Thailand Will Rebound Into High-performance Mode

[george]

Thailand will rebound into high-performance mode

BANGKOK: -- Thailand will rebound into high-performance mode if real poltical reform takes place, a leading investment fund manager said Monday.

Thailand's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2007 will likely be higher than this year if the new government is comprised of persons with knowledge, capability--and the courage to eliminate corruption, a leading Thai fund manager said Monday.

Kasikorn Asset Management Co. chairman Piyasawasti Amranand predicted that economic growth next year will outpace that of this year, which is expected to expand 4.5 per cent if the interim government to be appointed by the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy comprises high-caliber persons acceptable to the public.

He said that all Thai people want members of the interim government to have same good image or capability as that of former prime minister Anand Panyarachun, who is able to administer the country immediately and smoothly.

Most importantly, the new government must accelerate eliminating corruption, boost business competitiveness, reduce state intervention or monopoly, and speed up the implementation of mega-projects.

Simultaneously, it must accelerate deregulating the approval process for the budget for fiscal 2007 totalling Bt1.4 trillion (about US$37.5 million) to ensure that the funds will be injected into the economic system in November.

Mr. Piyasawasti said other factors capable of contributing to economic growth next year include lower fuel prices, reduced inflation rates, a stable baht, steady interest rates, sound export growth and good farm product prices.

Furthermore, private investment will improve next year as well, since investors had restrained investment for a long period due to political uncertainties this year.

These factors will contribute to expansion of the Thai economy. It will help boost investment sentiment in the Stock Exchange of Thailand in the next 12 months with the index likely to surpass 800 points.

He said foreign investors continued to be net buyers of stocks despite the coup.

Customers of his company seemed not to be doing panic selling. Those who are selling shares are expected to be speculators in politically-related stocks or persons who want to keep cash in hand, he said.

--TNA 2006-09-25

[lannarebirth]

Kasikorn Asset Management Co. chairman Piyasawasti Amranand predicted that economic growth next year will outpace that of this year, which is expected to expand 4.5 per cent if the interim government to be appointed by the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy comprises high-caliber persons acceptable to the public.

All speculation of course, but even if true, 4.5% growth is actually negative growth (recession/depression) if 6% + inflation remains.

[PeaceBlondie]

Maybe I'm naive, but isn't that like saying that if everything's perfect, it will be better than when it was terrible? Isn't it obvious that if fuel prices go down and competent Thais get to do their job, and the peasants don't riot, and the coup leaders find good ministers, the Lord willing and the creek don't rise, things will be better?

[Rinrada]

...No More tea money for people who are simply doing the jobs that they are already being paid to do..plus no backhanders to un patriotic SERVANTS of the law (policemen)...and last but not least NO more DUEL pricing and ripping Off of Foreigners..............WOT........ ...u cant be serious...can you....?Mai Co Jai...

[Maizefarmer]

I see it making little differance for good or bad - what is taking place at the moment is very much an internal matter which has had next to no effect on Thailands trade status with other countries.

The coup was very much about "one man and his dog" (i.e. Thaksin) and not an issue which is going to result in any substantial foreign or internal policy change.

Effect on the Thai Baht was not even noticed, which is always a good indicator of the relivance of political events.

All the usual noises will be made but at the end of the day, for the man in the street and his business - I suspect we will look back in due course to realise that Thaksin was but a passing figure in Thai politics whose legacy was shallow, and whose removal reminded observers that not much has changed since the old days (i.e. the 1991 coup) except, thank god it was this time conducted without any violence (which may just say something about how far Mr T's supporters were willing to go to back him up - not far).

Tim

[Jai Dee]

CDRM pledges to work to achieve strong economic growth

The Council of Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM) reaffirms its pledges to work towards achieving steady and strong economic growth through free economy mechanisms.

In its second statement issued yesterday, CDRM said the private sector will still play a leading role in driving the economy. CDRM will also promote investments both at home and abroad and support the export sector, it said.

CDRM said it will ensure the 2007 fiscal budget can be allocated from January onwards.

Construction of infrastructures that can accommodate economic development such as mass transit systems in Bangkok will be sped up, it said.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 September 2006

[Nam Kao]

Look for a blow off top on the set and moved short

[Barney_the_Dinosaur]

Its called the 'Land of Smiles' !

[astral]

Look for a blow off top on the set and moved short

What on earth does that mean???

