NE people unhappy with life after military take-over

[billd766]

Interesting..

I live in the northeast and people here really do not seem to care much one way or the other.

Live for the common person has not changed much at all since the change in government.

People are too busy with their daily lives, feeding the family, worrying about the weather and working on their farms to pay much attention

Life goes on, and it's really pretty much the same.

It is pretty much the same attitude in rural Khampaeng Phet where I live.

The Thais know that it doesn't really matter which government is in power, red, yellow or green, they will still not be much better off.

[daveAustin]

Having their democratic right to choose a leader and a government being taken away maybe?, just a wild guess

There has been no democracy in Thailand at any time. If you think the Shins were democratically elected, that's up to you.

[JimGant]

I would like to see the reasons why the people are not happy.

Well, since the coup, there's been a drought, thus no rice crop -- and no income. Thus, things have gotten worse since the coup, ergo, it's the coup's fault. Nevermind gasoline prices have gone down, I still pay the same amount for food and shelter, I still go through the same daily routine I've always gone through. And life as I've known it hasn't changed one iota -- exccept for no rice crop -- because that dastardly coup crowd has stopped the rain.

Now, the seditionists and the ivory tower academics tell me I'd be happy if I could just could vote in somebody else. Especially if that somebody wore a red shirt. Since we know that under the reds only floods, not droughts, are the norm. If only we had the vote.....it might rain again.

Kinda reminds me of a Western reporter's interview of a group of middle class Chinese (in secret). When asked whether or not they felt cheated because they couldn't elect their government officials, they laughed. What difference would that make -- the important thing was that the country's leaders continued the policies that had put the country on the current economic fast track. Democracy? No, that would not guarantee the best person lead the country. And actually, one party rule did a pretty good job of vetting the leadership. As they pointed out the giant leap forward China had made in the previous few decades.

Democracy equals happiness? Only in the mind of an idealist.

[Prbkk]

Why is it then that virtually everyone I speak with in Bangkok expresses some measure of unhappiness, particularly in respect of income levels and business activity? Admittedly my dealings are mostly with the 'little people' rather than the big end of town...but there is a very evident frustration with the state of affairs, no mistake, plain as day.

[MZurf]

I would like to see the reasons why the people are not happy.

Well, since the coup, there's been a drought, thus no rice crop -- and no income. Thus, things have gotten worse since the coup, ergo, it's the coup's fault. Nevermind gasoline prices have gone down, I still pay the same amount for food and shelter, I still go through the same daily routine I've always gone through. And life as I've known it hasn't changed one iota -- exccept for no rice crop -- because that dastardly coup crowd has stopped the rain.

Now, the seditionists and the ivory tower academics tell me I'd be happy if I could just could vote in somebody else. Especially if that somebody wore a red shirt. Since we know that under the reds only floods, not droughts, are the norm. If only we had the vote.....it might rain again.

Kinda reminds me of a Western reporter's interview of a group of middle class Chinese (in secret). When asked whether or not they felt cheated because they couldn't elect their government officials, they laughed. What difference would that make -- the important thing was that the country's leaders continued the policies that had put the country on the current economic fast track. Democracy? No, that would not guarantee the best person lead the country. And actually, one party rule did a pretty good job of vetting the leadership. As they pointed out the giant leap forward China had made in the previous few decades.

Democracy equals happiness? Only in the mind of an idealist.

Rarely have I read a sadder post lauding autocratic rule.

[oldsailor35]

This has got to be "bull crap" as i recently saw a report by the Prayuth government, where they had done a survey and found that 83% of the population thought that he is doing a great job.......so there!

[heybruce]

It's not difficult to figure out.

The northeast is unhappy. Once again the elected government they voted for overwhelmingly has been toppled in a military coup.

The central region is happy. The central region includes Bangkok, and the coup was staged to take power from the Thai majority, which live in the provinces, and keep it in Bangkok.

If the poll results are correct (always a big 'if' with Thai polls), the results are unsurprising.

[Nickymaster]

Unhappy or not as happy? Never mind, go for it guys!!

[Nickymaster]

Why is it then that virtually everyone I speak with in Bangkok expresses some measure of unhappiness, particularly in respect of income levels and business activity? Admittedly my dealings are mostly with the 'little people' rather than the big end of town...but there is a very evident frustration with the state of affairs, no mistake, plain as day.

Been here for a few decades. Most people I meet are happy with the current situation. Well.... Edited May 22, 2016 by Nickymaster

[heybruce]

I live in Korat and teach at a large government university! The people I interface with our very happy with the PM and most

do not want an election anytime soon. They want the government to continue looking for and fighting corruption. They give

the PM and his government a thumbs up! It seems to me, the only people wanting elections are the politicians who want to

continue their corruption and buying their elections. Amazing Thailand.

And I think your story smells to high heaven....

I think the people he interfaces with (note he didn't describe them as friends) are either civil service traditionalists or don't trust him enough to speak openly.

