Prayut risks derision at the United Nations

[Just1Voice]

Got a message on FB from my niece this morning. She's at Mae Fa Luang studying law to become a prosecutor, and eventually a judge. She sent me a shot of the class she was in. They were studying the "French Revolution". Her comment: "We, the Thai people need our own version of the French Revolution. Arrest all the generals, both military and police, and all the admirals, confiscate all their illegal wealth, and sentence them all to life of hard labor." From what I've been able to get from her, many of her fellow law students feel the same way, so maybe there is hope for the future.

[ldiablo]

China, Cuba, and Saudi Arabia, 3 of the worst human rights violators on the world are members of the United Nations Human Rights Council. When Vietnam invaded Cambodia in 1979, the Khmer Rouge who had been accused by the USA of killing 2.5 million people were welcomed into the UN. Prayut has nothing to worry about from a UN that embraces countries like these.

It's no longer 1979 in case you haven't noticed.

[Thaidream]

Since one of the posters is attempting to indicate I support Alex Jones- let me set the record straight- I do not nor have I ever supported his radical and misguided philosophy. You asked for attribution- I gave it to you. The poll was not conducted by Mr Jones or for him. Please be more careful in your research and what you attempt to associate me with.

[robblok]

Got a message on FB from my niece this morning. She's at Mae Fa Luang studying law to become a prosecutor, and eventually a judge. She sent me a shot of the class she was in. They were studying the "French Revolution". Her comment: "We, the Thai people need our own version of the French Revolution. Arrest all the generals, both military and police, and all the admirals, confiscate all their illegal wealth, and sentence them all to life of hard labor." From what I've been able to get from her, many of her fellow law students feel the same way, so maybe there is hope for the future.

Lets hope so, but many who come in a place of power want the money and join the corruption themselves. It still is a way of life here the system won't change easily.

[Muirton]

I take The Nation's point and don't necessarily disagree, however the last sentence misses reality;

"Refusal to tolerate opposition or dissent is a hallmark of military rule. It has no place in a society that wishes to embody the ideal of government of the people, for the people, by the people."

Thailand IS under military rule, wielding a stick, to try to force a milling rabble of truculent, corrupt, self-serving career politicians to reform.

A stick is the only thing they respond to. Reason and nice civil democratic votes don't work for them because they are corrupt and self-serving!

A bit of tough love is called for.

The military has a longer and more sinister track record of corruption. Easy to see why few people trust them to eradicate corruption in another segment of society.

They have the tanks & M16's though.

Some countries seem to just be better off with a thug in charge, and like that recent article said, are just not ready for democracy (which seems to be obvious in Thailand).

"Many politicians are in the habit of laying it down as a self-evident proposition, that no people ought to be free till they are fit to use their freedom. The maxim is worthy of the fool . . . who resolved not to go into the water till he had learned to swim."

Thomas Babington Macaulay

[ratcatcher]

Got a message on FB from my niece this morning. She's at Mae Fa Luang studying law to become a prosecutor, and eventually a judge. She sent me a shot of the class she was in. They were studying the "French Revolution". Her comment: "We, the Thai people need our own version of the French Revolution. Arrest all the generals, both military and police, and all the admirals, confiscate all their illegal wealth, and sentence them all to life of hard labor." From what I've been able to get from her, many of her fellow law students feel the same way, so maybe there is hope for the future.

Her comment is interesting and somewhat naive. Maybe she would like to see all the generals of both military and police, along with all the air marshals and admirals, beheaded.

Does she also wish, as the French did, to execute their commander-in-chief as well?

Edited September 15, 2015 by ratcatcher

[Muirton]

I have been married 3 times- all to Thais- One from Bangkok; one from Chiang Mai ; and One from Nong Khai.- I would say that pretty well covers a large portion of Thailand since I have traveled and lived in all those areas and interacted with people in those areas. Those who do support the Red Shirt clique can't come up with another choice except an exiled megalomaniac who will be forgotten as the years roll on .

It is clear you are not amongst those who have forgotten him. Au contraire, Pierre.

