State of Emergency In Bangkok

[lingwu74]

[QUOTE=singrakthai]I don't normally go into the city on weekdays anyway../QUOTE]
halo...even on weekends u hardly go into the city la these days ...i will be back on 2 oct...see whether u can party or not (apply for permission now la) and dun mention that you are partying with me ok!

[asiancigar]

Originally Posted by taurus75

Anyone interested if i run thru a simple History Of Thailand?

YES PLEASE.... would be very interesting and useful indeed.

Cheerz
asiancigar

[siamcutey]

Originally Posted by singrakthai

U go ask ur Thai friends lor... I've learnt not to ask these kinda confronting questions to Thai people cos u never know when u'll offend them.

The Thais I asked, said that Thaksin is a good PM leh, personally I don't like Thaksin, but I think he is a good PM.

1) Paying off IMF's debts within years.
2) Turned Thailand into 1 of the fastest economies in S.E.A.
3) Stopped the widespread of drug abuse in Thailand
4) The medical policies for the poor.
5) Rural development policies for the poor

and many more....

So the people I asked them if they say he is no good, then I asked why he get elected again and again. If they say because he is corrupt and he got money, you think my question is stupid or they gave me a stupid answer?

hehehe
SC

[Vizz]

Would be traveling to Thai on this coming Sunday,anyone knows whether the night life at nana area is affected?are the a go go bars still open?

[Malaysian Datuk]

Originally Posted by siamcutey

The Thais I asked, said that Thaksin is a good PM leh, personally I don't like Thaksin, but I think he is a good PM.

1) Paying off IMF's debts within years.
2) Turned Thailand into 1 of the fastest economies in S.E.A.
3) Stopped the widespread of drug abuse in Thailand
4) The medical policies for the poor.
5) Rural development policies for the poor

and many more....

So the people I asked them if they say he is no good, then I asked why he get elected again and again. If they say because he is corrupt and he got money, you think my question is stupid or they gave me a stupid answer?

hehehe
SC

I believe Thaksin is a good PM....at least better than the past few PMs in the last 2 decades.....but his brash style of governing ruffled many feathers (Thaksin's idol is MM Lee so what you expect).....and these people few threaten because Thaksin was getting 'too powerful' and they feel their traditional power network dismantling. So they booted him out.Sad day for Thailand and democracy.

[siamcutey]

Originally Posted by Malaysian Datuk

I believe Thaksin is a good PM....at least better than the past few PMs in the last 2 decades.....but his brash style of governing ruffled many feathers (Thaksin's idol is MM Lee so what you expect).....and these people few threaten because Thaksin was getting 'too powerful' and they feel their traditional power network dismantling. So they booted him out.Sad day for Thailand and democracy.

Thaksin is inspired by how Singapore develops and under the rule of PAP. That is why many things he did, he did it without considering how some minority factions felt. They felt he was getting too powerful.

Thailand is a buddhist state and they do not like violence. That is why when Thaksin curb the drug issues then, many were killed and many were not happy too. Even the King wanted an inquiry as to why these people were killed in the process.

But did they found out actually thousands were saved from these drugs as drugs were really too widespread and easily available then. The Military then were also involved in the drugs problem when officers were corrupted enough to let their subordinates be peddlers too.

Aiya, when someone becomes a leader, people will start saying he is corrupted this and that... This happens in many countries, don't you think so.

SC

[chanthira]

Originally Posted by siamcutey

But did they found out actually thousands were saved from these drugs as drugs were really too widespread and easily available then. The Military then were also involved in the drugs problem when officers were corrupted enough to let their subordinates be peddlers too.

Aiya, when someone becomes a leader, people will start saying he is corrupted this and that... This happens in many countries, don't you think so.

SC

They are not only thousands were save from these drug ,if you consider a lot of younster and family will save from this ,then you can consider it is in term of millions

chanthira

[taurus75]

A Brief Outline of The History of Thailand

King Rama V The Great

ANCIENT HISTORY

In the 7th century AD Thailand was populated by the Mon and Khmer civilizations who were heavily influenced by Indian culture. At this time the Tai tribes from Yunnan Province in China moved into Thailand largely to avoid the warring Mongols and in particular Kublai Khan. These people moved in to the Khmer domains and were called Syumas (aboriginal forest dwellers)by the Khmer. From this term came the words Siam and Siamese being the old names for the country and its' people. This brought heavy Chinese influence and it is generally accepted that this was the starting point of Thai history. Over the next few hundred years tribes from other places also settled in Thailand.

[taurus75]

THE SUKHOTHAI PERIOD

Recorded Thai history really starts with the Sukhothai Period when in 1253 AD King Phra Ruang captured Sukhothai from the Khmers and established it as a capital. This period reached its zenith when King Ramkhamhaeng extended the Kingdom to include land on all sides. This King was the first to be called ‘The Great’ and is acknowledged as the founder of the written Thai language. The largest university in Thailand carries his name today.

