Smell of trouble: Bangkok busts 7 Vietnamese for selling cannabis

[webfact]

Government spokesman tells irresponsible critics to keep quiet



BANGKOK: -- The government spokesman has hit back at critics accusing them of engaging in pure imagination and lack of responsibility for their criticisms that the government policies are nothing new and is copying the populist policies of the previous administration.

“I would like to plead with some critics to have mercy for the country as we are facing an external enemy – that is global economy which is already a heavy burden. Our ship of state may go astray if there are people who don’t paddle but drag their feet,” said Maj-Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd on Sunday.

He said that if these critics do not support the government, they should better keep quiet and don’t spoil the atmosphere.

The spokesman insisted that the government was not shaken by the negative criticisms because it has made clear its policies which are meant to bring about durable prosperity.

He ruled out as completely impossible that the government would repeat financial indiscipline as practiced by the previous administration.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/government-spokesman-tells-irresponsible-critics-to-keep-quiet

-- Thai PBS 2015-08-31

[webfact]

Govt's economic polices 'not populist'
Wasamon Audjarint
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The government's new economic policies are not populist as some have suggested because the government always holds firm to principles of stability, prosperity and sustainability, the government spokesman insisted yesterday.

Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said it was impossible for the government to repeat "actions that were used to destruct national financial and fiscal disciplines" in exchange for votes as it had stepped in to solve problems, create foundations and reform the country in line with the three-step reform road map.

In response to those who labelled the government's policies populist, he called them "irresponsible" and described their views as "imaginary" and "rocking the boat".

"We have suffered heavily from the global economy already. If we have to face these criticisms, the country will suffer seriously," he said, while stressing that the new Cabinet is working together smoothly.

"Many of them discuss [issues with one another] after meetings and always call each other. This is done to speed up the operations behind implementing the premier's policies, as all of them are aware of their limited amount of working time," he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Govts-economic-polices-not-populist-30267793.html


-- The Nation 2015-08-31

[WhizBang]

Free speech is simply NOT on the agenda. And these people say they are leading us towards true democracy?

[NongKhaiKid]

We can, and will issue, all the spin, BS and general crap that we want and everyone must keep quiet and as things go wrong it will all be your fault.

[Bluespunk]

So many nautical references I'm feeling sea sick.

Well sick anyway.

Did somebody call the Hues Corporation?

Edited August 30, 2015 by Bluespunk

[tbthailand]

there's nothing inherently wrong with populist policies.

Sometimes they even help people.

[tbthailand]

He said that if these critics do not support the government, they should better keep quiet and don’t spoil the atmosphere.

you have to wonder if he'll sing the same tune once an "elected" government is in place...

[jaywalker]

When we were kids, I used to tell my little brother that if I wanted his opinion, I'd beat it out of him.

I hadn't thought of that in decades, till I saw this article.

[NongKhaiKid]

Not paddling but dragging feet ?

There's a hole in the bucket ( ship ) Dear Liza, Dear Liza

[aussieinthailand]

Critics told to be quiet, told they are irresponsible.

But wait yesterday we were told that free speech still is alive in Thailand

Ahhh I get it, it's the one bloke say's one thing n another bloke say's somthin eles switch-a-roo,

If you can't dazzle em with brains Baffle em with Bull_hit. routine.....

[Thai at Heart]

Call it what u like. The new super team understands the multiplier effect and is going to chuck money into the countryside. One side does it it's populism, the other side does it it's responsible spending.....

[lildragon]

Shut up! You're all happy! General happiness and his gang if cheery goons has made you happy! Everything we do is wonderful and the best haven't you realised that by now? Those of you not on the happy train better get on it or else it'll be off to the happy camps with you!

Edited August 31, 2015 by lildragon

[FangFerang]

"He ruled out as completely impossible that the government would repeat financial indiscipline as practiced by the previous administration."

