Yingluck Rice Subsidy Trial to Stretch Through End of Next Year

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Yingluck Rice Subsidy Trial to Stretch Through End of Next Year

By Teeranai Charuvastra

Staff Reporter

BANGKOK — It will be November 2016 before the last witness testifies in the malfeasance trial of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra over her government’s subsidy for rice farmers, according to the details of an agreement reached today between the prosecution and defense.

Yingluck, who was at the Supreme Court today with her attorney to settle on a list of 43 witnesses who will be called to testify during the 11-month trial, plans to be present on each day of testimony.

“After that, Yingluck will deliver a closing statement of the case, and a judgment date will be appointed,” her lawyer, Norawit Lalang, said after emerging from the court today. “At this hour, we have to do our best. We cannot be worried about anything. We will prove that the scheme did not cause damage to the country, as many sides have alleged.”

Yingluck, who led the government from 2011 to 2014, is facing trial under the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office on charge of negligence. Prosecutors accused her of causing billions of baht in damage to the state through a corruption-plagued rice price subsidy policy overseen by her government.

Read more: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1446117567

-- Khaosod English 2015-10-29

[Thai at Heart]

When are the elections?

[bangrak]

Stretching is what that bunch of crooks have been doing from day one, working to reach the statue of limitation for as many main and side implications from that huge scam as possible. What Yingluck is concerned, she will be told to do as usual, play herself: be the dumb blondy, except she's not blond: know nothing, saw nothing, did nothing, was shopping abroad... What's new under the sun?

[LannaGuy]

She'll be remembered for her calmness amidst the storm and her poise as the wolves yap and bay for blood

They will turn her into a martyr

Edited October 29, 2015 by LannaGuy

[ChrisY1]

A hugely expensive, never ending cycle through the courts, that will eventually achieve nil.

IMO, it's a test case that cannot/could not be won by any ruling govt., as it would simply expose future leaders to litigation, should some of their party' policy fail......

[bangrak]

When are the elections?

What? You're in such a hurry to buy votes to have a bunch of yeah-sayers of MP's to push through an amnesty in the middle of the night for her and the crooks around, too, is it? How typical! And that's what you guys call 'democracy', hmm?!

Edited October 29, 2015 by bangrak

[Thai at Heart]

When are the elections?

What? You're in such a hurry to buy votes to have a bunch of yeah-sayers of MP's to push through an amnesty in the middle of the night for her and the crooks around, too, is it? How typical! And that's what you guys call 'democracy', hmm?!

Sorry, you didn't answer my question...... Feel free to take your rants elsewhere. Why does a case like this take apparently so long? Wouldn't it all be better if it was wrapped up a little quicker?

Or do you think by magic the current junta might just stay around long enough to make sure this is cleared up before.

What I want is that they get a way to get back to democracy, Yingluck either convicted or not and Thailand to get on with being Thailand instead of stuck in this groundhog existence of elections, protests and coups.

I heard may next year. What did you hear?

Edited October 29, 2015 by Thai at Heart

[JAG]

When are the elections?

What? You're in such a hurry to buy votes to have a bunch of yeah-sayers of MP's to push through an amnesty in the middle of the night for her and the crooks around, too, is it? How typical! And that's what you guys call 'democracy', hmm?!

Or perhaps he (we) just thinks that the Thai people should have the right to select their government rather than any passing general approaching retirement, even if they are egged on by people on this forum whose contempt for the Thai electorate is proudly displayed!

[bangrak]

She'll be remembered for her calmness amidst the storm and her poise as the wolves yap and bay for blood

They will turn her into a martyr

Don't know what kind of daft stuff you read, or is it you watch too many Thai series? But maybe that's what she should have gone for, lakorn, instead of being 'a puppet' in some office or into politics, look at her, how well she plays the comedy, and, very important, she can shed (crocodile) tears, any time asked for... LOL

[bangrak]

When are the elections?

What? You're in such a hurry to buy votes to have a bunch of yeah-sayers of MP's to push through an amnesty in the middle of the night for her and the crooks around, too, is it? How typical! And that's what you guys call 'democracy', hmm?!

Or perhaps he (we) just thinks that the Thai people should have the right to select their government rather than any passing general approaching retirement, even if they are egged on by people on this forum whose contempt for the Thai electorate is proudly displayed!

What are you saying? We all know the Thai 'lambda citizens' understand what 'democracy' means, as they are well educated, have high intellectual levels, are able to analyse situations, to develop critical thinking, to make choices of their own, are difficult to influence and would not accept money for their vote!

[Thai at Heart]

When are the elections?

What? You're in such a hurry to buy votes to have a bunch of yeah-sayers of MP's to push through an amnesty in the middle of the night for her and the crooks around, too, is it? How typical! And that's what you guys call 'democracy', hmm?!

Or perhaps he (we) just thinks that the Thai people should have the right to select their government rather than any passing general approaching retirement, even if they are egged on by people on this forum whose contempt for the Thai electorate is proudly displayed!

What are you saying? We all know the Thai 'lambda citizens' understand what 'democracy' means, as they are well educated, have high intellectual levels, are able to analyse situations, to develop critical thinking, to make choices of their own, are difficult to influence and would not accept money for their vote!

Believing people are unable to choose their elected leaders because u suppose they are illeducated is a little superior don't u think.

There are thick people all over the world supporting political parties.

[bangrak]

When are the elections?

What? You're in such a hurry to buy votes to have a bunch of yeah-sayers of MP's to push through an amnesty in the middle of the night for her and the crooks around, too, is it? How typical! And that's what you guys call 'democracy', hmm?!

Sorry, you didn't answer my question...... Feel free to take your rants elsewhere. Why does a case like this take apparently so long? Wouldn't it all be better if it was wrapped up a little quicker?

Or do you think by magic the current junta might just stay around long enough to make sure this is cleared up before.

What I want is that they get a way to get back to democracy, Yingluck either convicted or not and Thailand to get on with being Thailand instead of stuck in this groundhog existence of elections, protests and coups.

I heard may next year. What did you hear?

Hello? Are you the one writing: 'Why does a case like this take apparently so long? Wouldn't it all be better if was wrapped up a little quicker?'? Can't be true!

Who are the people standing on the brakes about all the despicable things which happened from the 2009/2010 red insurgency to the 2011/2013 rice scam?

P.S.: I read 2017, so not next year, and mighty too early IMO anyway whenever any of the changes and reforms the majority (no, not yours!) hoped for would still have to take place...

[bangrak]

Believing people are unable to choose their elected leaders because u suppose they are illeducated is a little superior don't u think.

There are thick people all over the world supporting political parties.

I don't feel superior at all, but denying the evident has never brought anything positive forward. The truth can be very adverse, hard and sad, and I will most probably not be able to make things better on my own, but it is what it is, and pretending it's not there won't make it go away, rather the opposite, IMO that is.

As for 'thick people', I leave that to you, Thais aren't in my opinion, I'd rather think the average new-born Thai is more gifted than a European equivalent, it's all what's done to(!) him here in his further life by 'the system' that's making it go so wrong for him...

[billd766]

She'll be remembered for her calmness amidst the storm and her poise as the wolves yap and bay for blood

They will turn her into a martyr

Do you understand the meaning of the word martyr?

Your version does not seen to fit the meaning here in any way.

martyr

ˈmɑːtə/

noun

noun: martyr; plural noun: martyrs

1. 1.

   a person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs.

   "the first Christian martyr"

   • a person who displays or exaggerates their discomfort or distress in order to obtain sympathy.

     "she wanted to play the martyr"

     synonyms: suffer from, be a constant sufferer from, have chronic …; More

     be seriously affected by, be afflicted with, be troubled by, get

     "he's a martyr to migraine"
   • a constant sufferer from (an ailment).

     "I'm a martyr to migraine!"

verb

verb: martyr; 3rd person present: martyrs; past tense: martyred; past participle: martyred; gerund or present participle: martyring

1. 1.

   kill (someone) because of their beliefs.

   "she was martyred for her faith"

   synonyms: put to death, kill, make a martyr of, martyrize;

   burn, burn at the stake, stone, immolate, throw to the lions, crucify, put on the rack

   "she was martyred for her faith"

   • cause great pain or distress to.

     "there was no need to martyr themselves again"

Origin

[BigBadGeordie]

And appeals will run for another 10 to 12 years after that date!

[jayboy]

When are the elections?

What? You're in such a hurry to buy votes to have a bunch of yeah-sayers of MP's to push through an amnesty in the middle of the night for her and the crooks around, too, is it? How typical! And that's what you guys call 'democracy', hmm?!

Or perhaps he (we) just thinks that the Thai people should have the right to select their government rather than any passing general approaching retirement, even if they are egged on by people on this forum whose contempt for the Thai electorate is proudly displayed!

What are you saying? We all know the Thai 'lambda citizens' understand what 'democracy' means, as they are well educated, have high intellectual levels, are able to analyse situations, to develop critical thinking, to make choices of their own, are difficult to influence and would not accept money for their vote!

Believing people are unable to choose their elected leaders because u suppose they are illeducated is a little superior don't u think.

There are thick people all over the world supporting political parties.

You are of course correct but you are too gentle with this nonsensical and ignorant post.

Somebody who uses the expression " high intellectual levels" when he presumably means "intelligence" is not in a position to driver sanctimonious lectures.

Again we have an example of the dullard's inability to distinguish between education and intelligence.The distinction is rather crucial.In any case all the evidence suggests that Thais of all backgrounds are perfectly capable of deciding how voting will improve the lives of their families and communities.

It is also an absurd idea to believe that the well educated and well off vote in a "purer" mode than their less favoured fellow citizens.

The suggestion that elections in Thailand are won by vote buying is a weary canard.No serious person believes this now though it has some currency among the ignorant and prejudiced.

[Baerboxer]

She'll be remembered for her calmness amidst the storm and her poise as the wolves yap and bay for blood

They will turn her into a martyr

She'll be remembered for being a puppet, removed from office by a court for breaking the law, and for never actually doing the job.

[Baerboxer]

When are the elections?

What? You're in such a hurry to buy votes to have a bunch of yeah-sayers of MP's to push through an amnesty in the middle of the night for her and the crooks around, too, is it? How typical! And that's what you guys call 'democracy', hmm?!

Or perhaps he (we) just thinks that the Thai people should have the right to select their government rather than any passing general approaching retirement, even if they are egged on by people on this forum whose contempt for the Thai electorate is proudly displayed!

What are you saying? We all know the Thai 'lambda citizens' understand what 'democracy' means, as they are well educated, have high intellectual levels, are able to analyse situations, to develop critical thinking, to make choices of their own, are difficult to influence and would not accept money for their vote!

Believing people are unable to choose their elected leaders because u suppose they are illeducated is a little superior don't u think.

There are thick people all over the world supporting political parties.

You are of course correct but you are too gentle with this nonsensical and ignorant post.

Somebody who uses the expression " high intellectual levels" when he presumably means "intelligence" is not in a position to driver sanctimonious lectures.

Again we have an example of the dullard's inability to distinguish between education and intelligence.The distinction is rather crucial.In any case all the evidence suggests that Thais of all backgrounds are perfectly capable of deciding how voting will improve the lives of their families and communities.

It is also an absurd idea to believe that the well educated and well off vote in a "purer" mode than their less favoured fellow citizens.

The suggestion that elections in Thailand are won by vote buying is a weary canard.No serious person believes this now though it has some currency among the ignorant and prejudiced.

"driver sanctimonious lectures" - what a strange choice of words? How does one "driver" a lecture?

[rubl]

When are the elections?

What? You're in such a hurry to buy votes to have a bunch of yeah-sayers of MP's to push through an amnesty in the middle of the night for her and the crooks around, too, is it? How typical! And that's what you guys call 'democracy', hmm?!

Or perhaps he (we) just thinks that the Thai people should have the right to select their government rather than any passing general approaching retirement, even if they are egged on by people on this forum whose contempt for the Thai electorate is proudly displayed!

What are you saying? We all know the Thai 'lambda citizens' understand what 'democracy' means, as they are well educated, have high intellectual levels, are able to analyse situations, to develop critical thinking, to make choices of their own, are difficult to influence and would not accept money for their vote!

Believing people are unable to choose their elected leaders because u suppose they are illeducated is a little superior don't u think.

There are thick people all over the world supporting political parties.

You are of course correct but you are too gentle with this nonsensical and ignorant post.

Somebody who uses the expression " high intellectual levels" when he presumably means "intelligence" is not in a position to driver sanctimonious lectures.

Again we have an example of the dullard's inability to distinguish between education and intelligence.The distinction is rather crucial.In any case all the evidence suggests that Thais of all backgrounds are perfectly capable of deciding how voting will improve the lives of their families and communities.

