greece in 2 years time needing help from the IMF again. Still he and his cronies won't care as he will have increased his own personal fortune 10 fold by then. The Monkhood beckons.

[WitawatWatawit]

In 2017/8 Thaksin is free to return to Thailand as the 10 years have expired by then. Chuan Lekpai did the same. He stole 230 million Baht and stayed in Taiwan after the 10 years expired on his warrant of arrest he returned to Thailand.

First, there is no statute of limitations on a conviction and sentence. In 20 years time, the Thaksinator will still be facing jail.

Second, get your bloody facts straight before you mouth off. It wasn't Chuan, it was his younger brother Raluek. Sheesh.

[mike324]

Their are hundreds or may even be thousands of people that get transferred for corruption and he is the only one that was sentenced by a Junta linked court to prison of which the state did not lost one cent. Just yesterday at the Tourism & Sport Ministry about 3 billion Baht was cheated and no one has been put in jail beside that CIB big shot a few months which we can't really discuss due to LM.

The economy is down, the yellows with Suthep destroyed tourism last year and the tourism that we see today comes from Chinese visitors which is good of course.

What happened to the land taxes. The 10 biggest Thai Chinese tycoons own over 1 million Rai so I called that political corruption for not moving forward with the land taxes. 1 million Rai x 5000 Baht for commercial land is 5.000.0000.000 Baht in the cover for the government and another 7 million Rai for farmland x 500 Baht is 3.5 billion Baht to the coffers.

When is Prayuth hunting the army on encroaching forestry land?

What you say is all correct, but you seem to have missed the cause of the problem! Law enforcement, its the same story under the TRT and DEM administration. So why complain when the army is actually enforcing the law? Why didn't PTP administration go after all the corrupt politicians too? instead they want to pardon all corrupt politicians dating back 10 years ago! Don't you think that moving backward?

Not a big fan of the army but they had less impact on the society and country than all these corrupt politicians, yet many folks seems to want to put all the problems and corruption on their shoulder.

[Eric Loh]

Democracy is the same all over the world. The people get to vote to choose who will exploit and enslave them.

That's the most accurate summation of "democracy" I've read so far ...

It's sure better than coup government when nobody gets to vote and the government is free to exploit with a handy 44. Actually with no freedom of expression and to criticize we are properly enslaved.

[lvr181]

So, mr. paymaster, what progress did you, somchai, yingluck, chalerm etc., and trt, pt, udd et all make on the numerous fronts the general is now trying to work through?

Also mr. paymaster are you conveniently not recognizing that on many of these items it will take many years to make progress to eventually get a better picture and then years to lock the changes into place?

And mr. paymaster are you conveniently not recognizing that there will be major delays and slowdowns caused by those who will fight change and renewal on every front possible and for as long as possible.

Hmmm, maybe .... but before you point this out, come with some proof that this populist junta did make some progress , I doubt it, economy down, export down, tourism down, show me what and where it goes better now than under the former government ...

Less bloodletting on the streets, for a starter! And many Thai that I have spoken with are very happy about that. Sure, a long way to go and who knows how it will pan out. TIT

[Shiver]

Let any Nation that is a true Democracy throw the first stone.

[Skywalker69]

as long as he out of thai politics who cares. We all know he is a criminal on the run and too scared to come home as he he knows he will spend many years in jail for all the other crimes he is guilty of. His main aim in life is to set up his own patsy govt so he can be pardoned, unfortunately for him it didnt work last time his sister tried and now she is paying the price. The best we can all hope for is that he simply disappears or dies but the truth will come out in the end of exactly what he has done to this country

It is an honour to be a "criminal on the run" under fascism.

It might be an honor to be a political criminal on the run under fascism, communism or any other political system that persecutes opponents.

But, there is no honor in being common criminal on the run. Just a coward.

There is nothing "common" about Taksin. He is the only genuine politician in the history of Thailand. Not a criminal, not a coward, just the future of Thailand, that's all.

You sir, must be joking? Thaksin the only genuine politician? Seriously???

