Comments on: bkk in a bigger funk than the funk it was already in… http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/ Insiders take on Thailand Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:15:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.5 By: pmmp http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-118423 pmmp Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:14:28 +0000 http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-118423 ww: interesting take ww, agree with most. Just in the last week or so we had the recent PPP red card, the conviction of Thaksin's lawyers in the lunch box bribing, and the Japanese bribery scandal that possibly involves the current PM. Corruption at it's finest. I'm pro-Democracy but it's hard to be so when the people getting voted in are using bribery in all forms to get in, stay in, and when they re in are as corrupt as can be, which is worse than suggesting anti-Democratic solutions, especially when those anti-Democratic solutions are trying to curtail this behavior. Interesting indeed. Perhaps they should be called People Against People Against Democracy? ww: interesting take ww, agree with most. Just in the last week or so we had the recent PPP red card, the conviction of Thaksin’s lawyers in the lunch box bribing, and the Japanese bribery scandal that possibly involves the current PM. Corruption at it’s finest.

I’m pro-Democracy but it’s hard to be so when the people getting voted in are using bribery in all forms to get in, stay in, and when they re in are as corrupt as can be, which is worse than suggesting anti-Democratic solutions, especially when those anti-Democratic solutions are trying to curtail this behavior. Interesting indeed. Perhaps they should be called People Against People Against Democracy?
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]]> By: Bangkok Bad Boy http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-118420 Bangkok Bad Boy Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:07:40 +0000 http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-118420 They're certainly against Thai "democracy", which I applaud. All comes down to definitions - there's no way in hell we're going to get anything close to a fair and democratic election here anytime soon, so what's the next best thing? Richest guy wins? And no, I have no solution either :) Similar situation in the UK - everyone I know is thoroughly sick of Labour, but most of us still remember the last Tory government, and don't fancy a re-run of that much either. Two possible outcomes, both suck, we don't have an alternative solution, but by hell we'll complain about it :) They’re certainly against Thai “democracy”, which I applaud.

All comes down to definitions - there’s no way in hell we’re going to get anything close to a fair and democratic election here anytime soon, so what’s the next best thing? Richest guy wins?

And no, I have no solution either :)

Similar situation in the UK - everyone I know is thoroughly sick of Labour, but most of us still remember the last Tory government, and don’t fancy a re-run of that much either. Two possible outcomes, both suck, we don’t have an alternative solution, but by hell we’ll complain about it :)
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]]> By: werewolf http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-118411 werewolf Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:51:32 +0000 http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-118411 Well, we've always known what the PAD was <strong>against</strong>; they've always been opposed to the government of the day if it was elected (but it did not oppose the government of Surayud which was appointed by the military). It has always been difficult, though, to know quite what they stood <strong>for</strong>. IN 2006, prior to the military coup, they formed a political party, but said that they would not have any politicians running for office. WTF?! That's not a political party, its a Tupperware party. In 2008 the PAD has been back to it's old tricks... protesting against the government, calling for resignations, dissolutions and re-writes, but refusing to say what system they wanted to use to replace the flawed democracy that keeps electing the 'wrong' people. My criticisms of the PAD in comments above have been focused on this failing: happy to scream about what's wrong, but not willing to do anything to make things better. Well, two things have happened this week. First, the Thai Supreme Court has upheld the EC red-card issued against the former Speaker of the House, K. Yongyuth. This creates the potential for the ruling PPP party to be dissolved and the current government to be toppled by a constitutional process; not something I think is a great idea, but an occurrence that should be applauded by all of you who are believe that the current Thai government is not legitimate because the elections were not free & fair. The systems set out in the constitution seem to be working as intended. The second important thing that happened this week was that the PAD (the People's Alliance for Democracy) has finally -- after 3 years -- outlined it's ideas for Thailand's government. Basically, the <strong>People's Alliance for Democracy</strong> has proposed that Thailand do away with a representational democratic system, and move towards a legislature controlled by appointed representatives. It seems that the proposal would also institutionalize the military's involvement in and control of the government of the country. THE PAD has also suggested that the military no longer be controlled by the civilian government, but by the King. If you are interested in a detailed analysis of the PADs new position, you may want to read the very well written analysis by Michael Conners at http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/topstories/topstories.php?id=128765 Here's an excerpt from this much longer detailed analytical piece which was originally printed in the Asian Sentinel: <blockquote>The rationale for wanting to dismantle Thailand's electoral system is evident: pro-Thaksin forces keep winning elections. And as Mr Thaksin is said to represent everything bad about Thai politics, he cannot be allowed to wield power directly or indirectly. Thus, for Mr Sondhi - and it would seem the PAD leadership as a whole - there is now a need to bring about a revolution in political representation. New Politics turns out to be a startlingly reactionary proposal to move Thailand's parliamentary system towards a form of appointed corporatism, or what might be called a selectoral democracy: 30% of MPs would come from elections, perhaps one per province, and the rest of the MPs would derive from various occupations and associations. "New Politics" is unashamedly pro-military and even codifies the conditions under which military intervention may occur. Mr Sondhi has spoken of four conditions for military intervention: when charges of lese majeste are not acted on; when a government is incompetent; when corruption is rife; when a government betrays national sovereignty. It is not clear if permissible military intervention according to the PAD's envisaged system of selectocracy is to be in the form of a coup d'etat or the exercise of some new administrative power to compel government agencies to rectify a wrong. But what is clear is that the PAD has explicitly sanctioned ongoing military intervention in politics. An important feature of Mr Sondhi's speech that went unreported in the press was the proposal to take the Ministry of Defence out of government control and place it under the Crown. At a time when Thailand is urgently facing the need to institutionalise its politics around public rules, the PAD is proposing to formally enhance the power of the monarchy.</blockquote> I congratulate the PAD for finally outlining their program for the future of Thailand. Obviously they have been reading my comments on this site and have responded. I have said before that I don't believe democracy is for everyone, so I am not really offended by the PADs suggestions; in fact I understand their reasoning. Anyone who believes that democracy is they best way forward for Thailand, however, may want to take a close look at these proposals. It would seem appropriate for the PAD to now change it's name to the People AGAINST Democracy. Well, we’ve always known what the PAD was against; they’ve always been opposed to the government of the day if it was elected (but it did not oppose the government of Surayud which was appointed by the military).