It is also an absurd idea to believe that the well educated and well off vote in a "purer" mode than their less favoured fellow citizens.

The suggestion that elections in Thailand are won by vote buying is a weary canard.No serious person believes this now though it has some currency among the ignorant and prejudiced.

Last week Pheu Thai issued a statement about the wonderfull RPPS. They claim to have paid 800 billion Baht directly to 3.7 million rice farming families representing 23% of the Thai population.

Now that's what I call vote buying new style and the party is even proud of it. Seems they try hard to let everyone forget they positioned the scam as 'self-financing' and that they even let the blanket amnesty bill cover till 2013-08-09, the first two years Yingluck mal-administration.

[Baerboxer]

She'll be remembered for her calmness amidst the storm and her poise as the wolves yap and bay for blood

They will turn her into a martyr

Do you understand the meaning of the word martyr?

Your version does not seen to fit the meaning here in any way.

martyr

ˈmɑːtə/

noun

noun: martyr; plural noun: martyrs

1. 1.

   a person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs.

   "the first Christian martyr"

   • a person who displays or exaggerates their discomfort or distress in order to obtain sympathy.

     "she wanted to play the martyr"

     synonyms: suffer from, be a constant sufferer from, have chronic …; More

     be seriously affected by, be afflicted with, be troubled by, get

     "he's a martyr to migraine"
   • a constant sufferer from (an ailment).

     "I'm a martyr to migraine!"

verb

verb: martyr; 3rd person present: martyrs; past tense: martyred; past participle: martyred; gerund or present participle: martyring

1. 1.

   kill (someone) because of their beliefs.

   "she was martyred for her faith"

   synonyms: put to death, kill, make a martyr of, martyrize;

   burn, burn at the stake, stone, immolate, throw to the lions, crucify, put on the rack

   "she was martyred for her faith"

   • cause great pain or distress to.

     "there was no need to martyr themselves again"

Origin

YL is being martyred because of her belief in true democracy, justice and a fair meritocracy

[rubl]

She'll be remembered for her calmness amidst the storm and her poise as the wolves yap and bay for blood

They will turn her into a martyr

With you seemingly so on the 'in', can you tell me if there's any news yet on where they'll put up the stake ?

[Valentine]

And appeals will run for another 10 to 12 years after that date!

I doubt it as this case is already in the Supreme Court. The only appeal after conviction is to ask for a pardon after serving some jail time.

[webfact]

RICE PLEDGING SCHEME
Court sets the dates to hear witnesses in Yingluck's trial
THE NATION



First testimony to be heard on January 15, last on November 18

BANGKOK: -- THE Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders will hear the first witness testimony on January 15 next year and the last testimony on November 18, in the case against Yingluck Shinawatra, the court said yesterday.

A panel of nine judges began hearing the suit filed by then attorney-general Trakul Winitnaiyapak against the former prime minister for grave negligence over her alleged failure to stop corruption and losses amounting to more than Bt500 billion in the rice-pledging scheme.

Before the hearing started, the panel of judges informed the plaintiff and the defendant that presiding judge Weerapol Tangsuwan, who has been appointed the Supreme Court president, has pulled out of the panel hearing this case. Sirichai Wattanayothin, another judge in the panel, has been appointed president of the Court of Appeals.

The Supreme Court held a meeting and selected judge Sophon Rojanont and Pisol Pirun to replace them. The court also selected Cheep Chulamn as presiding judge.

The court has set January 15, 17, February 26, and March 4 and 23 to hear a total of 14 prosecution witnesses.

The panel will decide later on whether to allow three other prosecution witnesses - Banyong Inthana, Saweena Polpuet, Sirasa Kanpittaya - to give testimony after witness examination of both sides is completed.

The court has set April 1, 22, May 13, 18, June 17, 24, July 8, 22, August 5, 19, September 23, October 7, 21 and November 4, 18 for 42 defence witnesses.

The court will decide later whether to allow former Election Commission member Sodsri Sattayatham, another defence witness, to give testimony after witnesses on both sides have given their court testimonies.

The court ordered both sides to present written witness testimonies 14 days before the scheduled dates and questions to be raised at the court seven days earlier. Both sides were instructed not to miss the hearing dates.