Do you mean your TV set, or the SET Stock Exchange of Thailand?

[Losangels]

Thailand will rebound into high-performance mode

Mr. Piyasawasti said other factors capable of contributing to economic growth next year include lower fuel prices, reduced inflation rates, a stable baht, steady interest rates, sound export growth and good farm product prices.

--TNA 2006-09-25

With the baht staying strong I don't see how it is helping the export sector, only people that its helping are the importers and those holding baht currency.

Mr.Piyasawasti is very optomistic about the economy as a whole without taking much into consideration about political stability. He is looking at glass as half full on the other hand the half empty part is neglected.

[Hermano Lobo]

D@mn cheek! what does Condo Rice-Crispy know about Thailand?

She visited Lancashire, UK last year. She is keen on the famous Black Dyke Mills Band apparently. All those trumpets.

Thailand coup 'a U turn,' but not a regional threat: Rice

New York - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said last week's military coup in Thailand was "a U turn" and urged coup leaders to get the Southeast Asian state back on the right path "very, very quickly."

"The biggest problem is that in a Southeast Asia that was pretty stable ... it's a U turn," she said in an interview Monday with The Wall Street Journal.

However, Rice said she did not "actually see much problem of contagion," referring to the likelihood that political turmoil in Thailand might affect other countries in the region.

"It's not a good thing," she said in a State Department transcript of the interview, "and we are terribly displeased to have had a military coup.

"They need to get a civilian government and they need to get to elections and get back on a democratic path very, very quickly.

"But I don't think it will have -- at least we don't see -- an impact on the rest of the region," Rice added.

Earlier the US urged military generals who seized power in Thailand to avoid politically-motivated actions, as the junta launched a probe into corruption in the ousted government.

The message came as the military leaders set up a high-powered committee at the weekend to look into the books and tax records of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his cabinet members and their relatives, with a possibility of seizing any ill-gotten assets.

"Certainly, what we want to see happen as this process moves forward is a quick handover to civilian authorities and that any investigations or other activities that are done again be done in accordance with the law rather than being done for political purposes," deputy State Department spokesman Tom Casey told reporters.The United States is following the situation in Thailand "very closely" and "would not look favorably upon any kind of movement that was politically motivated," he said

"Ultimately, it's through holding the elections that we believe you can return Thailand to a situation where you clearly have a government that represents the will of the people," he said.

"Anything that happens in between that time needs to be done in accordance with Thai law," he added.

Agence France-Presse

Edited September 26, 2006 by Hermano Lobo

[Rinrada]

Thailand coup 'a U turn,' but not a regional threat: Rice

New York - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said last week's military coup in Thailand was "a U turn" and urged coup leaders to get the Southeast Asian state back on the right path "very, very quickly."

Unbelievable. What planet is the USA on these days. Do they not have an informed Embassy in Bangkok to stop them making stupid comments like this?

Shows that when you make a Pollitically Correct appointment to a job like this,

Quiet,straight forward non confrontational diplomatic statement ...what you would expect from the Bank Manager.....

In the jolly good old days the likes of HMG would send a gun boat up the river ..wot ....take care of the situation...###### rum do...and all that....

Now no time for John Wayne type theatricals even allowing for the fact that he used to ride with the 7th Cal. and they all used to sing a nice little song about everyone wearing a Yello...........history repeating itself..

Could catch on...... .....she wore...she wore ..she wore a yel

[Hermano Lobo]

Thailand coup 'a U turn,' but not a regional threat: Rice

An ignoramous on the scale of Condolezzie Rice would never have made it past junior office clerk in most parts of the world.

I agree, but for someone who has done a degree in Russian and is a concert pianist one would think she would know better ?

[marshbags]

Another report from Dictator Watch taken from the nation today.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/09/27...on_30014751.php

Military coup was the 'middle way'

Last week, the Thai military ousted caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. As a longstanding and strong critic of Thaksin, Dictator Watch is pleased to see him go.

It was imperative that his destruction of Thai democracy and his splitting of Thai society come to an end. He had organised violence against the People's Alliance for Democracy - for their planned demonstration last Wednesday - as a prelude to declaring a state of emergency and subsequently banning public dissent and also purging the armed forces of its last professional officers. Thaksin was about to complete his long-term plan to become the absolute ruler of Thailand.

