A Singaporean's guide to living in Thailand

[yinyang]

Thought this opinion piece was right on the button!

Suthep, enough is enough
Published: 15/05/2014 at 12:30 PM
Online news:

"People can always be brought to the bidding of their leaders. All you have to do is denounce the pacifists for a lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger." "It works the same in every country."

So said one of the most infamous war criminals of the 20th century, Hermann Goering at the Nuremberg trials.

Suthep Thaugsuban has won as much as he possibly can, without plunging Bangkok into full-blown violence. Enough is enough.

We've heard you, we know what you stand for Suthep. Enough is enough, says Voranai.

He has denounced his enemy as corrupt and the supporters of his enemy as slaves. He has warned the country of the danger of the Thaksin Shinawatra regime.

He has instigated the removal of Yingluck Shinawatra and major members of her cabinet from government.

How did he celebrate victory?

By leading a rampage over the weekend, surrounding news stations and occupying government buildings. Through verbal threats and physical intimidation, and violent clashes, and he has demanded an appointed interim government.

Bangkok has been under mob rule for too long. Enough is enough.

For the past six months, the entire country has heard his words. We have witnessed his actions. We have seen his failures and his victories. Now, as Thailand moves even closer to full-blown violence, Suthep has to stop.

The entire country already knows what Suthep stands for. It is time to let the people decide whether or not they agree with him.

So far we have had minor clashes. But the threat of increasing and protracted mob rule means we’re heading towards full-blown violence. In turn, the number of deaths will increase dramatically.

If Suthep needs a reason to stop, then let the reason be to save lives.

In saving lives, he must stop pursuing the complete and total "purge" or "eradication" of his enemy. This is unless he wants to make Hermann Goering smile from beyond the grave.

Let’s not make a dead Nazi war criminal smile from beyond the grave.

Through the nearly 10 years of our political conflict, the two opposing forces have made their respective positions quite clear, over and over again, through words and deeds.

We know what Thaksin stands for. We know what Suthep stands for. It’s time to sit down and draw a road map towards the general election. Then let the people of Thailand decide what they want for the next four years.

Give the people the choice to change their minds every four years.

This doesn’t mean the election has to be tomorrow. But it has to be the common goal within a reasonable period. This country needs political stability and a democratically legitimate government.

The road to achieve this goal requires the two sides to sit down together and pave the way. There is no magic date for the election; the timing of the election will depend on this road map.

We need this not only for the democratic future of this country, but pertinently to save lives now and in the near future.

Suthep, enough is enough.

 

[Froggy]

The writer should change the name Suthep to "The invisible hand" surely we all must know Suthep is only a puppet no?

 

[yinyang]

the name Suthep to "The invisible hand" surely we all must know Suthep is only a puppet no?

Proxy? Intrigue of political crisis, amazing Thailand :p

 

[yinyang]

Coup is not far fetched, given long drawn crisis and worsening violence? Latest ultimatum by army boss:

Army chief threatens ‘full force’
Fatal attacks on PDRC draw Prayuth warning

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/410000/army-chief-threatens-full-force
Published: 16/05/2014 at 05:49 AM
Newspaper section: News

Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha has threatened to use "full force" to deal with any future political violence in the wake of deadly attacks on protest sites Thursday.

Bloodstains are still fresh on the ground as the bomb squad and the media arrive at the Democracy Monument where M79 grenades were fired at the anti-government gathering Thursday, killing at least three people and injuring many others. APICHART JINAKUL

Deputy army spokesman Col Winthai Suvari delivered the army chief’s statement following attacks on a People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protest site on Ratchadamnoen Avenue early Thursday, which killed three people and wounded 22 others.

Behind the senate: Bureaucrats, military back "interim PM"
Clues scarce: Police gather little attack information
It is the most explicit threat of military action delivered by the army chief since political unrest erupted late last year.

Gen Prayuth’s warning comes as the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) plans to mobilise its supporters this weekend to oppose the Senate’s efforts to install an interim prime minister under Section 7 of the constitution. The move has fuelled fears that violence will ensue.

