The week that was in Thailand news: We trusted in Thailand to change: At least she still makes us laugh!

[rooster59]

The week that was in Thailand news: We trusted in Thailand to change: At least she still makes us laugh!

 

 

Readers of this column will know that Rooster is not your archetypal Thai basher. Bar stools give me vertigo and piles in equal measure and I’d rather don some rose-tinted specs than hide behind sunglasses and moan to anyone who will listen.
 
But sometimes things need to be said and it struck me that if visitors to the kingdom and the locals themselves are to have trust in the country then some things need to be, er…adjusted. Without further delay!
 
Rooster has trusted that several things might be addressed over the years. They have unfortunately been forever proposed before being put on a back burner like a slowly simmering leg of “khaa muu” that never actually cooks. The result has been stagnation.
 
We trusted that a democratic government might end corruption within 20 years. Trusted that people who traverse its roads and waterways might one day all arrive safely at their destination. Trusted that the environment might be cleaned up, rejuvenated where necessary, despite the cost. Trusted that schools might one day deliver the finest education that promotes free thinking. Trusted that a police force that will go out of their way to maintain law and order and instill confidence in an admiring public might one bright day solve all crime. Trusted that in time the judiciary would act in the best interests of the common man utilizing a system of law easily accessed by all. Trusted that those in authority might begin to say it like it is and never once spout the complete opposite of what they mean. Trusted in a drive for more fairness….
 
I’ll stop there before the reader damages their computer by spluttering up coffee on the keyboard and imagines that your columnist has gone troppo. I know I am probably clutching at straws, hoping against hope for a better more equitable future. Besides, like most business-minded Thais, Rooster can be trusted to be scrupulously fair in protecting the consumer (smiley face deleted); I’d hate to be responsible for damage to your keyboards.
 
At least laughs continued aplenty this week as the kingdom emerged from lockdown and spiraled downward into the Abyss of Nonsensical Notions every bit as damning as the animistic ride into the copper wok of Thai hell.
 
Appropriately given that reference to the Thai afterlife, the culture ministry led the way. They usually only say something when it has been cleared by their proof-readers as utterly absurd. True to form they came up with the idea to hold the cancelled Songkran just after the schools finally go back after four month long ‘holidays’.
 
And just when it looked like the virus might be under control, here they were effectively condoning a water fight free for all in the middle of the monsoon.
 
Later in the week Pipat at the tourism ministry surprised everyone by rejecting the idea and coming up with something actually sensible. The billionaire minister has clearly enjoyed a successful lobotomy during lockdown removing those parts of his constrained cortex that previously suggested coronavirus would blow away on the ocean breezes by April.
 
Pipat believed it was better to stagger the days off throughout the year rather than encourage a sustained bout of drunken revelry that might ruin July’s road death stats.
 
Surely it would be better just to forget Songkran this year and trust that Thais will find time to honor their grandparents, anoint the head of a Buddhist image and get thoroughly plastered any weekend.
 
The rehabilitation of farang-hating-cum-baiting Anutin continued apace. This week the billionaire health minister and DPM (is being filthy rich a prerequisite to becoming an MP?) was caught a little too close to others enjoying a socially distant-free lunch.
 
His curt response to legitimate questions from the Thai press was in stark contrast to the reaction of UK government aide Dominic Cumming’s escapades the other week. Though both exhibited a characteristic lack of contrition.
 
The Thai minister is supposed to be a role model but proved at his luncheon that he is more of a roll model.
 
Anutin’s stock improved, at least for this columnist, later in the week as he pressed ahead with Bhumjaithai manifesto plans to allow certain people to grow ganja for medical conditions and allow farmers to plant a new hash-cash crop. Hopefully it will lead to complete legalization one day and be accompanied by further restrictions on the true demon drugs that plague society, namely alcohol and tobacco.
 
To wit, it was heartening to see that more people are being fined up to 5,000 baht for lighting up where they shouldn’t. Whether it is true that the lurgy is spread on fag smoke is irrelevant. Cancer is spread.
 