[MZurf]

I still support the Junta and the General. He reluctantly stepped in because he had no choice. I remember he invited all the protagonists to a meeting to seek agreement and they all refused to compromise. His answer was to seize power to attempt to salvage some peace in the country. And it worked. The demonstrations stopped and people were able to go about their lives. Prior governments run by politicians were interested in simply feeding at the trough and getting re-elected. The General is trying to change Thailand without destroying its culture or becoming like the West- which so many of us escaped from because we couldn't tolerate it any more.

" He reluctantly stepped in because he had no choice. I remember he invited all the protagonists to a meeting to seek agreement and they all refused to compromise. His answer was to seize power to attempt to salvage some peace in the country. And it worked. The demonstrations stopped and people were able to go about their lives"

Who do you think supported the mad munch and the demonstrators? Reluctantly stepped in?

"Prior governments run by politicians were interested in simply feeding at the trough and getting re-elected."

Yes, so unlike the present bunch, right?

"The General is trying to change Thailand without destroying its culture or becoming like the West...."

Uh, no. He is making sure that the upcoming transition is happening in a way that ensures the "correct" group is in charge when it's done.

[spidermike007]

China, Cuba, and Saudi Arabia, 3 of the worst human rights violators on the world are members of the United Nations Human Rights Council. When Vietnam invaded Cambodia in 1979, the Khmer Rouge who had been accused by the USA of killing 2.5 million people were welcomed into the UN. Prayut has nothing to worry about from a UN that embraces countries like these.

Quite true. He might be lectured a bit by "democracy promoters" like the US. But I doubt he would take it seriously. And I doubt it would be an unfriendly lecture. There are a lot of scoundrels in the UN. Alot of very foul nations are represented there. There will probably just be alot of yawns. He is not exactly a great orator.

[Thai at Heart]

Got a message on FB from my niece this morning. She's at Mae Fa Luang studying law to become a prosecutor, and eventually a judge. She sent me a shot of the class she was in. They were studying the "French Revolution". Her comment: "We, the Thai people need our own version of the French Revolution. Arrest all the generals, both military and police, and all the admirals, confiscate all their illegal wealth, and sentence them all to life of hard labor." From what I've been able to get from her, many of her fellow law students feel the same way, so maybe there is hope for the future.

I expect the curriculum to change asap.

Am amazed they teach about the French revolution.

[Thai at Heart]

I am not privy to the inner workings of the Thai government- but having been associated with Thailand for 50 years and able to converse in Thai with a wide spectrum of the Thai population- all walks of life I have a pretty good idea of how things work and how people feel.

Thailand's problems are complex and will not be solved by listening to anyone in the West regarding Democracy and how it works. The way Democracy works in the West now is alien to the way it should work based upon Western traditions and how I saw it growing up in America. Thailand does not need the type of Western Democracy that now exists. It will develop its own brand or not and it will be based upon the wishes and desires of the Thai people. No Thai that I have spoken with wants constant street demonstrations; blatant corruption or rule by a civilian megalomaniac. The General is not perfect but he is the best choice for now.

They will perpetuate a brand that includes political corruption with uneven legal sanction and a periodic coup or two. The problems in Thailand are not of the west's making.

They are entirely home grown. You hold up the USA as a problem. There are plenty of modern functioning democracies who don't have the same problems as the USA.

The USA doesn't have a monopoly on democracy.

[Bulldozer Dawn]

The junta, the dissenters, the journalism, the drafting of new this and thats, the invoking of sections, the talk, the posturing, the class war, bad economy, falling stock market, lack of water, subsidies, none of that matters.

Not one tiny bit.

In the not too distant future the unspeakable will happy and then the whole of Thailand will be sent back to GO on the monopoly board.

[Thaidream]

Since so many of you appear to have figured out how everything works in Thailand and do not like the current leader of Thailand- please provide the names of a few people you would like to see as Prime Minster.

[taiwanatoa]

Since so many of you appear to have figured out how everything works in Thailand and do not like the current leader of Thailand- please provide the names of a few people you would like to see as Prime Minster.

Why should we ? There may very well be one or more but how could we possibly know who they are when anyone who says the " wrong" thing in this country is promptly picked up by the secret police and put in prison for at least 10 years , Sharpey ?!

[baboon]

Since so many of you appear to have figured out how everything works in Thailand and do not like the current leader of Thailand- please provide the names of a few people you would like to see as Prime Minster.

