Bomb Threats In Bangkok

[hammered]

There have been a bunch of bomb scares at schools in Chonburi today. Just picked my kiddie up. People want something done is not an understatement. Threats against kids aint going down well. I dont need to say who everyone and I mean everyone is blaming. This province turned on him a long time ago.

Excuse me but this is pure lunacy if you are suggesting Thaksin has a hand in bomb hoaxes at local schools in Chonburi.Beyond comment really and I thought I had seen paranoia reach new peaks on this forum.

If you read what I wrote you would realize that I am reporting the reaction of concerned (and maybe paranoid) parents to threats that are being made against their children. The effect of the daily threats is making people understandably angry. Threats against children are not something many would concur with. Who the parents want to blame is up to them. This is all about politics. Yesterday there were multiple bomb hoaxes around Chonburi. To think that they were not linked would be stupid, so the level of anger of people is in my view understandable. I will however, leave it to the people of Thailand to draw the conclusions of who was ultimately behind it all, and I severaly doubt whether the mastermind(s) will end up in court. However, people do want soemthing done and they do have their opinions that are increasingly being voiced.

Point taken Hammered. In my earlier email, I should have specified that I was attributing a mob mentality to the locals- not to you (I say that because I sincerely respect what you say- whether or not I always agree- and I think you are pretty reasonable). But why do you believe there had to be a master mind? We had bomb threats at numerous schools in a town I used to live in- it was the work of three kids- capitalizing on the events of 9/11.

But also, let's not forget that while many politicos lost influence, (financial and otherwise) an entire class of the society lost it's representation in government. Worse, they lost their 'champion'. Worse yet, they are now being accused of some pretty horrible things. Much more of this baseless finger pointing at people who support(ed) TRT and don't be surprised if the level of violence REALLY escelates. They won't need to be brainwashed, bought off, organized, and/or manipulated into acts demonstrating their anger at the regime. And they sure won't need a mastermind.

Cheers for that.

On the mastermind(s). I think there must be someone or some people organizing things in general. I include the "s" because I believe it is not beyond the realms of possibility that there are different disaffected groups actually now working independently. Taking the example of the non-southern school burning which has happened in very different locations, I would guess that the burning organized in Kampheng Phet is organized by different people to that in say Buri Ram although they may both be linked by coming form under the same initial umbrella group. It may or may not be the case that there is an overall mastermind but there will at least be local masterminds. In fact local masterminds would probably be quite influntial people which would help keep the chance of informants low, and it is surprising that nobody has seen anyting in the school burning cases.

The bomb stuff I wouldnt want to specualte now on who organized it myself.

Yes I can see a lot of the hard support of the previous government still remain and are not happy, but I wouldnt personally put this as a whole class. I think it is a bit more compluicated than that. The previous governments soft support in the areas I know about (Chonburi and a few villages in the Northern region) has largely disintegrated. By soft support I mean those who always seems to back whoever is in power. The ones who love being on the side of the winner (so of course it could return if events reverse course). Of course there is also a flip side to this in that some of the supporters of the current government seem to be having second thoughts although not wanting the return of the old government. It may be more in how support for the current government holds up in Bangkok and surrounding provinces in the middle class and to some degree urban working class that determines whether we will see further demonstrations.

Anyway this is getting highly speculative which was not my intention as the situation seems to me to be very complicated and not easy to read or make assumptions about right now.

[younghusband]

.. an entire class of the society lost it's representation in government. Worse, they lost their 'champion'. Worse yet, they are now being accused of some pretty horrible things. Much more of this baseless finger pointing at people who support(ed) TRT and don't be surprised if the level of violence REALLY escelates. They won't need to be brainwashed, bought off, organized, and/or manipulated into acts demonstrating their anger at the regime. And they sure won't need a mastermind.

I think you seriously overestimate their interest in politics and their anger at the regime. This "sentiment" is evidently not there, though it could be easily whipped up with skillful manipulation.

I don't think anyone in that desinfranchised class supports burning schools, planting bombs, or even making hoax bomb calls. It's the work of relatively few commited individuals, not a mass movement.

I agree with this.There will be no crowd of dissidents descending on Bangkok to man the barricades any time soon, and there is definitely no sympathy at all among ordinary supporters of the former government for the perpetrators of actual or hoax bombing incidents.Equally, very few believe Thaksin has a direct hand in these incidents.Ask an average Thai who is reasonably politically aware who is responsible and in my experience the typical reaction is a slight smile and the words "tham eng" or words to that effect.Actually, I don't believe this myself and personally suspect the minions of high army/police interests who expected more out of the recent coup than they actually got.But that's pure speculation on my part and I could easily be wrong.With respect everyone else on the forum is in the same position.At this stage it's all speculative though I am confident truth will out eventually.