[scorecard]

"He also said he has neither plans for his son, Oak, to take over the Pheu Thai Party, nor plans to mobilise his Red Shirt supporters. Instead he called on the Thai people not to resort to violence."

All said with a straight face, and whilst continuing to fund and encourage the PTP/UDD violence.

I've gotten to the point with this liar, that I automatically take the opposite meaning from anything he says.

At least ThaiPBS got this bit correct "who lives abroad to avoid a jail sentence handed down for graft" ... AFP etc keep saying he's essentially a political fugitive, rather than a convicted felon on the run, escaping an actual jail sentence which he didn't appeal.

"He also said he has neither plans for his son, Oak, to take over the Pheu Thai Party, nor plans to mobilise his Red Shirt supporters. Instead he called on the Thai people not to resort to violence."" (Note: I added the underline.)

Strange comment, on many previous occasions he has claimed he had no control over the red shirts, udd etc.

Edited May 19, 2015 by scorecard

[rubl]

The point is this, we've still got to see Thaksin and Abhisit competing in a general election. And once Thaksin is back in power, then, only then, will America and Europe accept that Thailand is a democracy. Who knows, maybe Abhisit can win an election, fine.

Yes, I know that a stack of people on ThaiVisa don't like Thaksin, yes, and it doesn't matter if some Thais want him back in charge. But, the longer Thailand is regarded as being not a democracy, the longer it is that the West will continue to drift away from Thailand. And more time for China to convert Thailand into a Chinese colony.

The ruling Thai elite, the vast bulk of them Chinese-Thais, these are Thailand's richest two or three per cent, they hate Thaksin.

But this ruling elite are also a bit concerned about Thailand drifting away from the West. These people are far more likely to send their children to universities in the West rather than to China. They're also more likely to buy real estate in places like London and America, rather than China. And here's the point. It's not in their interest for Thailand to drift away from the West, they want the West to recognise Thailand as a democracy.

As said earlier, everybody (the Chinese-Thai elite and the West) will only accept Thailand as a deomocracy once Thaksin and Abhisit are in a general election. That's why, Thaksin, love him or hate him, he's still got a role to play regarding Thailand's future. That's why the media still mentions him.

"competing in a general election. And once Thaksin is back in power, then, only then, will America and Europe accept that Thailand is a democracy."

You try very hard not to be pro Thaksin here I guess?

[halloween]

The point is this, we've still got to see Thaksin and Abhisit competing in a general election. And once Thaksin is back in power, then, only then, will America and Europe accept that Thailand is a democracy. Who knows, maybe Abhisit can win an election, fine.

Yes, I know that a stack of people on ThaiVisa don't like Thaksin, yes, and it doesn't matter if some Thais want him back in charge. But, the longer Thailand is regarded as being not a democracy, the longer it is that the West will continue to drift away from Thailand. And more time for China to convert Thailand into a Chinese colony.

The ruling Thai elite, the vast bulk of them Chinese-Thais, these are Thailand's richest two or three per cent, they hate Thaksin.

But this ruling elite are also a bit concerned about Thailand drifting away from the West. These people are far more likely to send their children to universities in the West rather than to China. They're also more likely to buy real estate in places like London and America, rather than China. And here's the point. It's not in their interest for Thailand to drift away from the West, they want the West to recognise Thailand as a democracy.

As said earlier, everybody (the Chinese-Thai elite and the West) will only accept Thailand as a deomocracy once Thaksin and Abhisit are in a general election. That's why, Thaksin, love him or hate him, he's still got a role to play regarding Thailand's future. That's why the media still mentions him.

"competing in a general election. And once Thaksin is back in power, then, only then, will America and Europe accept that Thailand is a democracy."

You try very hard not to be pro Thaksin here I guess?

The word you are looking for is psycho-phant

[LivinLOS]

So, mr. paymaster, what progress did you, somchai, yingluck, chalerm etc., and trt, pt, udd et all make on the numerous fronts the general is now trying to work through?