Insert name of anyone fairly and democratically voted in by the Thai electorate. It is about who they would like to see in power.

[LannaGuy]

"As for calls for us to respect human rights, we maintain all NCPO orders, announcements and directives are laws. Whoever doesn't comply with the laws will have to be dealt with. This is the same in every country. It has nothing to do with rights. We have never abused our authority beyond the legal framework."

​tell this to the UN this is the Colonel in charge of 'attitude adjustment' yesterday - forget human rights OBEY ONLY

Edited September 15, 2015 by metisdead
Font.

[Thaidream]

Thai at Heart is certainly correct- I am just more familiar with the American brand as I grew up there- educated there etc. There are many countries in Europe that function well- but they have not imitated the American brand of Democracy- which is based upon a materialistic outlook and a lack of concern for those who are most vulnerable in society. They tend to have incorporated a more social outlook regarding their citizens Unfortunately Thailand has been emulating the American brand. There are other countries which they could emulate. Thailand is in a unique position right now to choose the best and discard the worst of all systems. If the General can do that without destroying centuries of tradition and culture- he will have accomplished much.

In regards to muffled dissent- unfortunately, this has become a necessary evil- because much of the rabid talk has been very counterproductive.and coupled with the infusion of huge amounts of vote buying has created an unusual situation that takes unorthodox approaches.Normally, I would have believed that this type of censorship is counter to democratic principles. However, when I look at the gridlock in America over issues that must be addressed , I have to wonder whether a change in procedure might be beneficial. Right hereon this board, we can have free and open differences and discussions as well as Thai people in their offices, homes etc. The Red Shirt TV station is still on the air as well as other stations that lean towards the Yellows and I seriously doubt that anyone is going to be taken to re-education camps such as Gitmo or involved in extraordinary renditions which were carried out by the Americans.

So many people in this discussion have railed against the Junta and the General for personal reasons- or a frame of reference developed where they were born. This is Thailand. Whatever we think, it will happen in a Thai way and well it should. I say give the General a chance to see if he can pull it off.

[Just1Voice]

Got a message on FB from my niece this morning. She's at Mae Fa Luang studying law to become a prosecutor, and eventually a judge. She sent me a shot of the class she was in. They were studying the "French Revolution". Her comment: "We, the Thai people need our own version of the French Revolution. Arrest all the generals, both military and police, and all the admirals, confiscate all their illegal wealth, and sentence them all to life of hard labor." From what I've been able to get from her, many of her fellow law students feel the same way, so maybe there is hope for the future.

Her comment is interesting and somewhat naive. Maybe she would like to see all the generals of both military and police, along with all the air marshals and admirals, beheaded.

Does she also wish, as the French did, to execute their commander-in-chief as well?

Why don't you try reading a post for what it actually says, without interjecting your own personal slant and opinion on things.

You say her comment is "naive". Please, explain to me how it is naive? To me it sounds like a rational statement from someone capable of rational thought. She says the Thai people need their own version of the French Revolution. Nothing naive about that at all.

And where do you come up with the totally inane comment that she would like to see the air marshals, admirals, etc, beheaded? She specifically stated "locked up for life and hard labor." Quite a stretch from your beheading comment.

If you don't have the intelligence to read a post and see what it actually says, or the intelligence to make an appropriate reply/response to that comment, then try keeping your fingers, and your wild imagination, off the keyboard.

[LannaGuy]

Thai at Heart is certainly correct- I am just more familiar with the American brand as I grew up there- educated there etc. There are many countries in Europe that function well- but they have not imitated the American brand of Democracy- which is based upon a materialistic outlook and a lack of concern for those who are most vulnerable in society. They tend to have incorporated a more social outlook regarding their citizens Unfortunately Thailand has been emulating the American brand. There are other countries which they could emulate. Thailand is in a unique position right now to choose the best and discard the worst of all systems. If the General can do that without destroying centuries of tradition and culture- he will have accomplished much.