Blaze is also right and taking the long view I am confident that the actions of the Bangkok power elite in recent months resulted in the short term a triumph for their interests.In the long term (ie over say10 years) it represented a disastrous miscalculation because it has let the popular genie out of the bottle.Never again can the majority of the Thai people be ignored and marginalised by the corrupt and selfish few in the way so common in the past.It's possible that the Junta -with the aid of their lackeys- might promulgate some undemocratic constitution and preserve their power for a bit longer.But it's like fighting gravity.The irony is that a greedy and foolish multimillionaire was the catalyst for this change.

[jumnien]

Great post, younghusband. It's amazing that so many who saw Thaksin's flaws (reported daily) so clearly came to support such a right-wing elitist militarist alternative.

[ColPyat]

The irony is that a greedy and foolish multimillionaire was the catalyst for this change.

Very much so.

One trend i do see though, that does concern me a bit is, that many people previously unpolitical are now moving into the opinion, given the worsening security situation and the not exactly competent performance of the junta, that it would be better to have Thaksin back.

Instead of being able to move on to a more true democracy, i fear that we will soon repeat the circle from having weak self serving coalition governments straight back to an authoritarian strongman like Thaksin (or, given Thaksin's age - he himself a few years down the line).

I believe that without the coup it would have only been a matter of time that Thaksin would have been elected out of office. Even before the coup TRT was severely weakened, with many of their key powers having left.

When i speak with the average joe about the bombings, almost all i spoke with have not blamed Thaksin for the bombings, but blamed the government for having allowed the security situation to deteriorate so badly. The are scared of the strange changes in the business laws, scared of the worsening economic situation, angry that the situation in the south is getting worse.

And that is what later on will be the deciding matter in elections - the perception of the people. Unless the government comes up with clear links and evidence to Thaksin or TRT, and convictions - their statements pointing at TRT (people in the "old regime" who "lost power") will backfire badly.

Fact is, that very little has been reached in the 4 months after the coup, other than mostly symbolic actions such as the revocation of Thaksin's diplomatic passport, and panels of inquiry without much real progress.

The junta has failed to show that they can govern the country, has failed to sway Thaksin supporters to understand the reasons for their coup and even support them.

That does not mean that at the present situation we will see hords of upcountry folks descending on Bangkok to demand a return of Thaksin, but it means that if he would ever stand for election again - people will remember that they have had it better under him than under his opponents.

The more incompetent decisions of the present government - the less people will care if Thaksin was corrupt, even if one day convicted. Simply because people had it better under him, felt safer, and were economically more secure. And that is the deciding factor in elections.

[blaze]

The irony is that a greedy and foolish multimillionaire was the catalyst for this change.

Very much so.

One trend i do see though, that does concern me a bit is, that many people previously unpolitical are now moving into the opinion, given the worsening security situation and the not exactly competent performance of the junta, that it would be better to have Thaksin back.

Instead of being able to move on to a more true democracy, i fear that we will soon repeat the circle from having weak self serving coalition governments straight back to an authoritarian strongman like Thaksin (or, given Thaksin's age - he himself a few years down the line).

I believe that without the coup it would have only been a matter of time that Thaksin would have been elected out of office. Even before the coup TRT was severely weakened, with many of their key powers having left.

When i speak with the average joe about the bombings, almost all i spoke with have not blamed Thaksin for the bombings, but blamed the government for having allowed the security situation to deteriorate so badly. The are scared of the strange changes in the business laws, scared of the worsening economic situation, angry that the situation in the south is getting worse.

And that is what later on will be the deciding matter in elections - the perception of the people. Unless the government comes up with clear links and evidence to Thaksin or TRT, and convictions - their statements pointing at TRT (people in the "old regime" who "lost power") will backfire badly.

Fact is, that very little has been reached in the 4 months after the coup, other than mostly symbolic actions such as the revocation of Thaksin's diplomatic passport, and panels of inquiry without much real progress.

The junta has failed to show that they can govern the country, has failed to sway Thaksin supporters to understand the reasons for their coup and even support them.

That does not mean that at the present situation we will see hords of upcountry folks descending on Bangkok to demand a return of Thaksin, but it means that if he would ever stand for election again - people will remember that they have had it better under him than under his opponents.

The more incompetent decisions of the present government - the less people will care if Thaksin was corrupt, even if one day convicted. Simply because people had it better under him, felt safer, and were economically more secure. And that is the deciding factor in elections.

