Democrats to Form New Gov.

[Loburt]

They are not all pro-Thaksin.

I wouldn't describe either Baker or Panitan that way at all. They play it pretty straight down the middle. Both are very fair and among the best analysts around.

I don't even think Giles is really pro-Thaksin. He just is really anti some of the elements on the other side, and considering his background that's understandable.

[Loburt]

As far as informed opinion, I have read a lot by political scientists and lecturers in Thailand and the opinion against Avashit is generally damning. Anyone who lives here would know (and I have this from my Thai friends) that there is corruption on all sides of Thai politics, yet there was a deliberately partisan operation by the courts (and certain unnameable others) to remove certain factions from power.

There. I've just wasted my breath again. But you can say goodbye to Avashit in January.

can u provide some on this damning "informed" opinion ???

Here are a few you might follow up. I have already posted a lot of what they said, so I am not going to bother again. They vary a little in what they say, but generally, a favourable outcome is not predicted.

Some political science professors who have commented:-

Sombat Chanthonwong, Thammasat University

Giles Ji Ungpakorn, Chulalongkorn University

Thawee Suraritikul, Sukhothai University

Sukhum Nuansakul, Ramkhamhaeng University

Panithan Wattanayagorn, Chulalongkorn University

Chris Baker, Chulalongkorn University

Thawee Suraritikul, Sukhothai University

Anyway, I am going to follow PeeMarc's advice and butt out (thanks, Marc.) There are too many imbeciles on these forums to make debate useful or worthwhile. Have fun shooting anything that moves now that you guys have emerged from hiding after the airport fiasco. Sadly, Thailand is f**ked and I have better things to do.

so basically there's f*cking nothing there but a list of names .... highly enlightening !!

u do talk some complete and utter bollocks at times !!!

what f**king shooting ? thailands f**ked ?? get a grip !! u guys really don't have a clue.

i don't usually like to quote bigkus .... but if it's so f**ked why the f**k r u still here ???

Oh, Ciaran. You're thuch a forum thug!!!

[Neo]

They are not all pro-Thaksin.

Ok cool... I should look into them more closely.

I don't even think Giles is really pro-Thaksin. He just is really anti some of the elements on the other side, and considering his background that's understandable.

That's kindof what I meant by pro-Thaksin, but you're right.. it's not the same thing.

[allseasonsman]

As has been said ultimately why does anyone write on TF and why at such frequency? Well I guess that is just the nature of all such forum's on the web. Yes there does come a stage when it is a waste of time and effort, especially when confronted with such intolerant and ignorance as has been displayed here

Still this is only TF so yes what else should one expect? I mean one has to almost rejoice in the likes of Ciaran [and others] who else could almost make a virtue out of ignorance and uncouth use of language so much. One has to delight in the sheer comical value of watching someone who can only offer a fxxk this or fxxk that and a whole range of expletives with pretty much every post. Your a tosser,he is a tosser were all tossers, here is a tosser,there is a tosser etc etc Abuse and more abuse.

Well how could anybody take this seriously? It is all just utter madness and I have had fun observing the very worst of TF and being witness to it's ugly face. However thankfully that is not actually the reality of most people on TF because most have the good sense not to waste their time on forum's and if my inbox is anything to go by then I am greatly encouraged by the feedback I have gotten.

One final thought which I find amusing. For all that is said here perhaps it is worth checking out what government advice is on offer to me with regards to travel to Thailand.

Having gone from:

"Avoid non-essential travel" to

"Exercise extreme caution" at least things are getting better?

Anyway [and the FONT is for my dear friend Zuesy]

The political situation in Thailand remains highly volatile and uncertain. There is a possibility of further political unrest and more violence. Irish citizens should be aware of this if planning to travel to or through Thailand.

Following a Constitutional Court ruling on Tuesday 2nd December, which lead to the resignation of the Prime Minister, demonstrators have ended their protests at both Suvarnabhumi International airport and Don Muang airport in Bangkok.

Both airports have now reopened and officials and airlines are working to clear the backlog of stranded passengers. Irish citizens stranded in Thailand should continue to remain in contact with their airline, travel agent or tour operator for flight departure information. Travellers are still advised to check with their airline carrier, travel agent or tour operator if they are planning to travel via either airport. Commercial flights continue to depart from provincial international airports.

