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Corruption in Thailand is not about Thaksin. It's a way of life here.
If it's not one corrupt PM in charge it'll be another one.
True democracies don't exist, but the intepretation here is a farce.
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Pm Thaksin ResignsBREAKING NEWS
Started by george, 2006-04-04 20:36
#177
Star Member Posted 2006-04-05 08:44:45
Caravan of the Poor sympathizes with Mr. Thaksin's resignation
Mr. Kamtha Kanboonjan (คำตา แคนบุญจันทร์), head of the Caravan of the Poor, stated that the Caravan's main agenda was calling for proper democratic elections. Mr. Kamtha, one of the leaders of the Caravan of the Poor, currently staging protests in Chatuchak park, stated that Mr. Thaksin's announcement to resign from his position of Prime Minister, and to exit the political scene, was a courageous course of action. Mr. Kamtha stated that the 16 million votes in favor of the Thai Rak Thai party was proof enough of the party's good ideas, decisions, and actions. Mr. Kamtha added that the Caravan of the Poor was in Chatuchak park to call for elections based on democratic principles. The Caravan of the Poor sympathizes with Mr. Thaksin and hopes his vision and ideas will be carried on by his successor. Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 April 2006 #178
Unworthy member. Posted 2006-04-05 08:49:38
an amazing amount of spin put on this all byt the "Thaksin will never resign folks"! ....it has not been unnoticed. #179
Senior Member Posted 2006-04-05 08:54:47
[b]....Mr. Kamtha stated that the 16 million votes in favor of the Thai Rak Thai party was proof enough of the party's good ideas, decisions, and actions. ... Not sure what kind of logic they're using. 16 million votes assumes: -16 million people think the TRT has "good ideas, decisions, and actions" -16 million people voted for TRT People vote for different reasons. Some people vote because of peer or group pressure, or because they don't know anyone else (e.g., "If not Thaksin, WHO?"), or they don't have enough knowledge or concerns of the facts. #180
Senior Member Posted 2006-04-05 08:58:51
Perhaps he was just looking for a good excuse to resign, so as not to lose more face.
#181
Star Member Posted 2006-04-05 08:59:43
Chat Thai Deputy Leader calls Mr. Thaksin's decision a great sacrifice for the nation
The Deputy leader of the Chat Thai Party stated that Mr. Thaksin was making a great sacrifice in his decision to resign from his post. Mr. Somsak Prisananantakul (สมศักดิ์ ปริศนานันทกุล), deputy leader of the Chat Thai party, revealed that Mr. Thaksin's announcement to resign from his post was another occasion in which His Majesty's guidance and grace has allowed peace to reign in the nation once more. Mr. Somsak adds that the Chat Thai party would like all involved parties to meet for discussions of political reform. He encourages the parliamentary selection committee to choose the most constitutionally sound candidate. The deputy Chat Thai Leader adds that the most important element was sincerity in political reform. Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 April 2006 #182
Super Member Posted 2006-04-05 09:03:10
*****PM to step aside for national reconciliation***** BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra officially announced Tuesday evening that he would step down for the sake of national reconciliation. Appearing on TV pool, Mr. Thaksin announced that he would not accept the premiership despite his Thai Rak Thai (TRT) Party won the majority vote of around 16 million in the April 2 general election. "I won't accept the premiership in a selection process when the House of Representatives convenes its first session after the general election," he declared. Mr. Thaksin said he decided to step down from power to end the country's political standoff and restore national peaceful order and unity to pay tribute to His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of the 60th anniversary of the beloved monarch's ascension to the throne this year. The caretaker premier said, however, that he would be in office until a new prime minister from his TRT Party is elected in the House, and that he would continue to be the leader of the TRT Party and a member of the House of Representatives. Mr. Thaksin apologized the 16 million eligible voters who support him and his TRT Party, saying he had to give priority to the national interest. "As an MP, I will still visit people in various areas and the TRT-led government will continue to implement policies earlier prominsed to the voters, namely the war on drugs, the Bt30 per hospital visit, the poverty eradication and mega