The UDD believes the current political situation is reaching "breaking point".

A Senate coordinating committee Thursday concluded that the Upper House has the authority to select an interim prime minister to break the political impasse, either via Section 7 or Section 132 of the charter.

Gen Prayuth condemned the fresh violence and urged the public to denounce acts of violence and the use of force against innocent people.

Anyone with information regarding those involved in the attacks should present it to the army, he said.

Gen Prayuth said if the current political crisis escalates into violence and riots, the army may have to deploy military forces to deal with it.

He warned the attackers to immediately stop using violence against people, otherwise the army could be forced to end the violence "in full force" to maintain law and order.

He added military authorities will take decisive action against any armed groups or armed individuals trying to resist or retaliate against the army or attack innocent people. Those who commit such wrongdoings cannot demand any compensation, he said.

Gen Prayuth also voiced support for the ongoing efforts to solve the political crisis through dialogue and legal channels.

He urged all sides of the political divide to adopt a peaceful approach and to avoid creating any conditions that could complicate the situation.

Responding to criticism of the armed forces leaders’ "inaction" in the face of the political crisis, Gen Prayuth said the army has been careful in its actions because the current political problem is complex and multi-dimensional.

He also warned that those who speak ill of the armed forces must be careful with their remarks. Such remarks could be deemed as an insult to the military’s dignity and all soldiers find them unacceptable, he said.

He said the armed forces belong to the nation and all Thais, not any particular group. If the need arises, the armed forces must try their best to protect the country and maintain peace and harmony, Gen Prayuth said.

Speaking at a rally stage on Utthayan Road, UDD leader Jatuporn Prompan said the Senate’s efforts to install an interim prime minister violate the constitution.

He accused the senators of being complicit in acts of insurrection.

Mr Jatuporn said the UDD will mobilise supporters between tomorrow and Monday for a major rally at Utthayan Road.

"We believe the situation is reaching breaking point sooner than we expected. We don't know what [PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban] will do if the Senate does not follow his demands," Mr Jatuporn said, adding that the coming three days will be crucial.

The UDD will be prepared if the PDRC makes a major move during that period, he warned.

After a meeting with representatives of public and private organisations yesteday, Senator Jate Siratharanont, who sits on a Senate coordinating committee, said it was agreed that the Upper House will choose an interim prime minister to break the political deadlock. There are two approaches — through Section 7 of the charter or Section 132 (2).

Section 132 (2) allows the Senate to appoint an individual to any position in accordance with the charter’s provisions. This approach was proposed by Senator Dejudom Krairit, Mr Jate said.

Mr Jate also said acting caretaker Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan has agreed to meet for talks with the Senate’s coordinating committee tomorrow to discuss the political crisis.

He said it would be best if during the talks, acting Senator Speaker Surachai Liangboonlertchai could convince the remaining 25 caretaker ministers to resign to pave the way for the appointment of an interim premier.

If they refuse to resign, the Senate will assert its authority and choose an interim prime minister, Mr Jate said.

Senate secretary-general Norarat Pimsen said yesterday the Senate secretariat has forwarded the names of Surachai Liangboonlertchai and Pirasak Porjit to the cabinet’s secretariat for submission to His Majesty the King for royal endorsement.

Mr Surachai and Mr Porjit were elected last week by the Senate as the new speaker and deputy speaker respectively.

 

[Froggy]

I always like the Taiwan guava over the Thai. Both are huge however I find the Taiwan guava which they call Pala more fragrant and sweeter than the Thai especially the pink meat variety which is not available in Thailand.

I had a chance to visit a pala farm on Thursday





I brought 6 fruits back just cut one

Looks nice right?



After removing the centre looks like this and its delicious



Really nice to eat.