Irish citizens in Thailand are advised to register their details on the DFA Travel Registration page: http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=40332 If you are unable to register, you can send an email to the Irish Honorary Consulate [email protected] Consulate and include your contact details and location where you are staying.

If you require assistance locally, you should contact the Honorary Consul in Bangkok on [66] 2 677 7500. Alternatively, Consular Assistance can be reached on 4082340, 4082302 or 4082833.

Thai Immigration authorities have waived overstay fees for travellers who were prevented from leaving Thailand due to the protests. You will need to have proof of your original departure dates (i.e. ticket or flight itinerary) if you wish to apply for this and you should deal with Immigration directly at the airport.

Thailand's Tourism authorities provided an accommodation compensation package for tourists who were unable to leave the country due to the protests. You should check with your hotel to see if this provision applies to you. The Thai Hotel Association has stated that the 2000 baht per day assistance package will expire at midnight on 9 December.

Protests have ended at Government House in central Bangkok. Travellers should exercise extreme caution in the vicinity of Government House, Parliament buildings, Police Headquarters and any demonstrations or large gatherings of people throughout Bangkok.

Political demonstrations have been held in Bangkok since late August with many outbreaks of violence, mostly in areas of central Bangkok. These clashes were generally confined to the Government House area, Parliament Buildings and Police Headquarters. The situation remains unpredictable. The demonstrations were largely organised by the anti-Government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and there were violent clashes between the police and protestors as well as several bomb attacks. Several people died and hundreds were injured. There were no reports of foreigners being injured.

Although nationwide strikes were threatened, these have not materialised. Transport outside Bangkok and public utility services (including telephone lines) continue to operate.

Important points to note:

Keep informed of the developing situation on the ground in Bangkok and elsewhere via the media and this website.

Visitors should exercise extreme caution in Bangkok and other areas of political unrest, throughout Thailand.

Avoid demonstrations, large groups and public gatherings.

Avoid Government buildings, state institutions and Universities throughout the country.

While the situation in Thailand is generally calm, further outbreaks of violence cannot be ruled out.

http://www.foreignaffairs.gov.ie/home/index.aspx?id=8493

[LakeGeneve]

They are not all pro-Thaksin.

I wouldn't describe either Baker or Panitan that way at all. They play it pretty straight down the middle. Both are very fair and among the best analysts around.

I don't even think Giles is really pro-Thaksin. He just is really anti some of the elements on the other side, and considering his background that's understandable.

Some could do no worse than take time to read a few of Baker and Ajarn Pasuk works (the dynamic academic couple that they are!). Especially if you wish to learn a bit about corruption in Thailand and the political and economic power base built by Mr CEO.

I understand Baker is one of the worlds foremost experts on institutional corruption. I saw him speak in 98/99 and was astounded when he stated in an aside to a query, that the most corrupt public institution in the world in the late 60s was the British Police force. I do not know what he based that statement on but he has done his 'homework' over the years.

[PeeMarc]

As has been said ultimately why does anyone write on TF and why at such frequency? Well I guess that is just the nature of all such forum's on the web. Yes there does come a stage when it is a waste of time and effort, especially when confronted with such intolerant and ignorance as has been displayed here

Still this is only TF so yes what else should one expect? I mean one has to almost rejoice in the likes of Ciaran [and others] who else could almost make a virtue out of ignorance and uncouth use of language so much. One has to delight in the sheer comical value of watching someone who can only offer a fxxk this or fxxk that and a whole range of expletives with pretty much every post. Your a tosser,he is a tosser were all tossers, here is a tosser,there is a tosser etc etc Abuse and more abuse.

Well how could anybody take this seriously? It is all just utter madness and I have had fun observing the very worst of TF and being witness to it's ugly face. However thankfully that is not actually the reality of most people on TF because most have the good sense not to waste their time on forum's and if my inbox is anything to go by then I am greatly encouraged by the feedback I have gotten.

