“It amazing to me how the tone of this website and the comments presented parrot The Nation and Bangkok Post”

oops, seems like I am not the only one who’s also noticed that ?
(on March 17th, 2010 8.16 pm)

Hobby was the first (on March 14th, 2010 1.57 pm)

Hobby

I think your next change of mind would be towards “democracy” BS at all – the fake artificial idea invented by same old “shadow string-pullers” who control the human society for quite a long time (as elite, bankers, magnates).

I am more and more getting convinced that even UDD – is a very well disguised show by the same very elite (against whom they are protesting – or so they think).

Notice also that there is a strong growing criticism against UDD leadership (I’m not even talking about Thaksin). Like from more straight guys (as from “Red Siam”) – and today also was quoted in The Nation Pallop Pinmanee, saying that UDD leaders’ unsure tactics has led the whole protest affair to practically failure.

I mean – to some extent it is true, because so far the UDD leaders could not accomplish much. I don’t know whether or not (and if so – to which extent) they are directly/indirectly subordinate to Thaksin. But sometimes I start to wonder – are they somehow on the leash of the ammart/establishment itself?

Because honestly, often the steps they take look too indecisive or “shy,” or too “wanting to look good” – as if they are actually being paid not by Thaksin, but by those same guys who financed PAD.

(Remember, there was for a while talk about “orange” – merging reds with yellow – and even some PAD leaders, incl. Sondhi, expressing some thoughts like “now we fight for same things as reds.”)

I mean – the best tactic always to destroy some movement is – to take over it, right?

(Or from within, through internal differences and infights). And perhaps that’s what is going on already, to some extent.

The drug war implementation was a disgrace and he should have made changes as soon as problems were noticed, but I did welcome the attempt to clean up the drug problem.

I am ashamed how meekly I accepted the coup, and wish to offer a public apology to all those I argued against at the time – my “resetting of democracy” take on things at that time looks so stupid now, but unlike politicians (generally, but especially the Thai variety, including exiled ones), I don’t mind admitting when I make mistakes.

They even don’t mind military coups, if it gets them what they want.

The reds are still evolving, but their desired changes are more along the lines of (finally/for once) allowing democracy to evolve, without interference from …).

“Reds themselves have been dining on that “ammart” red herring for far too long, ammart plays very little role in what actually affects their lives but now they can’t see forest for the trees.”

Who has been in control of the country for the last several decades? (And don’t say corrupt politicians, as you know better – read Jakrapob’s State Within a State, and also his FCCT speech to get a clue).

It’s a pity it took a billionaire opportunistic PM to finally give the masses more than platitudes about self-sufficiency and knowing ones place in society (as a grateful speck of dust.

It’s been said before, but I’ll say it again: The genie is out of the bottle now, and will be hard to put back in it. Time to get used to it!

Also, have you noticed how more and more commentators agree that elections won’t make any difference and deeper structural changes are needed. That’s straight from PAD’s leaflets circa 2008, though reds themselves haven’t realized it yet and believe all they need is another elections.

I’m waiting for the moment when they lose faith in their MPs. That would seriously alter Thai political scene as their needs will have to be met by some other, yet non-existing party.

PTP refusal to resign or call for House dissolution is a first sign, I hope.

Reds themselves have been dining on that “ammart” red herring for far too long, ammart plays very little role in what actually affects their lives but now they can’t see forest for the trees.

I don’t see much on the international news about anything else – in the past two days.

Before that, at least they had a sympathetic voices on the BBC and CNN and a fairly similar approach from the ABC in Oz. But, video of the blood being thrown over Abhisit’s gate, has now overshadowed all else – because it’s a headline grabber. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen it.

I think the other aspect of their events this past week, have also shown a total lack of leadership and management.

The three UDD leaders in particular, have shown total incompetance and seem to make up policy on the run.

They don’t seem very democratic either.

They said this morning they were given their command by Thaksin and so they are not going to give it up. To that, I would say where’s the voice of the Red Rank & File? Many of the people have sacrificed a lot to come to Bangkok, in the hope of bringing about change, without being told just how difficult that is. Good leaders should be able to do that.

So what did they achieve?

They certainly had the opportunity, a few days ago, to tell the world about the problems in Thailand – as they see them.

Instead something more akin to a Thai horror/comedy, that’s what we got. Maybe those Thai comedy troupes and starring Mom Jokmok would have been more effective?

Ric mentions that the reds have “no respect for authority, law, and reason.” Authority should be respected when it is granted by the people, not stolen. Law should be respected when it is fairly applied to all. Reason should be respected when it is sound and logical. To “respect” these tenets for their own sake is “mindless” and illogical. I think Ric should cancel his subscription to High Society & Prestige and educated himself about the history of the Thai “elite” and how they have lived of the sweat and blood of the masses.

How about more awareness of the issues, including things that are not normally talked about.

I was just speaking to a usually disinterested colleague who has never been to Thailand and is not interested in doing so, but the blood protest had sparked his attention, and made him want to learn much more about the issues.

A gradual opening up of discussion on the feudal, hierarchical & exploitative nature of things in Thailand cannot be overlooked as one day having a beneficial effect.

Blood in bottles splashed for what – why not make yourselves useful and donate happily to the Red Cross in lieu of this stupid display of voodooism?

Any credibility you had is now completely lost, so go home and stop destroying Thailand for those who really care about their country. 100,000 people (if that is really the number) cannot dictate to 67m people. The government has shown remarkable tolerance to this public nuisance. They are in control and they have a term to run. You don’t like that? Vote otherwise next time.

Thaksin’s histrionics are one thing, but the reds are the only truly vocal element reflecting a majority in Thai society demanding the equal respect for human life necessary for the establishment of a just, democratic society, not to mention regional stability.

The patina on the Abhisit regime was worn away from the start and the face of privilege and undisguised plunder has only grown uglier. Perhaps the best course for justice now is to abort whatever filthy appendage is next thrust forth from the bowels of the military and institutional establishment so that there is hope for any equitable resolution to the problems of Thai society.

The longer I observe this Shakespearean tragicomedy the less sure I am if Thailand needs a democracy by quantity.

Looks to me like the reds would mainly push an agenda of politics of revenge and undoing through the house. Deservedly so, but maybe not what’s best for Thailand now.

This is not about a perfect solution, this is about the lesser evil.

BangkokDan