5 replies to this topic

[DollyLamma]

The new National Assembly approved by the Palace today had already been dubbed "The Chamber of Generals."

According to Suriyasai Katasila, secretary-general of the Campaign for the Popular Democracy, the newly-appointed Assembly which has 242 appointed members "is lopsided with 76 generals," active or retired, and "lacked representatives from grassroots people."

Suriyasai said he worried that the people will think that the military might try to use the appointed Assembly to perpetrate their coup and political power.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30016021

[UncleSam]

76 generals and 7 lawyers to write a constitution. Someone must have visited Burma recently.

Hehehe....

[Bob]

If one believes the people who took over the government by tanks, then one year from now there should be a new constitution, a civilian government elected by the people, and the military will then follow the civilian government orders under the new constitution.(*)

Or, if history repeats itself, there will be no elections next year and/or we'll see the "chamber of generals" and their cronies filling the important seats of the new government. I hope that doesn't occur but that may be wishful thinking only.

I suppose it's not a falang's role to criticize what the Thais tolerate or don't tolerate but I at least have the right, while in my country, to voice my opinion regarding the banana republic pretending to be a modern democratic government. Next Tuesday I'll arrive for a few week stay and I'll dutifully keep my mouth shut.

(* Of course unless and until the next general decides otherwise).

[pattayaloverforyou]

quote:I suppose it's not a falang's role to criticize what the Thais tolerate or don't tolerate but I at least have the right, while in my country, to voice my opinion regarding the banana republic pretending to be a modern democratic government. Next Tuesday I'll arrive for a few week stay and I'll dutifully keep my mouth shut


No just open your mouth on this board which seems to be a safe heaven to talk/write openly.
Baht-stop is an American based message board but I wonder if the moderators ( who live in Pattaya)are not at risk.

[Hedda]

Baht-stop is an American based message board but I wonder if the moderators ( who live in Pattaya)are not at risk.

You'd almost think you were painting bulleyes on our buttocks.

It's true that the board and Bahtstop are safely removed to the protection of America's First Amendment, while we expats must conform to the vagaries of Thai law, or what passes for same under current circumstances - which we have scrupulously done.

Except for one post which went over the top and got deleted, virtually all of the comments made thus far have been reflections of things that have already appeared in the newspapers here in one form or another.

For example, the term "Chamber of Generals" was Thai-originated and reported in the Nation and here, as such.

Just this morning, the lead editorial in the Nation asks: "Can a new constitution tackle corruption?"

That's really getting to the heart of the matter, and its gratifying to see that the Thais are posing the questions. Where does a coup d'etat lead, if all it does is throw one set of rascals out to make way for the next group to trash the next constitution.

If, as some now suggest, corruption reached new dimensions under Thaksin Shinawatra, it should be remembered that it did so under the much-heralded 1997 "People's Constitution." That's a sobering thought for the folks who seem to think there's some magic, undiscovered formula waiting in the next constitution that will cure corruption.

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[Dick]

If, as some now suggest, corruption reached new dimensions under Thaksin Shinawatra, it should be remembered that it did so under the much-heralded 1997 "People's Constitution." That's a sobering thought for the folks who seem to think there's some magic, undiscovered formula waiting in the next constitution that will cure corruption.

Very sobering. I doubt if anyone has the answer to that problem.