Certainly wouldn't make any plans to leave, but if I was just planning to move out here now, I would take a long hard look at Vietnam first.
All parties are clearly now waiting for court verdict on the 2nd, they would be crazy to do something they could later be charged with.
I have a ticket to fly to Heathrow next friday which I had no intention of using. Think I may head up to Bkk to claim my 2k a day if it's still going on then.
Is it time to leave Thailand?
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huahincharlie
- Member
- Posts: 59
- Joined: Thu May 22, 2008 10:51 pm
These are some of the issues...
Despite having a fairly good life living in Thailand, some of these issues with the PAD and the way democracy is regarded here would not suit me. I would stop making excuses for Thailand and Thais and say 'enough is enough', they are not mature enough.
We know Thais are nationalistic already. And many are immature and generally unable to think for themselves, so it's not difficult to see how the PAD propaganda will start to take hold and make them even more nationalistic. One poster here has pointed out that his good lady has been watching TV for several days and has now proclaimed she is a PAD supporter.
"The Asian Human Rights Commission has noted of the PAD and their agenda that, "although they may not describe themselves as fascist, have fascist qualities."[28] Citing the claimed failure of popular democracy in Thailand, the PAD has suggested constitutional amendments that would make Parliament a largely royally-appointed body.[29][30] It was strongly opposed to Thaksin's populist economic policies and attempts to decentralize political power. The PAD is largely composed of royalists, has regularly invoked king Bhumibol Adulyadej in its protests, and has claimed that its enemies are disloyal to the monarchy.[31][32][33] It has openly called for the military and Thailand's traditional elite to take a greater role in politics.[34]"
"Nationalist ideology"
The PAD has been described as "hyper-nationalist," and is strongly opposed to what it claims to be erosions in national sovereignty.[49] It was opposed to the Samak government's decision to support the Cambodian government's unilateral application for the listing of the disputed Preah Vihear temple complex as a World Heritage site. PAD has charged the PPP-leading cabinet helping Thaksin Shinawatra for making profit with Cambodia by using this agreement as an exchange.[50] It also called for Thai investors to withdraw from Cambodia, the closure of all 40 Thai-Cambodian border checkpoints, a ban on all flights from Thailand to Phnom Penh and Siam Reap, the construction of a naval base at Koh Kut near the border, and the abolishment of the committee which oversees demarcation of overlapping sea areas and the unilateral declaration of a Thai marine map.[51]
The PAD favors limits on foreign investment, opposes privatization of state enterprises, and is strongly opposed to foreign investment in Thailand. "Don't impose a free trade, consumer-oriented society on Thailand," noted Sondhi Limthongkul in an interview. [43]
While Thaksin and Samak championed farmers and the rural poor with their "dual-track" economic policies that combined populist perks like universal healthcare with greater participation in the global economy, the PAD are, in contrast, hardline monetarists. They propose interest rate hikes, cutting down spending on the poor, "mega-projects", and squeezing wages.[52]
--Wikipedia (People's Alliance for Democracy)
We know Thais are nationalistic already. And many are immature and generally unable to think for themselves, so it's not difficult to see how the PAD propaganda will start to take hold and make them even more nationalistic. One poster here has pointed out that his good lady has been watching TV for several days and has now proclaimed she is a PAD supporter.
"The Asian Human Rights Commission has noted of the PAD and their agenda that, "although they may not describe themselves as fascist, have fascist qualities."[28] Citing the claimed failure of popular democracy in Thailand, the PAD has suggested constitutional amendments that would make Parliament a largely royally-appointed body.[29][30] It was strongly opposed to Thaksin's populist economic policies and attempts to decentralize political power. The PAD is largely composed of royalists, has regularly invoked king Bhumibol Adulyadej in its protests, and has claimed that its enemies are disloyal to the monarchy.[31][32][33] It has openly called for the military and Thailand's traditional elite to take a greater role in politics.[34]"
"Nationalist ideology"
The PAD has been described as "hyper-nationalist," and is strongly opposed to what it claims to be erosions in national sovereignty.[49] It was opposed to the Samak government's decision to support the Cambodian government's unilateral application for the listing of the disputed Preah Vihear temple complex as a World Heritage site. PAD has charged the PPP-leading cabinet helping Thaksin Shinawatra for making profit with Cambodia by using this agreement as an exchange.[50] It also called for Thai investors to withdraw from Cambodia, the closure of all 40 Thai-Cambodian border checkpoints, a ban on all flights from Thailand to Phnom Penh and Siam Reap, the construction of a naval base at Koh Kut near the border, and the abolishment of the committee which oversees demarcation of overlapping sea areas and the unilateral declaration of a Thai marine map.[51]
The PAD favors limits on foreign investment, opposes privatization of state enterprises, and is strongly opposed to foreign investment in Thailand. "Don't impose a free trade, consumer-oriented society on Thailand," noted Sondhi Limthongkul in an interview. [43]
While Thaksin and Samak championed farmers and the rural poor with their "dual-track" economic policies that combined populist perks like universal healthcare with greater participation in the global economy, the PAD are, in contrast, hardline monetarists. They propose interest rate hikes, cutting down spending on the poor, "mega-projects", and squeezing wages.[52]
--Wikipedia (People's Alliance for Democracy)
Wikipedia can hardly be described as an accurate source of information if the public can edit it.