[rubl]

Central Thailand has done very well with military rule. The most lucrative bases and purchasing activity is located in the central region.

With the Central Region the 'rice basket' of Thailand I would assume they may have profited most from the previous government's RPPS which the current government stopped. No data on that though.

BTW I wasn't aware the military was buying land to open a few more bases, existing bases seem to have been where they are for decennia.

Note that as usual the article doesn't give any real information.

[jesimps]

I live in the NE and the only difference I can see between the pre and post military takeover is the crackdown on gambling such as hi-low and Bok. Otherwise nothing has changed. I would like to see the reasons why the people are not happy.

Ridiculous post.

If you had an unelected govt ruling you would you be happy?

[manarak]

severe draught...

it's normal that farmers are unhappy.

the poll doesn't say that they are unhappy because of the junta.

[cpofc]

Interesting..

I live in the northeast and people here really do not seem to care much one way or the other.

Live for the common person has not changed much at all since the change in government.

People are too busy with their daily lives, feeding the family, worrying about the weather and working on their farms to pay much attention

Life goes on, and it's really pretty much the same.

Don't know about the NE, but where I live it is much the same attitude, no need for any adjustment either. Too busy putting rice on the table and sending their kids to school and working long hours in their jobs to do so.

But then I live in that horrible place, Bangkok. So I would be biased. Having said that, there are no 'Elites' living in Moo Baans around me. Not that I can see.

The ironic part of this is that most Thais I live with or meet on a day to day basis, come from somewhere else. Many from somewhere Isaan originally. I don't meet a lot of Born and Bred Bankokians. You only have to wait for Songkran and watch how the City Of Angles empties itself.

[baboon]

Interesting..

I live in the northeast and people here really do not seem to care much one way or the other.

Live for the common person has not changed much at all since the change in government.

People are too busy with their daily lives, feeding the family, worrying about the weather and working on their farms to pay much attention

Life goes on, and it's really pretty much the same.

You may well be correct. However that does not make staging a coup and all subsequently related events any more acceptable.

[phoenixdoglover]

The poll might be decent, but there is no way to judge from the article by Thai PBS.

The article borders on incoherent, and is certainly incomplete.

And we argue endlessly based on our personal experiences, which is the problem that surveys are supposed to overcome.

Hahaha! Carry on.

By the way, my wife says it is bad now in Khon Kaen province as compared to a few years ago. Loss of large rice subsidy, drought, and squabbling hi-so and "mafia" types in Bangkok. Oh yeah, blather about sufficiency. I can understand her point of view.

[Enoon]

I live in the NE and the only difference I can see between the pre and post military takeover is the crackdown on gambling such as hi-low and Bok. Otherwise nothing has changed. I would like to see the reasons why the people are not happy.

Having their democratic right to choose a leader and a government being taken away maybe?, just a wild guess

Yawn.

Think back 1 step: democracy / democratic leaders ?

Their UDD / red leaders: elected democratically ?

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawn:

Electoral integrity in Thailand - Asia and the Pacific

"In sum, the results of the PEI survey suggest that elections in Thailand are by and large well-administered routine affairs in terms of the technical aspects, and that the existing legal framework does not significantly favor incumbents. Election fraud, vote buying or other forms of manipulation seem to be less problematic and on par with other countries."

Et al.

Edited May 22, 2016 by Enoon

[TKDfella]

I live in Korat and teach at a large government university! The people I interface with our very happy with the PM and most

do not want an election anytime soon. They want the government to continue looking for and fighting corruption. They give

the PM and his government a thumbs up! It seems to me, the only people wanting elections are the politicians who want to

continue their corruption and buying their elections. Amazing Thailand.

And I think your story smells to high heaven....

MZurf, I agree especially when tomwct uses 'interface' instead of 'interact'. What is a crystal black or the interface of 'oil' and water' Ha! Interface is the area or place where the interaction takes place. I wonder what he teaches?

[jesimps]

Interesting..

I live in the northeast and people here really do not seem to care much one way or the other.

Live for the common person has not changed much at all since the change in government.

People are too busy with their daily lives, feeding the family, worrying about the weather and working on their farms to pay much attention

Life goes on, and it's really pretty much the same.

Hardly surprising. To show that you care is asking for an invite to AA as many will testify.

[rubl]

Interesting..

I live in the northeast and people here really do not seem to care much one way or the other.

Live for the common person has not changed much at all since the change in government.

People are too busy with their daily lives, feeding the family, worrying about the weather and working on their farms to pay much attention

Life goes on, and it's really pretty much the same.

You may well be correct. However that does not make staging a coup and all subsequently related events any more acceptable.

Of course not, neither does it make a blanket amnesty for the right people or paying 870 billion Baht directly to farmers who are still poor more acceptable.

In the mean time life goes on and mostly foreign posters complain.

[jesimps]

Interesting..

I live in the northeast and people here really do not seem to care much one way or the other.

Live for the common person has not changed much at all since the change in government.

