Thai Junta Chief Calls For Emergency Rule In Bangkok

[JacknDanny]

the same people screaming for taskins head were the loudest cheering for the coup and are now leading the anti-coup bandwagon. if another coup comes theyll support that with open arms.

I wouldnt call it an 'anti-coup' brigade.

There are feelings amongst the 'players' that the present leaders are not being strong enough, towards certain situations especially concerning Thaksin

[thaigene2]

Anyone raed a 'Coup for the Rich' by "Giles 'Ji 'Ungkaporn"?

That ought to wake up a few people who think ANY coup is about helping the poor/90% of thais..but what do I know?

[Thai-Spy]

the same people screaming for taskins head were the loudest cheering for the coup and are now leading the anti-coup bandwagon. if another coup comes theyll support that with open arms.

The junta came into power by pre-empting another coup by other groups and that has not been forgiven or forgotten.

[pumpuiman]

A coup was not the answer, a multi nationally monitored election was the answer.

Which would have been set up by Thaksin and his goons!!!

I do not remember you being so vocal before when Thaksin was in power, when all the unfairness and total corruption was prevalent.

He was raping and pillaging the country, and if you cannot see that, then you must have had your head buried in the sand for the past few years.

As I said forget Thaksin.

Deal with the present problem.

Call for internationally monitored elections.

Contrary to your belief that Thaksin controls the world....your wrong.

Stop talking about Thaksin.

Don't mention Thaksin.

Thaksin is not the problem.

Call for internationally monitored elections.

Deal with the present.

Don't refer to Thaksin

Fix the problem that exists today.

Call for internationally monitored elections.

The Thai people will decide....without help from military dictators.

A fair monitored election is the answer.........tell me why not.

And try not to scare me with your Thaksin arguments

[John K]

ANTI-COUP PROTESTS

Sonthi mulls response to campaign

Democrats slam signature drive against Prem as 'disrespectful' to monarchy; police dismantle Sanam Luang stage

General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, chairman of the Council for National Security, said yesterday he was studying relevant issues pertinent to a signature campaign launched by anti-coup protesters .

"I see the campaign as a form of political struggle, although I have to study the issue further," Sonthi said, referring to the campaign to remove Gen Prem Tinsulanonda from his post as president of Privy Council.

He said he has yet to decide whether it could be deemed offensive to the monarchy.

Sonthi also dismissed the allegation by anti-coup campaigners that Prem had been involved in the coup, saying he had seized power without anyone telling him to do so.

"The coup happened with the people's support and was not at the prodding of any individuals," he said.

Under suspended constitutions and Royal Palace precedents, the Privy Council is appointed at the discretion of His Majesty the King. No other institutions, public or private, have ever been involved in the matter.

Anti-coup campaigners said on Friday they planned to solicit about 100,000 signatures before submitting them to the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary. Through late yesterday they had managed to gather about 2,000 signatures.

Junta leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said yesterday he was studying "pertinent issues" before he could form a decision on whether the campaign was appropriate.

"I see the campaign as a form of political struggle, although I have to study the issue further," Sonthi said, adding that he had yet to decide whether it could be deemed offensive to the monarchy.

Sonthi dismissed the allegation by anti-coup campaigners that Prem had been involved in the coup, saying he had seized power without anyone telling him to do so.

"The coup happened with the people's support and was not at the prodding of any individuals," he said.

In regard to Friday's anti-coup rally at City Hall's public ground, he said he was relieved it had been held peacefully. The crowds dispersed by themselves around 11pm.

"I think it is really up to the people: this kind of rally can persist if the people lend support to it," he said.

Protest organisers included PTV chairman Veera Musigapong, his allies, seen as staunch supporters of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, and about a dozen advocacy groups under the anti-coup banner, such as the Saturday Anti-coup Group.

Although the PTV rally was the core of Friday's protest, PTV deputy chairman Jatuporn Prompan tried to distance his satellite-broadcasting station from the signature campaign against Prem.

The Saturday Group was the lead campaigner in the signature drive, and PTV had nothing to do with it, he said.

He added that PTV's next rally might not be held together with other anti-coup groups as previously planned.

Signature campaigners claimed that Prompan had signed the petition on Friday but withdrawn his name yesterday. They said the petition for Prem's removal would be submitted on Thursday.