Bravo [sfx of pathetic hand clap), what an incredible display of arrogance. You must be a real hoot at a dinner party. What could you possibly gain from this statement other than your own hard on? Please try to keep in mind, while posing in your mirror, that this site is a collection of individuals. Some, you may find, are far more intelligent and well informed than yourself. And also long term residents. So, please take care when you slander and judge ALL here with your foolish remarks such as above, just because a few have some fun taking pot shots at your over-inflated opinion of yourself.

[MisterMatlock]

I'm just waiting to see how long he continues posting on this topic... I can't believe someone can go this long while typing THAT MUCH and not get totally ******* sick of the topic.

[eagle]

I've got a few creases and Sassy did have a staple in her butt. ;-)

I've heard of people getting their stomachs stapled. :shock:

on some of these forums sometimes, I do wish some people would get their arses stapled

Speaking of that....

We should all meet up for some fun: Whiskers, Condo Don, Stegee, Bass_bkk, Neo, Jeff, CiaranM, Brian, Rob, Bob, Eagle and a few others and start a staple club. ;-)

whos ass do I get to staple :shock:

[Neo]

Anyone who lives here would know (and I have this from my Thai friends) that there is corruption on all sides of Thai politics, yet there was a deliberately partisan operation by the courts (and certain unnameable others) to remove certain factions from power.

There is really only one unnameable in this country.

If you have evidence that HM was part of a deliberately partisan operation to remove certain factions from power, then present it.

Otherwise, stop slandering, in a very cowardly fashion, someone who has done a tremendous amount of good for this country.

How can I 'slander' when I didn't even name anyone. However, naming Thaksin as personally 'murderous' is slander and you should take care lest interested people with legal knowledge might read some of the postings of the 'TF mafia'. No doubt in time they will. I wasn't even going to respond to any more of your drivvle but I have decided to make this last point because of your accusation.

If you think you are smart killing off any debate by a show of arrogance and driving anyone away, good luck to you. Argue alone wankers!

But I shall be interested to see your pitiful bleatings of protest when the government gets overthrown again in the very near future.

Erm.. i think you'll find you wrote "there was a deliberately partisan operation by the courts (and certain unnameable others) to remove certain factions from power"

I'd say that's as close to naming someone as is legally possible.

Also, if calling Thaksin murderous is a sure ticket to the wrong Bangkok Hilton then it's gonna be pretty full with all the United Nations, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch folks in there too.

Anyway.. no big deal. I don't think there's much point in beating this old dead horse any longer. Time for bed.

[zeusbheld]

honestly, in the highly unlikely event that i would look to TF for education (about as likely as my cat learning arabic, memorizing the Koran, and reciting it backwards for the entire student body of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (about 20,000 people, and my cat's in Bangkok), you'd be very low on list.

Beyond being a great man for wise cracks and throw away one liners, you are as likely to write as much rubbish as the next man!

not quite as likely, i'd rate you a lot higher in that department. and you do the extra double clownshoes move of apparently thinking something is somehow more true because you made it big colored, even if it's a 500 word article.

i've read enough of your stuff where i don't even bother anymore. you have nothing to say that isn't said better and more concisely somewhere else, by someone who actually did their homework.

However I would not be up to the task of bringing you up to a decent level of education in the area of political science or economics.

primarily because, your delusions of grandeur aside, you are not competent in these areas.

Your schoolboy smart a*s attitude is too much of a hindrance and you are beyond doing any real and substantive research. In any event it would have to be a a smart a*s like you to take my comment about educating someone literally as opposed to a figure of speech which underlines a certain disdain for ignorant and uninformed views expressed ? by yes some real clowns on TF.

no i took it as hypocrisy on your part, not literally. i don't really see why you think you are not one of the ignorant and uninformed, unless you know things you don't post. which given the substance of your rants, i doubt.

You are very good at distraction and witty comments but you really do need to remind yourself that you are a lightweight.

the difference between you and i is a) i know my comments are lightweight, and at least my comments are funny once in a while, as opposed to your tedious, flatulent, ill-informed bombast that's based on some diluted version of an article in The Economist.