People are too busy with their daily lives, feeding the family, worrying about the weather and working on their farms to pay much attention

Life goes on, and it's really pretty much the same.

You may well be correct. However that does not make staging a coup and all subsequently related events any more acceptable.

Of course not, neither does it make a blanket amnesty for the right people or paying 870 billion Baht directly to farmers who are still poor more acceptable.

In the mean time life goes on and mostly foreign posters complain.

Surprised a fanboy has the cheek to mention amnesties. Talk about hypocrisy. Edited May 22, 2016 by jesimps

[Enoon]

I live in the NE and the only difference I can see between the pre and post military takeover is the crackdown on gambling such as hi-low and Bok. Otherwise nothing has changed. I would like to see the reasons why the people are not happy.

Having their democratic right to choose a leader and a government being taken away maybe?, just a wild guess

Yawn.

Think back 1 step: democracy / democratic leaders ?

Their UDD / red leaders: elected democratically ?

Double post

Edited May 22, 2016 by Enoon

[baboon]

Interesting..

I live in the northeast and people here really do not seem to care much one way or the other.

Live for the common person has not changed much at all since the change in government.

People are too busy with their daily lives, feeding the family, worrying about the weather and working on their farms to pay much attention

Life goes on, and it's really pretty much the same.

You may well be correct. However that does not make staging a coup and all subsequently related events any more acceptable.

Of course not, neither does it make a blanket amnesty for the right people or paying 870 billion Baht directly to farmers who are still poor more acceptable.

In the mean time life goes on and mostly foreign posters complain.

I certainly agree that the coup makers granting themselves a blanket amnesty is also not acceptable, but how do you know what Thai posters have to say in their forums?

[thai3]

Having their democratic right to choose a leader and a government being taken away maybe?, just a wild guess

There has been no democracy in Thailand at any time. If you think the Shins were democratically elected, that's up to you.

People had the vote and the shins won landslide elections, if you want to buy into the myth that it was bought and that the democrats never paid for votes, that's up to you.

[johnatong]

Democrazy is wonderful stuff!. Imposed by the Americans on the ME and Afghanistan with great success !

Return Thailand to "democrazy" and once again the population will be terrorised by violent bomb throwing, gun shooting, rioting, shirted mobs.

How soon would Y'all like things returned to "normal" ?

[phoenixdoglover]

Interesting..

I live in the northeast and people here really do not seem to care much one way or the other.

Live for the common person has not changed much at all since the change in government.

People are too busy with their daily lives, feeding the family, worrying about the weather and working on their farms to pay much attention

Life goes on, and it's really pretty much the same.

You may well be correct. However that does not make staging a coup and all subsequently related events any more acceptable.

Of course not, neither does it make a blanket amnesty for the right people or paying 870 billion Baht directly to farmers who are still poor more acceptable.

In the mean time life goes on and mostly foreign posters complain.

I certainly agree that the coup makers granting themselves a blanket amnesty is also not acceptable, but how do you know what Thai posters have to say in their forums?

I don't read Thai forums, but I do have a bunch of Thai "friends" on Facebook. I have been asking my wife to translate shared posts that feature recognizable Thai political figures.

Let's just say I can understand why the current PM is irritable. Now where is that ICT guy with the single gateway!

[MZurf]

You may well be correct. However that does not make staging a coup and all subsequently related events any more acceptable.

Of course not, neither does it make a blanket amnesty for the right people or paying 870 billion Baht directly to farmers who are still poor more acceptable.

In the mean time life goes on and mostly foreign posters complain.

I certainly agree that the coup makers granting themselves a blanket amnesty is also not acceptable, but how do you know what Thai posters have to say in their forums?

I don't read Thai forums, but I do have a bunch of Thai "friends" on Facebook. I have been asking my wife to translate shared posts that feature recognizable Thai political figures.

Let's just say I can understand why the current PM is irritable. Now where is that ICT guy with the single gateway!

Same with me. The wife sometimes shows me stuff that's being posted on Facebook about the cantankerous one and I always remind her not to touch the like "button" as it's pretty heady stuff.

[baboon]

Democrazy is wonderful stuff!. Imposed by the Americans on the ME and Afghanistan with great success !

Return Thailand to "democrazy" and once again the population will be terrorised by violent bomb throwing, gun shooting, rioting, shirted mobs.

How soon would Y'all like things returned to "normal" ?

As soon as elections can be held so people can decide for themselves what they want, messy though it will be for a good while. It beats being bossed about by the self - appointed.

[Pimay1]

I live in the NE and the only difference I can see between the pre and post military takeover is the crackdown on gambling such as hi-low and Bok. Otherwise nothing has changed. I would like to see the reasons why the people are not happy.

Ridiculous post.

If you had an unelected govt ruling you would you be happy?

I do have and I am.

[Mook23]

All will be invited for AA!

No no, the rulers will tell them the classic: No like here go back home. In their case that will be ... communist Laos!