development projects," he pledged. Mr. Thaksin said Monday evening in a live TV talk show, Krong Sathanakarn, on government-run TV Channel 11 that he would be open to every channel which could help end the current political standoff--even stepping down with a leader from his TRT Party being assigned to, instead, take the premiership until the second-round political reform taken part by all parties concerned is completed over the next 15 months and a new general election is held. This proposal is on conditions that the former three main opposition parties, including the Democrat, the Chart Thai and the Mahachon Parties, end their boycott and run in next general elections, and that an anti-government movement led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) end their two-month rallies. Both the former oppostion bloc and the PAD have accepted the caretaker premier's proposal. Mr. Thaksin officially announced his decision after seeking an audience with His Majesty the King at Klaikangvol Palace in the upper southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan Tuesday afternoon. --TNA 2006-04-04 Well done Thaksin. A real CEO and a 'good' political move for Thailand #183
Star Member Posted 2006-04-05 09:08:17
Economy predicted to resume growth after the political breaks announced by caretaker PM Thaksin Shinawatra
Thai economy is expected to recover after caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra confirmed his stepping down last night, with the annual growth forecast to stay in the range of 4.5 percent or higher. Director of the Business and Economics Forecasting Centre of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce Thanawat Phonvichai (ธนวรรธน์ พลวิชัย) said he believed the business sector would feel more at ease and public consumption would resume its normal level. Investors should gain their confidence and are expected to raise their investment in line with the megaproject of the government. He believed the new government's economic policy would be a continuation from the previous government. This means the megaprojects in the capital will resume; the same to provincial stimulus measures and the foreign market expansion strategy. As for exports, continual expansion in their markets will be seen. The new political developments will facilitate easier tourism campaigns to woo tourists in foreign markets. In general, the Thai economy will be on a brighter side. However, how the economy will readjust depends on the new government policy, as well as who will be the prime minister and the cabinet. Mr. Thanawat concluded that improvement in exports will be seen in the second quarter of this year, and the economy is likely to expand to nearly 4.5 percent with more rooms to adjust higher later in the year. Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 April 2006 #184
Super Member Posted 2006-04-05 09:10:27
Sounds to me like he has "sin-binned" himself for 10 minutes and will be back in the second-half after taking a spell.
It will just be more of the same - TIT #185
The Hubgoblin Posted 2006-04-05 09:14:36
Iv'e read many overseas commentaries (objective?) about this being a battle between the "old guard" (read old money) and the newcomer (thaksin). It's a battle that leaves the Thai people with a political void. Look at all the past Premier that have served Thailand. Tell us here, is there anyone that is better than the current premier. You might think I am a Pro-thaksin. That's is up to you. but facts is facts. Time will reveal that you will regret for what you are hoping for. You need to see through the veil he spun around himself and his politics. I do not think anybody here denies his abilities within some areas - propaganda and image-creation being the major ones... he had the backing of the majority of the media when he started, and used that situation in a masterful way. However, in order to properly assess a politician like Dr. T, you also have to look more closely at the projects he has created, and how they have turned out. The three main schemes that have earned him his voter base, were in reality not such successes as they were made out to be, especially the 30 baht health scheme. Later governments will have to pay for this. Most projects were about dishing out money, money that has to be returned somehow. The real results of this handout policy will soon start to show in national finances. How about the Southern situation? In my opinion his involvement in the South has been a complete failure. Hello? How about the paper cranes from planes project? How about Tak Bai? And most importantly, the precursor to the violence: How about his decision to close the platforms for dialogue established earlier in order to avoid violence and misunderstandings in the South? It is true none of the candidates of the opposition can present the same corporate spin doctor glossy image as Thaksin, but perhaps they can bring order to the national economy and get a grip on the situation in the South. Chuan Leephai made some really tough decisions during his term, and was hated for it; labelled a sellout by Thai nationalists. It is my own firm belief that Thaksin's spending spree would not have been at all possible if Chuan had not cleaned up national finances first. #186
