Here to stay: Soldiers on Phuket streets to ‘bolster’ police efforts, take down influential figures

[dageurreotype]

i am stunned by the expats that think this situation is normal...are you insane , history has many terrible examples of what comes next

Appears to be pretty normal in Paris now http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/15/paris-attacks-operation-sentinelle-soldiers-patrolling-streets-france-safer

Doubt the French are in fear of being hauled off to camps. However, do agree possibly a mix of 'assisting' the local RTP with possibility of sharing of spoils? However, not sure something to get one's knickers in a twist about. They do still appear to care very much about the tourist sector and wouldn't think they'd want to have them scared off?

[peteregion]

i am stunned by the expats that think this situation is normal...are you insane , history has many terrible examples of what comes next

Appears to be pretty normal in Paris now http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/15/paris-attacks-operation-sentinelle-soldiers-patrolling-streets-france-safer

Doubt the French are in fear of being hauled off to camps. However, do agree possibly a mix of 'assisting' the local RTP with possibility of sharing of spoils? However, not sure something to get one's knickers in a twist about. They do still appear to care very much about the tourist sector and wouldn't think they'd want to have them scared off?

Interestingly many Thais that I met and spoken to have very different opinion with the Farangs in TV. Many Thais told me it is much better these days with the Army going after the corruptions, the mafias, the illegal activities. I purposely asked and speaked to the many Thais that came home to the village from all over during Songkran. Many seemed a happier lot today though they admitted it is harder and more restricted to do certain things these days.

[Ulic]

Either the army wants to keep the police in check, or they want their cut. Not really sure.

[NamKangMan]

"take down influential figures" - the Thai Army has been in control for near 2 years, and to date, from memory, I can not recall one influential figure on Phuket who has been arrested, charged, prosecuted and gaoled.

Phuket doesn't have much to show for the last 2 years under military rule. There has been no real positive change here, due to their intervention, except for some beach encroachment clearing.

Exactly correct - lot of talk about bringing criminal charges against many mayors and their cohorts. Not heard of any one of them even getting as far as court.

All the army have to show is a beach clearance of all the chair clutter (now creeping back in) and removing all the taxi driver hang out (also creeping back again).

Plus limited progress on checking out illegal encroachment of public land. Again, never heard of any corrupt land officials even getting as far as court.

Talked with my Thai wife about whether the army is corrupt - she laughed and said yes army is corrupt if they can get the chance.

"she laughed and said yes army is corrupt if they can get the chance." - corruption is part of Thai culture and society, and the Thai Army are well and truly in "the game."

[NamKangMan]

Either the army wants to keep the police in check, or they want their cut. Not really sure.

I would say, both.

[NamKangMan]

i am stunned by the expats that think this situation is normal...are you insane , history has many terrible examples of what comes next

Appears to be pretty normal in Paris now http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/15/paris-attacks-operation-sentinelle-soldiers-patrolling-streets-france-safer

Doubt the French are in fear of being hauled off to camps. However, do agree possibly a mix of 'assisting' the local RTP with possibility of sharing of spoils? However, not sure something to get one's knickers in a twist about. They do still appear to care very much about the tourist sector and wouldn't think they'd want to have them scared off?

Interestingly many Thais that I met and spoken to have very different opinion with the Farangs in TV. Many Thais told me it is much better these days with the Army going after the corruptions, the mafias, the illegal activities. I purposely asked and speaked to the many Thais that came home to the village from all over during Songkran. Many seemed a happier lot today though they admitted it is harder and more restricted to do certain things these days.

Of course they "seemed a happier lot" - it was Songkran.

Did you ask them what direct positive changes the coup delivered to them?

Did they receive their their share of "peace and happiness?"

[kaorop]

in reply, this is what you claimed 2 years ago

[johnatong]

I am married to a Thai and she has many Thai friends who welcome the armies presence and despise the ignorant falangs who make ridiculous posts in this forum .

Yes, my wife's Thai friends speak, read and write English and therefore understand the nonsense posted here.

[sanukjim]

Man,Will this really cut into the bib's monthly bribe take!

[sanukjim]

WOW, This will sure cut into the monthly money intake for the bib.Have to change the plans for that new Merc.

[geriatrickid]

Quaint post, g'kid knows exactly who I mean.

You made the claim that you see nothing but positive. Fine. I asked you to provide examples, but all you could do is avoid an honest answer and vomit up the same tired excuse to justify the military rule. I gave you the courtesy of explaining why it has not improved and has in fact deteriorated. You could not provide an intelligent response.

[NamKangMan]

I am married to a Thai and she has many Thai friends who welcome the armies presence and despise the ignorant falangs who make ridiculous posts in this forum .

Yes, my wife's Thai friends speak, read and write English and therefore understand the nonsense posted here.

Did they say why they welcomed the Army's presence, and what positive effects the Army's presence has had on their lives?

[phuketandsee]

Maybe there is more to this. They may be on the streets for another reason. Let's see if it spreads.

[phuketandsee]

And as for fighting corruption - where is the follow-up on the Thias mentioned in the Panama Papers? Gone awfully quiet on that front don't you think (in contrast with every civilized country).

[Denim]

What's the old saying :

Here to stay , gone tomorrow.

Or something like that

[seedy]

Lese Majeste post Removed. Suspension issued

Flaming post Removed