Well Under Tackys rule was a consistent 6 - 7 % average growth rate.. Now its what ?? 3 and being revised down..

Kinda dwarfs any losses in the rice subsidy...

[Docno]

The point is this, we've still got to see Thaksin and Abhisit competing in a general election. And once Thaksin is back in power, then, only then, will America and Europe accept that Thailand is a democracy. Who knows, maybe Abhisit can win an election, fine.

Yes, I know that a stack of people on ThaiVisa don't like Thaksin, yes, and it doesn't matter if some Thais want him back in charge. But, the longer Thailand is regarded as being not a democracy, the longer it is that the West will continue to drift away from Thailand. And more time for China to convert Thailand into a Chinese colony.

The ruling Thai elite, the vast bulk of them Chinese-Thais, these are Thailand's richest two or three per cent, they hate Thaksin.

But this ruling elite are also a bit concerned about Thailand drifting away from the West. These people are far more likely to send their children to universities in the West rather than to China. They're also more likely to buy real estate in places like London and America, rather than China. And here's the point. It's not in their interest for Thailand to drift away from the West, they want the West to recognise Thailand as a democracy.

As said earlier, everybody (the Chinese-Thai elite and the West) will only accept Thailand as a deomocracy once Thaksin and Abhisit are in a general election. That's why, Thaksin, love him or hate him, he's still got a role to play regarding Thailand's future. That's why the media still mentions him.

You miss the tiny point that Thaksin can't compete in a general election. Convicted criminals aren't allowed to stand - whether serving their punishment or fugitives on the run.

Then there is the matter of the 15 more serious crimes awaiting his appearance in court, which he's desperate to avoid.

So he's tried, tries to bribe the court with his lawyer being caught, convicted and then legs it before sentencing. No attempt to appeal and fight. Does that tell you something? 15 serious charges - which he's letting the statute of limitations tick away rather than fighting them in court. Does that tell you anything?

Are you a fan of then blanket Amnesty, wipe the slate clean, forget the past, zero the clock theory?

Baerboxer, you have written your stuff. Okay, the pro-Thaksinites will feel that the charges against Thaksin were basically politically motivated. Now, it doesn't matter if people like us are anti or pro-Thaksin. It doesn't matter if five Thais or five million Thais want to wear red t-shirts.

The important or significant thing is, is what is the West trying to say ? The West obviously feels that there should be a general election with Thaksin and Abhisit competing against each other. And the West reckoning this, well, that's what's significant. Or do you reckon that the West drifting away from Thailand is not important ?

I didn't know the West has a single brain and speaks with a single voice.

I don't think that western leaders specifically care about whether Thaksin runs for election again (or Abhisit for that matter). In fact, I would argue that most see him as too divisive a figure to again actively participate in Thai politics. But because he was ousted by a military coup, there is a general feeling that his downfall was politically motivated. If we are to assume that there is a shared view in the west, it would probably be that political parties should be allowed to form as they want and contest elections freely. I don't believe that people want to turn back the clock 10 years to engineer an electoral re-run.

[waitforusalso]

Seems hard to believe so many here can't see the main factor behind this whole issue & try to pin it on corruption. As we all know, corruption is endemic in Thailand & infiltrates every institution and at every level of society. One of the most corrupt and bloated institutions in the country is the army, but is the General trying to fix that? His attempts to deal with corruption are simply a one-sided political purge, as everyone at an arms-length can see. Thaksin Shinawatra & every other rich person in Thailand became that way playing by the same rules & on the same playing field. How you can then turn around & accuse only a very select few for doing so is dumbfounding. Thaksin's fault was not corruption or ill-gained wealth, as that was a guilt shared by millions of others including the General's own family, it was becoming too popular. He threatened the pillars of Thai society, and that was unacceptable to those who had & continue to gain from holding the reigns of power. Thaksin had to be dealt with and that has been continuing for 10 years now.

[halloween]

Well Under Tackys rule was a consistent 6 - 7 % average growth rate.. Now its what ?? 3 and being revised down..