In regards to muffled dissent- unfortunately, this has become a necessary evil- because much of the rabid talk has been very counterproductive.and coupled with the infusion of huge amounts of vote buying has created an unusual situation that takes unorthodox approaches.Normally, I would have believed that this type of censorship is counter to democratic principles. However, when I look at the gridlock in America over issues that must be addressed , I have to wonder whether a change in procedure might be beneficial. Right hereon this board, we can have free and open differences and discussions as well as Thai people in their offices, homes etc. The Red Shirt TV station is still on the air as well as other stations that lean towards the Yellows and I seriously doubt that anyone is going to be taken to re-education camps such as Gitmo or involved in extraordinary renditions which were carried out by the Americans.

So many people in this discussion have railed against the Junta and the General for personal reasons- or a frame of reference developed where they were born. This is Thailand. Whatever we think, it will happen in a Thai way and well it should. I say give the General a chance to see if he can pull it off.

what "vote buying"? go do your research before such preposterous nonsense that is from a propaganda driven right wing that never wins elections

[Thaidream]

Thailand has a long history of vote buying in which canvassers representing certain people visit mostly rural areas and provide information and money to voters. This is a know fact since the first vote in Thailand. That is exactly why there have been no completely free and fair elections in Thailand. Ask any Thai person about vote buying- don't take my word for it or believe me- simply ask someone regarding this issue.

As regards me being part of a right wing conspiracy- I have no idea what you refer to. I am simply an aging pensioner with a long relationship to Thailand who is voicing my opinion. You don't have to listen to me, believe me or even care what I say but I would appreciate you not labeling me. I respect ypur opinion whether I agree or not- I deserve the same..

[ldiablo]

Since so many of you appear to have figured out how everything works in Thailand and do not like the current leader of Thailand- please provide the names of a few people you would like to see as Prime Minster.

Anyone who's name begins with Titti or ends in porn. Edited September 15, 2015 by ldiablo

[Thai at Heart]

Thailand has a long history of vote buying in which canvassers representing certain people visit mostly rural areas and provide information and money to voters. This is a know fact since the first vote in Thailand. That is exactly why there have been no completely free and fair elections in Thailand. Ask any Thai person about vote buying- don't take my word for it or believe me- simply ask someone regarding this issue.

As regards me being part of a right wing conspiracy- I have no idea what you refer to. I am simply an aging pensioner with a long relationship to Thailand who is voicing my opinion. You don't have to listen to me, believe me or even care what I say but I would appreciate you not labeling me. I respect ypur opinion whether I agree or not- I deserve the same..

There have been dozens of studies on vote buying in Thailand. None of which indicate that in recent elections that had a significant effect on the electoral outcome.

It is being removed slowly, but is not the problem in having accepted elections that pass scrutiny.

[Thai at Heart]

Thai at Heart is certainly correct- I am just more familiar with the American brand as I grew up there- educated there etc. There are many countries in Europe that function well- but they have not imitated the American brand of Democracy- which is based upon a materialistic outlook and a lack of concern for those who are most vulnerable in society. They tend to have incorporated a more social outlook regarding their citizens Unfortunately Thailand has been emulating the American brand. There are other countries which they could emulate. Thailand is in a unique position right now to choose the best and discard the worst of all systems. If the General can do that without destroying centuries of tradition and culture- he will have accomplished much.

In regards to muffled dissent- unfortunately, this has become a necessary evil- because much of the rabid talk has been very counterproductive.and coupled with the infusion of huge amounts of vote buying has created an unusual situation that takes unorthodox approaches.Normally, I would have believed that this type of censorship is counter to democratic principles. However, when I look at the gridlock in America over issues that must be addressed , I have to wonder whether a change in procedure might be beneficial. Right hereon this board, we can have free and open differences and discussions as well as Thai people in their offices, homes etc. The Red Shirt TV station is still on the air as well as other stations that lean towards the Yellows and I seriously doubt that anyone is going to be taken to re-education camps such as Gitmo or involved in extraordinary renditions which were carried out by the Americans.

So many people in this discussion have railed against the Junta and the General for personal reasons- or a frame of reference developed where they were born. This is Thailand. Whatever we think, it will happen in a Thai way and well it should. I say give the General a chance to see if he can pull it off.

No one is getting in his way to pull anything off. He has a free reign.