In 1350 King Rama Tibodi 1 founded Ayutthaya as the second capital city and continued to expand the Kingdom. King Trailok 1448-88 founded the civil service, introduced reforms in land ownership and set the precedent for royal succession.

During the 16th and 17th centuries Thailand received visits from Japanese and European traders, mercenaries and missionaries and various minor wars were conducted against neighbouring Cambodia and Myanmar. In 1767 invading Burmese captured and severely damaged Ayutthaya. King Taksin founded a new capital at Thonburi. In 1778 the 2,000 year old Emerald Buddha was recaptured and taken to Thonburi. King Taksin was murdered and his senior army general Tongduang took over leadership of the country and he became Cha Phya Chakri or King Rama 1 the first King of the current Chakri dynasty in 1782.

[taurus75]

-Deleted post-

[taurus75]

THE CHAKRI DYNASTY

For the first couple of hundred years nothing very remarkable happened but there were various minor wars and skirmishes and an increase in exports due to more and more overseas visitors.

In the 19th century King Mongkut, Rama 4, negotiated the first official trade treaties with the UK and USA, he reformed the taxation system, reorganised the police, army and navy and initiated reforms in transportation. He is well known as the King who hired Anna Leonowens to teach his children and from which the story of The King and I arose. His farsightedness has led him to being very respected by the current Thai people.

King Mongkut presented a Thai Royal Crown to Queen Victoria which is currently on display at Windsor Castle. He was succeeded by his son.

King Chulalongkorn, Rama 5, is revered today as a great monarch and his birthday on 23rd October is a national holiday. His image can be found in most Thai homes and businesses. During his reign from 1868-1910 he continued the westernisation of his kingdom and the fact that he wrote and spoke excellent English was a great asset to the country. He travelled extensively, including to Europe, seeking for ideas to help improve the life of his subjects.

He abolished slavery, established the governing body of Buddhism known as the Sangha Council, established a Council of State, a Privy Council and 12 Ministries to administer the country. In the field of education he was remarkable for establishing Chulalongkorn University, reforming the school system to form proper schools which could be attended by girls as well as boys. The first railway was opened and proper coin currency was introduced with the opening of the first mint.

During the expansion of the colonial British and French he negotiated to lose Laos, parts of Cambodia and Malaysia to these superpowers in order to retain the independence of Thailand and the country acted as a buffer zone between them. Thai people are fiercely proud of the fact that they were never colonised. Upon his death he was succeeded by his son.

Kin Vajiravudh, Rama 6, reigned from 1910-1925. His background of having been educated at Oxford University and the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst was of a great benefit to him and he backed Britain during World War 1. He continued central government reforms initiated by his father, introduced compulsory education and very significantly introduced surnames for all Thai people for the first time. As he only had a daughter he was succeeded by his brother.

King Prajadhipok, Rama 7, 1925-35 was educated at Eton. During the World depression of the late 1920’s to early 1930’s he was forced to reduce government salaries and increase taxes which was obviously extremely unpopular and led to a group of dissatisfied military and civil service personnel attempting a coup to overthrow him. In 1932 he agreed to give up absolute monarchy and reduce the role of the monarch to a constitutional one only. A constitution was introduced with a new parliament and a prime minister post based on the British parliamentary system. The name of the country was changed from Siam to Thailand. In 1935 he abdicated and retired to live in England. As he had no son he was succeeded by his nephew.

King Ananda Mahidol , 1935-46, was only ten years old when he was passed the throne and unable to rule in his own right. Therefore a revolutionary leader Regent was appointed who later became prime minister. His name was Pridi Panomyong who is famous in recent Thai history. He wanted to nationalise all lands and enterprises putting everyone in the country on the government payroll. During the Second World War he played a vital role by organising underground resistance to the invading Japanese. He is honoured for founding Thammasat University which continues to be a radical seat of learning. In 1946 King Ananda Mahidol was found shot dead in still unsolved mystery circumstances at his palace and Pridi was overthrown and fled the country in 1947.

King Bhumipol Adulyadej, Rama 9, 1946-date, succeeded King Ananda Mahidol and reigns to date. His Majesty is the longest serving monarch in the World at present and his many achievements and the enormous effect his reign has had on the Thai people and the country of Thailand we will revert back to soon. However now it would be appropriate to briefly examine the major events from 1960’s to date affecting the country.

1960’s-1975 Thailand allied itself with the USA against the danger of communism and during the Vietnam war. It allowed US forces to be stationed in Thailand. In 1968 a new constitution was introduced making the Prime Minister responsible to Parliament. The 1969 general election was short lived being overthrown in 1971 when martial law was enforced. Amid growing frustration students led an uprising culminating in the 14th October 1973 clash of students against the army resulting in 69 deaths and over 800 wounded. The King forced the prime minister to resign and leave the country. The King then really came into his own by appointing a new prime minister, the first civilian in over 20 years to hold the office. Fresh elections were held in 1975 and 1976.