And if the rich think they had it tough under Taksin- wait till a real socialist demagogue ala Moreles or Chavez arises - something that could happen within the next few years. It will be the ELITES calling for Taksin to come home.

[Plus]

It's a but early to speculate on how political situation will develop after the elections. Democrats will most certainly push for decentralisation and giving away power and budget to local administrations.

I don't think that the present goverment, and event the generals behind it, have a totally different view of the country's future development.

No one expects anything done in that direction right after the coup, junta's actions so far are no indicator of future policies.

It's incorrect to imply that the coup was staged to take away the power from rural population and return it to the old elite.

[Nawtilus]

My faith and confidence fully restored today in Thai ability to deal with such actions.

Today, kids day, decided to take them to seacon square, sight of new years bomb, simply because firstly they have a great ride and game area on the top level and secondly, I figured the security here would be huge and the chances of lightning in the same place twice etc.

So we wander in the entrance, no guards on the street at car and taxi entrance, enter the shopping area and 12 police and guards are all seated behind some tables, chatting away and perving on the ladies. Metal detector firmly placed on the table and not moved.

No checks, no looks, no nuttin, pathetic really.

Whereas later in the day, robinsons on ratchada had all cars being checked with missors and army armed guards all around the place walking around all areas.

Also on the way to seacon, good to see road blocks, simply waiving everyone through, which lucky for us was ok as we had 2 bodies in the boot from a coupla nights ago.

[younghusband]

It's a but early to speculate on how political situation will develop after the elections. Democrats will most certainly push for decentralisation and giving away power and budget to local administrations.

I don't think that the present goverment, and event the generals behind it, have a totally different view of the country's future development.

No one expects anything done in that direction right after the coup, junta's actions so far are no indicator of future policies.

It's incorrect to imply that the coup was staged to take away the power from rural population and return it to the old elite.

On your last sentence I would have to agree, given that the old elite (good phrase by the way) already had the main levers of power.To deal with these complicated matters with one liners is difficult and probably misleading but I would tentatively respond by suggesting the coup was organised by the old elite to pre-empt alternative and potent power structures.Both old elite and alternative power structure were in contention for the rural majority, but the latter more successfully.

[blaze]

It's a but early to speculate on how political situation will develop after the elections. Democrats will most certainly push for decentralisation and giving away power and budget to local administrations.

I don't think that the present goverment, and event the generals behind it, have a totally different view of the country's future development.

No one expects anything done in that direction right after the coup, junta's actions so far are no indicator of future policies.

It's incorrect to imply that the coup was staged to take away the power from rural population and return it to the old elite.

On your last sentence I would have to agree, given that the old elite (good phrase by the way) already had the main levers of power.To deal with these complicated matters with one liners is difficult and probably misleading but I would tentatively respond by suggesting the coup was organised by the old elite to pre-empt alternative and potent power structures.Both old elite and alternative power structure were in contention for the rural majority, but the latter more successfully.

A neat analysis Younghusband and makes a lot of sense. Do you think the coup would have been possible without the groundlaying efforts of the PAD? Where does the Bangkok middle class fit in all this? 'useful idiots'?

[bkkandrew]

The irony is that a greedy and foolish multimillionaire was the catalyst for this change.

Very much so.

One trend i do see though, that does concern me a bit is, that many people previously unpolitical are now moving into the opinion, given the worsening security situation and the not exactly competent performance of the junta, that it would be better to have Thaksin back.

Instead of being able to move on to a more true democracy, i fear that we will soon repeat the circle from having weak self serving coalition governments straight back to an authoritarian strongman like Thaksin (or, given Thaksin's age - he himself a few years down the line).

I believe that without the coup it would have only been a matter of time that Thaksin would have been elected out of office. Even before the coup TRT was severely weakened, with many of their key powers having left.

When i speak with the average joe about the bombings, almost all i spoke with have not blamed Thaksin for the bombings, but blamed the government for having allowed the security situation to deteriorate so badly. The are scared of the strange changes in the business laws, scared of the worsening economic situation, angry that the situation in the south is getting worse.

And that is what later on will be the deciding matter in elections - the perception of the people. Unless the government comes up with clear links and evidence to Thaksin or TRT, and convictions - their statements pointing at TRT (people in the "old regime" who "lost power") will backfire badly.

Fact is, that very little has been reached in the 4 months after the coup, other than mostly symbolic actions such as the revocation of Thaksin's diplomatic passport, and panels of inquiry without much real progress.

The junta has failed to show that they can govern the country, has failed to sway Thaksin supporters to understand the reasons for their coup and even support them.