Funny and entertaining to be sure. But you project what you think or want people to have said as opposed to what they actually say/write far too much. As a result you tend towards cheap put downs and empty bluster far too much. It only brings us into this cycle of attack and counter attack which actually does not bring forth any new perspectives or persuasive argument. And that is not because your not capable- because clearly you are often persuasive and logical in your views. However your belligerence lets you down and renders much of what you write as forgettable superficial and frankly not worthy of your ability to transcend the sillyness of TF.

no really you're missing the point. the reason i like winding you up is because i have seen nothing in your opinions that would qualify as a new, or even informed, perspective. so your 500 big blue word cut and paste jobs are basically a form of forum bullying, and guess what? it annoys me and i am far, far better at it than you are.

you really seem to think that if you insist enough it will somehow be persuasive, and i have yet to see *you* ever consider *anything* anyone else has posted, beyond how to rebut it.

what do you get out of all this? i hope it is entertaining. i doubt you're persuading anyone. really if you want to have a chance of people even reading your stuff all the way through, you need to learn to say it in 500 words or less once in a while.

[zeusbheld]

Having lost the argument and failed to make any really worthwhile posts you then try to attack the poster and not the content of the post!

As I said before. You presume far too much and make ignorant assumptions as a result. The profile is out of date and has not been updated for quite some time indeed.

The tactic you use o this thread does indeed say a lot more about you and not me.

you, of all people, accusing someone else of presuming far too much. i really have seen everything now.

btw i liked the big green text better than your new big blue thing, but you haven't gotten any less wordy, or stubborn.

[zeusbheld]

why would you waste/spend so much time and energy scribing lengthy opinions about all of this here on TF?

Seconded that! He surely has a lot to say.

if quantity of words count as a lot to say, then yes.

[kate55]

I'm drunk.

[eagle]

Having lost the argument and failed to make any really worthwhile posts you then try to attack the poster and not the content of the post!

As I said before. You presume far too much and make ignorant assumptions as a result. The profile is out of date and has not been updated for quite some time indeed.

The tactic you use o this thread does indeed say a lot more about you and not me.

you, of all people, accusing someone else of presuming far too much. i really have seen everything now.

btw i liked the big green text better than your new big blue thing, but you haven't gotten any less wordy, or stubborn.

I really think BLUE is much more effective as green is a healing color and BLUE is rather bold going into a rhetorical battle, hmmmf :roll: the large print is effective also and shows aggression :shock:

[zeusbheld]

I've got a few creases and Sassy did have a staple in her butt. ;-)

I've heard of people getting their stomachs stapled. :shock:

on some of these forums sometimes, I do wish some people would get their arses stapled

but... then they wouldn't be able to talk :shock:

[kate55]

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARN

with the lot of yer.

Perverts.

[zeusbheld]

I'm just waiting to see how long he continues posting on this topic... I can't believe someone can go this long while typing THAT MUCH and not get totally f*cking sick of the topic.

well i hope he reads his long posts. i'm sure by now, everyone else has learned not to bother.

[Stramash]

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARN

with the lot of yer.

Perverts.

someone should just staple your legs shut; would prevent the warm sickly wind that blows through Bangkok most evenings...

[zeusbheld]

I'm drunk.

good call.

alcohol is about the only thing that can keep this thread interesting.

[kate55]

I'm drunk.

good call.

alcohol is about the only thing that can keep this thread interesting.

Yer smooth talkin' barsteward yer.

[allseasonsman]

Bravo [sfx of pathetic hand clap), what an incredible display of arrogance.

Really? That is rich coming from you! And who do you think you are? [to me your just a bit of a twit with little by way of intelligent comment to offer- at least all you have done is attack attack and made no cogent argument or points whatsoever- it is easy for 2 to play at that= ur a jerk nah nah nah= That's the level you want to go to then feel free!]

You must be a real hoot at a dinner party.

Well at least I am civil and not a wanker like you!

What could you possibly gain from this statement other than your own hard on?

So now I am accused of having an erection? Bravo to you for showing us what is on your mind! It is funny how people like you are so insecure that you have to question other peoples reasons for doing things.

Please try to keep in mind, while posing in your mirror, that this site is a collection of individuals. Some, you may find, are far more intelligent and well informed than yourself.