Leave my member out of it! Posted 2006-04-05 09:33:31
[quote name='ando' date='2006-04-05 00:00:19' post='705458']
[quote name='udon' date='2006-04-04 22:25:50' post='705426'] Press review: Thai poll 'trick' Commentators in Thai newspapers criticise Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's election tactics and urge action to break the deadlock with the opposition. An editorial in The Nation condemns Mr Thaksin for calling the snap poll in the first place. "Thaksin's invocation of ballot-box democracy, as he chooses to interpret it, does not hold water," it says. "It fails to take into consideration a major fallacy of the concept, particularly in a less-developed democracy like ours, in which the impoverished, poorly informed masses are easily manipulated by people of his ilk." " How insulting the above statement is to the majority of Thais who are poor and live in rural communities. It infers that the majority of people in Thailand are too stupid to know what is good for them and so thier votes shouldn't be counted. About 2/3 of Thais live in rural communities. They are the underclass who make up the servants and labourers to make life comfortable for the elete social/financial ruling class. Thaskin has done a lot to help these poor rural people better their lives and they support him for that reason. They may not be educated enough to get involved in intellectual debates over technical points of law that even the courts cant agree on, but like in any other democracy they vote for the candidate who gives them the best deal. Thaskin was wise to lobby the majority of the countries voters. Thats how a democracy works. The party who gets the most votes wins. What is "The Nation" trying to say?-- only people with university educations who live in the city should be allowed to vote? When less than one percent of the nations voters take to the streets in an effort to remove the democratically elected leader, it does not have the same validity as when 66% of the public vote to keep the said leader. When a small elete minority seek to overturn the rule of law and remove a democratically elected leader you have the makings of a dictatorship in evolution. As guests and visitors in The Thai Kingdom, we need to respect the democratic rights of ALL Thais to determine their own future in a peacefull and lawfull way. And that includes the rights and political opinions of the poor, uneducated, rural underclass. Most of my Thai family voted for TRT and that is their right as Thai citizens. Their vote has no less value than editor of "The Nation" newspaper. Though I am sure by the quote above he would like to see rural underclass made ineligible to vote. Perhaps if more opposition parties paid more attention to the needs of the majority of voters in Thailand the TRT party would not be so invincible? [/quote] ummm no ... I think he would like to see them "informed" ... geeze ... he didn't call them stupid ... he made a rather true statement about the amount of information that gets to the rural regions. The readers of The Nation are by far and away foriegners or those with interest in getting more information that read English. No "Rule of Law" was overturned here ... instead pressure was brought to bear ... all within a legal framework of any democracy .... Some people are just too touchy about their upcountry ties .... my partner is from "upcountry" even though it is not Isaan ... strangely they (the family) voted TRT twice and no-vote once ... why? because they have full access to information. Do the other parties need to spend more effort in the rural NE and North? Probably ... but the deliberate deprivation of the rural areas from getting real information would do far more to help than anything. #187
Leave my member out of it! Posted 2006-04-05 09:39:14
