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sojourner1
Joined: 17 Apr 2007
Location: Where meggi swim and 2 wheeled tractors go sput put chug alugg pug pug
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 Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 3:40 am Post subject: Thailand appears to be in the process of imploding |
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I haven't seen a thread on Daves yet about Thailand's situation so I'm creating it now. I just left Thailand a few days ago and must say things are intense and of a very negative nature right now. The Thai people are not smiling nor feel like working as it's once again time to fix what is called a democracy that isn't working for the people, according to most Thais. They are complaining and do not feel like smiling so don't expect the usual great treatment and service you're accustomed to if taking a holiday in the Land of Smiles anytime soon. I sure hope this is nothing, but it's apparent that serious trouble is brewing. It's not a pleasant place to be right now like the way we know it normally to be as they are having a tussle with the government over some economic inequalities caused by corruptions such as executives bribing officials to get their way which in turn gives the common people the shaft.
The Thai are different than people in other democracies as they not only speak their minds; they will act upon what they strongly believe or know and will actually fight to the death if it comes down to it. It's the people against the government scenario and neither side is going to back down anytime soon. Those poor people sure live hard lives and are some of the most tolerant, fun, and loving folks on Earth until you push them one pace back too far.
Can we have a discussion on the issue in Thailand? |
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Leslie Cheswyck
Joined: 31 May 2003
Location: University of Western Chile
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| Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 4:15 am Post subject: |
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| Korea has four seasons. |
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Nowhere Man
Joined: 08 Feb 2004
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| Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 4:20 am Post subject: ... |
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Samak was the Mayor of Bangkok round the time Thaksin was trying to intimidate the Far Eastern Economic Review.
Imagine ousting Bush and having President Wolfowitz instated as the replacement.
Basically, I agree with getting him out. Of course, the opposition parties aren't really something to get excited about. Still, this is not unique to Thailand.
What is unique to Thailand is that it's the law that everyone must vote AND votes can be bought for a can of beer (the sale of which is prohibited on election days).  |
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sojourner1
Joined: 17 Apr 2007
Location: Where meggi swim and 2 wheeled tractors go sput put chug alugg pug pug
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| Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 4:49 am Post subject: |
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| Leslie Cheswyck wrote: |
| Korea has four seasons. |
How does that relate to Thailand? Thailand has 3 seasons. |
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Leslie Cheswyck
Joined: 31 May 2003
Location: University of Western Chile
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| Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 5:54 am Post subject: |
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| Tok Do is Korean! |
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Gatsby
Joined: 09 Feb 2007
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| Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 6:17 am Post subject: |
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On a slightly more serious note, do the Thais blame the United States for their current political troubles?
And I would like to say that I respect a people who are willing to stand up for their rights, for democracy, and are willing to die for those values.
America was like that, once. |
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bucheon bum
Joined: 16 Jan 2003
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| Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 7:45 am Post subject: Re: Thailand appears to be in the process of imploding |
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| sojourner1 wrote: |
| It's the people against the government scenario and neither side is going to back down anytime soon. |
No. It is SOME people against the government. The government was elected. If the majority of Thais wanted to remove the gov't, it would be done.
It is the urban elite and middle classes of Bangkok (primarily) that don't like the present gov't. Thaskin might have been a thug, but he was the first PM who enacted policies that helped the poorest areas of Thailand. That is one reason his party won elections a year ago.
Another problem in Thailand is no one is allowed to disrespect the King. All one has to do to damage another's reputation is accuse that person of insulting the King. Consequently there isn't completely free dialogue in the country.
There are a lot of vested interests in the country who feel threatened by Thaskin and his supporters. Those interests are a big reason these riots are taking place. Of course if Thaskin and his party hadn't been so corrupt and stepped on so many toes, Thailand would more than likely be much more peaceful right now too. |
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patongpanda
Joined: 06 Feb 2007
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| Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 10:34 pm Post subject: |
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It's not really possible to buy votes as the poll booth is private.
I think the cash handouts are a good thing for democracy as they help increase the turnout.
A friend from Phuket called me yesterday. She went to take part in the Airport mob. (I don't approve). She said the mob leaders got paid 300,000 Baht at the end of it.
Although I wasn't sure if she meant they got paid to mob or paid to disperse? |
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