An On Nut based ganja growing godown (a lovely word used frequently in Patpong years ago) was busted by Thong Lo’s finest after a Chinese man informed on a compatriot. Rooster managed to slip in “joint collaboration” of police forces and the “weeding out” of suspects but my editor refused to countenance my headline that Mr Woo had grassed up Mr Hai.
 
Hoping for improved trust in Thailand kicked off the week admirably with the “timely” confirmation that DPM Prawit’s chronometer crisis has now been kicked under that thickest of shag pile, the Thai carpet of corruption. The story reported there had been concern from “citizens” (the public not the manufacturer of a timepiece that fatty would never deign to wear).
 
The picture of grimacing Big Pom displaying his podgy wrist replete with watch and diamond ring is a Thai classic as big as former police chief Somyot standing outside “Suckers” in Nana Plaza explaining how the bomb outrage had been solved and how he had rewarded his able men with zillions of baht.
 
Far cleaner than the RTP these days is Bangkok though governor Asawin threw a wobbly about the mountains of trash still being thrown in the capital’s klongs. As a lifelong Bangkokian I was thrilled to see the now beautified Klong Saen Saeb on a walk along the skywalk near Central World this week. Clearing up the klongs – and there are 2,600 kilometers of them according to the general – should be a priority and would be a boon for tourism and the economy.
 
Reports also highlighted the “greening” of Krung Thep was continuing with more parks opening and disused land being targeted for neighborhood allotments. But I do hope they speed up their “Green Bangkok 2030” efforts. The city is expected to slip below the waves by 2050 even if Rooster manages to last that long.
 
Down in QUOTES (you know where that is by now!) plans were presented to strongarm mayor Sontaya to regenerate Walking Street. Rooster’s assessment that the blueprints looked like just another mall struck a chord. Sontaya – son of infamous murderer Kamnan Poh – clearly didn’t like it either, perhaps concerned that tea-shops present less opportunity for tea-money than bars and clubs.
 
As the beach opened and deck chair operators prepared to scuttle back to the sands like crabs with their claws out, the reporters spotted a complete lack of tourists. Somehow the emptiness was a giveaway.
 
Anticipating that this desertion would not last the weekend, the COP (Chief Of Police) in Pattaya warned tourists that his plodders might get off their ample backsides and enforce social distancing.
 
Pattaya’s finest should be excellent at that as they normally keep well away from the public unless there is a checkpoint for a little “Shearing of the Sheeple”, previously known as fleecing.
 
This heightened activity from COP followed traffic jams on Bang Saen’s seafront and public jams on the beach itself during the public holiday on Wednesday. Saensuk mayor “Tui” (Sontaya’s sibling) was forced to temporarily shut the stable doors after the tourists had bolted to the sands.
 
In financial news the government under Prayut – our father who art in khaki, hollow be his name – announced a 1.9 trillion baht aid package. Opposition MPs – an endangered and toothless species of Thai wildlife – pointlessly said that the money would only benefit big business.
 
International news continued to be dominated by the fallout from the death of George Floyd in police custody on May 25th in Minneapolis. Having spent almost my entire adult life in the position of minority immigrant, I initially thought that gave me a great perspective. But before making a fool of myself on Facebook, I realized that unlike many black people I have almost never been the subject of discrimination or violence in Thailand because of my ethnicity.
 
In fact, my different appearance has usually worked to my advantage.
 
Race is a huge, divisive issue in the States but America could have done with better leadership this week rather than threats of soldiers and political grandstanding outside a church. Rooster misses the days of Mr Obama who recognized my ilk in his inauguration speech mentioning the rights of atheists.
 
That seems a lifetime away now.
 
In England the Eton Mess responded to the latest Chinese political crackdown on people in Hong Kong by suggesting that up to 3 million people could be allowed into the UK. This reminded me of the offers that Bangkok based UK friends received prior to the handover of 1997 from Hong Kong ladies seeking marriage for money.
 