That does not mean that at the present situation we will see hords of upcountry folks descending on Bangkok to demand a return of Thaksin, but it means that if he would ever stand for election again - people will remember that they have had it better under him than under his opponents.

The more incompetent decisions of the present government - the less people will care if Thaksin was corrupt, even if one day convicted. Simply because people had it better under him, felt safer, and were economically more secure. And that is the deciding factor in elections.

On your final point, it does seem that perhaps this has been considered by the CNS and may be a reason for planting the bombs (if it was them). If they have analysed their quandary they would be employing every trick in the book to avoid and delay elections that could bring back the prospect of Mr T, together, as surely as night follows day, with the prospect of their prosecution and encarceration...

Edited January 13, 2007 by bkkandrew

[ColPyat]

If they have analysed their quandary they would be employing every trick in the book to avoid and delay elections that could bring back the prospect of Mr T, together, as surely as night follows day, with the prospect of their prosecution and encarceration...

I am not going into any speculation about the bombings, but regarding the delaying of the elections - if that might happen for whatever reason - the people here will not stand for that, and so will not most lower ranked soldiers, who mostly are not exactly in favour of the coup even now.

In such a case the military will end up more isolated than at the end of the Suchinda rule.

The junta has now not more than 8 months time to come up with a constitution that has to be ratified by the people, has to organise elections, and has to try, and better convict Thaksin of the crimes they have accused him off, and with due process. The clock is ticking.

[younghusband]

It's a but early to speculate on how political situation will develop after the elections. Democrats will most certainly push for decentralisation and giving away power and budget to local administrations.

I don't think that the present goverment, and event the generals behind it, have a totally different view of the country's future development.

No one expects anything done in that direction right after the coup, junta's actions so far are no indicator of future policies.

It's incorrect to imply that the coup was staged to take away the power from rural population and return it to the old elite.

On your last sentence I would have to agree, given that the old elite (good phrase by the way) already had the main levers of power.To deal with these complicated matters with one liners is difficult and probably misleading but I would tentatively respond by suggesting the coup was organised by the old elite to pre-empt alternative and potent power structures.Both old elite and alternative power structure were in contention for the rural majority, but the latter more successfully.

A neat analysis Younghusband and makes a lot of sense. Do you think the coup would have been possible without the groundlaying efforts of the PAD? Where does the Bangkok middle class fit in all this? 'useful idiots'?

In explaining historical events one often finds that separate strands come together, and intertwine.I think its important not to lose sight of Thaksin's abuse of power which deeply offended many decent people.Nevertheless your reference to Lenin's famous phrase "useful idiots" probably does have some relevance to the efforts of PAD and the Bangkok middle class.As most of us who have contact with the Bangkok haute bourgeoise are aware, the power elite had turned against Thaksin long before the middle classes were mobilised on to the streets.I think the coup could have taken place without the groundlaying efforts you refer to but it would have been clumsier and possibly bloodier than the very well executed and pr savvy event that actually did occur.

One is reminded a little of the war in Iraq, the initial brilliant execution followed by incompetence,folly and disaster resulting in a regime that in many ways that is worse than its predecessor.

[hammered]

It's a but early to speculate on how political situation will develop after the elections. Democrats will most certainly push for decentralisation and giving away power and budget to local administrations.

I don't think that the present goverment, and event the generals behind it, have a totally different view of the country's future development.

No one expects anything done in that direction right after the coup, junta's actions so far are no indicator of future policies.

It's incorrect to imply that the coup was staged to take away the power from rural population and return it to the old elite.

On your last sentence I would have to agree, given that the old elite (good phrase by the way) already had the main levers of power.To deal with these complicated matters with one liners is difficult and probably misleading but I would tentatively respond by suggesting the coup was organised by the old elite to pre-empt alternative and potent power structures.Both old elite and alternative power structure were in contention for the rural majority, but the latter more successfully.

A neat analysis Younghusband and makes a lot of sense. Do you think the coup would have been possible without the groundlaying efforts of the PAD? Where does the Bangkok middle class fit in all this? 'useful idiots'?

In explaining historical events one often finds that separate strands come together, and intertwine.I think its important not to lose sight of Thaksin's abuse of power which deeply offended many decent people.Nevertheless your reference to Lenin's famous phrase "useful idiots" probably does have some relevance to the efforts of PAD and the Bangkok middle class.As most of us who have contact with the Bangkok haute bourgeoise are aware, the power elite had turned against Thaksin long before the middle classes were mobilised on to the streets.I think the coup could have taken place without the groundlaying efforts you refer to but it would have been clumsier and possibly bloodier than the very well executed and pr savvy event that actually did occur.