Prem's supporters in his Songkhla home town distributed flyers calling for a stop to the signature campaign.

"Any attempt to smear Prem should stop before social divisions get worse," the flyers said.

Democrat Party deputy leader Alongkorn Pollabutr said he considered the signature campaign an act of disrespect.

"I see no reason for any individuals or parties to engage in a political game designed to disturb HM the King," he said.

Under the leadership of the Saturday Group, anti-coup protests continued for a second day and moved from City Hall to Sanam Luang yesterday.

City officials allowed the rally to proceed in a designated area until 10pm, even though Sanam Luang is officially off limits for public meetings until Thursday for security reason.

Meanwhile yesterday afternoon about 150 city police were sent to dismantle the stage of the anti-coup Phirab Khao (White Dove) group. Some of the group's members tried to prevent the dismantling but could not.

The group then gathered in another area in the large oval space and continued their protest without a stage or microphones. They were joined by about 30 passers-by.

The Phirab Khao Group is thought to have close ties with some key Thai Rak Thai figures.

[John K]

A coup was not the answer, a multi nationally monitored election was the answer.

Which would have been set up by Thaksin and his goons!!!

I do not remember you being so vocal before when Thaksin was in power, when all the unfairness and total corruption was prevalent.

He was raping and pillaging the country, and if you cannot see that, then you must have had your head buried in the sand for the past few years.

As I said forget Thaksin.

Deal with the present problem.

Call for internationally monitored elections.

Contrary to your belief that Thaksin controls the world....your wrong.

Stop talking about Thaksin.

Don't mention Thaksin.

Thaksin is not the problem.

Call for internationally monitored elections.

Deal with the present.

Don't refer to Thaksin

Fix the problem that exists today.

Call for internationally monitored elections.

The Thai people will decide....without help from military dictators.

A fair monitored election is the answer.........tell me why not.

And try not to scare me with your Thaksin arguments

I think I can summerize this for you in this single post.

First point Thaksin has not gone away. Until he is in Jail, or at the end of a rope he is still a player.

At the moment PTV / TRT / Thaksin is playing on what in called sheep mentality. I posted a wonderful story about a sheep that jumped off a cliff to it’s death followed by the rest of the flock. The rest of the flock did not think about what they were doing, they just followed someone who looked like they knew. Based on some of the comments quoted in the news about the rally, it certainly appears the people in attendance were on the uneducated side and easily lead. Keep in mind that was the bulk of Thaksin’s voter base.

I have not come across anything in the news from the government or Junta that even remotely suggests the goal of the elections is to be anything other than fair. It is only the PTV / TRT / Thaksin group that is suggesting that the elections will be bias. By getting enough sheep together they can cause enough problems and sway things back towards corruption and fixed elections.

Everything that I have seen so far suggest to me that democracy is the goal, and constructing a constitution that is Thaksin proof will take time. Certainly things are moving slowly for some and they are complaining, but that again is mostly from the PTV / TRT /Thaksin group. I feel the reason is they need to get inside people back in to sabotage their spin down the toilet.

I suggest you go back and look at all the relevant news posts so you don’t end up looking like a sheep. Your points are valid about the elections and I agree with them, however I have not seen anything that suggests they wont happen as you would like, unless PTV / TRT / Thaksin get the upper hand again.

So now back to the question of my earlier post #87 A or B?

[pumpuiman]

A coup was not the answer, a multi nationally monitored election was the answer.

Which would have been set up by Thaksin and his goons!!!

I do not remember you being so vocal before when Thaksin was in power, when all the unfairness and total corruption was prevalent.

He was raping and pillaging the country, and if you cannot see that, then you must have had your head buried in the sand for the past few years.

As I said forget Thaksin.

Deal with the present problem.

Call for internationally monitored elections.

Contrary to your belief that Thaksin controls the world....your wrong.

Stop talking about Thaksin.

Don't mention Thaksin.

Thaksin is not the problem.

Call for internationally monitored elections.

Deal with the present.

Don't refer to Thaksin

Fix the problem that exists today.

Call for internationally monitored elections.

The Thai people will decide....without help from military dictators.

A fair monitored election is the answer.........tell me why not.