Rooster spent much of his life prior to 2010 pooh-poohing the whole idea that anyone would want to live in either Singapore or Hong Kong in preference to Bangkok. While I still maintain the former is an unpleasant (if clean) police state the latter became a personal favorite after we set up “Amazing Race” style school trips there for our international school sixth-formers.
 
And also because side trips to Shatin and Happy Valley were heaven on earth for a horse racing lover! The now defunct Nang Lerng and RBSC racecourses in Bangkok never quite compared to Hong Kong.
 
In Australia, Rugby League clubs charged $22 a time for people to have their image printed out and appear virtually in the deserted stands. This backfired when a picture of Britain’s most notorious serial killer Dr Harold Shipman was used and presenters thought it was a jolly jape to include another killer of German fame with the initials A.H.
 
They apologized but it smacked of something that idiotic Thais students or short-time hotel owners without a holocaust clue might get up to.
 
Finally, back in our lovely Thailand, Ariya, 52, said that giving up the lottery was akin to winning it. Her addiction – 80,000 baht a month over years, paid for by private tutoring – had cost her so much that in the last three years since quitting she had saved enough for a house, land and soon to arrive Benz.
 
However, for someone who once trusted in the odds of the Thai lottery the subject she teaches was a tad disconcerting.
 
Mathematics. 
 
Rooster
 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2020-06-07

 

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[Samui Bodoh]

21 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

Anutin’s stock improved, at least for this columnist, later in the week as he pressed ahead with Bhumjaithai manifesto plans to allow certain people to grow ganja for medical conditions and allow farmers to plant a new hash-cash crop. Hopefully it will lead to complete legalization one day and be accompanied by further restrictions on the true demon drugs that plague society, namely alcohol and tobacco.

Amen!

 

The simple fact is that Thailand is in the middle of a serious financial crisis, and one that will get worse before it gets better. One solution, easy to do, would be to accelerate the process of creating medical weed, if not going for broke and allowing full legalization ASAP.

 

Globally, weed has already hit critical mass in enough places that it isn't going to go anywhere (like it ever was, but that is another story), and it is inevitable that it'll become big business in Asia soon.

 

The first country that has the courage to take the full legalization plunge is going to make a killing; it is a reasonable projection that at least 2-3 multi-billion dollar companies will rise up to service demand of billions of Asian people. The country that goes first will have a head start, will be able to create a legal framework that benefits itself and will almost certainly be copied by others, will be able to grab market share early and be in the best position to hang on to it, and will create 'brand-loyalty' early on in the process; to sum up, who ever goes first, wins. And, wins BIG!

 

Thailand, you have an almost impossible to screw-up business opportunity in front of you, if you have the courage to take it.

 

What are you waiting for?

 

 

 

[Matzzon]

1 hour ago, rooster59 said:

Readers of this column will know that Rooster is not your archetypal Thai basher. Bar stools give me vertigo and piles in equal measure and I’d rather don some rose-tinted specs than hide behind sunglasses and moan to anyone who will listen.

This sentence is brilliant! I really believe that the creator would have a very good career in the Thai government. It is clearly the best ever excuse and way to eliminate yourself from the masses. This gives you the right to "say what needs to be said" (When others do it usually called Thai bashing), at the same time that you can justify your bashing with another name. Fantastic!

[PatOngo]

1 hour ago, Samui Bodoh said:

Thailand, you have an almost impossible to screw-up business opportunity in front of you, if you have the courage to take it.

 

What are you waiting for?

 

Lunch!

[Saltire]

"The Thai minister is supposed to be a role model but proved at his luncheon that he is more of a roll model."

 

Good one, made me laugh.

[Yinn]

2 hours ago, rooster59 said:

We trusted that a democratic government might end corruption within 20 years. Trusted that people who traverse its roads and waterways might one day all arrive safely at their destination. Trusted that the environment might be cleaned up, rejuvenated where necessary, despite the cost. Trusted that schools might one day deliver the finest education that promotes free thinking. Trusted that a police force that will go out of their way to maintain law and order and instill confidence in an admiring public might one bright day solve all crime. Trusted that in time the judiciary would act in the best interests of the common man utilizing a system of law easily accessed by all. Trusted that those in authority might begin to say it like it is and never once spout the complete opposite of what they mean. Trusted in a drive for more fairness….