Kinda dwarfs any losses in the rice subsidy...

I can only suggest that you do the same comparison with a few other countries over the same time frame. See if you can find some that recently lost the equivalent of B700 billion, with nothing to show for it.

[halloween]

Seems hard to believe so many here can't see the main factor behind this whole issue & try to pin it on corruption. As we all know, corruption is endemic in Thailand & infiltrates every institution and at every level of society. One of the most corrupt and bloated institutions in the country is the army, but is the General trying to fix that? His attempts to deal with corruption are simply a one-sided political purge, as everyone at an arms-length can see. Thaksin Shinawatra & every other rich person in Thailand became that way playing by the same rules & on the same playing field. How you can then turn around & accuse only a very select few for doing so is dumbfounding. Thaksin's fault was not corruption or ill-gained wealth, as that was a guilt shared by millions of others including the General's own family, it was becoming too popular. He threatened the pillars of Thai society, and that was unacceptable to those who had & continue to gain from holding the reigns of power. Thaksin had to be dealt with and that has been continuing for 10 years now.

To summarise "Little Johnny did it too!" Infantile argument that we should ignore criminality because there's a lot of it about. The way to stop corruption is to START prosecuting it, even with someone who is "too popular".

[waitforusalso]

Well Under Tackys rule was a consistent 6 - 7 % average growth rate.. Now its what ?? 3 and being revised down..

Kinda dwarfs any losses in the rice subsidy...

I can only suggest that you do the same comparison with a few other countries over the same time frame. See if you can find some that recently lost the equivalent of B700 billion, with nothing to show for it.

His expansionary policies have given the economy a major lift. The Stock Exchange of Thailand has more than doubled in value, outperforming all other stock markets in Asia. The central bank also forecast GDP growth of roughly seven percent in 2004.

http://www.rsis.edu.sg/rsis-publication/rsis/601-thaksins-chance-for-regiona/#.VVspTLmqpPM

Income in the northeast, the poorest part of the country, rose by 46% from 2001 to 2006.^[66] Nationwide poverty fell from 21.3% to 11.3%.^[28] Thailand's Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality, fell from .525 in 2000 to .499 in 2004 (it had risen from 1996 to 2000)[World Bank] Wikipedia

The logic of Thaksin's approach—that access to capital, employment opportunities and basic social services can transform disadvantaged regions into growth engines—is now accepted wisdom. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has followed it in his support for poor households hit hardest by a rollback in fuel subsidies. India's Manmohan Singh has created millions of rural jobs; his ultimate growth goals very much echo Thaksin's. In the Philippines, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo once declared, "I am an unabashed disciple of Thaksinomics." And since 2006, when China unveiled a sweeping plan to redirect state investment to create a "new socialist countryside" in the hinterland, Beijing has repealed farm taxes, channeled millions to rural enterprises and otherwise sought to revitalize poor interior provinces (China reportedly sent a team to Thailand to study Thaksinomics back in 2003).

http://www.newsweek.com/economics-thailands-thaksin-catching-88109

[waitforusalso]

Seems hard to believe so many here can't see the main factor behind this whole issue & try to pin it on corruption. As we all know, corruption is endemic in Thailand & infiltrates every institution and at every level of society. One of the most corrupt and bloated institutions in the country is the army, but is the General trying to fix that? His attempts to deal with corruption are simply a one-sided political purge, as everyone at an arms-length can see. Thaksin Shinawatra & every other rich person in Thailand became that way playing by the same rules & on the same playing field. How you can then turn around & accuse only a very select few for doing so is dumbfounding. Thaksin's fault was not corruption or ill-gained wealth, as that was a guilt shared by millions of others including the General's own family, it was becoming too popular. He threatened the pillars of Thai society, and that was unacceptable to those who had & continue to gain from holding the reigns of power. Thaksin had to be dealt with and that has been continuing for 10 years now.

To summarise "Little Johnny did it too!" Infantile argument that we should ignore criminality because there's a lot of it about. The way to stop corruption is to START prosecuting it, even with someone who is "too popular".