Yingluck thanked the court for allowing testimony by witnesses, such as Chalerm Yoobamrung, who did not have a chance to give a statement to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

Yingluck also thanked her supporters, who said they would wear red as a gesture of support for her on Sunday. She advised them to heed the government's order, as she wanted peace and reconciliation in the country.

Norrawit Larlaeng, Yingluck's lawyer, said the defence witnesses include Yingluck, former Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, former deputy prime-minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, former chief adviser to the PM Olarn Chaiprawat, former deputy commerce minister Yanyong Puangrat, veterinarian and academic Chai Watcharong and CP Intertrade chairman Sumet Laomoraporn.

Norrawit said Yingluck was seeking justice over the Finance Ministry's move to claim civil damages over losses incurred under the rice-pledging scheme, as she believed such a claim would not be fair when the criminal trial by the Supreme Court has yet to be completed.

Several former ministers from the Pheu Thai camp showed up at the court in support of Yingluck.

Meanwhile, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra posted a message on Instagram, saying reconciliation must stem from "one who believes in justice".

The message was posted at 11.55pm on Wednesday on his "thaksinlive" Instagram account.

In his comment he also said that red was a trendy colour this year, and he has bought red shirts from the Franconnable and Billionaire brands to keep up with the trend.

Separately, red-shirt leaders from the North are calling on supporters to wear red on Sunday to show their solidarity with former PM Yingluck Shinawatra, who is facing a trial in Supreme Court over criminal charges related to her government's rice-pledging scheme.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Court-sets-the-dates-to-hear-witnesses-in-Yingluck-30271905.html


-- The Nation 2015-10-30

[Bakseeda]

And I thought Jutaporn had been sentenced to two years in prison..... is he still appealing..?

[jayboy]

When are the elections?

What? You're in such a hurry to buy votes to have a bunch of yeah-sayers of MP's to push through an amnesty in the middle of the night for her and the crooks around, too, is it? How typical! And that's what you guys call 'democracy', hmm?!

Or perhaps he (we) just thinks that the Thai people should have the right to select their government rather than any passing general approaching retirement, even if they are egged on by people on this forum whose contempt for the Thai electorate is proudly displayed!

What are you saying? We all know the Thai 'lambda citizens' understand what 'democracy' means, as they are well educated, have high intellectual levels, are able to analyse situations, to develop critical thinking, to make choices of their own, are difficult to influence and would not accept money for their vote!

Believing people are unable to choose their elected leaders because u suppose they are illeducated is a little superior don't u think.

There are thick people all over the world supporting political parties.

You are of course correct but you are too gentle with this nonsensical and ignorant post.

Somebody who uses the expression " high intellectual levels" when he presumably means "intelligence" is not in a position to driver sanctimonious lectures.

Again we have an example of the dullard's inability to distinguish between education and intelligence.The distinction is rather crucial.In any case all the evidence suggests that Thais of all backgrounds are perfectly capable of deciding how voting will improve the lives of their families and communities.

It is also an absurd idea to believe that the well educated and well off vote in a "purer" mode than their less favoured fellow citizens.

The suggestion that elections in Thailand are won by vote buying is a weary canard.No serious person believes this now though it has some currency among the ignorant and prejudiced.

Last week Pheu Thai issued a statement about the wonderfull RPPS. They claim to have paid 800 billion Baht directly to 3.7 million rice farming families representing 23% of the Thai population.

Now that's what I call vote buying new style and the party is even proud of it. Seems they try hard to let everyone forget they positioned the scam as 'self-financing' and that they even let the blanket amnesty bill cover till 2013-08-09, the first two years Yingluck mal-administration.

So the last government fulfilled its pledge of supporting the relatively disadvantaged majority rural population.It should be applauded for that even if there were flaws in implementation.

Meanwhile the urban population particularly Bangkok has for decades enjoyed vastly disproportionate government funds directed at health services,education and infrastructure.That is the true vote buying scandal which somehow the apologists for repression never happen to mention.

When I hear Juntophiles complaining about "populism" and "vote buying" the hypocrisy not to mention the extreme stupidity makes me want to retch.

[jayboy]

When are the elections?

What? You're in such a hurry to buy votes to have a bunch of yeah-sayers of MP's to push through an amnesty in the middle of the night for her and the crooks around, too, is it? How typical! And that's what you guys call 'democracy', hmm?!