Trusted the “translation” is real.

Not “translation based on a true story”

 

Trust is important right?

irony.

[Cats4ever]

Hopefully it will lead to complete legalization one day and be accompanied by further restrictions on the true demon drugs that plague society, namely alcohol and tobacco.

Rooster is obviously not a fan of Winston Churchill, on both counts.

 

I normally like his columns, but this trend is off putting to me.

I agree with the start of his sentence.

Edited June 7, 2020 by Cats4ever
addition

[Marpa47]

“We trusted that a democratic government might end corruption within 20 years. Trusted that people who traverse its roads and waterways might one day all arrive safely at their destination. Trusted that the environment might be cleaned up, rejuvenated where necessary, despite the cost. Trusted that schools might one day deliver the finest education that promotes free thinking. Trusted that a police force that will go out of their way to maintain law and order and instill confidence in an admiring public might one bright day solve all crime. Trusted that in time the judiciary would act in the best interests of the common man utilizing a system of law easily accessed by all. Trusted that those in authority might begin to say it like it is and never once spout the complete opposite of what they mean. Trusted in a drive for more fairness” 

 

you might be interested in the history of the (original) Ayutia as per absence of all forms of suffering under the benevolent rule of Lord Rama.  All that was needed was for all subjects to refrain from sinning.  Or at least so goes the story or allegory or myth if you will.  At the very least something beautiful to contemplate.  Talk about Golden Age! ????

 

 

 

[Greg O]

One things for sure, this place is a Riot ! Hehe 555.

 

 

Great column ..

[Marpa47]

Enjoying your many articles.  The personal touch in “the week that was” is as always a very rewarding read.  

[Marpa47]

Wondering how the expression “grassed on” got its meaning ‘to inform on’.  as has found it’s way into numerous bylines this past week?  In the US of A there is a term, (grass roots), meaning a political movement originating among the common people.  But that term has some connection to it’s meaning since grass is kind of a symbol for something common and not of the upper class.  But “grassed on”?   Can’t imagine the connection although that’s probably the point. 

[Jai Dee]

9 minutes ago, Marpa47 said:

Wondering how the expression “grassed on” got its meaning ‘to inform on’.

 

It's an English term.

 

Origin Reference

[zyphodb]

Wow, all that trust Rooster, just how tinted are your sunglasses? for that amount of trust I'd be surprised if you could see 3 feet in front of you in the midday sun...

[gamini]

5 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

Amen!

 

The simple fact is that Thailand is in the middle of a serious financial crisis, and one that will get worse before it gets better. One solution, easy to do, would be to accelerate the process of creating medical weed, if not going for broke and allowing full legalization ASAP.

 

Globally, weed has already hit critical mass in enough places that it isn't going to go anywhere (like it ever was, but that is another story), and it is inevitable that it'll become big business in Asia soon.

 

The first country that has the courage to take the full legalization plunge is going to make a killing; it is a reasonable projection that at least 2-3 multi-billion dollar companies will rise up to service demand of billions of Asian people. The country that goes first will have a head start, will be able to create a legal framework that benefits itself and will almost certainly be copied by others, will be able to grab market share early and be in the best position to hang on to it, and will create 'brand-loyalty' early on in the process; to sum up, who ever goes first, wins. And, wins BIG!

 

Thailand, you have an almost impossible to screw-up business opportunity in front of you, if you have the courage to take it.

 

What are you waiting for?

 

 

 

Tens of millions of crazed tourists will come here just to smoke pot if it's legalised. There will be full moon parties all over Thailand. And of course the economy can benefit for it.

[GAZZPA]

6 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

Amen!

 

The simple fact is that Thailand is in the middle of a serious financial crisis, and one that will get worse before it gets better. One solution, easy to do, would be to accelerate the process of creating medical weed, if not going for broke and allowing full legalization ASAP.