Had the military not acted, the only possibility to remove him from power would have been a large-scale popular mobilisation. But given the level of control that he was about to achieve and his predilection for violence, it is certain that this would have been violently suppressed. The people of Thailand would have found themselves in a similar situation to the repressed population in Burma. Than Shwe and the SPDC are not only Thaksin's allies and business partners, they are also his role models. The Armed Forces had a choice. They could have allowed themselves to be purged, while pro-democracy demonstrators were killed. Alternatively, they could have assassinated Thaksin.

Thailand is predominantly Buddhist. While it seems counterintuitive, the coup to remove Thaksin was a middle way solution, since it enabled political change without violence. The most important immediate responsibility of the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM) is to keep things this way: to guard against violence organised by Thaksin's cronies. CDRM has also pledged, and has already taken the first steps, to reinstall democratic government. They must fulfil this pledge.

Many foreign governments and other organisations denounced the coup. They either did this to be politically correct, to protect perceived economic interests, or because they did not fully understand the situation inside the country. Further, Thaksin was never "democratically elected". This implies that the rule of law has been upheld - but in Thailand it was not. The Thai Constitution and its system of checks and balances first failed when he was found innocent in the assets concealment case. There should have been massive demonstrations or other strong steps at that time, rather than waiting five years. He should never have had the opportunity to drag Thailand to the bottom of the cesspool of political corruption. Everything he did was anathema to democracy.

CDRM has also announced that it will be a year before new elections. The reason for the lengthy period is that the Thaksin regime and the Thai Rak Thai Party must be comprehensively eradicated, such that they can never return. This will take time. Thaksin and his gang have done so much wrong that dozens of investigations, regarding both human rights abuses and financial corruption, need to be opened, and result in charges being filed and court convictions. The Thaksin family should be stripped of its illegal wealth, with Thaksin himself personally found guilty of numerous charges.

Ultimately, the real problem is not the Constitution. Thailand is a formative democracy, and the people of the country are still learning their obligations under the system. You do not cast a vote, particularly a vote for which you have been paid, and then ignore everything else that happens and hope for the best. No constitution can withstand a man like Thaksin, if the people allow it. Every step he took, from buying MPs to form a dominant party, to taking control of the courts, the anti-corruption agencies, and the police and army, should have been strenuously opposed until it was stopped. No matter how the Constitution is rewritten, if the people do not meet their obligations to defend democracy, the system remains at risk of overthrow from within.

Roland Watson is the founder of Dictator Watch, which keeps track of the dictators of the world to see that they pay for their crimes.

Roland Watson

Special to The Nation..........................................................................

...............quote ended

Well timed and a brilliantly anticipated move by the coup leaders, in my humble opinion once again.

Not one drop fo blood was spilled due to their hindsight on the situation should Toxin have been allowed to enforce his state of emergency.

Don,t the continual observations by those outside the country by so called world leaders get up your nose.

They haven,t got a clue what the truth is all about and continue to be hypocritical for selfish political

agendas relevant to their own countries benefits and don,t reallly care about the real situation, especially as it has been in Thailand for the last five years.

My limited respect for them all is slowly disappearing, especially the U.S.A.s considering all the world affairs they get involved with.

Now if this was to happen there can you imagine the official reaction to outside influence.

They can of course start to regain their standing by leading by example instead of double standards when it comes to outside countries.

marshbags

Edited September 27, 2006 by marshbags

[Heng]

Rebound from what? Small business took a day off. Industry in most cases skipped a half beat for that same day (because of light staffing).

[PeaceBlondie]

Thailand coup 'a U turn,' but not a regional threat: Rice

New York - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said last week's military coup in Thailand was "a U turn" and urged coup leaders to get the Southeast Asian state back on the right path "very, very quickly."

Unbelievable. What planet is the USA on these days. Do they not have an informed Embassy in Bangkok to stop them making stupid comments like this?

Shows that when you make a Pollitically Correct appointment to a job like this, to replace somebody with his finger on the Pulse (Colin Powell), you get embarrased by ignorant nonsense like this.

...An ignoramous on the scale of Condolezzie Rice would never have made it past junior office clerk in most parts of the world.

Let's keep this thread on topic, okay? Condoleezza Rice, Ph.D., is ten times more qualified to be Secretary of State than her predecessor was. Her earned doctorate is in international relations, or similar. She has strongly opposed the junta in Myanmar and can read a map quite well. And she's enough of a diplomat to know what to say (although she talks on and on and on).