So SIX BILLION baht for submarines Thailand does not even need is not irresponsible cronyism at it's worst? Kidding yourself, kuhn., you are kidding yourself...

[Blackfalds]

there's nothing inherently wrong with populist policies.

Sometimes they even help people.

Absolutely true.

If one takes the time to assess this notion, and not just dispel it because of the propaganda from the self-serving Elite of the country, this can be understood, based on its' own merit rather than be influenced by self-interested demonization.

Dictionary:

Programs for ordinary people

a member of a political party claiming to represent the common people;

a believer in the rights, wisdom, or virtues of the common people

It boils down to the wealthy wanting to avoid re-distribution of a nation's wealth.

Why do you think this Bangkok-centric elite have demonized the rice subsidy scheme, to the point their overwrought nonsense deems it to be the greatest calamity visited upon mankind ever in the history of the world.....All while regurgitating their own self-serving data, hoping it will be seen as independently based....But at the same time fearful of subjecting it to electoral scrutiny.

They have even gone as far as protecting their interests via constitutional means. In this light, article 189 of the constitution outlaws “populist policies”. This is aimed directly at Thaksin-style measures which were hugely popular among the electorate.

Although I understand they are copying the Village funds and OTOP.

Edited August 31, 2015 by Blackfalds

[elgordo38]

Quote "The spokesman insisted that the government was not shaken by the negative criticisms because it has made clear its policies which are meant to bring about durable prosperity." unquote. They must be shaken or they would not be making a statement like this. Durable prosperity for whom? I think you can answer that one for yourself.

[Srikcir]

Sansern needs to tell junta supporter Sahapat Group chairman Boonchai Chokewattana that the government should not be copying the populist policies of the previous administration.

"The government should not be too worried with populist policies and should provide handouts to farmers as a means to stimulate the economy, ... that the government should carry on with the populist policies so that there will be money injected into the economy." - Government told to carry on populist policies, 2014-12-28

And Prayut has been doing exactly what Boonchai has recommended, albeit perhaps more for political purposes than for economic purposes.

Irresponsbile misleading and contradictory statements by the current government will CAUSE critics, whether they be responsible or not.

[Thai at Heart]

"He ruled out as completely impossible that the government would repeat financial indiscipline as practiced by the previous administration."

So SIX BILLION baht for submarines Thailand does not even need is not irresponsible cronyism at it's worst? Kidding yourself, kuhn., you are kidding yourself...

They are going ahead with the trains too.......

[timendres]

there's nothing inherently wrong with populist policies.

Sometimes they even help people.

Absolutely true.

If one takes the time to assess this notion, and not just dispel it because of the propaganda from the self-serving Elite of the country, this can be understood, based on its' own merit rather than be influenced by self-interested demonization.

Dictionary:

Programs for ordinary people

a member of a political party claiming to represent the common people;

a believer in the rights, wisdom, or virtues of the common people

It boils down to the wealthy wanting to avoid re-distribution of a nation's wealth.

Why do you think this Bangkok-centric elite have demonized the rice subsidy scheme, to the point their overwrought nonsense deems it to be the greatest calamity visited upon mankind ever in the history of the world.....All while regurgitating their own self-serving data, hoping it will be seen as independently based....But at the same time fearful of subjecting it to electoral scrutiny.

They have even gone as far as protecting their interests via constitutional means. In this light, article 189 of the constitution outlaws “populist policies”. This is aimed directly at Thaksin-style measures which were hugely popular among the electorate.

Although I understand they are copying the Village funds and OTOP.

In order to benefit the common people the populist policies need to be implemented by an uncorrupt government working with selfless enterprises. Examples of which are very rare. In this sense, populism is much like communism. As the founders of the US constitution attempted to do (relatively well, until recent developments), it is better to direct the selfish interests of those in power in ways that benefit all.

I have little faith that populist policies in Thailand will be well executed. But if possible, anything that increased the middle class in this nation would be most welcome.