So if the General committed the coup for this reason why isn't he going after corruption in the army?

To state that the rule of law must be applied equally & fairly is not an 'infantile argument'.

[halloween]

Seems hard to believe so many here can't see the main factor behind this whole issue & try to pin it on corruption. As we all know, corruption is endemic in Thailand & infiltrates every institution and at every level of society. One of the most corrupt and bloated institutions in the country is the army, but is the General trying to fix that? His attempts to deal with corruption are simply a one-sided political purge, as everyone at an arms-length can see. Thaksin Shinawatra & every other rich person in Thailand became that way playing by the same rules & on the same playing field. How you can then turn around & accuse only a very select few for doing so is dumbfounding. Thaksin's fault was not corruption or ill-gained wealth, as that was a guilt shared by millions of others including the General's own family, it was becoming too popular. He threatened the pillars of Thai society, and that was unacceptable to those who had & continue to gain from holding the reigns of power. Thaksin had to be dealt with and that has been continuing for 10 years now.

To summarise "Little Johnny did it too!" Infantile argument that we should ignore criminality because there's a lot of it about. The way to stop corruption is to START prosecuting it, even with someone who is "too popular".

So if the General committed the coup for this reason why isn't he going after corruption in the army?

To state that the rule of law must be applied equally & fairly is not an 'infantile argument'.

To state that it shouldn't be applied at all certainly is.

[JAG]

The point is this, we've still got to see Thaksin and Abhisit competing in a general election. And once Thaksin is back in power, then, only then, will America and Europe accept that Thailand is a democracy. Who knows, maybe Abhisit can win an election, fine.

Yes, I know that a stack of people on ThaiVisa don't like Thaksin, yes, and it doesn't matter if some Thais want him back in charge. But, the longer Thailand is regarded as being not a democracy, the longer it is that the West will continue to drift away from Thailand. And more time for China to convert Thailand into a Chinese colony.

The ruling Thai elite, the vast bulk of them Chinese-Thais, these are Thailand's richest two or three per cent, they hate Thaksin.

But this ruling elite are also a bit concerned about Thailand drifting away from the West. These people are far more likely to send their children to universities in the West rather than to China. They're also more likely to buy real estate in places like London and America, rather than China. And here's the point. It's not in their interest for Thailand to drift away from the West, they want the West to recognise Thailand as a democracy.

As said earlier, everybody (the Chinese-Thai elite and the West) will only accept Thailand as a deomocracy once Thaksin and Abhisit are in a general election. That's why, Thaksin, love him or hate him, he's still got a role to play regarding Thailand's future. That's why the media still mentions him.

No point asking a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy to get up and join a walking marathon.

Very profound.

What on earth do you mean?

Humour us simple souls, go on, please.

[Skywalker69]

So, mr. paymaster, what progress did you, somchai, yingluck, chalerm etc., and trt, pt, udd et all make on the numerous fronts the general is now trying to work through?

Also mr. paymaster are you conveniently not recognizing that on many of these items it will take many years to make progress to eventually get a better picture and then years to lock the changes into place?

And mr. paymaster are you conveniently not recognizing that there will be major delays and slowdowns caused by those who will fight change and renewal on every front possible and for as long as possible.

Hmmm, maybe .... but before you point this out, come with some proof that this populist junta did make some progress , I doubt it, economy down, export down, tourism down, show me what and where it goes better now than under the former government ...

Haven´t you noticed that there is a global recession going on?

[trogers]

So, mr. paymaster, what progress did you, somchai, yingluck, chalerm etc., and trt, pt, udd et all make on the numerous fronts the general is now trying to work through?

Well Under Tackys rule was a consistent 6 - 7 % average growth rate.. Now its what ?? 3 and being revised down..

Kinda dwarfs any losses in the rice subsidy...

Nothing compared with China's double digit growth, until the debt bubble burst...?

Check out the graph for rising household debts...

And politicians love bragging how they made GDP grow...