I "brought in" 10 baby pala trees back I'll keep 2 for myself and 8 will give to a friend



I will attempt to grow them and will update here periodically

[video=youtube;skP5mH4QaNY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skP5mH4QaNY[/video]

 

[Froggy]

Pulp from my juicing use as fertilizer for my new guava plants

 

[Froggy]

Yesterday evening went Bang Saen to watch sunset and dinner

[video=youtube;1O1JvLGHywE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O1JvLGHywE[/video]

Garoupa Tomyam


Seabass on lime soup


Oysters on ice


Thais like this with their oysters


Fried fish good with alcohol but then no drink la now a days drink much less after juicing


Cabbage stir fry with fish sauce


Kailan with salted fish


Thai herb with seafood


Yes this is the beautiful sight we came here for

 

[Grago]

Pulp from my juicing use as fertilizer for my new guava plants

Joe, May I ask where did you get the Pala tree from..... Taiwan or locally in Bangkok?

 

[Froggy]

Joe, May I ask where did you get the Pala tree from..... Taiwan or locally in Bangkok?

Made above post 12505, Taiwan. And it's the pink meat version not available here in Thailand.

 

[Froggy]

Lunch at Old German Beerhouse, 11 Sukhumvit Soi 11.




Caesar salad


Pork goulash


Mushroom schnitzel

 

[Froggy]

Food above it really original German beer is great too however I've stopped beer since juicing. For the above with a bottle of water and 2 orange juices costs only 905 baht or $35, cheap sial

 

[Grago]

Made above post 12505, Taiwan. And it's the pink meat version not available here in Thailand.

Thanks. Hope the juicing going well for you...

 

[Froggy]

Thanks. Hope the juicing going well for you...

Fabulous the juicing

 

[yinyang]

A big slice of thai mango, this start of week: All the intrigue's about control of power and wealth :p

COMMENTARY
Thaksin's real war
Published: 18/05/2014 at 02:33 AM
Newspaper section: News
http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/410362/thaksin-real-war

Suthep Thaugsuban could give up, move back to Surat Thani and become a rubber farmer. He could tell his supporters to go home and let there be a general election come the month of June. There could be peace by tomorrow.

But that’s not realistic, is it? He’s winning, so of course he’s not going to give up.

However there’s another scenario on how this political crisis could end, based on the reality of how situations have developed. Mind you, we’re talking about ending the current battle, not the war.

The war will continue to rage on because the grand prize is still up for grabs. It’s not the prime ministerial seat and it won’t be available for another three to five years, maybe even longer.

It took some six months, but Mr Suthep has managed to instigate the removal of Yingluck Shinawatra from the post of prime minister. This is an important step towards his goal of “eradicating the Thaksin Shinawatra regime”.

The removal would not have been possible without support from powerful forces and relevant agencies. The result should send a strong signal to Thaksin and give him a reason to pause. Circling the wagon, tightening the noose, call it what you will. Politically and judicially, Thaksin’s political machine is battered and bruised.
The most visible card Thaksin has left to play is the threat of legions of red shirt supporters descending upon the capital. But this is a high-risk move, with the potential for physical confrontation.

It is likely Thaksin won’t put the red shirts into play if the powerful forces behind Mr Suthep grab him by the collar and show him that he’s encircled and that any such move would be met with the full force of the military.

In addition, Thaksin’s political and economic allies will not want to risk full-blown violence. They have to protect their bottom-line. The business world is pragmatic above all things, except for greed. Without their support, Thaksin would not take that risk. This could lead to him accepting battle defeat.

Thaksin or a representative could make a statement about sacrificing for the good of the nation, while mentioning the King in reverence at least 10 times, ending with the Shinawatra clan bowing out of Thai politics … for now.

In return, he might receive a consolation prize as it were. Perhaps seized assets may be returned, which would have to be done in a hush-hush manner, so as to avoid public scandal. This battle could be finished, but the war won’t be over. If this political conflict is a game of golf, then it would be a very long and winding par 10, not the artificial putting mat one keeps in the office. A single battle is not the war.

Thaksin still has a key player that would make Tiger Woods look like a plastic kitty cat. Call them convenient allies, two people with a common enemy, or the benefactor and the beneficiary, whatever you like. This player can change the entire game, but can’t tee off at the moment. It wouldn’t be prudent.