That is certainly possible but I have seen no evidence of this at all so far. But then I guess that in the main the bright people tend not to bother with these forums. Certainly people such as yourself are no shinning example and only give an impression of ignorance,intolerance and narrow-mindedness. What is really bugging you here? Someone stealing your thunder or denying you of some attention then? Don't be such a little boy! Be a man for goodness sake!

And also long term residents. So, please take care when you slander and judge ALL here with your foolish remarks such as above,

This whole resident versus non resident red herring is truly idiotic and tiresome ? a last ditch attempt to distract. You don't have to live anywhere to have some special insights or be more informed- though it can help greatly. In can work just about every way you can imagine! There are people I know living there who no plenty of things I don't and vice versa.

In general it more useful to be living and experiencing a culture/country but not living there does not prevent someone from knowing about a place and being very well informed. I have never been to Nazi Germany or civil war USA but I know rather a lot about both! Oddly enough more than many people who actually were there and experienced both! Experiencing something and knowing about something can be two very different things and they both have value.

What is amusing is the profoundly stupid way you accuse me of slander-without giving one single example and then for the umpteenth time misrepresent what I wrote by wrongly asserting that I had judged ALL- when in fact I was specific in making the point as follows ?However thankfully that is not actually the reality of most people on TF because most have the good sense not to waste their time on forum's and if my in box is anything to go by then I am greatly encouraged by the feedback I have gotten. ? The really foolish thing is that you have just made a post that is all about me and actually not what I write at all really. It is a measure of your REACTIONs to me and little else.

just because a few have some fun taking pot shots at your over-inflated opinion of yourself.

Having fun at my expense is no problem at all, however that is hardly what has been going on. Rather we have seen insults and ignorance as REACTIONS to someone being opinionated and unrelenting ? not because I have an over inflated opinion of myself but because insecure people like you feel very uncomfortable with someone expressing an opinion that is not only different from yours but also more informed [in the main] and more assured too. If I have a fact wrong then just correct me! Etc etc etc

There are indeed people on this very site whom I happen to know have great insights and are well informed about a great many things in Thailand and there are plenty of people who know lots of things about Thailand better than I do-or ever would. But so far there has been little evidence of this for the topics at hand, on those I can more than hold my own.

I can at least see the funny side to all this too which is why I mentioned for example Ciaran as being a clown and a joke character. I never met the guy in person so I would still have an open mind about what he actually might be like in person.

However based on what I have seen on TF I would have to get the impression that he is a very ignorant and poorly mannered person who can not go very long without having to say fxxk this or fxxk that and generally make uncouth vulgar comments or personal insults to the point of being silly. Indeed in person it might even be a weird sort of charm depending on how he actually is in person.

TF and the real world are often different and we forget this at our loss. People who are jerks on-line can turn out to be actually pretty nice or cool, while people who seem cool and nice on-line often turn out to be ass holes! It is a crap shoot and one of the reasons why people should not take this whole forum thing too seriously. I confess I have been guilty of this because I am passionate about the subject of the thread but I can take a step back and see the madness too. I suggest you do this sometime too!

[allseasonsman]

blah blah blah

Well I wont bother going back down to your level because i know that every debate with you ends up with it being a trading of insults and all about the personality and you will say just about anything for appearance sake.

You don't like what I have to write so you rubbish it! Your not by any means alone, as there is a clear pattern of insecure REACTIONARY people who are on TF so long that they see it as sort of their turf etc etc.

I agree with others it is indeed tiresome.

I would buy you a pint an explain where you went wrong if I was there in BKK but as I am not Ill' just wish you a happy xmass and a great new year!

[CiaranM]

How can I 'slander' when I didn't even name anyone. However, naming Thaksin as personally 'murderous' is slander and you should take care lest interested people with legal knowledge might read some of the postings of the 'TF mafia'. No doubt in time they will. I wasn't even going to respond to any more of your drivvle but I have decided to make this last point because of your accusation.

If you think you are smart killing off any debate by a show of arrogance and driving anyone away, good luck to you. Argue alone wankers!