And try not to scare me with your Thaksin arguments

I think I can summerize this for you in this single post.

First point Thaksin has not gone away. Until he is in Jail, or at the end of a rope he is still a player.

At the moment PTV / TRT / Thaksin is playing on what in called sheep mentality. I posted a wonderful story about a sheep that jumped off a cliff to it’s death followed by the rest of the flock. The rest of the flock did not think about what they were doing, they just followed someone who looked like they knew. Based on some of the comments quoted in the news about the rally, it certainly appears the people in attendance were on the uneducated side and easily lead. Keep in mind that was the bulk of Thaksin’s voter base.

I have not come across anything in the news from the government or Junta that even remotely suggests the goal of the elections is to be anything other than fair. It is only the PTV / TRT / Thaksin group that is suggesting that the elections will be bias. By getting enough sheep together they can cause enough problems and sway things back towards corruption and fixed elections.

Everything that I have seen so far suggest to me that democracy is the goal, and constructing a constitution that is Thaksin proof will take time. Certainly things are moving slowly for some and they are complaining, but that again is mostly from the PTV / TRT /Thaksin group. I feel the reason is they need to get inside people back in to sabotage their spin down the toilet.

I suggest you go back and look at all the relevant news posts so you don’t end up looking like a sheep. Your points are valid about the elections and I agree with them, however I have not seen anything that suggests they wont happen as you would like, unless PTV / TRT / Thaksin get the upper hand again.

So now back to the question of my earlier post #87 A or B?

So what does this have to do with internationally monitored elections?

Do you believe that Thaksin controls the world?

Sheep are following a bunch of criminals that overthrew a (landslide) elected government.

If there were flaws in such government......call for internationally monitored elections.

Please tell me how internationally monitored elections won't work. And explain how Thaksin can blatantly buy the election in front of the entire world.

A or B?.....how about C..The coup is internationally recognized as illegal. The junta is responsible for stepping all over basic human rights.....(Oh I know..now you say "but Thaksin blah blah blah")

Ask any human rights organization in the world if the junta is fair and democratic.

I don't know what papers your reading or what news your watching....perhaps only that filtered by the junta.....but the vast world opinion is that they are violating human rights on a huge scale.

I stand by my opinions...and I respect you stand by yours.

We just disagree.

I know we both want what's best for a country we love, I just think this was, and is, a terrible way to go about it.

Free speech is a basic human right.

[jumnien]

Thanks, pumpuiman. Let's hope the Thai people can play their hand with the cards dealt today and not just sit around reminiscing about how good or bad things were in a lost democratic era. Democracy is in the future and must be achieved looking forward. The past will always be used to justify an intolerable political stranglehold on the country. Fear or brutal violence is the junta's only game. Seeing them as the saviors of the Thai people is just plain childish and naive, at best, or far worse.

[sriracha john]

A coup was not the answer, a multi nationally monitored election was the answer.

Which would have been set up by Thaksin and his goons!!!

I do not remember you being so vocal before when Thaksin was in power, when all the unfairness and total corruption was prevalent.

He was raping and pillaging the country, and if you cannot see that, then you must have had your head buried in the sand for the past few years.

A fair monitored election is the answer.........tell me why not.

I agree... and in December, that will occur.

[jumnien]

The last thing the junta would consider is allowing a fair election to occur which would most likely not elect their puppet-head. And, really, at this point to believe an election, fair or otherwise, will occur in December is highly presumptive.

[sriracha john]

Speaking of presume....

Who is their puppet-head?

What insider information do you have they won't hold a fair election?

What insider information do you have they won't hold an election in December?

[jumnien]

Let's just say that a little bird told me so....

[sriracha john]

The one that lives in this house?

[MarcHolt]

Let us not forget that PTV is the TRT. I trust that you can see past the facade of what is going on here. I for one would have to agree that putting emergency rule back into place is the right thing to do. You need to ask yourself who would be arrogant enough to do this self serving thing and you will find the only answer is the TRT. I would also say it fits what I am calling Thaksin's plan "B".

Punishing TRT members, well that's one for the books. Again all meant to make the appearance it is not the TRT, and if you think about Thaksin and his opposites, it fits exactly his style and what he would say.

Slow? The issue about the constitution is for what I can see still more or less on track based on the initial time frame, and I certainly would be annoyed at someone who would be bitching and complaining about something that was still not done. Although I do agree putting the underlying infrastructure back together seems to be a impotent attempt at this point, we must not forget it is a two step process, undo what Thaksin did then rebuild. As far as I can see undoing has never been done before because noone has ever taken thing to this level. I have been watching demolition next to the Asok BTS station for a while now, obviously clearing the way for a new building, this is no different.

Remember the "under currents" talked about early on and mostly centered in Thaksin country, you are now seeing that was not a false statement. This has much bigger ramifications than the appearance of infringement of freedom, and only will serve to further divide the country. Emergency rule is the correct call.

Jeez! John, which Nazi/Communist country do you come from? I sure hope you are talking tongue in cheek, because if not you need to get your head out from between your cheeks.

What utter rubbish you are spouting!!!

I suppose next you will be telling us how fair the new FBA is to foreigners and how it encourages more foreign investors to come here. Or perhaps you will be telling us how well off the Thai farmers are, or the thousands of workers who have lost their construction jobs.

Crikey John. Open your bloody eyes!

.

[hammered]

The last thing the junta would consider is allowing a fair election to occur which would most likely not elect their puppet-head. And, really, at this point to believe an election, fair or otherwise, will occur in December is highly presumptive.

After having spent a few days in some small farming communities in the northern region of Thailand I am not so sure that elections wont be held and be as fair as any in Thailand. Completely ignored by the local media, academics, PTV, TRT and whoever there is a huge stroy developing in these communities. Right at this moment the level of farmer indebtedness is soaring. The root cause of this is their produce can only be sold at rates lower than they need to even break even let alone make a profit. When you ask the farmers why, they respond by saying it is all thanks to the China FTA that Thaksin signed. As we sit and ruminate on the future of Thailand and basically all assume that Thaksin and TRT enjoy the complete unthinking support of the uneducated masses, these precise pople are deserting the PTV/TRT cause at a high rate. Even the village headmen seem to recognize that they can no longer hold the villagers into the TRT apparatus. It does make you wonder why the local reporters arent up looking into this but then again I guess they dont want to soil their designer clothes and mix with the unwashed illiterate.

Anyway for me it was a surprising experience to actually hear from those usually taken forgranted that they knew what was going on. On the other side the level of debt burden that the China FTA will leave many of these farmers with is going to be the major isssue for any incoming government that really cares about stability. The recognition that they were just used by someone they saw as their champion wil not make it any easier for others to win their confidence. There are difficult times ahead for Thailand but not in a TRT versus whoeveer way. It seems the country is moving on. It should now be time for the politicians, media and academics to move on.

Edited April 1, 2007 by hammered

[pumpuiman]

The junta or the public should be calling for monitoring of the election.

If the current PM did this he would be looked at favorably internationally....as well as the junta.

It could inspire confidence in investment, tourism, real estate, import/export etc.

If they are truly honest about their goals, and want the publics trust, this should be a top priority.

Everybody wins.

But we now have guns to our heads...threats of imprisonment...bullcrap accusations of insulting the monarchy if we speak against the junta, or present an idea like monitoring.

This is the problem.

These students and academics that are protesting are heroes....not Thaksin's puppets.

Edited April 1, 2007 by pumpuiman

[MarcHolt]

A coup was not the answer, a multi nationally monitored election was the answer.

Which would have been set up by Thaksin and his goons!!!

I do not remember you being so vocal before when Thaksin was in power, when all the unfairness and total corruption was prevalent.

He was raping and pillaging the country, and if you cannot see that, then you must have had your head buried in the sand for the past few years.

A fair monitored election is the answer.........tell me why not.

I agree... and in December, that will occur.

Don't bet on it. The PM has already hinted strongly that the country 'may not be ready' for elections this year; whatever that means. How long does it take to organize elections? And don't forget that his announcement was preceeded by an earlier announcement that all top government officials will be appointed military men.

There are strong indications that this government is not sincere in wanting to bring free and fair elections to the people.

Let's not forget the ballsups this so-called government has already made. What makes you think a bunch of old military men living in the past, backed by guns and military 'intelligence' (yes, the oxymoron) is going to simply stand down and allow new elections?