One is reminded a little of the war in Iraq, the initial brilliant execution followed by incompetence,folly and disaster resulting in a regime that in many ways that is worse than its predecessor.

The following article although writtten in May last year and hence a tad dated does include some interesting analysis on what we have lived through recently. The article is quite long.

http://newleftreview.org/?page=article&view=2615

[blaze]

It's a but early to speculate on how political situation will develop after the elections. Democrats will most certainly push for decentralisation and giving away power and budget to local administrations.

I don't think that the present goverment, and event the generals behind it, have a totally different view of the country's future development.

No one expects anything done in that direction right after the coup, junta's actions so far are no indicator of future policies.

It's incorrect to imply that the coup was staged to take away the power from rural population and return it to the old elite.

On your last sentence I would have to agree, given that the old elite (good phrase by the way) already had the main levers of power.To deal with these complicated matters with one liners is difficult and probably misleading but I would tentatively respond by suggesting the coup was organised by the old elite to pre-empt alternative and potent power structures.Both old elite and alternative power structure were in contention for the rural majority, but the latter more successfully.

A neat analysis Younghusband and makes a lot of sense. Do you think the coup would have been possible without the groundlaying efforts of the PAD? Where does the Bangkok middle class fit in all this? 'useful idiots'?

In explaining historical events one often finds that separate strands come together, and intertwine.I think its important not to lose sight of Thaksin's abuse of power which deeply offended many decent people.Nevertheless your reference to Lenin's famous phrase "useful idiots" probably does have some relevance to the efforts of PAD and the Bangkok middle class.As most of us who have contact with the Bangkok haute bourgeoise are aware, the power elite had turned against Thaksin long before the middle classes were mobilised on to the streets.I think the coup could have taken place without the groundlaying efforts you refer to but it would have been clumsier and possibly bloodier than the very well executed and pr savvy event that actually did occur.

One is reminded a little of the war in Iraq, the initial brilliant execution followed by incompetence,folly and disaster resulting in a regime that in many ways that is worse than its predecessor.

The following article although writtten in May last year and hence a tad dated does include some interesting analysis on what we have lived through recently. The article is quite long.

http://newleftreview.org/?page=article&view=2615

Thank you for that Hammered. Best two hours I've spent in a long time.

[ColPyat]

The following article although writtten in May last year and hence a tad dated does include some interesting analysis on what we have lived through recently. The article is quite long.

http://newleftreview.org/?page=article&view=2615

Be careful with that one - when i gave a link to this excellent article a month ago i was labeled a "communist".

But yes, this article shows very well some of the complexities Thailand is facing.

[blaze]

The following article although writtten in May last year and hence a tad dated does include some interesting analysis on what we have lived through recently. The article is quite long.

http://newleftreview.org/?page=article&view=2615

Be careful with that one - when i gave a link to this excellent article a month ago i was labeled a "communist".

But yes, this article shows very well some of the complexities Thailand is facing.

Well if that's a communist analysis, Ol' Karl would be rolling in his grave. (the 'Ol Karl' reference courtesy of that life long Bolshie, Chuck (the Red) Berry.)

Edited January 14, 2007 by blaze

[swindonabroad]

Wouldnt let me start a new topic so will post here and move if you want to mods.

Three killed in southern Thailand

Suspected Islamic militants have beheaded a Buddhist man and shot dead two others in southern Thailand.

A man and wife were found dead at the entrance of a rubber plantation in Yala province - the man had been shot and then decapitated, police said.

A handwritten note was found saying "We will kill all Thai Buddhists." Another man was shot dead in a separate attack.

Almost 2,000 have died in three years of violence in three southern provinces with majority Muslim populations.

Shootings and other attacks occur almost daily in the southern provinces.

Buddhist monks and teachers are frequently targeted, as well as police, soldiers and others viewed as collaborators with the government.

In the latest killings, the husband and wife appeared to have been shot dead before the man was beheaded.

A police officer told the Reuters news agency that the note left by the body was signed by a group that called itself the Pattani Fighters, a reference to one of the region's troubled provinces.

The third Buddhist was killed in a separate attack by a gunman on a motorcycle.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6260245.stm

[ourmanflint]

I saw this as well sent a PM to the mods and still not posted.

Weird

[bkkandrew]

Wouldnt let me start a new topic so will post here and move if you want to mods.

Three killed in southern Thailand

Suspected Islamic militants have beheaded a Buddhist man and shot dead two others in southern Thailand.