I agree with a lot of that though one must remember that PPP/TRT are also extremely nationalist and have clamped down on foreigners a lot more than the previous administration under Chuan Leekpai.
Either way foreigners living in or working in Thailand are going to lose, they will blame us no matter the outcome. Both sides are fascist and nearly all emerging Asian nations are racist.
I agree with a lot of that though one must remember that PPP/TRT are also extremely nationalist and have clamped down on foreigners a lot more than the previous administration under Chuan Leekpai.
Either way foreigners living in or working in Thailand are going to lose, they will blame us no matter the outcome. Both sides are fascist and nearly all emerging Asian nations are racist.
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
From source:THAILAND: Watershed moment for democracy and rule of law http://www.ahrchk.net/statements/mainfi ... ents/1779/buksida wrote:Wikipedia can hardly be described as an accurate source of information if the public can edit it.
Quite right Mr B, outside the areas were this has been cracking off many of the Thais think it's 'a load of bollocks' and don't really care too much about it. Life continues in the usual unhurried and serene fashion. These problems seem to be in isolated areas(acknowledged that they are high-profile and sensitive) and seems in little danger of spreading out of control for the simple reason that most locals outside the cities don't really care who is 'in power'.buksida wrote:...So far most Thais out of the city don't really seem bothered by what's going on ... tomorrow is another day.
Hasn't even crossed my mind to leave, not a lost situation yet, they are just in a confused/transitional episode .
Resolve dissolves in alcohol
not sure if this is the right place for this, but this is on the wires:
DJ UPDATE: Thai King Is 'Sick' - Crown Prince
(Adds comments by crown prince)
BANGKOK (AFP)--Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej is "mildly" sick and can't deliver his annual birthday-eve speech, the crown prince said Thursday.
"His Majesty the King is mildly sick," Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn said on national radio.
Thailand's crown prince was to deliver a birthday speech on behalf of his father King Bhumibol Adulyadej Thursday on the eve of the monarch's 81st birthday, royal officials said.
The king was due to deliver the address himself to a crowd at his official residence, broadcast live on national radio, but minutes before he was due to speak, officials said the crown prince would speak instead.
It was the first time in memory that the king hadn't given his own speech and came as Thais were looking to the royal address for guidance amid the political crisis.
Click here to go to Dow Jones NewsPlus, a web front page of today's most important business and market news, analysis and commentary: http://www.djnewsplus.com/al?rnd=G8rN%2 ... CYtg%3D%3D. You can use this link on the day this article is published and the following day.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
December 04, 2008 05:43 ET (10:43 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2008 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Codes:
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DJ UPDATE: Thai King Is 'Sick' - Crown Prince
(Adds comments by crown prince)
BANGKOK (AFP)--Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej is "mildly" sick and can't deliver his annual birthday-eve speech, the crown prince said Thursday.
"His Majesty the King is mildly sick," Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn said on national radio.
Thailand's crown prince was to deliver a birthday speech on behalf of his father King Bhumibol Adulyadej Thursday on the eve of the monarch's 81st birthday, royal officials said.
The king was due to deliver the address himself to a crowd at his official residence, broadcast live on national radio, but minutes before he was due to speak, officials said the crown prince would speak instead.
It was the first time in memory that the king hadn't given his own speech and came as Thais were looking to the royal address for guidance amid the political crisis.