The statement in the opening post is way too optimistic.

Steph, I can't spell embarrassed, either. I prefer em-bare-assed.

[Plus]

If the junta puts a competent government in place they would change their tune. They, the US, need liberal policies in telecoms and banking sectors. TRT government was stalling liberasation and FTA was turning into a PR mightmare.

Generals might talk less, do more, and face less hostility internally than the previous government.

[Greer]

Thailand coup 'a U turn,' but not a regional threat: Rice

An ignoramous on the scale of Condolezzie Rice .....

I agree, but for someone who has done a degree in Russian and is a concert pianist one would think she would know better ?

She DOES know better - at speaking Russian and playing the piano... nothing to do with her current job of course!

Seriously though - for CR to say that an elected governement would reflect the desires of the people, and presumably she is inferring that the coup leaders do not, is to be so out of touch with the Thai people as to be laughable.

Perhaps what she learned at university may not have sunk in sufficiently enough to allow her to understand that what happened here actually IS the will of the people. Seeing the world from the perspective of someone who dos not live here and has no idea of the way things work here means that it is simply impossible to understand why the coup should have such popular support.

I would also remind you that His Majesty, our beloved King Bhumibol immediately recognised the military governement. He is a great and wise leader, and Thailand is incredibly fortunate to have such a monarch at it's head.

To criticise the very people who have worked to solve the problems we faced under the Taksin regime is a dangerous occupation, and one that simply distances the US Admin from reality even more...

Edited September 27, 2006 by Greer

[lannarebirth]

If the junta puts a competent government in place they would change their tune. They, the US, need liberal policies in telecoms and banking sectors. TRT government was stalling liberasation and FTA was turning into a PR mightmare.

Generals might talk less, do more, and face less hostility internally than the previous government.

Thailand signed an absolutely horrendous FTA with Australia. Basically, it opened up the Thai agriculture industry to competition from Australian interests, putting 100's of thousands of Thai jobs at possible risk. Australia opened up satellite telecommunications for Australia (SURPRISE!) to Thai business interests. It should come as no surprise that the USA will try to shove an FTA down Thailands throat that will be well skewed to it's own interests and not to those of the majority of Thais. Only time will tell if whatever new government Thailand comes up with, will work in the interests of the Thai majority, or in the self interest of high ranking officials and their cronies.

Edited September 27, 2006 by lannarebirth

[Plus]

Democrats and NGOs are pushing for open discussions on FTAs, and they just might get it with military junta in charge, but had no chance with "democratic" government.

CR wouldn't publicly admit that closed door FTA is what the US actually prefers.

[lannarebirth]

Thailand coup 'a U turn,' but not a regional threat: Rice

An ignoramous on the scale of Condolezzie Rice .....

I agree, but for someone who has done a degree in Russian and is a concert pianist one would think she would know better ?

She DOES know better - at speaking Russian and playing the piano... nothing to do with her current job of course!

Seriously though - for CR to say that an elected governement would reflect the desires of the people, and presumably she is inferring that the coup leaders do not, is to be so out of touch with the Thai people as to be laughable.

Perhaps what she learned at university may not have sunk in sufficiently enough to allow her to understand that what happened here actually IS the will of the people. Seeing the world from the perspective of someone who dos not live here and has no idea of the way things work here means that it is simply impossible to understand why the coup should have such popular support.

I would also remind you that His Majesty, our beloved King Bhumibol immediately recognised the military governement. He is a great and wise leader, and Thailand is incredibly fortunate to have such a monarch at it's head.

To criticise the very people who have worked to solve the problems we faced under the Taksin regime is a dangerous occupation, and one that simply distances the US Admin from reality even more...

Love her or hate her, Condeleeza Rice is an extremely capable individual who, in her current job is charged with the promotion of democratic societies globally. Reasonable people can argue whether or not that's a worthy goal, but it's beside the point.

The recent coup is a failure of democratic principles, who the person you menton is strongly for. All parties fully realize that what starts out well, may at any time veer off course and create instability for the nation, it's people and the region. One could hardly expect that the rhetoric from abroad would be anything but negative and urgent. The4se are very important days and the more that pass without a reversion to civilian government, the more dangerous they become.

I wish peace and wisdom to the Thai people and their leaders.