 

Globally, weed has already hit critical mass in enough places that it isn't going to go anywhere (like it ever was, but that is another story), and it is inevitable that it'll become big business in Asia soon.

 

The first country that has the courage to take the full legalization plunge is going to make a killing; it is a reasonable projection that at least 2-3 multi-billion dollar companies will rise up to service demand of billions of Asian people. The country that goes first will have a head start, will be able to create a legal framework that benefits itself and will almost certainly be copied by others, will be able to grab market share early and be in the best position to hang on to it, and will create 'brand-loyalty' early on in the process; to sum up, who ever goes first, wins. And, wins BIG!

 

Thailand, you have an almost impossible to screw-up business opportunity in front of you, if you have the courage to take it.

 

What are you waiting for?

 

 

 

I think you are right. a huge economic opportunity at a time where economic hardship is widespread. However it will never happen. I believe it is a step too far and the political tussle about what brown envelope goes where will paralyse the process even if a collective desire is present. This is commonplace, it is the primary hurdle on every decision, It is what corruption does, it cripples progress and the same will/would happen here. The most beneficial economic decision Thailand could make right now (with permanent long lasting effects for future generations) would be to crush endemic corruption in Thailand, do that and great things will follow.

[herwin1234]

wow, that cynical headline was enough for me, no need to read further.

 

Thailand did and does a great job handling this crisis. Its tough, but if you look and compare how other  western countries have mismanaged the crisis, Thailand did EXCELLENT. 

 

For the rest,  i didnt bother to read its just the usual negative rubbish of people (the forum farang) who are always lookin for an excuse to ridicule their guest country so they can feel a bit good about themselves at the expense of other people.

[off road pat]

Well,...Rooster,...

This one was one of your best !!!

I enjoyed it !!!

Best Regards !

[GAZZPA]

1 hour ago, Marpa47 said:

Wondering how the expression “grassed on” got its meaning ‘to inform on’.  as has found it’s way into numerous bylines this past week?  In the US of A there is a term, (grass roots), meaning a political movement originating among the common people.  But that term has some connection to it’s meaning since grass is kind of a symbol for something common and not of the upper class.  But “grassed on”?   Can’t imagine the connection although that’s probably the point. 

It's an English term, don't think it is really used elsewhere as it is believed to have roots in cockney rhyming slang which is of course native to London. Here is a short description from the internet.

 

There is another route to the word and this is via rhyming slang. Farmer and Henley's 1893 Dictionary of Slang defines 'grasshopper' as 'copper', that is, policeman. The theory is that a 'grass' is someone who works for the police and so has become a surrogate 'copper'. The rhyming slang link was certainly believed in 1950 by the lexicographer Paul Tempest, when he wrote Lag's lexicon: a comprehensive dictionary and encyclopaedia of the English prison to-day:

[GAZZPA]

7 minutes ago, herwin1234 said:

wow, that cynical headline was enough for me, no need to read further.

 

Thailand did and does a great job handling this crisis. Its tough, but if you look and compare how other  western countries have mismanaged the crisis, Thailand did EXCELLENT. 

 

For the rest,  i didnt bother to read its just the usual negative rubbish of people (the forum farang) who are always lookin for an excuse to ridicule their guest country so they can feel a bit good about themselves at the expense of other people.

I have no doubt that Thailand did what it needed to do to suppress the virus, not taking anything away but I am getting very tired of the constant comparison to Western cultures crowning Thailand as the King of the virus tackling world. It is so well documented if you can bother to research about how the virus responds in different climates,  hot / humid weather is not a favourable environment. Add in many other factors such as the far more comprehensive transport systems, ease of travelling between countries / states, congestion and the tendency for longer distances for commuting and it very quickly becomes apparent why the virus has spread so quickly in countries in the Northern Hemisphere. Not to mention the obvious economic difference, people (including working class) have much more money to travel and shop. Short international flights are also very cheap and almost as common as catching a bus.