Although because of this player, events over the next three to five years may yet see the return of Thaksin, a triumphal return even.

One thing to keep in mind is that everyone is finite. Without Thaksin, there would be no Shinawatra political machine. There isn’t a worthy heir to take his place. This paragraph rings true for more than one man, one family and one political machine.

In this war, the largest mass of wealth and assets in the Kingdom is at stake, and one of the largest in the world. By virtue of geo-politics, Thailand plays a key role in a region that has the highest economic growth potential in the world, the Eastern Pacific Rim and Southeast Asia. To control Thailand is to hold a shovel over this potential gold mine.

The people in the streets and on the internet speak of fighting for good governance and against corruption, for democracy and against tyranny.

The game players know the fight is about the same thing it has always been about in any country and at any time in the human history: Control of power and wealth.

In the short term, Mr Suthep and those behind him must have the army firmly on their side. In the long term, they have to figure out how to sideline the one who would make Tiger look like a kitty. Then, Mr Suthep’s ultimate goal of “eradicating the Thaksin regime” would be achieved.

For Thaksin, he has to prevent those two things from happening. In the short term, he’s battered and bruised. In the long term, he still holds a trump card.
It’s brutal, sinister and downright malevolent. This is politics in its purest form.

 

[yinyang]

Martial Law now

Martial law now

Army invokes martial law
Published: 20/05/2014 at 06:25 AM
Online news:

The Royal Thai Army on Tuesday declared martial law across the crisis-gripped kingdom to restore order following months of anti-government protests that have left 28 people dead and hundreds wounded.

Gen Prayuth: There are some groups with bad intentions to create unrest, and threatening to use weapons on the people. The military statement was signed by army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-Ocha. It cited a 1914 law that gives it authority to intervene during times of crisis, and said it had taken the action because on-going mass rallies between political rivals "could impact the country's security and safety of the lives and properties of the public."

An announcement broadcast on army-run TV Channel 5 said martial law had been invoked "to restore peace and order for people from all sides", stressing that the move "is not a coup". "The public do not need to panic but can still live their lives as normal," it added. The army said in a statement that the military had taken the action to "keep peace and order" and soldiers entered several private television stations in the capital.
An army official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation, told the US news agency, The Associated Press, "This is definitely not a coup. This is only to provide safety to the people and the people can still carry on their lives as normal."

Martial law gives the army control over security, but leaves the government in command of other tasks, unlike a coup. Thailand has witnessed 18 coups in the past eight decades, the last of which ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 2006.

"It looks like he [Gen Prayuth] may have decided to do this without consulting the government, since his first order was to dissolve the CAPO which was jointly run by the government and police," said Panitan Wattanayagorn, a political scientist and military affairs analyst at Chulalongkorn University.

"I think Gen Prayuth is trying to neutralise the confrontation between the PDRC and elements of the pro-government groups who have threatened to fight back if Suthep's group capture some of the ministers," Mr Panitan said.
Thailand has been wracked by six months of non-stop protests seeking to topple the government.
At least 25 people have died in political-related violence and more than 700 injured.

 

[eatshitndie]

Re: Martial Law now

army declares martial law in thighland.....

http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/19/world/asia/thailand-martial-law/index.html

 

[Froggy]

Re: Martial Law now

army declares martial law in thighland.....

http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/19/world/asia/thailand-martial-law/index.html

Oooooooooo army martial law and I'm getting out of here as in NOW! With my juicers of course in case during my running road encounter fecal matters.

 

[eatshitndie]

Re: Martial Law now

omg! double harem juicers! oops sorry meant to say double hurom. that's a lot of juicing! and the luggage is truly banged up. :*:

 

[yinyang]

Sexy slice of thai mango today, welcum distraction from martial law (half a coup?!)