Thaksin did an amazing change of tack in just a few hours. And immediately after his audience with His Majesty announces his intention to step aside. The facts speak for themselves. A great day for democracy. Foot note: As I mentioned on an earlier post - yesterday Thaksin was belligerent and defiant and questioned boldly why he should, indeed, have to step down. He was saying he would definitely be the new democratically elected PM. This was his stance. How could he change his mind in such a short time, just a few hours, unless it was decided for him. This will probably be one of the great mysteries of Thai political history. Also, perhaps it is presumptious of me to speculate on this matter - but I think it's worthy of consideration and discussion - just as other posters have been speculating on the implications and ramifications of Thaksin remaining in TRT as a member of parliament. I have no problems with posters speculating on political developments on this board - one reason why I read this thread regularly. But speculating on His Majesty's intentions without hearing a word from him is entirely another matter. Bul ... I rather doubt HM said anything other than please keep the country and the people first in your heart .... so why resign 24 hours after he said ... why should I? Simply because he painted himself into a corner ... he said if the Opposition parties agreed to run ... and the PAD stopped protesting he would. #188
Senior Member Posted 2006-04-05 09:51:10
Quote A good leader? Thaksin's created more division in this country than I don't know what? "A great lost for the people of thailand." Right! Your naivety astounds me. You're obviously a pro-Thaksin Thai citizen who has ventured onto this forum to take a few pot-shots at us pesky foreigners who didn't care for Thaksin at all and are absolutely delighted this evening that he's gone Thaksin, while certainly not a polished politician by any stretch, is the best of a very bad bunch and despite the divisions in the country he is still the best man for the job. His departure is not a good thing for us working expats here. Hope I'm wrong but I've seen it all before - Remember Chuan's economic reforms...??? The only people who are pi**ed off with him are the rich Thais in and around BKK. His clamp down on corruption has hurt them in the Thai's most sensitive area - the WALLET! And bulmercke, how are you affected by the policies of the Thai Rak Thai government..?? I'd be interested to hear you views. Better the devil you know! Well said Backpack, your words echo my own sentiments - for those of us who have been here long enough we have seen it all before. #189
Star Member Posted 2006-04-05 10:07:26
Chairman of Election Commission said election was completely transparent
The Chairman of the Election Commission, Police General Vassana Permlarp (วาสนา เพิ่มลาภ), pointed out that the election poll station layouts were completely legitimate and transparent, and he is ready to address these matters in court. Pol. Gen. Vassana responded to the People's Alliance for Democracy's call to the Supreme Court to cancel the election process, especially allegations that the setup of the election poll stations was less than transparent, that the Election Commission was not in the wrong, and he was ready to address these allegations in a court of law. Of particular note was that each voter was required to face out of the voting booth during the vote process. Pol. Gen. Vassana said that he was completely right, and that the Election Commission did their job as best they could, with no corruption involved. General Vassana added that he is currently awaiting the last few election results to be concluded. Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 April 2006 #190
Star Member Posted 2006-04-05 10:14:56
Spokesman of Democrat Party says Mr. Thaksin's resignation will alleviate political tension
The spokesman of the Democrat Party stated that Mr. Thaksin's announcement to resign from his post was one way of helping alleviate the current political tension. Mr. OngArch Klambpaiboon (องอาจ คล้ามไพบูลย), spokesman for the Democrat Party, stated that Mr. Thaksin's decision to resign from his post was one method of reducing the tension of the current political situation. The spokesman added that the 3 main opposition parties would not now convene, as Mr. Thaksin has just ended the political crisis for them. Discussions between the parties will take place, however, to decide on the political direction the nation will take. A successor for Mr. Thaksin is still under scrutiny by Parliament. If parliament is constitutionally fit to convene, then the decision will come under way. Mr. OngArch concluded that the opposition parties will remain in their role of political reformists. Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 April 2006 #191
Platinum Member Posted 2006-04-05 10:24:59