A man and wife were found dead at the entrance of a rubber plantation in Yala province - the man had been shot and then decapitated, police said.

A handwritten note was found saying "We will kill all Thai Buddhists." Another man was shot dead in a separate attack.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6260245.stm

Goodness me, quite a threat!!

Can't quite see them making good on their promise though...

Edited January 14, 2007 by bkkandrew

[blaze]

Wouldnt let me start a new topic so will post here and move if you want to mods.

Three killed in southern Thailand

Suspected Islamic militants have beheaded a Buddhist man and shot dead two others in southern Thailand.

A man and wife were found dead at the entrance of a rubber plantation in Yala province - the man had been shot and then decapitated, police said.

A handwritten note was found saying "We will kill all Thai Buddhists." Another man was shot dead in a separate attack.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6260245.stm

Goodness me, quite a threat!!

Can't quite see them making good on their promise though...

Not in Bangkok, they won't. Because they can't couldn't possibly figure out how to get around in this town.

[Nawtilus]

They could hire a tuktuk and then they would get every tailor and gem dealer in town.

[Siripon]

The irony is that a greedy and foolish multimillionaire was the catalyst for this change.

Very much so.

One trend i do see though, that does concern me a bit is, that many people previously unpolitical are now moving into the opinion, given the worsening security situation and the not exactly competent performance of the junta, that it would be better to have Thaksin back.

Instead of being able to move on to a more true democracy, i fear that we will soon repeat the circle from having weak self serving coalition governments straight back to an authoritarian strongman like Thaksin (or, given Thaksin's age - he himself a few years down the line).

I believe that without the coup it would have only been a matter of time that Thaksin would have been elected out of office. Even before the coup TRT was severely weakened, with many of their key powers having left.

When i speak with the average joe about the bombings, almost all i spoke with have not blamed Thaksin for the bombings, but blamed the government for having allowed the security situation to deteriorate so badly. The are scared of the strange changes in the business laws, scared of the worsening economic situation, angry that the situation in the south is getting worse.

And that is what later on will be the deciding matter in elections - the perception of the people. Unless the government comes up with clear links and evidence to Thaksin or TRT, and convictions - their statements pointing at TRT (people in the "old regime" who "lost power") will backfire badly.

Fact is, that very little has been reached in the 4 months after the coup, other than mostly symbolic actions such as the revocation of Thaksin's diplomatic passport, and panels of inquiry without much real progress.

The junta has failed to show that they can govern the country, has failed to sway Thaksin supporters to understand the reasons for their coup and even support them.

That does not mean that at the present situation we will see hords of upcountry folks descending on Bangkok to demand a return of Thaksin, but it means that if he would ever stand for election again - people will remember that they have had it better under him than under his opponents.

The more incompetent decisions of the present government - the less people will care if Thaksin was corrupt, even if one day convicted. Simply because people had it better under him, felt safer, and were economically more secure. And that is the deciding factor in elections.

The 'average joe' should surely be the 'average Somchai' and if you think the average Thai is 'scared of the strange changes in the business laws' you must be on another planet.

The panels of inquiry are making progress, March will see the indictments sent, the writing of the new constitution is about to start, to prevent a strongman riding roughshod over the checks and balances.

Police reform is underway, something that could never happen under a democratically elected government in Thailand.

[ColPyat]

Police reform is underway, something that could never happen under a democratically elected government in Thailand.

I wonder though who is going to perform the long overdue military reform in Thailand.

The public maybe sees police corruption easier as police is directly far more involved with the public, but the military is as corrupt as the police. Buying of rank, moneys demanded for entering a professional military career.

Funny and rather ironic how the ones previously lauding "democracy" are now so convinced by the blessings of a non-elected military government...

[Tony Clifton]

Police reform is underway, something that could never happen under a democratically elected government in Thailand.

I wonder though who is going to perform the long overdue military reform in Thailand.

The public maybe sees police corruption easier as police is directly far more involved with the public, but the military is as corrupt as the police. Buying of rank, moneys demanded for entering a professional military career.

Funny and rather ironic how the ones previously lauding "democracy" are now so convinced by the blessings of a non-elected military government...

To serve and protect. Saw that on a police booth. They may want to add EXTORT.

The last time I was pulled over and had done absolutely nothing wrong, I had an argument and then took off while the policeman was extorting money from the truck driver behind. Useless pr!cks! Most are a nuisance to the public more than anything else, don't enforce traffic laws, can't direct traffic properly, can't find bombers, can't take care of jailed farang princes who end up dying in jail, check trucks and create traffic jams, murders instantly declared as suicides, hire thugs to carry dirty business and clear their criminal records in return, and on and on.