What's your pick, champ or runner up? :p

Miss Universe Thailand sparks uproar

Published: 19/05/2014 at 03:34 PM
Online news: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/410577/miss-universe-thailand-sparks-uproar

Miss Universe Thailand winner Weluree "Fai" Ditsayabut on Monday apologised publicly for her "inappropriate" use of words on social media and promised to get in shape before going to the international pageant.

The 22-year-old actress and former host of teen television show "Strawberry Cheesecake" was crowned this year's Miss Universe Thailand on Saturday night at the Royal Paragon Hall.

The show was broadcast live on state-owned Channel 3, having been on Channel 7 on previous years.

The result came as a surprise to many viewers, as the favourites were second-placed Pimbongkod "Ellie" Chankaew and runner-up Sunnanipa "Namphet" Krissanasuwan. When Fai was crowned many members of the audience at the show repeatedly shouted "Ellie, Ellie" and "Keep on fighting Ellie", amid boos and jeers.



On social media, many netizens wrote messages expressing their shock and disappointment at the outcome of the national beauty pageant. Internet users posted photos of Fai and Ellie, comparing their looks, while others shared "inappropriate" comments made on Fai's Twitter account (@fyiiee) before she was crowned. Some of her comments:

"Hmmm, monitor lizard, ha ha ha."

"Actually I'm fat, you animal!"

"Animal! Women with big breasts are f*#%ing halfway to victory".

According to a Khaosod report, Fai posted on Facebook in November accusing pro-government red-shirt supporters of being anti-monarchist, and said that the country would be cleaner without them.

Consequently, her crowning as Miss Universe Thailand was not well-received by the red-shirt group, who questioned whether she was the appropriate choice to represent Thailand.

On Pantip, a popular Thai website, one of its members who went by the name 1436353 wrote, "What a disgrace to the world! The competition has sunk to a new low. I'm tired of the winner using connections when she has no potential whatsoever."

Pantip member maew-angle commented that this year's winner was too "short, fat and vulgar" to be in the contest.

On Miss Universe Thailand's Facebook account, criticism continued to mount. Many Facebook users criticised the event's organisers and judges for their controversial decision, saying the decision should be revoked or the winner should surrender her crown.

As of Monday morning, the homepage of Miss Universe Thailand (www.missuniversethailand.com) was still not up-to-date and there were no details about the contest result.



On Monday, Fai stepped up and told reporters that she would like to apologise to the public for her past actions.

"I want to say sorry to fellow pageants and Thai people nationwide. I will use your criticisms to improve myself and do my best to perform my duty as Miss Universe Thailand. I'm a little stressed about the things that are happening but I have support from people around me," Fai said.

As for the "inappropriate" comments on social media, she said she was talking with her close friends and the comments were made when she was young and rowdy and was not thinking thoroughly.

She said she had avoided using rude words since participating in the Miss Universe Thailand competition.



"I apologise to my fans across the country and I promise that this won't happen again. I also believe that the judges were carefully selected and they chose me because they saw what they wanted in me, so I'll do my best [to represent Miss Universe Thailand]," Fai said.

First runner-up Ellie told reporters that she cried on stage after the result was announced because she felt so happy so many people still supported her, not because she was disappointed that she did not win.



"I was overwhelmed that many people repeatedly called my name and gave their support because I have just came back to Thailand and cannot speak Thai clearly," Ellie said. "I was not angry at Fai because she's cute and a good person."

Third-placed Namphet, who also was caught in a controversy for taking part in questionable events in the past and for allegedly falsifying her age, said she was 21 years old and did not falsify her age, as shown in her birth certificate. However, she said, she changed her first name often because she believed it would improve her destiny.

"I'm sorry about the photos of me in past events that are shared online but I want to say that no one is born perfect. Everyone has to overcome different obstacles," Namphet said.

Related search: miss universe thailand, Weluree Ditsayabut, fai, thai news

 

[Froggy]

Life goes on guys life goes on nothing disruptive nothing abnormal. Wifey just went high tea in Thonglor with some hiso friends and another partner still shopping happily in Siam Paragon - this is Thailand relax, sabai sabai, let them fight it out and life goes on.