ozpharlap Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 BANGKOK, March 24, 2011 (AFP) - Thailand on Thursday dismissed suggestions that foreign observers were needed to monitor its upcoming election, with the deputy prime minister saying he does "not respect" Westerners. It would be "inappropriate" to allow outside involvement in the poll, which is due in June or July and comes after deadly street protests last year, said Suthep Thaugsuban. "I don't respect 'farangs'. We do not have to surrender to them," he said, using the Thai word for "Westerners". Anti-government "Red Shirts" have recently called for international observers to be present. "I am surprised that Red Shirts do not respect our country's sovereignty... I don't understand why they constantly call for foreign involvement, it is inappropriate," Suthep told reporters. Thailand has never officially allowed monitors to operate in polling stations during its elections, but the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) has been allowed to work in the country during the last two votes. "It is true they do not allow the monitors to enter (polling stations) but we observe from outside, it's quite easy," said executive director Somsri Hananuntasuk. She said she was "surprised" at Suthep's comments, adding that other members of the ruling Democrat party, including Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva "welcomes international observers". Thailand is struggling to recover from mass Bangkok rallies by the Reds, in which more than 90 people died in clashes between troops and protesters in April and May last year. It was the worst political violence in decades. The kingdom has suffered years of political instability, punctuated by unrest and military intervention, seeing 18 actual or attempted coups since 1932 when the country became a constitutional monarchy. Commentators believe the upcoming poll is likely to highlight the country's divisions. The elected prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a hero to many in the Red Shirt movement, was ousted in a coup in 2006, sparking ongoing political turmoil. Abhisit's government is seen as undemocratic by the Reds as it came to power in an army-backed 2008 parliamentary vote after a court ruling threw out the previous administration, made up of Thaksin allies who had won an election. Thailand, known as the "Land of Smiles", is usually regarded as friendly to foreigners. According to Abhisit the kingdom received 15.8 million overseas tourists last year and the sector generated 585 billion baht ($19 billion), or 7 percent of economic output. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radioman Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 Don't know about anyone else but I've always thought this guy the 'real' PM, and Abhisit just a poster boy. Also see Suthep as a bit of a thug and a PR nightmare. Sort of the Vinnie Jones of Thai politics, that said Vinnie is cool and not so much of a PR nightmare, maybe it's just me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozpharlap Posted March 25, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 Thailand could be another Myanmar at the drop of a hat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 And Australia could become another Zimbabwe if it's not careful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pasathai1 Posted March 25, 2011 Report Share Posted March 25, 2011 I left Rhodesia in 1975, just in time it seems. scary thought to think of that happening anywhere else in the "civilized" world do you have another Mugabe in mind? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radioman Posted March 26, 2011 Report Share Posted March 26, 2011 "I don't respect 'farangs'. We do not have to surrender to them," That there sounds rather Mugabe-esque don't ya think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozpharlap Posted March 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2011 And Australia could become another Zimbabwe if it's not careful. Sure, I had a few whiskeys last night, and picked up a young lass in the resort pool last night, so, I am a bit disorientated but I don't follow your post - please explain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted March 26, 2011 Report Share Posted March 26, 2011 Only those on a higher plane can understand my thoughts ... besides Charlie Sheen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted March 26, 2011 Report Share Posted March 26, 2011 About 24 years ago I talked to a Rhodesian farmer who had stayed. He said he had no choice. If you wanted to leave, you were allowed to take $6,000 cash with you - and nothing else. Just walk away and abandoned everything you owned. I've sometimes wondered what happened to him since then. He probably should have walked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coss Posted March 26, 2011 Report Share Posted March 26, 2011 I'm taking Suthep Thaugsuban off my christmas card list. He seems extremely ungrateful. for the millions, nay, billions of baht, that foreign gentlemen contribute to the poor of his country. His government would have to stump up a lot more if foreigners weren't supporting his poor. JHMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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