[Hermano Lobo]

I would also remind you that His Majesty, our beloved King Bhumibol immediately recognised the military governement. He is a great and wise leader, and Thailand is incredibly fortunate to have such a monarch at it's head.

To criticise the very people who have worked to solve the problems we faced under the Taksin regime is a dangerous occupation, and one that simply distances the US Admin from reality even more...

Exactly !

It is imperative to defend and protect the highest office in the land.

I personally have enormous respect and affection for the Royal family, but I believe in Constitutional Monarchy and not a Republic.

Somebody with a different point of view would have another attitude. I once had a blazing row with a woman at work who wanted to do away with the British Royal Family and replace them with a President. You'd end up with some chancer and the only thing they would fight for is the best seat in a restaurant. How does President Blair sound ? Requiem for a hollow man

What if ?

What if Thaksin had been successful with his own coup and decided he wanted to be in charge for a very long time?

What if in the long term Thaksin had republican ambitions ?

It doesn't bear thinking about, especially if you are Farang.

[Losangels]

You have to remember that George W. had Toxin under his command. Toxin would practically do anything to please the US, for instance going after Al Queda and war on terror. Essentially what Rice said about Thai's military coup is pretty much what her boss wants to convey.

[seri thai]

Thailand coup 'a U turn,' but not a regional threat: Rice

New York - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said last week's military coup in Thailand was "a U turn" and urged coup leaders to get the Southeast Asian state back on the right path "very, very quickly."

Unbelievable. What planet is the USA on these days. Do they not have an informed Embassy in Bangkok to stop them making stupid comments like this?

Shows that when you make a Pollitically Correct appointment to a job like this, to replace somebody with his finger on the Pulse (Colin Powell), you get embarrased by ignorant nonsense like this.

...An ignoramous on the scale of Condolezzie Rice would never have made it past junior office clerk in most parts of the world.

Let's keep this thread on topic, okay? Condoleezza Rice, Ph.D., is ten times more qualified to be Secretary of State than her predecessor was. Her earned doctorate is in international relations, or similar. She has strongly opposed the junta in Myanmar and can read a map quite well. And she's enough of a diplomat to know what to say (although she talks on and on and on).

The statement in the opening post is way too optimistic.

Steph, I can't spell embarrassed, either. I prefer em-bare-assed.

So if she's highly qualified and not an idiot it must be answer B which is ugly political expediency. Few governments approves a coup, it's a very shaky precedent if your army and electorate are watching!

I think the statement was for domestic consumption and the US ambassador will have a different statement for the powers that be.

Just like the Thai ambassador to the US made a different statement to that of his government in 1941!!

[seri thai]

You have to remember that George W. had Toxin under his command. Toxin would practically do anything to please the US, for instance going after Al Queda and war on terror. Essentially what Rice said about Thai's military coup is pretty much what her boss wants to convey.

I'm curious, what did Dubya think about Thoksins bedside visit to Uncle Fidel in Cuba? Talk about spreading your bets!

I believe the non-aligned summit attendees also voted for self determination for ethnic minorities and the right to throw of suppressors. What was Doc Tox's stance there?

In all the hulabaloo lately nobody seemed to comment on his activities in Cuba. The Nation and B. Post reported in some detail on the summit but no mention of Big Brother #1's presence. Why was that?

My thinking is he will retire to one of his Burmese casinos. SLORC will take good care of their buddy and his pals can visit easily.

[astral]

New York - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said last week's military coup in Thailand was "a U turn" and urged coup leaders to get the Southeast Asian state back on the right path "very, very quickly." [/b]

She is dumb.

That is exactly why we have had a coup, to get the country on the right track.

[marshbags]

You have to remember that George W. had Toxin under his command. Toxin would practically do anything to please the US, for instance going after Al Queda and war on terror. Essentially what Rice said about Thai's military coup is pretty much what her boss wants to convey.

I'm curious, what did Dubya think about Thoksins bedside visit to Uncle Fidel in Cuba? Talk about spreading your bets!

I believe the non-aligned summit attendees also voted for self determination for ethnic minorities and the right to throw of suppressors. What was Doc Tox's stance there?

In all the hulabaloo lately nobody seemed to comment on his activities in Cuba. The Nation and B. Post reported in some detail on the summit but no mention of Big Brother #1's presence. Why was He that?

My thinking is he will retire to one of his Burmese casinos. SLORC will take good care of their buddy and his pals can visit easily.

quote...........................................................................

...............................................finished.

Maybe Toxin was there as an observer / under cover spy for his mate G.W.

He could also have been looking at suitable real estate to settle down in while at the same time acting as a double agent for the present U.S. administration.

There association really brings a new meaning to partners in duplicity.

All the undemocratic actions the Toxin was responsible for over his premiership of self interest.

The executions in the war on drugs to prevent them implicating the real overlords.

( i reckon you can add to the know 2,500 killings by times two at least )

I cannot recall any adverse comments from the U.S. administration about any of it in detail. ?????

marshbags

Edited September 28, 2006 by marshbags

[h90]

Thailand coup 'a U turn,' but not a regional threat: Rice

An ignoramous on the scale of Condolezzie Rice .....

I agree, but for someone who has done a degree in Russian and is a concert pianist one would think she would know better ?

She DOES know better - at speaking Russian and playing the piano... nothing to do with her current job of course!

Seriously though - for CR to say that an elected governement would reflect the desires of the people, and presumably she is inferring that the coup leaders do not, is to be so out of touch with the Thai people as to be laughable.

Perhaps what she learned at university may not have sunk in sufficiently enough to allow her to understand that what happened here actually IS the will of the people. Seeing the world from the perspective of someone who dos not live here and has no idea of the way things work here means that it is simply impossible to understand why the coup should have such popular support.

I would also remind you that His Majesty, our beloved King Bhumibol immediately recognised the military governement. He is a great and wise leader, and Thailand is incredibly fortunate to have such a monarch at it's head.

To criticise the very people who have worked to solve the problems we faced under the Taksin regime is a dangerous occupation, and one that simply distances the US Admin from reality even more...

Love her or hate her, Condeleeza Rice is an extremely capable individual who, in her current job is charged with the promotion of democratic societies globally. Reasonable people can argue whether or not that's a worthy goal, but it's beside the point.

The recent coup is a failure of democratic principles, who the person you menton is strongly for. All parties fully realize that what starts out well, may at any time veer off course and create instability for the nation, it's people and the region. One could hardly expect that the rhetoric from abroad would be anything but negative and urgent. The4se are very important days and the more that pass without a reversion to civilian government, the more dangerous they become.

I wish peace and wisdom to the Thai people and their leaders.

it is not a question of love or hate: she is working in a mass murder not democratic elected gouverment. TV should not even spend a minute to show her criminal face. She should suggest a military coup in USA and keep silent about thailand.

[lannarebirth]

Thailand coup 'a U turn,' but not a regional threat: Rice

An ignoramous on the scale of Condolezzie Rice .....

I agree, but for someone who has done a degree in Russian and is a concert pianist one would think she would know better ?

She DOES know better - at speaking Russian and playing the piano... nothing to do with her current job of course!

Seriously though - for CR to say that an elected governement would reflect the desires of the people, and presumably she is inferring that the coup leaders do not, is to be so out of touch with the Thai people as to be laughable.

Perhaps what she learned at university may not have sunk in sufficiently enough to allow her to understand that what happened here actually IS the will of the people. Seeing the world from the perspective of someone who dos not live here and has no idea of the way things work here means that it is simply impossible to understand why the coup should have such popular support.

I would also remind you that His Majesty, our beloved King Bhumibol immediately recognised the military governement. He is a great and wise leader, and Thailand is incredibly fortunate to have such a monarch at it's head.

To criticise the very people who have worked to solve the problems we faced under the Taksin regime is a dangerous occupation, and one that simply distances the US Admin from reality even more...

Love her or hate her, Condeleeza Rice is an extremely capable individual who, in her current job is charged with the promotion of democratic societies globally. Reasonable people can argue whether or not that's a worthy goal, but it's beside the point.

The recent coup is a failure of democratic principles, who the person you menton is strongly for. All parties fully realize that what starts out well, may at any time veer off course and create instability for the nation, it's people and the region. One could hardly expect that the rhetoric from abroad would be anything but negative and urgent. The4se are very important days and the more that pass without a reversion to civilian government, the more dangerous they become.

I wish peace and wisdom to the Thai people and their leaders.

it is not a question of love or hate: she is working in a mass murder not democratic elected gouverment. TV should not even spend a minute to show her criminal face. She should suggest a military coup in USA and keep silent about thailand.

That's a lot of loathing you got there. I hope you find another, suitable outlet for it when that administrtaion is gone in 2 years.