It has always been difficult, though, to know quite what they stood for. IN 2006, prior to the military coup, they formed a political party, but said that they would not have any politicians running for office. WTF?! That’s not a political party, its a Tupperware party.

In 2008 the PAD has been back to it’s old tricks… protesting against the government, calling for resignations, dissolutions and re-writes, but refusing to say what system they wanted to use to replace the flawed democracy that keeps electing the ‘wrong’ people.

My criticisms of the PAD in comments above have been focused on this failing: happy to scream about what’s wrong, but not willing to do anything to make things better.

Well, two things have happened this week. First, the Thai Supreme Court has upheld the EC red-card issued against the former Speaker of the House, K. Yongyuth. This creates the potential for the ruling PPP party to be dissolved and the current government to be toppled by a constitutional process; not something I think is a great idea, but an occurrence that should be applauded by all of you who are believe that the current Thai government is not legitimate because the elections were not free & fair.

The systems set out in the constitution seem to be working as intended.

The second important thing that happened this week was that the PAD (the People’s Alliance for Democracy) has finally — after 3 years — outlined it’s ideas for Thailand’s government. Basically, the People’s Alliance for Democracy has proposed that Thailand do away with a representational democratic system, and move towards a legislature controlled by appointed representatives.

It seems that the proposal would also institutionalize the military’s involvement in and control of the government of the country. THE PAD has also suggested that the military no longer be controlled by the civilian government, but by the King.

If you are interested in a detailed analysis of the PADs new position, you may want to read the very well written analysis by Michael Conners at http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/topstories/topstories.php?id=128765

Here’s an excerpt from this much longer detailed analytical piece which was originally printed in the Asian Sentinel:

The rationale for wanting to dismantle Thailand’s electoral system is evident: pro-Thaksin forces keep winning elections. And as Mr Thaksin is said to represent everything bad about Thai politics, he cannot be allowed to wield power directly or indirectly. Thus, for Mr Sondhi - and it would seem the PAD leadership as a whole - there is now a need to bring about a revolution in political representation.

New Politics turns out to be a startlingly reactionary proposal to move Thailand’s parliamentary system towards a form of appointed corporatism, or what might be called a selectoral democracy: 30% of MPs would come from elections, perhaps one per province, and the rest of the MPs would derive from various occupations and associations.

“New Politics” is unashamedly pro-military and even codifies the conditions under which military intervention may occur. Mr Sondhi has spoken of four conditions for military intervention: when charges of lese majeste are not acted on; when a government is incompetent; when corruption is rife; when a government betrays national sovereignty.

It is not clear if permissible military intervention according to the PAD’s envisaged system of selectocracy is to be in the form of a coup d’etat or the exercise of some new administrative power to compel government agencies to rectify a wrong.

But what is clear is that the PAD has explicitly sanctioned ongoing military intervention in politics.

An important feature of Mr Sondhi’s speech that went unreported in the press was the proposal to take the Ministry of Defence out of government control and place it under the Crown. At a time when Thailand is urgently facing the need to institutionalise its politics around public rules, the PAD is proposing to formally enhance the power of the monarchy.