On 6th October 1976 communist sympathisers assaulted Thammassat University killing and wounding many, the result of which was another military coup. The King appointed a very anti communist judge as prime minister. He proved to be too radical and was forced to step down in 1980 to be succeeded by General Prem Tinsulanonda.

General Prem proved to be a hero for his country. He listened carefully to advice and consulted closely with the private business sector to solve problems between the public and private sectors. In 1982 he was responsible for arranging a national celebration to mark 200 years of the Chakri dynasty and the 200th anniversary of the founding of Bangkok as the capital city. This double celebration pushed the profile of the King forward and for this he received royal gratitude. General Prem continued to reform the constitution, survived two attempted coups, took a risk by devaluing the Thai Baht which led to the economy roaring away as an economic success and which was known as an Asian tiger. Having served the longest as prime minister he stepped down. A bridge in Songkhla province was named in his honour, a sign of the respect he received.

General Chatichai Choonhavan saw the economy continue to expand at a rate of 10% per year until he was overthrown in a bloodless coup in 1991 when General Suchinda Kraprayoon installed himself as prime minister. However in May 1991 many students demonstrating against the coup were killed and injured on Ratchdamnoen Road and Suchinda was forced to resign. Elections followed and a civilian lawyer, Chuan Leekpai, from the southern province of Trang was elected as prime minister. He proved a good leader but not very strong and was succeeded by Banharn Silpa-Archa whose time in office saw a downturn in the economy and in 1996 General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh was elected as prime minister. He floated the Baht which proved disastrous as it devalued by 50%, the economy collapsed and the country had to turn to the International Monetary Fund for help. He resigned in 1997 and Chuan Leekpai returned as PM.

Chuan Leekpai dealt astutely with the IMF and under his leadership the economy slowly revived. In 2001 fresh elections were called and US educated telecommunications tycoon Police Colonel Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra was elected Prime Minister in a landslide victory with his newly formed Thai-Rak-Thai party. Thaksin has continued to assist the economy to grow and has initiated projects to assist rural areas as well as founding a new university. He wants to continue educational reforms and wants the Thai people to become a nation whose second language is English.

King Bhumipol Adulyadej has reigned over an often turbulent Kingdom and has won the love and respect of the Thai people for his very much appreciated hard work and efforts to help the Thai people. The King is the unifying force behind the country and it's stability. A keen sailor, saxophone player, photographer and artist who used to love sports car in his youth, he is fluent in English and French and is also a talented composer. He is adored by his people and although not now enjoying the best of health he continues to work tirelessly for his people and for the good of Thailand.

[Mr.romance]

Originally Posted by Malaysian Datuk

I believe Thaksin is a good PM....at least better than the past few PMs in the last 2 decades.....but his brash style of governing ruffled many feathers (Thaksin's idol is MM Lee so what you expect).....and these people few threaten because Thaksin was getting 'too powerful' and they feel their traditional power network dismantling. So they booted him out.Sad day for Thailand and democracy.

Sad...Sad...& still damn sad...Thaksin wana make Thailand economy similar like Sg but things don turn out to be wat he wanted....If I were him, I will retire for good also, the type of money he already had can beat don know how many average Sg mens retired CPF returns. Nabei, If I were him, I will built 10 more Poseidons after I retire...kekeke

[Mr.romance]

Originally Posted by siamcutey

1) Paying off IMF's debts within years.
2) Turned Thailand into 1 of the fastest economies in S.E.A.
3) Stopped the widespread of drug abuse in Thailand
4) The medical policies for the poor.
5) Rural development policies for the poor



hehehe
SC

but can someone advise how come thai baht seems to get stronger since
there are speculations Thaksin is stepping down

[Sinoview]

The witch hunt continues.....


http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_....php?id=113095

The starting of an end...

[Sinoview]

Originally Posted by siamcutey

The Thais I asked, said that Thaksin is a good PM leh, personally I don't like Thaksin, but I think he is a good PM.

1) Paying off IMF's debts within years.
2) Turned Thailand into 1 of the fastest economies in S.E.A.
3) Stopped the widespread of drug abuse in Thailand
4) The medical policies for the poor.
5) Rural development policies for the poor

and many more....

So the people I asked them if they say he is no good, then I asked why he get elected again and again. If they say because he is corrupt and he got money, you think my question is stupid or they gave me a stupid answer?

hehehe
SC

I cannot agreed wif u more....

Thaksin has done man things that no one, yes no one in Thailand is able to do. He's able to do them partly be of his wealth...

The thai politicians are so corrupted that nothing can be moved without "benefiting" these fractions. The previous PM Chuan Leekpai is a Mr Clean yet his report card was damn bad. Almost everthing cum to a stand still. He just cannot run the country the way he wanted to.

I think....there wont be any PM who can achieve a fraction of what Thanksin had accomplished for Thailand.

Like u, i personally do not like Thaksin but i think he's he best man Thailand can have to lead.