Ask yourself, who benefits from their continuing in power? Certainly not the Thai people.

These guys siezed power illegally, toppling a democratically elected government instead of waiting for the people to bring about a democratic resolution. The results are clear to see. The economy is a shambles, foreign investment has fled, thousands - if not millions - of Thais have lost their jobs, the property market is at a virtual standstill, our spending power is eroded, the Baht is way too strong because it is being manipulated to keep the green men in power. Need I go on?

Wake up Thailand. You are on the verge of becoming another Burma.

.

[pumpuiman]

A coup was not the answer, a multi nationally monitored election was the answer.

Which would have been set up by Thaksin and his goons!!!

I do not remember you being so vocal before when Thaksin was in power, when all the unfairness and total corruption was prevalent.

He was raping and pillaging the country, and if you cannot see that, then you must have had your head buried in the sand for the past few years.

A fair monitored election is the answer.........tell me why not.

I agree... and in December, that will occur.

Don't bet on it. The PM has already hinted strongly that the country 'may not be ready' for elections this year; whatever that means. How long does it take to organize elections? And don't forget that his announcement was preceeded by an earlier announcement that all top government officials will be appointed military men.

There are strong indications that this government is not sincere in wanting to bring free and fair elections to the people.

Let's not forget the ballsups this so-called government has already made. What makes you think a bunch of old military men living in the past, backed by guns and military 'intelligence' (yes, the oxymoron) is going to simply stand down and allow new elections?

Ask yourself, who benefits from their continuing in power? Certainly not the Thai people.

These guys siezed power illegally, toppling a democratically elected government instead of waiting for the people to bring about a democratic resolution. The results are clear to see. The economy is a shambles, foreign investment has fled, thousands - if not millions - of Thais have lost their jobs, the property market is at a virtual standstill, our spending power is eroded, the Baht is way too strong because it is being manipulated to keep the green men in power. Need I go on?

Wake up Thailand. You are on the verge of becoming another Burma.

.

Abso-fukin-lutely correct.

[John K]

I do enjoy this debate, this is the way it should be.

Anyway some posters are talking about future negative events that may or may not happen. I for one would like to see some of the news clippings that back up what you are saying. There may have been some I missed. The only negative things I have been hearing about the future have been from the people who will be hurt the most by honest democratic elections namely PTV / TRT / Thaksin. I have been watching them employ (and yes this is coming from me) the power of suggestion about pending gloom and doom. All the attacks have been directed at the people that took them out of office. The same people have been deliberately trying to sabotage the process of returning to democracy and trying to slow it down while at the same time calling for early elections. This is all designed to make the Junta and government look bad. Some of the methods used are news plants with false and misleading self serving stories so please don’t quote anything from them.

Are some coups Bad? Well history has said yes. Are coups bloodless? That is a rare occurrence and it suggests people accept it as a good thing, but that does not speak for everyone.

Historically the USA and the UN would come down hard on coups and punish them with sanctions and other such unpleasant things. The only thing that I have seen has been some face saving statements from the USA and the UN so as not to look hypocritical. There was one thing about withholding some military equipment that was to be sent to Thailand but other than that nothing. If the UN and USA look to get tough with Thailand, then I would start to reconsider what the Junta’s goals are.

In the natural state many things in nature are poisonous. However when properly processed the same things become medicine.

Will Thailand become another Burma? Well at the moment the only people suggesting that are the ones who got the boot in September. Many of you have not answered the question in post #87 and some look to be avoiding it.

Here are a few other facts that you may consider. First HRH only wants what was best for the people of Thailand. He has been honored and recognized for his achievements working towards that goal from around The world. HRH has endorsed this coup and has decreed several things to move the country back towards democracy. There are several threads that talk about the decrees and movement in that direction. I trust his wisdom and guidance in this matter.

Based on the fact the tentative dates were give, the PTV / TRT / Thaksin still made a big about nothing showing to their paid to attend sheep.

[ColPyat]

When you ask the farmers why, they respond by saying it is all thanks to the China FTA that Thaksin signed. As we sit and ruminate on the future of Thailand and basically all assume that Thaksin and TRT enjoy the complete unthinking support of the uneducated masses, these precise pople are deserting the PTV/TRT cause at a high rate. Even the village headmen seem to recognize that they can no longer hold the villagers into the TRT apparatus. It does make you wonder why the local reporters arent up looking into this but then again I guess they dont want to soil their designer clothes and mix with the unwashed illiterate.

