Letter From Thailand / New York Times
BANGKOK, Aug. 29 — Sounding desperate, Thailand’s harried leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, wrote to President Bush last spring with what sounded like an S O S Thai democracy, he said, is under threat.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is under fire but remains highly popular in rural areas.
“Key democratic institutions, such as elections and the observance of constitutional limitations on government, have been repeatedly undermined,â€
Saving Thai Democracy: Will the Cure Kill the Patient?
I never will forget when he came to power originally, it was on a platform of ridding Thailand of corruption. Nevertheless, he came periously close to getting impeached a few days later because he hadn't delared his business interests correctly. I think he remained in power by a split decision of The Supreme Court, by one.
Since then, as the above article has pointed out, he has systematically placed his family and followers in positions of power. Corruption is still rife and no-one seems to be any better off after his terms of office than they were before. Unless, of course, you count in the water buffaloes for every farm in Thailand - that was cancelled a couple of months ago - and the interest friendly loans that would be given to farmers to buy and improve their landholdings - I've never seen any statistics as to how many took his generous offer up and got themselves into perpetual debt to the government thereafter.
Now it certainly looks like the election will be delayed, despite a Royal Decree authorising it on Oct 15th. The reason given - The Electoral Commission will probably not be elected before September 12th. Remember that of the previous 5 members, 3 were sentenced to 4 years imprisonment, 1 died and 1 resigned before the proverbial hit the fan. Reason for the Electoral Commission's demise - you've guessed it, favouring Thaksin. That was why the election in April was declared unconstitutional.
Suppose I, or anyone else, could go on forever about this. It's madness and the rest of the world is either laughing at Thailand and Thaksin - or simply not giving a damn.
The latest in the corruption/ineptness stakes comes with the realisation that the CTX bomb scanners at the new airport cannot work quickly enough, despite 1.3 billion Baht being spent on them and constant cries of major corruption. The latest brainwave by the Deputy PM is to move the existing ones from Don Muang to Suvan on the 28th. Excuse me, but are all flights to and from Thailand going to stop on that day, as I don't think many airlines will be willing to fly in or out, without the proper security.
I've had enough. If anyone wants to add, or disagree, with anything I've said, go ahead. The sooner "square head" goes, the better for this country, although I must admit that I fail to see a viable alternative - yet.
Since then, as the above article has pointed out, he has systematically placed his family and followers in positions of power. Corruption is still rife and no-one seems to be any better off after his terms of office than they were before. Unless, of course, you count in the water buffaloes for every farm in Thailand - that was cancelled a couple of months ago - and the interest friendly loans that would be given to farmers to buy and improve their landholdings - I've never seen any statistics as to how many took his generous offer up and got themselves into perpetual debt to the government thereafter.
Now it certainly looks like the election will be delayed, despite a Royal Decree authorising it on Oct 15th. The reason given - The Electoral Commission will probably not be elected before September 12th. Remember that of the previous 5 members, 3 were sentenced to 4 years imprisonment, 1 died and 1 resigned before the proverbial hit the fan. Reason for the Electoral Commission's demise - you've guessed it, favouring Thaksin. That was why the election in April was declared unconstitutional.
Suppose I, or anyone else, could go on forever about this. It's madness and the rest of the world is either laughing at Thailand and Thaksin - or simply not giving a damn.
The latest in the corruption/ineptness stakes comes with the realisation that the CTX bomb scanners at the new airport cannot work quickly enough, despite 1.3 billion Baht being spent on them and constant cries of major corruption. The latest brainwave by the Deputy PM is to move the existing ones from Don Muang to Suvan on the 28th. Excuse me, but are all flights to and from Thailand going to stop on that day, as I don't think many airlines will be willing to fly in or out, without the proper security.
I've had enough. If anyone wants to add, or disagree, with anything I've said, go ahead. The sooner "square head" goes, the better for this country, although I must admit that I fail to see a viable alternative - yet.
I can tell you for sure - it's the latter. For the rest of the world Thailand is an international irrelevance. Unless sex or tsunamis are involved it never makes the news.lomuamart wrote:Suppose I, or anyone else, could go on forever about this. It's madness and the rest of the world is either laughing at Thailand and Thaksin - or simply not giving a damn.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! If only the Thai's understood that. Not just Mom and Pop Kettel up country but, the alleged highly educated politicians who run this place. Just like JD's Dundee episode. Thais are shocked and amazed that anything exists outside of here. They think they are highly respected and on the verge of 1st world membership, FOOLS!Jaime wrote:I can tell you for sure - it's the latter. For the rest of the world Thailand is an international irrelevance. Unless sex or tsunamis are involved it never makes the news.
Again, always and most certainly my criticism is constructive, but for almost exactly 37 1/2 years now I've been watching this place crawl up a few meters only to fall back a kilometer. Frustrationis not the appropriate word. The correct word may not exist.
When the crash comes and Thailand works for all their neighbors, it will be too late. UGGGH. Pete
It isn't the mountains ahead that wear you out, it's the grain of sand in your shoe.prcscct wrote:I've been watching this place crawl up a few meters only to fall back a kilometer. Frustrationis not the appropriate word. The correct word may not exist.
Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.
As everything in Thailand; fail to plan is plan to fail.
Logistics; never heard of.
I intend to live forever - so far so good.
prcscct wrote:
How familiar that sounds - does it not remind you of the thinking in the film King & I? Whilst I appreciate it was a Hollywood movie, why did Yul Bryner see the need for a teacher from the Western World?Thais are shocked and amazed that anything exists outside of here. They think they are highly respected and on the verge of 1st world membership, FOOLS!
Championship Plymouth Argyle 1 - 2 Leeds Utd 
Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED