FrazeeDK
Excellent write up. I have not kept up with the political situation over they years as maybe I should have. I do relate to all the things you say. A 7-11 in Banpaeng, even 10 years ago I would have thought "what are you smoking", now I just shake my head and think How did this happen.
I am glad for the Thais, but I miss the tigers growl on the river bank.
Breaking News
Very good piece Dave.
I certainly don't hold a torch for Mr. T (a fact that no doubt worries him considerable every night
). But some of the possible alternatives are very worrying. I don't think that any Falangs or Thais would wish to swap him with any of the neighbouring countries leaders, for example.. 
I certainly don't hold a torch for Mr. T (a fact that no doubt worries him considerable every night
). But some of the possible alternatives are very worrying. I don't think that any Falangs or Thais would wish to swap him with any of the neighbouring countries leaders, for example.. 
Current political kerfluffles
Looking at all the hooraw about Taksin's financial shenanigans just convinces me that it's pretty much all political fluff. You'd think that the politicians would be more focused on what's going on down south but that would take some tough thinking.. With 2 or more folks getting killed daily in Thai Dai, no end in sight, and questions as to who, what, where, why it's going on down there, Mr. Sondhi's "rallies" against supposed corruption are at best, good absurd theater.
Dave
Just a thought,If they got rid of corruption,made the changes in their defunct education system,retrain the police to protect and serve,taught the teachers how to teach and made all the other changes that ''I'' sometimes complain about!I don't think I could afford to live here on my retirement!
The only reason Thaksin is scarey to me is that he has to much power and world history has shown that to be very dangerous.
The only reason Thaksin is scarey to me is that he has to much power and world history has shown that to be very dangerous.
Quite right, the likes of Mr S (Lao PR) and the P****t Lao Party make Taksin not so bad. I guess?BobHelm wrote:Very good piece Dave.
I certainly don't hold a torch for Mr. T (a fact that no doubt worries him considerable every night
Breaking News
Since the first few speculative articles appeared on the call for General Election, the U.S. has been strangely quiet on the subject. Interesting, since the manufacturing interests are so intertwined. Of course, we're up to our a**es in alligators, as the saying goes, with attention diverted elsewhere -- but surely there are a few state department policy wonks on the Asian desk working overtime on this one.
just got this
BANGKOK, Thailand - Thai opposition politicians reaffirmed their intention Saturday to boycott April 2 elections called by the country's leader to end a political crisis.
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Accusing tycoon-turned-politician Thaksin Shinawatra of corruption and abuse of power, pro-democracy groups said they would hold a mass rally Sunday to maintain pressure on Thaksin to resign. Some vowed unspecified "militant action" if he does not step down.
Thaksin told cheering supporters at a campaign rally Friday that he would resign if his party failed to secure more than half the votes.
If he is re-elected, Thaksin said he would hold a national referendum on constitutional reforms within 15 months and then call fresh elections.
But the leading opposition parties reaffirmed Saturday they would not participate in the elections.
"Thaksin's proposal for political reform is mere lip service. We cannot trust him anymore," Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva told reporters.
Tens of thousands of protesters have been demanding Thaksin's resignation in regular weekend rallies, accusing him of corruption, mishandling a Muslim insurgency in southern Thailand, stifling the media and allowing cronies to reap gains from state policies.
The anti-Thaksin campaign swelled last month after the prime minister's family sold its controlling stake in telecommunications giant Shin Corp. to a state-owned Singapore investment company, netting $1.9 billion.
Critics allege that the sale involved insider trading and tax dodges, and complain that a key national asset is now in the hands of a foreign government.
In his speech Friday, Thaksin denied any wrongdoing.
But opponents were hardly satisfied.
"I will continue protesting until he is out of office," said opposition leader Chamlong Srimuang, who helped bring down a military-led government in 1992 through bloody street demonstrations.
Chamlong, formerly Thaksin's political mentor, is a leading figure in the Santi Asoke Buddhist sect, which says it can mobilize tens of thousands of adherents in the ranks of its "Dharma Army."
Theerayuth Bunmee, a prominent social critic, predicted that protests will bring down Thaksin but warned protesters about pushing too fast.
"People power will be successful in toppling Thaksin but don't rush to get to the finish line," said Theerayuth, a student leader in a 1973 pro-democracy uprising that toppled a military dictatorship.
Despite the mounting calls for his resignation
BANGKOK, Thailand - Thai opposition politicians reaffirmed their intention Saturday to boycott April 2 elections called by the country's leader to end a political crisis.
ADVERTISEMENT
Accusing tycoon-turned-politician Thaksin Shinawatra of corruption and abuse of power, pro-democracy groups said they would hold a mass rally Sunday to maintain pressure on Thaksin to resign. Some vowed unspecified "militant action" if he does not step down.
Thaksin told cheering supporters at a campaign rally Friday that he would resign if his party failed to secure more than half the votes.
If he is re-elected, Thaksin said he would hold a national referendum on constitutional reforms within 15 months and then call fresh elections.
But the leading opposition parties reaffirmed Saturday they would not participate in the elections.
"Thaksin's proposal for political reform is mere lip service. We cannot trust him anymore," Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva told reporters.
Tens of thousands of protesters have been demanding Thaksin's resignation in regular weekend rallies, accusing him of corruption, mishandling a Muslim insurgency in southern Thailand, stifling the media and allowing cronies to reap gains from state policies.
The anti-Thaksin campaign swelled last month after the prime minister's family sold its controlling stake in telecommunications giant Shin Corp. to a state-owned Singapore investment company, netting $1.9 billion.
Critics allege that the sale involved insider trading and tax dodges, and complain that a key national asset is now in the hands of a foreign government.
In his speech Friday, Thaksin denied any wrongdoing.
But opponents were hardly satisfied.
"I will continue protesting until he is out of office," said opposition leader Chamlong Srimuang, who helped bring down a military-led government in 1992 through bloody street demonstrations.
Chamlong, formerly Thaksin's political mentor, is a leading figure in the Santi Asoke Buddhist sect, which says it can mobilize tens of thousands of adherents in the ranks of its "Dharma Army."
Theerayuth Bunmee, a prominent social critic, predicted that protests will bring down Thaksin but warned protesters about pushing too fast.
"People power will be successful in toppling Thaksin but don't rush to get to the finish line," said Theerayuth, a student leader in a 1973 pro-democracy uprising that toppled a military dictatorship.
Despite the mounting calls for his resignation