He isn't here to reform or change anything other than to solidify the position that the army/few will be able to manage and control politics by threatening or actually pulling a trigger. History will not judge this part of Thai history very prettily.

It will be proven to have been an exceedingly cynical short term, small minded intervention.

[Thaidream]

I don't know the actual effect of vote buying on elections in Thailand in relation to how much if at all- it changes the mix in Parliament and thus influences who becomes Prime Minister. I have never actually seen a study on this so I am basing my opinion on my own experiences in Thailand. There is a greater problem- in that hugely wealthy politicians can influence elections and perpetuate their power by corrupting local officials; stacking the military and police ranking officials and generally speaking make themselves an elected dictator. It's called money politics- much the same that has corrupted the American political system. Elections in Europe and Australia are much fairer but this is about Thailand. I see the General trying to stop money politics-and if he can do that, then Thailand has a much better chance of getting a fair and elected government that represents the average voter and not just the wealthy.Once that happens- it will amaze everyone how fast Thailand will become a NIC (Newly Industrialized Country). The question is can it be done without Thailand losing what makes Thailand specialSome people make fun of Thainess- but I prefer it to what I see in America.

[Thaidream]

I respectfully have to disagree on how history will judge the Coup. It is too early to tell. If he can't pull it off- it will just be another wasted period in Thai history and a few more lines in the History books of a failed coup. However, if he pulls it off, it will revolutionize Thailand and be the start of a real revolutionary process that will propel Thailand into the 21st Century. Right now -the General and his team are working on all the organic laws needed to stop money politics from creating an elected dictatorship which cares not about the people but its own propagation. While in the past- I would probably be in complete agreement.however- at times in a countries history- a person comes forward that actually changes things for the better. Is he the man? Only time will tell-but I understand your reticence.

Edited September 15, 2015 by Thaidream

[NovaBlue05]

Thailand has a long history of vote buying in which canvassers representing certain people visit mostly rural areas and provide information and money to voters. This is a know fact since the first vote in Thailand. That is exactly why there have been no completely free and fair elections in Thailand. Ask any Thai person about vote buying- don't take my word for it or believe me- simply ask someone regarding this issue.

As regards me being part of a right wing conspiracy- I have no idea what you refer to. I am simply an aging pensioner with a long relationship to Thailand who is voicing my opinion. You don't have to listen to me, believe me or even care what I say but I would appreciate you not labeling me. I respect ypur opinion whether I agree or not- I deserve the same..

Q: When one takes money from two or more separate partys as an incentive for their support , which one do they ultimately vote for?

A: The one they would have voted for anyway.

If I am dirt poor in Isaan, I will take money from anyone offering it to me and gladly go my own way

[Thaidream]

Ah yes- you take the money from whoever offers it- but you also get bused to a polling station and the minders stand by as well as the people who actually count the votes.. Those who pay know how to play the game. They don't give the money for free,

[metisdead]

Off topic posts and replies have been removed.

[heybruce]

Got a message on FB from my niece this morning. She's at Mae Fa Luang studying law to become a prosecutor, and eventually a judge. She sent me a shot of the class she was in. They were studying the "French Revolution". Her comment: "We, the Thai people need our own version of the French Revolution. Arrest all the generals, both military and police, and all the admirals, confiscate all their illegal wealth, and sentence them all to life of hard labor." From what I've been able to get from her, many of her fellow law students feel the same way, so maybe there is hope for the future.

I expect the curriculum to change asap.

Am amazed they teach about the French revolution.

I suspect the people in charge know nothing about the French revolution and therefore haven't thought to censor it.

[Thai at Heart]

I respectfully have to disagree on how history will judge the Coup. It is too early to tell. If he can't pull it off- it will just be another wasted period in Thai history and a few more lines in the History books of a failed coup. However, if he pulls it off, it will revolutionize Thailand and be the start of a real revolutionary process that will propel Thailand into the 21st Century. Right now -the General and his team are working on all the organic laws needed to stop money politics from creating an elected dictatorship which cares not about the people but its own propagation. While in the past- I would probably be in complete agreement.however- at times in a countries history- a person comes forward that actually changes things for the better. Is he the man? Only time will tell-but I understand your reticence.

Propel Thailand into the 21st century?

I await to be extremely surprised. Extremely.