But I shall be interested to see your pitiful bleatings of protest when the government gets overthrown again in the very near future.

how far up ur ass is ur head at the moment ?? the reason it was described as "cowardly slander" is because u didn't have the balls to actually name the person, instead u just hinted at it ..... but u still knew that ppl would know who u meant !!

and pls explain how describing Thaksin as murderous is slander ?? i haven't seen u defending his murder of more than 2,000 in the war on drugs or the escalation of the conflict in the south.

nice to see someone who has the best interests of thailand at heart hoping for another government to be overthrown .... i guess u've got a wardrobe full of red shirts and thaksin posters covering ur bedroom wall which u jack off over every night !!

[zeusbheld]

I would buy you a pint an explain where you went wrong if I was there in BKK

if your explanation is anywhere near as long-winded and dull as this:

Bravo [sfx of pathetic hand clap), what an incredible display of arrogance.

Really? That is rich coming from you! And who do you think you are? [to me your just a bit of a twit with little by way of intelligent comment to offer- at least all you have done is attack attack and made no cogent argument or points whatsoever- it is easy for 2 to play at that= ur a jerk nah nah nah= That's the level you want to go to then feel free!]

You must be a real hoot at a dinner party.

Well at least I am civil and not a wanker like you!

What could you possibly gain from this statement other than your own hard on?

So now I am accused of having an erection? Bravo to you for showing us what is on your mind! It is funny how people like you are so insecure that you have to question other peoples reasons for doing things.

Please try to keep in mind, while posing in your mirror, that this site is a collection of individuals. Some, you may find, are far more intelligent and well informed than yourself.

That is certainly possible but I have seen no evidence of this at all so far. But then I guess that in the main the bright people tend not to bother with these forums. Certainly people such as yourself are no shinning example and only give an impression of ignorance,intolerance and narrow-mindedness. What is really bugging you here? Someone stealing your thunder or denying you of some attention then? Don't be such a little boy! Be a man for goodness sake!

And also long term residents. So, please take care when you slander and judge ALL here with your foolish remarks such as above,

This whole resident versus non resident red herring is truly idiotic and tiresome ? a last ditch attempt to distract. You don't have to live anywhere to have some special insights or be more informed- though it can help greatly. In can work just about every way you can imagine! There are people I know living there who no plenty of things I don't and vice versa.

In general it more useful to be living and experiencing a culture/country but not living there does not prevent someone from knowing about a place and being very well informed. I have never been to Nazi Germany or civil war USA but I know rather a lot about both! Oddly enough more than many people who actually were there and experienced both! Experiencing something and knowing about something can be two very different things and they both have value.

What is amusing is the profoundly stupid way you accuse me of slander-without giving one single example and then for the umpteenth time misrepresent what I wrote by wrongly asserting that I had judged ALL- when in fact I was specific in making the point as follows ?However thankfully that is not actually the reality of most people on TF because most have the good sense not to waste their time on forum's and if my in box is anything to go by then I am greatly encouraged by the feedback I have gotten. ? The really foolish thing is that you have just made a post that is all about me and actually not what I write at all really. It is a measure of your REACTIONs to me and little else.

just because a few have some fun taking pot shots at your over-inflated opinion of yourself.

Having fun at my expense is no problem at all, however that is hardly what has been going on. Rather we have seen insults and ignorance as REACTIONS to someone being opinionated and unrelenting ? not because I have an over inflated opinion of myself but because insecure people like you feel very uncomfortable with someone expressing an opinion that is not only different from yours but also more informed [in the main] and more assured too. If I have a fact wrong then just correct me! Etc etc etc

There are indeed people on this very site whom I happen to know have great insights and are well informed about a great many things in Thailand and there are plenty of people who know lots of things about Thailand better than I do-or ever would. But so far there has been little evidence of this for the topics at hand, on those I can more than hold my own.

I can at least see the funny side to all this too which is why I mentioned for example Ciaran as being a clown and a joke character. I never met the guy in person so I would still have an open mind about what he actually might be like in person.

However based on what I have seen on TF I would have to get the impression that he is a very ignorant and poorly mannered person who can not go very long without having to say fxxk this or fxxk that and generally make uncouth vulgar comments or personal insults to the point of being silly. Indeed in person it might even be a weird sort of charm depending on how he actually is in person.