Quote A good leader? Thaksin's created more division in this country than I don't know what? "A great lost for the people of thailand." Right! Your naivety astounds me. You're obviously a pro-Thaksin Thai citizen who has ventured onto this forum to take a few pot-shots at us pesky foreigners who didn't care for Thaksin at all and are absolutely delighted this evening that he's gone Thaksin, while certainly not a polished politician by any stretch, is the best of a very bad bunch and despite the divisions in the country he is still the best man for the job. His departure is not a good thing for us working expats here. Hope I'm wrong but I've seen it all before - Remember Chuan's economic reforms...??? The only people who are pi**ed off with him are the rich Thais in and around BKK. His clamp down on corruption has hurt them in the Thai's most sensitive area - the WALLET! And bulmercke, how are you affected by the policies of the Thai Rak Thai government..?? I'd be interested to hear you views. Better the devil you know! Well said Backpack, your words echo my own sentiments - for those of us who have been here long enough we have seen it all before. Something I've said here for a long time and usually got shot down quickly for it. Many expats here are new here and just don't quite understand how truly f@#$ed up things were in Thailand before Thaksin was in office. I think he is better off now and he should wash his hands of all the whining bulls#itters who wanted him in so badly and now have turned on him. Chok dee Thailand, you're going to need it. #192
Star Member Posted 2006-04-05 10:38:51
General Sanan Kachornprasat praises Mr. Thaksin's decision to resign
The leader of the Mahachon party praised Mr. Thaksin's decision to withdraw from his post. Major General Sanan Kachornprasat (สนั่น ขจรประศาสน์), leader of the Mahachon Party, praised Mr. Thaksin's decision to step down from his post of Prime Minister, adding that it was the correct thing to do, as the decision took into account the welfare of the nation and the people. General Sanan believes that the nation will be peaceful and orderly once again, as the People's Alliance for Democracy will disband and end their protests soon, and this will surely reduce social tension. General Sanan has proposed to the Chat Thai, Democrat, and Thai Rak Thai Party to come together and find solutions to reaching the 500 member quota necessary for parliament to convene. Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 April 2006 #193
Senior Member Posted 2006-04-05 10:45:27
its hard to deny that thaksin did move the country ahead economically although at what cost ? and how far ahead did he move himself economically? Hopefully the next pm will not be as blatantly corrupt as thaksin. It seems that under TRT government a lot of questionable things have been passed, especially concerning foreigners, although on the other hand, the Thai people obviously are fully intitled to pass any laws in relation relating to farangs as they want, it is THEIR COUNTRY after all.
Also i want to add that Thai people who are ignorant or otherwise (vote buying..) in the north-east wan't to vote people in on their celebrity status alone, well, the country should be ready to accept that, although this time around Thaksin visibly did do many many things offside, but i am referring to the 04 landslide.. Edited by cooL_guY_corY, 2006-04-05 10:49:05. #194
Crazy Member Posted 2006-04-05 10:55:01
I don't see where he moved the country ahead economically better than chuan???
Only he spoke more about it, but did worse.
its hard to deny that thaksin did move the country ahead economically although at what cost ? and how far ahead did he move himself economically? Hopefully the next pm will not be as blatantly corrupt as thaksin. It seems that under TRT government a lot of questionable things have been passed, especially concerning foreigners, although on the other hand, the Thai people obviously are fully intitled to pass any laws in relation relating to farangs as they want, it is THEIR COUNTRY after all. Also i want to add that Thai people who are ignorant or otherwise (vote buying..) in the north-east wan't to vote people in on their celebrity status alone, well, the country should be ready to accept that, although this time around Thaksin visibly did do many many things offside, but i am referring to the 04 landslide.. #195
Super Member Posted 2006-04-05 11:07:15
an amazing amount of spin put on this all byt the "Thaksin will never resign folks"! Agreed. Maybe TRT give Mr.T a "Senior Minister" post??? Like Deputy PM maybe...  As leader of thai rak thai, he still hold the key and power to pull the string from behind. #196
Senior Member Posted 2006-04-05 11:15:04
...geeze...he didn't call them stupid...
