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Tags: Korat
April 10, 2008 at 2:16 am
Additional note: You can say whatever you wish, and if you want anonymity, either do not include a name or indicate that you do not wish your comments to be published elsewhere.
April 11, 2008 at 10:43 am
Readers are encouraged, if you have not already done so, to scour the web, particularly Skype live casts, to get some idea of just how screwed up the world is becoming. Believe it or not, for example, there are discussion groups that seriously advocate the theory - to them it is ‘fact’ - that the World Trade Center buildings were brought down…intentionally! Yes, on purpose. Who did it? Of course, it was THE GOVERNMENT! Check it out.
April 11, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Interesting info from Bkk Pundit FYI
On the issue of a plebiscite, perhaps the Democrats should seek to amend the constitution to first allow for a plebiscite as Article 291 of the constitution, which the Democrats supported the approval of, explicitly provides that the constitution be amended only by parliament. To allow for a plebiscite to be used to amend the constitution, this provision would first have to be changed.
April 11, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Good point!
It’s not the first time the Democrats or others have done something they later regretted. We note today as well that a 4-1 vote in favor of disbanding two Thai political parties - See 11 April item, next, from TNA:
BANGKOK, April 11, 2008 (TNA) – Thailand’s Election Commission by majority vote on Friday resolved to ask the Constitution Court to dissolve two coalition political party partners — the Chart Thai and Mahachimathipataya parties– charging that they had committed electoral fraud in relation to the December 23, 2007 general election.
April 11, 2008 at 3:54 pm
BANGKOK, DEC 22 – Following a US Justice Department report alleging bribery payments made to “a senior TAT official” in the investigation of Gerald and Patricia Green, Former Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Juthamas Siriwan has threatened to sue anyone who refers to her tenure as Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor at all.
The Greens were arrested earlier this week by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation under suspicions of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act which prohibits US citizens from making bribes as part of their business dealings abroad. They are suspected of having paid US$1.7 million dollars (Bt52 million) in bribes to a Thai government official in return for the $10 million contract to manage the 2004 Bangkok International Film Festival. Although not named by the Justice Department report, Juthamas Siriwan has come under suspicion because she was the TAT governor at the time, a charge which she denies.
“I was never employed by the TAT, not in 2004 or at any other time” she said at a press conference. “Anyone who says I was TAT governor is a liar and will be sued for libel and slander.” She referred to the approximately 350 articles written about her or referring to her as TAT governor between 2001 -2006 as “a concerted press smear campaign.” She furthermore insisted that the over 1000 photographs and video clips of her presiding over TAT events, cutting ribbons at the opening ceremonies of TAT-sponsored galas, and conducting official meetings with other TAT officials are “fakes” and likely the work of “politically motivated influential people.” When asked what she was doing from 2001 to 2006, Juthamas replied she was at home with her family.
A spokesperson for the Puea Pandin Party, with which Juthamas was a candidate for a Bangkok seat prior to her withdrawal, confirmed her story. “She was never part of the TAT,” said Suwin Khunkiti. “Never mind what it says on our party website, or our posters, or on our election campaign flyers referring to her as former TAT governor. Those are typos.”
An attorney for Ms. Siriwan has threatened to sue any person or company which displays, disseminates, references, or acknowledges the existence of any of the slanderous material suggesting that she was TAT governor, including the TAT itself, which has a large painting of Juthamas in its lobby bearing an engraved brass plaque with her name. Phone calls to the TAT requesting comment were not answered. However, the TAT released a statement earlier today denying it had ever been involved in, or had ever heard of, the “so-called Bangkok International Film Festival.”
Truth in jest!!!
April 11, 2008 at 4:20 pm
That picture of Wan seated on a “happy toilet” reminded me of the “Punch-back of Notre Dame”. A stroke of fatherly PR smarts. Part of the “repair plan”. Now he’s IN the government (instead of Death Row).
April 12, 2008 at 12:01 am
I just wonder if the father, Chalerm, even considers the irony involved in this photo opportunity of a lifetime.
April 12, 2008 at 1:38 am
I think it was C’s idea in the first place. Since the murder it’s been masterful damage control and now the “clown” pic. Worst part is that it works on Thai people. If Wan will act a clown in public then he is off the hook, partly. Then a few more “C” inspired PR moves and Wan will be accepted and forgiven. Amazing. It’s all a question of “face”. I’m sure C must have paid the police widow a life-time support assurance. Question is, where did C, a mere Capt., get billions of baht? And no one EVER asks about him. It’s like “black-mail gridlock” - Thai style. Although some of them HAVE to lose face, like now Chart Thai and Mahachimathipataya parties. Eventually Samak himself will be indicted and, if necessary, erased. Going to war with Pa Prem is suicide. The 2nd worst idea in the country. Tut tut!!
April 12, 2008 at 1:44 am
BTW: Here is Section 309. Any act that its legality and constitutionality has been recognised by the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (Interim), B.E. 2549, including all acts related therewith committed whether before or after the date of promulgation of this Constitution shall be deemed constitutionally under this Constitution.
This means the last and the NEXT coup are legal. Smart move by the “invisable hand”. Along with Section 291.
May 29, 2008 at 4:02 pm
can anyone update me on the situation regarding the closure of the immigration office in korat
May 29, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Closed. There was a lobby against it but lost. Operating costs were likely the issue.
June 4, 2008 at 11:25 am
i am a uk citizen i have retirement pensions from government and private companies total together are over 60000 baht per month before tax is that enough to qualify for retirement visa in thailand. what do the uk embassy on thailand need to prove my pension income
June 14, 2008 at 10:40 am
Anyone paying attention to the latest PAD activities and effects?