Click here to go to Dow Jones NewsPlus, a web front page of today's most important business and market news, analysis and commentary: http://www.djnewsplus.com/al?rnd=G8rN%2 ... CYtg%3D%3D. You can use this link on the day this article is published and the following day.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
December 04, 2008 05:43 ET (10:43 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2008 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Codes:
Top
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do you have a reason for asking if the King is back in Hua Hin.? is it just curiosity. anyway back on topic.
i have been here now for two years and in that time it has gone down considerably. if i could go back in time then Thailand wouldn't have been an option. will we go back?, not at the moment my Thai born wife is keen to return to the U.k. but i have mixed views. the political situation could turn quickly and in my opinion probably will. then its good bye.
we came here intending to build a house. we have bought land but that's as far as we have got. all plans are on hold.
the way that U.K. house prices are going it may well be cheaper to buy in England. that is certainly a consideration for us. it is my opinion that another 30% at least is set to come off prices. i also do not think that prices will return to 2007 figures for at least 10 years and probably 15. buy a U.K. house at the bottom, much better investment than here and at least you do actually own it.
for the moment we stay but with no financial commitment and ready to move at a moments notice. wouldn't now recommend Thailand to anyone.not what i came here for.
miked
i have been here now for two years and in that time it has gone down considerably. if i could go back in time then Thailand wouldn't have been an option. will we go back?, not at the moment my Thai born wife is keen to return to the U.k. but i have mixed views. the political situation could turn quickly and in my opinion probably will. then its good bye.
we came here intending to build a house. we have bought land but that's as far as we have got. all plans are on hold.
the way that U.K. house prices are going it may well be cheaper to buy in England. that is certainly a consideration for us. it is my opinion that another 30% at least is set to come off prices. i also do not think that prices will return to 2007 figures for at least 10 years and probably 15. buy a U.K. house at the bottom, much better investment than here and at least you do actually own it.
for the moment we stay but with no financial commitment and ready to move at a moments notice. wouldn't now recommend Thailand to anyone.not what i came here for.
miked
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cookmanchef
- Professional
- Posts: 280
- Joined: Wed Oct 24, 2007 1:43 am
Seriously doubt that UK house prices will fall another 30%. Figures quoted for how much they have dropped so far are distorted by the rising number of repossessions and those selling are the desperate ones. Most people who were planning to move are just staying put for the time being, I check Right Move regularly and the prices on there are pretty much the same as they were 6 months ago.
Mortgage rates going to all time lows will mean people can afford higher repayments, and in terms of supply and demand there are more wanting to buy than there are properties available. The main problem in the last 7/8 months has been the fact that the banks cocked their business up, and then decided to make everyone else pay by not giving loans/mortgages.
Mortgage rates going to all time lows will mean people can afford higher repayments, and in terms of supply and demand there are more wanting to buy than there are properties available. The main problem in the last 7/8 months has been the fact that the banks cocked their business up, and then decided to make everyone else pay by not giving loans/mortgages.
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cookmanchef
- Professional
- Posts: 280
- Joined: Wed Oct 24, 2007 1:43 am
Further to my previous post. I do agree that if you can pick up a bargain in the UK in the near future then in investment terms it will almost certainly appreciate more than a purchase here.
A report out yesterday says that when the upturn comes the building materials sector will not be in a position to meet demand due to the damage it is suffering now. "The likely result is a housing bubble and soaring prices", not sure about that but if interest rates stay low, prices could certainly rise quickly.
A report out yesterday says that when the upturn comes the building materials sector will not be in a position to meet demand due to the damage it is suffering now. "The likely result is a housing bubble and soaring prices", not sure about that but if interest rates stay low, prices could certainly rise quickly.
Agree if you're looking for an investment, many people in Hua Hin live in a home for the rest of their days, so shouldn't be loooking at it as an investment imo.buy a U.K. house at the bottom, much better investment than here and at least you do actually own it
For me the only possible thought of leaving during airport crisis was if there was serious countrywide violence between the yellow's and the red's. Nothing much seems to have happened from the red side since dissolving of parliament, airport's now open and it's all fading fast from my memory.
Obviously a certain number of tourists will be put off Thailand for a while, but that was occuring also because of global credit crunch.
It's going to be quiet for a good few years to me until world comes out of this financial problem.
Can't see any reason to even consider leaving for me.
SJ