I have yet to pay tea money to a boy in green. I don't give a sh!t if they buy their rank, they leave the public alone. The entire police force needs a long overdue shakedown.

Edited January 14, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[ColPyat]

I have yet to pay tea money to a boy in green. I don't give a sh!t if they buy their rank, they leave the public alone. The entire police force needs a long overdue shakedown.

That's a very myopic view.

What you can't see won't bother you, even if it's results are at least as harmful to you personally, and far more harmful to the development of the country.

Certain parts of the military are involved heavily in the drug trade and in extortion rackets of the nightlife. High ranked military are involved in much larger rackets touching national security, such as in business, and in the misappropriation of defense spending funds in huge amounts, that would be spent much better for development of the country and the people.

And all are involved in land speculation scams with land that originally was reserved for the poor.

And not talking about interference in politics that perverts the idea of democracy, and its basics of separation of the instances of judicative, executive and legislative.

All this is a lot worse than a roadside copper asking for a few hundred baht. There is a whole chain of curruption and abuse of power from top to bottom. You only see the bottom.

Brown or green - it doesn't matter. Both need serious reform before Thailand can make the step into developed status.

Edited January 15, 2007 by ColPyat

[John K]

Wouldnt let me start a new topic so will post here and move if you want to mods.

Three killed in southern Thailand

Suspected Islamic militants have beheaded a Buddhist man and shot dead two others in southern Thailand.

A man and wife were found dead at the entrance of a rubber plantation in Yala province - the man had been shot and then decapitated, police said.

A handwritten note was found saying "We will kill all Thai Buddhists." Another man was shot dead in a separate attack.

Almost 2,000 have died in three years of violence in three southern provinces with majority Muslim populations.

Shootings and other attacks occur almost daily in the southern provinces.

Buddhist monks and teachers are frequently targeted, as well as police, soldiers and others viewed as collaborators with the government.

In the latest killings, the husband and wife appeared to have been shot dead before the man was beheaded.

A police officer told the Reuters news agency that the note left by the body was signed by a group that called itself the Pattani Fighters, a reference to one of the region's troubled provinces.

The third Buddhist was killed in a separate attack by a gunman on a motorcycle.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6260245.stm

I hope that this is not off topic but please take it at face value.

A few years ago someone told me that it is the goal of the Muslim extremists to make the whole world under their particular narrow belief. To flush out and destroy non believers. Giving Muslim extremists any land would only provide a foot hold for them to push forward with and I believe every government knows this. Comments made like “Death to Thai Buddhists” tend to support his comments.

If you stop and think about it nearly if not all (because I am not counting) conflicts around the globe are with Muslim extremists. Sooner or latter someone with a big enough weapon will get pissed off and take them all out with a series of mushroom clouds. Unfortunately innocent people will die, but even the most skilled surgeon must cut away some heathy tissue to remove the cancer.

The bombs in Bangkok don’t seem to match the calling card of Muslim extremists in that no claim to them has been made. The idea behind terrorism is to make people fear a name or group. Being anonymous simply is a wasted effort.

[pampal]

Wouldnt let me start a new topic so will post here and move if you want to mods.

Three killed in southern Thailand

Suspected Islamic militants have beheaded a Buddhist man and shot dead two others in southern Thailand.

A man and wife were found dead at the entrance of a rubber plantation in Yala province - the man had been shot and then decapitated, police said.

A handwritten note was found saying "We will kill all Thai Buddhists." Another man was shot dead in a separate attack.

Almost 2,000 have died in three years of violence in three southern provinces with majority Muslim populations.

Shootings and other attacks occur almost daily in the southern provinces.

Buddhist monks and teachers are frequently targeted, as well as police, soldiers and others viewed as collaborators with the government.

In the latest killings, the husband and wife appeared to have been shot dead before the man was beheaded.

A police officer told the Reuters news agency that the note left by the body was signed by a group that called itself the Pattani Fighters, a reference to one of the region's troubled provinces.

The third Buddhist was killed in a separate attack by a gunman on a motorcycle.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6260245.stm

I hope that this is not off topic but please take it at face value.

A few years ago someone told me that it is the goal of the Muslim extremists to make the whole world under their particular narrow belief. To flush out and destroy non believers. Giving Muslim extremists any land would only provide a foot hold for them to push forward with and I believe every government knows this. Comments made like "Death to Thai Buddhists" tend to support his comments.