Well, hammered, and that is exactly the reason why this coup was entirely unnecessary, even counter productive for the democratization of Thailand. You have outlined why TRT rule would have inevitably led to further empowerment of the upcountry population. These people are not as stupid as assumed by the anti Thaksin city folks, and would have, and did realize themselves which problems Thaksin has caused in the long run.

They may have tired of TRT, but they are not in favor of the military either (at least the ones i know).

But this empowerment is what the present coup leaders do not want, and the resulting uncomfortable questions to be asked by the poeple who they prefer not to raise their voices.

If the elections would have been allowed without military interference it would have been only a matter of time that the upcountry population would have tired of TRT populism, and there would have been a very large chance that TRT would have been beaten at the ballot box.

Now though, i fear that the Thai political scene will be dominated by old style factional infights, weak visionless coalition governments and constantly shifting powers in the military. And inevitably blood will be flowing. We have seen it, we will see it again.

And i am convinced that this time it will be far worse, if you calculate in the dooming ethnic/religious war in the south.

Time has run out. There is no way back anymore.

[plachon]

"Time has run out". For whom? By whom? For what?

Being a bit dramatic aren't we?

If Tax-sin had stayed in power (and don't forget he thought he'd be there for 20 years), blood would have flowed quite likely already. In fact, it was flowing quite freely under his watch, whether it was "druggies", in the South or political oppponents, sometimes quite literally under his nose (e.g. Paragon) and he never lifted a finger to stop it. In fact, quite the opposite - he actively encouraged it.

So, I disagree with your take on things entirely - Thailand was already headed towards some kind of confrontation even under the so-called "democracy" of Tax-sin, right up to the time when he was removed. And it was squarely the greed and deviousness of Tax-sin and his cronies, that has so polarised Thai society which we now see being played out today. A one-person, one party state is bad news in any country and that is what was happening from 2000-06. Why you should want to defend a pathological liar who had such little regard for the Thai people and its revered institutions is beyond me.

[ColPyat]

"Time has run out". For whom? By whom? For what?

Being a bit dramatic aren't we?

Why you should want to defend a pathological liar who had such little regard for the Thai people and its revered institutions is beyond me.

I think you should really read my post again. I cannot see how i "defended" Thaksin, what i have defended is the democratic right for change of government through elections, and not through illegal military coups. Democracy may have its faults, but so far it has proven to be the most stable system, considering all alternatives.

And no, i am not dramatic, unfortunately. I have only just returned from the three southern provinces. And that stay may have influenced my judgment on Thailand's future.

Just wait and see...

[Siripon]

A coup was not the answer, a multi nationally monitored election was the answer.

Which would have been set up by Thaksin and his goons!!!

I do not remember you being so vocal before when Thaksin was in power, when all the unfairness and total corruption was prevalent.

He was raping and pillaging the country, and if you cannot see that, then you must have had your head buried in the sand for the past few years.

A fair monitored election is the answer.........tell me why not.

I agree... and in December, that will occur.

Don't bet on it. The PM has already hinted strongly that the country 'may not be ready' for elections this year; whatever that means. How long does it take to organize elections? And don't forget that his announcement was preceeded by an earlier announcement that all top government officials will be appointed military men.

There are strong indications that this government is not sincere in wanting to bring free and fair elections to the people.

Let's not forget the ballsups this so-called government has already made. What makes you think a bunch of old military men living in the past, backed by guns and military 'intelligence' (yes, the oxymoron) is going to simply stand down and allow new elections?

Ask yourself, who benefits from their continuing in power? Certainly not the Thai people.

These guys siezed power illegally, toppling a democratically elected government instead of waiting for the people to bring about a democratic resolution. The results are clear to see. The economy is a shambles, foreign investment has fled, thousands - if not millions - of Thais have lost their jobs, the property market is at a virtual standstill, our spending power is eroded, the Baht is way too strong because it is being manipulated to keep the green men in power. Need I go on?

Wake up Thailand. You are on the verge of becoming another Burma.

.

Abso-fukin-lutely correct.