No one said he did say they were "stupid" Dont misrepresent me please. I did say the article inferred they were stupid. The readers of The Nation are by far and away foreigners or those with interest in getting more information that read English.[/b] What is said is said weather its in Thai or English. The intended audience does not make the statement any less offensive. No "Rule of Law" was overturned here ... instead pressure was brought to bear ... all within a legal framework of any democracy .... Tens of thousands of protesters obstructing public thoroughfares for weeks is in fact unlawfull. The fact that the government allowed it to continue while it remained peacefull was more an act of crowd control to avoid bloodshed than a condonance of it as a lawfull gathering. Had this been in New York, Tokyo or London I think the troops would have been brought in and the crowd disbursed fairly promptly. Some people are just too touchy about their upcountry ties Not "touchey", I simply believe that in a democracy a rural persons vote is as good as a city folks vote. .... my partner is from "upcountry" even though it is not Isaan ... strangely they (the family) voted TRT twice and no-vote once ... why? because they have full access to information. Believe it or not they actually have radio and TV up in Issarn now. Very few people in the country do not have access to information anymore. The main reason the majority of Thais prefer TRT is because of what TRT is actually doing for them rather than any failure of access to information. ... but the deliberate deprivation of the rural areas from getting real information would do far more to help than anything.[/quote] I dont understand the above quote. Could you expand? #197
Super Member Posted 2006-04-05 11:19:50
[b]....Mr. Kamtha stated that the 16 million votes in favor of the Thai Rak Thai party was proof enough of the party's good ideas, decisions, and actions. ... Not sure what kind of logic they're using. 16 million votes assumes: -16 million people think the TRT has "good ideas, decisions, and actions" -16 million people voted for TRT People vote for different reasons. Some people vote because of peer or group pressure, or because they don't know anyone else (e.g., "If not Thaksin, WHO?"), or they don't have enough knowledge or concerns of the facts. 16 million votes? Have they forgotten to add the number of fence sitter that opposed the ruling party and is waiting to bounce back anytime? #198
Advanced Member Posted 2006-04-05 11:32:54 Quote 16 million votes? Have they forgotten to add the number of fence sitter that opposed the ruling party and is waiting to bounce back anytime? 
#199
Senior Member Posted 2006-04-05 11:35:12
[quote name='cooL_guY_corY' date='2006-04-05 03:45:27' post='705665']
its hard to deny that thaksin did move the country ahead economically although at what cost ? Is that a statement or a question? Also i want to add that Thai people who are ignorant or otherwise (vote buying..) in the north-east [/q uote] If you have knowledge of vote buying you should notify the Electoral Commission immediatly. Or perhaps it was just something you heard down the pub? #200
Leave my member out of it! Posted 2006-04-05 11:45:21
[quote name='ando' date='2006-04-05 04:15:04' post='705687']
...geeze...he didn't call them stupid... No one said he did say they were "stupid" Dont misrepresent me please. I did say the article inferred they were stupid. I think you mean "insinuated" ... and no .... YOU inferred they meant stupid. The readers of The Nation are by far and away foreigners or those with interest in getting more information that read English.[/b] What is said is said weather its in Thai or English. The intended audience does not make the statement any less offensive. Offensive to you because you inferred they insinuated something that was not in fact said. No "Rule of Law" was overturned here ... instead pressure was brought to bear ... all within a legal framework of any democracy .... Tens of thousands of protesters obstructing public thoroughfares for weeks is in fact unlawfull. The fact that the government allowed it to continue while it remained peacefull was more an act of crowd control to avoid bloodshed than a condonance of it as a lawfull gathering. Had this been in New York, Tokyo or London I think the troops would have been brought in and the crowd disbursed fairly promptly. Obviously you have not followed current events in the world ... but there are deomonstrations in the USA now ... less controlled and all ... If laws were broken you'd be seeing charges against the leaders. Sorry ... just because YOU think it was illegal does not make it so! Some people are just too touchy about their upcountry ties Not "touchey", I simply believe that in a democracy a rural persons vote is as good as a city folks vote. Yes touchy ... You made the point about your family upcountry. .... my partner is from "upcountry" even though it is not Isaan ... strangely they (the family) voted TRT twice and no-vote once ... why? because they have full access to information. Believe it or not they actually have radio and TV up in Issarn now. Very few people in the country do not have access to information anymore. The main reason the majority of Thais prefer TRT is because of what TRT is actually doing for them rather than any failure of access to information. LOL ... again you have missed current events .... the TV and Radio stations were towing the Government line all over the country. There were no broadcasts of the PAD rallies etc. There was almost 0 mention of the allegations against Thaksin. The broadcast media ((and until very recently the print media)) have been censored both from outside and from self-censorship due to the lawsuits brought against them by the Gov. ... but the deliberate deprivation of the rural areas from getting real information would do far more to help than anything.[/quote] Ooopsie ... "but STOPPING the deliberate ...." I dont understand the above quote. Could you expand? [/quote] |
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