I congratulate the PAD for finally outlining their program for the future of Thailand. Obviously they have been reading my comments on this site and have responded.

I have said before that I don’t believe democracy is for everyone, so I am not really offended by the PADs suggestions; in fact I understand their reasoning. Anyone who believes that democracy is they best way forward for Thailand, however, may want to take a close look at these proposals.

It would seem appropriate for the PAD to now change it’s name to the People AGAINST Democracy.
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]]> By: Religion Good for Biz! at The FARANG Speaks 2 Much http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-115641 Religion Good for Biz! at The FARANG Speaks 2 Much Wed, 02 Jul 2008 04:10:06 +0000 http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-115641 [...] it looks like all the people passing up starbuck’s has finally taken its toll. Starbuckshasoverpricedcoffee is closing 600 stores. I just wonder how [...] [...] it looks like all the people passing up starbuck’s has finally taken its toll. Starbuckshasoverpricedcoffee is closing 600 stores. I just wonder how [...]
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]]> By: GREMLEN http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-114013 GREMLEN Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:02:01 +0000 http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-114013 Yeh there is only 2 types of men hey wolf, Wankers and Liers!!!!!!!!!!! Which brings me to, "What is the most sensitive part of a mans body when he's having a wank????????? Your EARS listening for someone coming to catch you out! Yeh there is only 2 types of men hey wolf,
Wankers and Liers!!!!!!!!!!!

Which brings me to, “What is the most sensitive
part of a mans body when he’s having a wank?????????
Your EARS listening for someone coming to catch you out!
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]]> By: Pants Elk http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-113440 Pants Elk Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:35:45 +0000 http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-113440 Hmm. Good point. Maybe they all died of cancer? Hmm. Good point. Maybe they all died of cancer?
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]]> By: werewolf http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-113146 werewolf Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:10:00 +0000 http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-113146 Where did they find a control group of men who DIDN'T masturbate??! Where did they find a control group of men who DIDN’T masturbate??!
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]]> By: Pants Elk http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-113119 Pants Elk Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:55:48 +0000 http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-113119 Did you know that regular masturbating lessens your chance of catching testicular (AND OTHER) cancer(s)? It's true - I was sent a link earlier this year to a learned scientific journal which proved, statistically, under laboratory conditions (YP already nursing a semi at the thought of *that*) that flogging the log is medically good for you. Based on their findings, I should live to be a hundred, at least. Did you know that regular masturbating lessens your chance of catching testicular (AND OTHER) cancer(s)? It’s true - I was sent a link earlier this year to a learned scientific journal which proved, statistically, under laboratory conditions (YP already nursing a semi at the thought of *that*) that flogging the log is medically good for you. Based on their findings, I should live to be a hundred, at least.
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]]> By: Young Penfold http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-113006 Young Penfold Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:31:26 +0000 http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-113006 PE - never fear, Im onto smitty about getting a booster chair for the new mango, and i hear they are bringing the mental-age for drinking in bangkok down to 12years old so i should be ready to roll. P.S. i didnt mean my whole post is going to be about politics and wanking, just touches on an unfortunate episode i had in the gym showers the other day that i will mention PE - never fear, Im onto smitty about getting a booster chair for the new mango, and i hear they are bringing the mental-age for drinking in bangkok down to 12years old so i should be ready to roll.

P.S. i didnt mean my whole post is going to be about politics and wanking, just touches on an unfortunate episode i had in the gym showers the other day that i will mention
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]]> By: Pants Elk http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-113000 Pants Elk Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:13:56 +0000 http://www.2thebigmango.com/main/2008/06/21/bkk-in-a-bigger-funk-than-the-funk-it-was-already-in/#comment-113000 Young Penfold, I can't wait for your blog piece! I mean, I really can't wait, because I have other things to do, like twirling a Gillette in my nose to remove the latest crop of bristle, which I'm saving and making into a cushion for you so you can reach the bar like a grown-up. Back on-topic, I don't have ANY objections to political discussion here, It's just that I get that from newspapers, and I come here to grind my fillings to bitter paste in my mouth in envy of the SuperMario Brothers' lifestyle. And to read the Bard of Bangkok's latest ukases (LOOK IT UP). Hey - what about Preah Vihear?! Young Penfold, I can’t wait for your blog piece! I mean, I really can’t wait, because I have other things to do, like twirling a Gillette in my nose to remove the latest crop of bristle, which I’m saving and making into a cushion for you so you can reach the bar like a grown-up.

Back on-topic, I don’t have ANY objections to political discussion here, It’s just that I get that from newspapers, and I come here to grind my fillings to bitter paste in my mouth in envy of the SuperMario Brothers’ lifestyle. And to read the Bard of Bangkok’s latest ukases (LOOK IT UP).

Hey - what about Preah Vihear?!
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