Is Burma investigating corruption by the previous government with due process of law being followed, using a tier of 3 courts before one is finally found guilty?

Are they writing a constitution that will be decided by a referendum?

Are their newspapers allowed to freely express their opinions and criticise the government?

Are foreigners welcomed ?

It must have changed since I was last there.

[Siripon]

"Time has run out". For whom? By whom? For what?

Being a bit dramatic aren't we?

Why you should want to defend a pathological liar who had such little regard for the Thai people and its revered institutions is beyond me.

I think you should really read my post again. I cannot see how i "defended" Thaksin, what i have defended is the democratic right for change of government through elections, and not through illegal military coups. Democracy may have its faults, but so far it has proven to be the most stable system, considering all alternatives.

And no, i am not dramatic, unfortunately. I have only just returned from the three southern provinces. And that stay may have influenced my judgment on Thailand's future.

Just wait and see...

The word democracy has little meaning when all organisations concerned with checks and balances had been emasculated and TV censored as happened under Thaksin.

Why do you think he called a snap election rather than answer questions in Parliament and outside?

Because he couldn't answer them!

It's interesting how the colonel always seems optimistic about an event that never happened, namely Thaksin losing at the ballot box and yet always paints a gloomy picture about the future.

Bring on the psychologist John K.

[Siripon]

The junta or the public should be calling for monitoring of the election.

If the current PM did this he would be looked at favorably internationally....as well as the junta.

It could inspire confidence in investment, tourism, real estate, import/export etc.

If they are truly honest about their goals, and want the publics trust, this should be a top priority.

Everybody wins.

But we now have guns to our heads...threats of imprisonment...bullcrap accusations of insulting the monarchy if we speak against the junta, or present an idea like monitoring.

This is the problem.

These students and academics that are protesting are heroes....not Thaksin's puppets.

International monitoring...Do you remember who said,' The UN is not my father' (apart from George Bush concerning Iraq) and who refused to let a UN Human Rights commission investigate the 80 plus deaths at Tak Bai? And who said scornfully about the disappearance of the Muslim lawyer, Somchai, that he'd probably had an argument with his wife?

And who said democracy is not the goal?

The puppet's master!

[ColPyat]

The word democracy has little meaning when all organisations concerned with checks and balances had been emasculated and TV censored as happened under Thaksin.

Why do you think he called a snap election rather than answer questions in Parliament and outside?

Because he couldn't answer them!

It's interesting how the colonel always seems optimistic about an event that never happened, namely Thaksin losing at the ballot box and yet always paints a gloomy picture about the future.

Bring on the psychologist John K.

The word democracy has even less meaning when a military coup has happened, and even worse censorship happens, to the point that even national economical policy cannot be criticized anymore by academics. When completely outlandish moves by fanatics to introduce a single national religion are considered in earnest, when the military has reactivated cold war remnants from the dark days of dictatorships that will stay beyond scrutiny of any future parliament.

And maybe worst that the last opportunities have been missed to repair the enormous damage caused by Thaksin (and previous governments to a lesser degree) in the South, so that we are very close to a ethnic/religious conflict beyond imagination there.

The South may be a thousand kilometers away from Bangkok, but it's repercussions will reach Bangkok and the rest of the country very soon.

[ando]

Free and fair elections can not happen under a military dictatorship that suppresses free speech.

The next election will be a carefully stage managed event so as to ensure the military get the desired result.

[hammered]

The word democracy has little meaning when all organisations concerned with checks and balances had been emasculated and TV censored as happened under Thaksin.

Why do you think he called a snap election rather than answer questions in Parliament and outside?

Because he couldn't answer them!

It's interesting how the colonel always seems optimistic about an event that never happened, namely Thaksin losing at the ballot box and yet always paints a gloomy picture about the future.

Bring on the psychologist John K.

The word democracy has even less meaning when a military coup has happened, and even worse censorship happens, to the point that even national economical policy cannot be criticized anymore by academics. When completely outlandish moves by fanatics to introduce a single national religion are considered in earnest, when the military has reactivated cold war remnants from the dark days of dictatorships that will stay beyond scrutiny of any future parliament.

And maybe worst that the last opportunities have been missed to repair the enormous damage caused by Thaksin (and previous governments to a lesser degree) in the South, so that we are very close to a ethnic/religious conflict beyond imagination there.