 

There is not 1 single country that got this right 100%, nobody in our lifetime has had to deal with such a thing so not really surprising, however I very strongly believe that if the virus had taken hold in Thailand and if Thailand had a temperate climate they would have faired no better then Italy, Spain, UK, Germany, USA or anywhere else that has struggled. 

 

It is, in my view, a cheap, tasteless and desperate attempt to try and label Thailand as "better at something" then the west. So before falling into the trap of assuming Thailand takes better care protecting it's citizens then lets say Germany, do some research, engage your brain and get your facts right. 

 

This is not a trivial topic to play silly games with, people are dying in enormous numbers.

[Jane Dough]

1 hour ago, herwin1234 said:

wow, that cynical headline was enough for me, no need to read further.

 

Thailand did and does a great job handling this crisis. Its tough, but if you look and compare how other  western countries have mismanaged the crisis, Thailand did EXCELLENT. 

 

For the rest,  i didnt bother to read its just the usual negative rubbish of people (the forum farang) who are always lookin for an excuse to ridicule their guest country so they can feel a bit good about themselves at the expense of other people.

I just read the first word of your reply to my column: "wow".

 

Thanks so much for your praise of me and support. Much appreciated.

 

Rooster

[overt2016]

3 hours ago, Marpa47 said:

Enjoying your many articles.  The personal touch in “the week that was” is as always a very rewarding read.  

I, for the first time in years enjoyed Rooster's article.

Keep it up and I might change my mind about you!!!!!

[Jane Dough]

1 hour ago, GAZZPA said:

It's an English term, don't think it is really used elsewhere as it is believed to have roots in cockney rhyming slang which is of course native to London. Here is a short description from the internet.

 

There is another route to the word and this is via rhyming slang. Farmer and Henley's 1893 Dictionary of Slang defines 'grasshopper' as 'copper', that is, policeman. The theory is that a 'grass' is someone who works for the police and so has become a surrogate 'copper'. The rhyming slang link was certainly believed in 1950 by the lexicographer Paul Tempest, when he wrote Lag's lexicon: a comprehensive dictionary and encyclopaedia of the English prison to-day:

Interesting, thanks for your input me ol' sparrah..

 

Rooster (a mockney)

[Jane Dough]

1 hour ago, GAZZPA said:

I have no doubt that Thailand did what it needed to do to suppress the virus, not taking anything away but I am getting very tired of the constant comparison to Western cultures crowning Thailand as the King of the virus tackling world. It is so well documented if you can bother to research about how the virus responds in different climates,  hot / humid weather is not a favourable environment. Add in many other factors such as the far more comprehensive transport systems, ease of travelling between countries / states, congestion and the tendency for longer distances for commuting and it very quickly becomes apparent why the virus has spread so quickly in countries in the Northern Hemisphere. Not to mention the obvious economic difference, people (including working class) have much more money to travel and shop. Short international flights are also very cheap and almost as common as catching a bus.

 

There is not 1 single country that got this right 100%, nobody in our lifetime has had to deal with such a thing so not really surprising, however I very strongly believe that if the virus had taken hold in Thailand and if Thailand had a temperate climate they would have faired no better then Italy, Spain, UK, Germany, USA or anywhere else that has struggled. 

 

It is, in my view, a cheap, tasteless and desperate attempt to try and label Thailand as "better at something" then the west. So before falling into the trap of assuming Thailand takes better care protecting it's citizens then lets say Germany, do some research, engage your brain and get your facts right. 

 

This is not a trivial topic to play silly games with, people are dying in enormous numbers.

Can't disagree with much of that. If the "facts" (for want of a better word)  do ever come out about the coronavirus pandemic they are likely to be years down the line.

 

Thanks for reading.

 

Rooster

[Jane Dough]

7 minutes ago, overt2016 said:

I, for the first time in years enjoyed Rooster's article.

Keep it up and I might change my mind about you!!!!!

I am glad this was more to your liking. 

 

Thank you for reading and commenting positively. 