Or perhaps he (we) just thinks that the Thai people should have the right to select their government rather than any passing general approaching retirement, even if they are egged on by people on this forum whose contempt for the Thai electorate is proudly displayed!

What are you saying? We all know the Thai 'lambda citizens' understand what 'democracy' means, as they are well educated, have high intellectual levels, are able to analyse situations, to develop critical thinking, to make choices of their own, are difficult to influence and would not accept money for their vote!

Believing people are unable to choose their elected leaders because u suppose they are illeducated is a little superior don't u think.

There are thick people all over the world supporting political parties.

You are of course correct but you are too gentle with this nonsensical and ignorant post.

Somebody who uses the expression " high intellectual levels" when he presumably means "intelligence" is not in a position to driver sanctimonious lectures.

Again we have an example of the dullard's inability to distinguish between education and intelligence.The distinction is rather crucial.In any case all the evidence suggests that Thais of all backgrounds are perfectly capable of deciding how voting will improve the lives of their families and communities.

It is also an absurd idea to believe that the well educated and well off vote in a "purer" mode than their less favoured fellow citizens.

The suggestion that elections in Thailand are won by vote buying is a weary canard.No serious person believes this now though it has some currency among the ignorant and prejudiced.

"driver sanctimonious lectures" - what a strange choice of words? How does one "driver" a lecture?

For bears of little brain devoid of the ability to counter an argument, there's always the comfort zone of being able to seize on a typo in this case "driver" for "deliver".Well done.

[Baerboxer]

When are the elections?

What? You're in such a hurry to buy votes to have a bunch of yeah-sayers of MP's to push through an amnesty in the middle of the night for her and the crooks around, too, is it? How typical! And that's what you guys call 'democracy', hmm?!

Or perhaps he (we) just thinks that the Thai people should have the right to select their government rather than any passing general approaching retirement, even if they are egged on by people on this forum whose contempt for the Thai electorate is proudly displayed!

What are you saying? We all know the Thai 'lambda citizens' understand what 'democracy' means, as they are well educated, have high intellectual levels, are able to analyse situations, to develop critical thinking, to make choices of their own, are difficult to influence and would not accept money for their vote!

Believing people are unable to choose their elected leaders because u suppose they are illeducated is a little superior don't u think.

There are thick people all over the world supporting political parties.

You are of course correct but you are too gentle with this nonsensical and ignorant post.

Somebody who uses the expression " high intellectual levels" when he presumably means "intelligence" is not in a position to driver sanctimonious lectures.

Again we have an example of the dullard's inability to distinguish between education and intelligence.The distinction is rather crucial.In any case all the evidence suggests that Thais of all backgrounds are perfectly capable of deciding how voting will improve the lives of their families and communities.

It is also an absurd idea to believe that the well educated and well off vote in a "purer" mode than their less favoured fellow citizens.

The suggestion that elections in Thailand are won by vote buying is a weary canard.No serious person believes this now though it has some currency among the ignorant and prejudiced.

"driver sanctimonious lectures" - what a strange choice of words? How does one "driver" a lecture?

For bears of little brain devoid of the ability to counter an argument, there's always the comfort zone of being able to seize on a typo in this case "driver" for "deliver".Well done.

For jayboy's of inflated egos the validity of their often erudite comments become masked by the constant need for condescending pomposity.

Those unable to discuss other's views in a balanced way and resorting to insults and sarcasm, believing it some how shows them to be clever rather than simply biased and inadequate loose credibility,

Sad really, and perhaps deserves empathy.

[Baerboxer]

When are the elections?

What? You're in such a hurry to buy votes to have a bunch of yeah-sayers of MP's to push through an amnesty in the middle of the night for her and the crooks around, too, is it? How typical! And that's what you guys call 'democracy', hmm?!

Or perhaps he (we) just thinks that the Thai people should have the right to select their government rather than any passing general approaching retirement, even if they are egged on by people on this forum whose contempt for the Thai electorate is proudly displayed!

What are you saying? We all know the Thai 'lambda citizens' understand what 'democracy' means, as they are well educated, have high intellectual levels, are able to analyse situations, to develop critical thinking, to make choices of their own, are difficult to influence and would not accept money for their vote!

Believing people are unable to choose their elected leaders because u suppose they are illeducated is a little superior don't u think.