The South may be a thousand kilometers away from Bangkok, but it's repercussions will reach Bangkok and the rest of the country very soon.

From what I have heard from deep southerners, you are pretty close to reality there. There are no quick fix political solutions for what is happening in the south. It may be that at this stage nobody can actually stop in the short to medium term what has spiralled out of control. Unfortunately, in this situation there is also a lot that is not being talked about that has led to where the situation finds itself now.

[pumpuiman]

The junta or the public should be calling for monitoring of the election.

If the current PM did this he would be looked at favorably internationally....as well as the junta.

It could inspire confidence in investment, tourism, real estate, import/export etc.

If they are truly honest about their goals, and want the publics trust, this should be a top priority.

Everybody wins.

But we now have guns to our heads...threats of imprisonment...bullcrap accusations of insulting the monarchy if we speak against the junta, or present an idea like monitoring.

This is the problem.

These students and academics that are protesting are heroes....not Thaksin's puppets.

International monitoring...Do you remember who said,' The UN is not my father' (apart from George Bush concerning Iraq) and who refused to let a UN Human Rights commission investigate the 80 plus deaths at Tak Bai? And who said scornfully about the disappearance of the Muslim lawyer, Somchai, that he'd probably had an argument with his wife?

And who said democracy is not the goal?

The puppet's master!

Stop talking about Thaksin!

This is about the future of Thailand.

What the heck does Thaksin have to do with calling for monitoring now?

The answer is there, if your not blinded by the past.

John K....listen to or read news outside of Thailand....The U.S. has condemned the junta. Your "I only hear good things" story is ridiculous.

This coup has trashed Thailands reputation as a place to invest, do business, travel, retire, export, import, sell or buy real estate etc.

A fair monitored election called for ideally by the current PM, would possibly reverse all these negative aspects, and unite a nation.

What the heck is wrong with that?

I know.......but Thaksin, but Thaksin, but Thaksin, but Thaksin, but Thaksin,

but Thaksin, but Thaksin,but Thaksin, but Thaksin,but Thaksin, aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrgggghhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

but Thaksin,

[hammered]

When you ask the farmers why, they respond by saying it is all thanks to the China FTA that Thaksin signed. As we sit and ruminate on the future of Thailand and basically all assume that Thaksin and TRT enjoy the complete unthinking support of the uneducated masses, these precise pople are deserting the PTV/TRT cause at a high rate. Even the village headmen seem to recognize that they can no longer hold the villagers into the TRT apparatus. It does make you wonder why the local reporters arent up looking into this but then again I guess they dont want to soil their designer clothes and mix with the unwashed illiterate.

Well, hammered, and that is exactly the reason why this coup was entirely unnecessary, even counter productive for the democratization of Thailand. You have outlined why TRT rule would have inevitably led to further empowerment of the upcountry population. These people are not as stupid as assumed by the anti Thaksin city folks, and would have, and did realize themselves which problems Thaksin has caused in the long run.

They may have tired of TRT, but they are not in favor of the military either (at least the ones i know).

But this empowerment is what the present coup leaders do not want, and the resulting uncomfortable questions to be asked by the poeple who they prefer not to raise their voices.

If the elections would have been allowed without military interference it would have been only a matter of time that the upcountry population would have tired of TRT populism, and there would have been a very large chance that TRT would have been beaten at the ballot box.

Now though, i fear that the Thai political scene will be dominated by old style factional infights, weak visionless coalition governments and constantly shifting powers in the military. And inevitably blood will be flowing. We have seen it, we will see it again.

And i am convinced that this time it will be far worse, if you calculate in the dooming ethnic/religious war in the south.

Time has run out. There is no way back anymore.

Hi Colpyat. What interests me most about the move away from TRT by farmers in the North is that nobody is reporting on it or maybe not interested in it. As it would seem to be tied to where we are now I find this nothing short of amazing especially when within minutes of arriving in a village it is obvious. Or maybe I am being niaive and the struggle between TRT and the others has and remains only a struggle between the powerful, and it suits all to just make stupid statements that the peasants up North support Thaksin and TRT. Maybe the fear of a peasant mob descending on Bangkok is soemthing all sides want to perpetuate.