 

Rooster

[GAZZPA]

9 minutes ago, Jane Dough said:

Interesting, thanks for your input me ol' sparrah..

 

Rooster (a mockney)

No probs me ol china, any other guff give us a tinkle on the dog and bone

[GAZZPA]

7 minutes ago, Jane Dough said:

Can't disagree with much of that. If the "facts" (for want of a better word)  do ever come out about the coronavirus pandemic they are likely to be years down the line.

 

Thanks for reading.

 

Rooster

Agree, it is early days for too many facts, however we do know that the influenza viruses does hold themselves better and linger longer in cool climates, that information is easily available and been around for a long time. It's why Autumn and winter are considered to be the "flu season" in the western world and why the flu jab is administered in preparation for that time of year. 

[KhaoYai]

9 hours ago, rooster59 said:

We trusted that a democratic government might end corruption within 20 years. Trusted that people who traverse its roads and waterways might one day all arrive safely at their destination. Trusted that the environment might be cleaned up, rejuvenated where necessary, despite the cost. Trusted that schools might one day deliver the finest education that promotes free thinking. Trusted that a police force that will go out of their way to maintain law and order and instill confidence in an admiring public might one bright day solve all crime. Trusted that in time the judiciary would act in the best interests of the common man utilizing a system of law easily accessed by all. Trusted that those in authority might begin to say it like it is and never once spout the complete opposite of what they mean. Trusted in a drive for more fairness….

And all those things have become less likely to ever happen through one hugely important bit of legislation that most Thai's don't even seem to know about - the introduction of a new constitution. Its hardly surprising that Thai's had little knowledge of the changes the new constitution would make to their lives - the ruling Junta banned political discussion about it and prevented political parties from campaigning on it during the run up to the referrendum that eventually saw its introduction.

 

I have yet to meet a Thai who knows that any future election result has to be approved by the Senate or that the membership of the Senate is controlled by the military - essentially ensuring that the military stay in control forever. Its hardly surprising then, that they could promise there would be no more coups.

 

The only things likely to change are those that benefit Thailand's elite and maybe a few 'spratts' thrown in to keep the people quiet.

 

I agree with others - that is probably the best 'Week that Was' that you've ever written.

Edited June 7, 2020 by KhaoYai

[Jane Dough]

7 hours ago, Matzzon said:

This sentence is brilliant! I really believe that the creator would have a very good career in the Thai government. It is clearly the best ever excuse and way to eliminate yourself from the masses. This gives you the right to "say what needs to be said" (When others do it usually called Thai bashing), at the same time that you can justify your bashing with another name. Fantastic!

Actually it's a paragraph, but thanks for reading anyway!

 

Rooster

[GAZZPA]

6 minutes ago, KhaoYai said:

And all those things have become less likely to ever happen through one hugely important bit of legislation that most Thai's don't even seem to know about - the introduction of a new constitution. Its hardly surprising that Thai's had little knowledge of the changes the new constitution would make to their lives - the ruling Junta banned political discussion about it and prevented political parties from campaigning on it during the run up to the referrendum that eventually saw its introduction.

 

I have yet to meet a Thai who knows that any future election result has to be approved by the Senate or that the membership of the Senate is controlled by the military - essentially ensuring that the military stay in control forever. Its hardly surprising then, that they could promise there would be no more coups.

 

The only things likely to change are those that benefit Thailand's elite and maybe a few 'spratts' thrown in to keep the people quiet.

 

I agree with others - that is probably the best 'Week that Was' that you've ever written.

It's a frightening thought isn't it. It is going to be down to the younger generation who are arguably becoming more globally aware and understanding of the political landscape that will change the fortunes of the country. Until the people decide enough is enough I can't see any brave, political figure making any headway in tackling the corruption and nepotism. In short no change in our lifetime. Sad but I think true.

[Jane Dough]

4 hours ago, Greg O said:

One things for sure, this place is a Riot ! Hehe 555.

 

 

Great column ..

Cheers and thanks for reading.

 

Rooster