There are thick people all over the world supporting political parties.

You are of course correct but you are too gentle with this nonsensical and ignorant post.

Somebody who uses the expression " high intellectual levels" when he presumably means "intelligence" is not in a position to driver sanctimonious lectures.

Again we have an example of the dullard's inability to distinguish between education and intelligence.The distinction is rather crucial.In any case all the evidence suggests that Thais of all backgrounds are perfectly capable of deciding how voting will improve the lives of their families and communities.

It is also an absurd idea to believe that the well educated and well off vote in a "purer" mode than their less favoured fellow citizens.

The suggestion that elections in Thailand are won by vote buying is a weary canard.No serious person believes this now though it has some currency among the ignorant and prejudiced.

Last week Pheu Thai issued a statement about the wonderfull RPPS. They claim to have paid 800 billion Baht directly to 3.7 million rice farming families representing 23% of the Thai population.

Now that's what I call vote buying new style and the party is even proud of it. Seems they try hard to let everyone forget they positioned the scam as 'self-financing' and that they even let the blanket amnesty bill cover till 2013-08-09, the first two years Yingluck mal-administration.

So the last government fulfilled its pledge of supporting the relatively disadvantaged majority rural population.It should be applauded for that even if there were flaws in implementation.

Meanwhile the urban population particularly Bangkok has for decades enjoyed vastly disproportionate government funds directed at health services,education and infrastructure.That is the true vote buying scandal which somehow the apologists for repression never happen to mention.

When I hear Juntophiles complaining about "populism" and "vote buying" the hypocrisy not to mention the extreme stupidity makes me want to retch.

And when you read a report, say the World Bank one, that comments how little money reach the poor farmers (maybe 4% and let's not forget the poorest were excluded), does that hypocrisy make you retch too?

Or when you read of Thaksin bragging in Forbes that the amply rich Shin clan are now even more amply rich thanks to their fortune growing 450% during the years of his sisters government - does that make you retch?

Or when PTP's clever minister Plod told environment protesters they were garbage and he'd have them arrested; or when he told Phuket they wouldn't get a Convention Center because they didn't vote PTP - does that make you retch?

Or like other Thaksinistas is it only those who oppose the Shin autocracy that make you retch?

[English 1]

Another crafty Thaksin move!

Delaying the end of the trial hoping there is an Election beforehand!

NO CHANCE !!

More fool the Government to allow hundreds of Defence Witnesses.

They should bring the trial to a quick ending and not listen to a load of bullshit and lies.

Really that family are the absolute 'pits' regarding honesty and morality.

They have no shame whatsoever.

[English 1]

When are the elections?

What? You're in such a hurry to buy votes to have a bunch of yeah-sayers of MP's to push through an amnesty in the middle of the night for her and the crooks around, too, is it? How typical! And that's what you guys call 'democracy', hmm?!

Or perhaps he (we) just thinks that the Thai people should have the right to select their government rather than any passing general approaching retirement, even if they are egged on by people on this forum whose contempt for the Thai electorate is proudly displayed!

What are you saying? We all know the Thai 'lambda citizens' understand what 'democracy' means, as they are well educated, have high intellectual levels, are able to analyse situations, to develop critical thinking, to make choices of their own, are difficult to influence and would not accept money for their vote!

Believing people are unable to choose their elected leaders because u suppose they are illeducated is a little superior don't u think.

There are thick people all over the world supporting political parties.

You are of course correct but you are too gentle with this nonsensical and ignorant post.

Somebody who uses the expression " high intellectual levels" when he presumably means "intelligence" is not in a position to driver sanctimonious lectures.

Again we have an example of the dullard's inability to distinguish between education and intelligence.The distinction is rather crucial.In any case all the evidence suggests that Thais of all backgrounds are perfectly capable of deciding how voting will improve the lives of their families and communities.

It is also an absurd idea to believe that the well educated and well off vote in a "purer" mode than their less favoured fellow citizens.

The suggestion that elections in Thailand are won by vote buying is a weary canard.No serious person believes this now though it has some currency among the ignorant and prejudiced.

"driver sanctimonious lectures" - what a strange choice of words? How does one "driver" a lecture?

For bears of little brain devoid of the ability to counter an argument, there's always the comfort zone of being able to seize on a typo in this case "driver" for "deliver".Well done.