If you stop and think about it nearly if not all (because I am not counting) conflicts around the globe are with Muslim extremists. Sooner or latter someone with a big enough weapon will get pissed off and take them all out with a series of mushroom clouds. Unfortunately innocent people will die, but even the most skilled surgeon must cut away some heathy tissue to remove the cancer.

The bombs in Bangkok don't seem to match the calling card of Muslim extremists in that no claim to them has been made. The idea behind terrorism is to make people fear a name or group. Being anonymous simply is a wasted effort.

Too much trouble, just take out Bush and Blair and it will all stop.

[cclub75]

We knew that the "investigation" would be a bumpy one, even by thai standards....

But with this last statement, I think the world record is not far away....

Assistant national police chief Pol Lt-Gen Jongrak Chuthanont claimed to know perpetrators behind Bangkok bombings that took place on New Year's Eve.

"We know the bombers," said Pol Lt-Gen Jongrak Tuesday, after chairing a police meeting on the deadly blasts. "They belong to the group that people suspected."

Pol Lt-Gen Jongrak, however, said police have not arrested any of them yet because they still lacked evidence, especially eye witnesses, to ask the court to issue arrest warrants.

"We need more evidence," he said.

"Probing officers have tried their best," said Pol Lt-Gen Jongrak. "But it's not easy to find evidence to convict wrongdoers."

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=116072

[Dupont]

Wouldnt let me start a new topic so will post here and move if you want to mods.

Three killed in southern Thailand

Suspected Islamic militants have beheaded a Buddhist man and shot dead two others in southern Thailand.

A man and wife were found dead at the entrance of a rubber plantation in Yala province - the man had been shot and then decapitated, police said.

A handwritten note was found saying "We will kill all Thai Buddhists." Another man was shot dead in a separate attack.

Almost 2,000 have died in three years of violence in three southern provinces with majority Muslim populations.

Shootings and other attacks occur almost daily in the southern provinces.

Buddhist monks and teachers are frequently targeted, as well as police, soldiers and others viewed as collaborators with the government.

In the latest killings, the husband and wife appeared to have been shot dead before the man was beheaded.

A police officer told the Reuters news agency that the note left by the body was signed by a group that called itself the Pattani Fighters, a reference to one of the region's troubled provinces.

The third Buddhist was killed in a separate attack by a gunman on a motorcycle.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6260245.stm

I hope that this is not off topic but please take it at face value.

A few years ago someone told me that it is the goal of the Muslim extremists to make the whole world under their particular narrow belief. To flush out and destroy non believers. Giving Muslim extremists any land would only provide a foot hold for them to push forward with and I believe every government knows this. Comments made like "Death to Thai Buddhists" tend to support his comments.

If you stop and think about it nearly if not all (because I am not counting) conflicts around the globe are with Muslim extremists. Sooner or latter someone with a big enough weapon will get pissed off and take them all out with a series of mushroom clouds. Unfortunately innocent people will die, but even the most skilled surgeon must cut away some heathy tissue to remove the cancer.

The bombs in Bangkok don't seem to match the calling card of Muslim extremists in that no claim to them has been made. The idea behind terrorism is to make people fear a name or group. Being anonymous simply is a wasted effort.

Right mate, All the usual Bush and Blair knockers on here again, they are the appeasers. Just like the ones that let Germany re-arm to an extent that it took nearly 10 years to subdue them and countless MILLIONS killed. They should have twatted Hitler the moment he first stepped out of line. Result, 20 plus million less dead.

Like now, many are looking to blame, B and B, Thaksin, the CNS etc. Its the Muslim cranks that need dealing with, and the wider Muslim population for shielding them.

The most recent appeasers were the Spanish. They got bombed, elected a leftwing terrorist friendly Government who pulled out of Iraq and Afghanistan. Did them no good as the Muslims bombed them again saying part of Spain was included in their crescent shaped greater Muslim republic.

Sooner or later, millions of people are going to have to be taken out. That or submit to Islamic law. The sooner the appeasers and the soft left realise that sooner is easier and with less casualties than later, the better.

Put the blame where if belongs... with the Muslims.

Edited January 16, 2007 by Dupont

[Jai Dee]

Police's reports on Bangkok bombs to be sent to PM, CNS soon

Army commander and Council for National Security chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin said Friday police's conclusion over the bomb attacks on New Year's Eve would reach the prime minister and himself in the next few days.

He said the CNS was now having a parallel investigation into the matter and would compared its own scrutiny into the matter with the police's version.

Both military and police intelligence services had not yet clear information whether who masterminded or carried out the eight bomb attacks, but the police's and the CNS' conclusions would provide further and clearer details about those people's identities, he added.

Source: The Nation - 20 January 2007