TF and the real world are often different and we forget this at our loss. People who are jerks on-line can turn out to be actually pretty nice or cool, while people who seem cool and nice on-line often turn out to be a*s holes! It is a crap shoot and one of the reasons why people should not take this whole forum thing too seriously. I confess I have been guilty of this because I am passionate about the subject of the thread but I can take a step back and see the madness too. I suggest you do this sometime too!

that would be the most. expensive. beer. ever.

appreciate the thought, but no thanks.

[allseasonsman]

I would buy you a pint an explain where you went wrong if I was there in BKK

if your explanation is anywhere near as long-winded and dull as this:

Bravo [sfx of pathetic hand clap), what an incredible display of arrogance.

Really? That is rich coming from you! And who do you think you are? [to me your just a bit of a twit with little by way of intelligent comment to offer- at least all you have done is attack attack and made no cogent argument or points whatsoever- it is easy for 2 to play at that= ur a jerk nah nah nah= That's the level you want to go to then feel free!]

You must be a real hoot at a dinner party.

Well at least I am civil and not a wanker like you!

What could you possibly gain from this statement other than your own hard on?

So now I am accused of having an erection? Bravo to you for showing us what is on your mind! It is funny how people like you are so insecure that you have to question other peoples reasons for doing things.

Please try to keep in mind, while posing in your mirror, that this site is a collection of individuals. Some, you may find, are far more intelligent and well informed than yourself.

That is certainly possible but I have seen no evidence of this at all so far. But then I guess that in the main the bright people tend not to bother with these forums. Certainly people such as yourself are no shinning example and only give an impression of ignorance,intolerance and narrow-mindedness. What is really bugging you here? Someone stealing your thunder or denying you of some attention then? Don't be such a little boy! Be a man for goodness sake!

And also long term residents. So, please take care when you slander and judge ALL here with your foolish remarks such as above,

This whole resident versus non resident red herring is truly idiotic and tiresome ? a last ditch attempt to distract. You don't have to live anywhere to have some special insights or be more informed- though it can help greatly. In can work just about every way you can imagine! There are people I know living there who no plenty of things I don't and vice versa.

In general it more useful to be living and experiencing a culture/country but not living there does not prevent someone from knowing about a place and being very well informed. I have never been to Nazi Germany or civil war USA but I know rather a lot about both! Oddly enough more than many people who actually were there and experienced both! Experiencing something and knowing about something can be two very different things and they both have value.

What is amusing is the profoundly stupid way you accuse me of slander-without giving one single example and then for the umpteenth time misrepresent what I wrote by wrongly asserting that I had judged ALL- when in fact I was specific in making the point as follows ?However thankfully that is not actually the reality of most people on TF because most have the good sense not to waste their time on forum's and if my in box is anything to go by then I am greatly encouraged by the feedback I have gotten. ? The really foolish thing is that you have just made a post that is all about me and actually not what I write at all really. It is a measure of your REACTIONs to me and little else.

just because a few have some fun taking pot shots at your over-inflated opinion of yourself.

Having fun at my expense is no problem at all, however that is hardly what has been going on. Rather we have seen insults and ignorance as REACTIONS to someone being opinionated and unrelenting ? not because I have an over inflated opinion of myself but because insecure people like you feel very uncomfortable with someone expressing an opinion that is not only different from yours but also more informed [in the main] and more assured too. If I have a fact wrong then just correct me! Etc etc etc

There are indeed people on this very site whom I happen to know have great insights and are well informed about a great many things in Thailand and there are plenty of people who know lots of things about Thailand better than I do-or ever would. But so far there has been little evidence of this for the topics at hand, on those I can more than hold my own.

I can at least see the funny side to all this too which is why I mentioned for example Ciaran as being a clown and a joke character. I never met the guy in person so I would still have an open mind about what he actually might be like in person.

However based on what I have seen on TF I would have to get the impression that he is a very ignorant and poorly mannered person who can not go very long without having to say fxxk this or fxxk that and generally make uncouth vulgar comments or personal insults to the point of being silly. Indeed in person it might even be a weird sort of charm depending on how he actually is in person.

TF and the real world are often different and we forget this at our loss. People who are jerks on-line can turn out to be actually pretty nice or cool, while people who seem cool and nice on-line often turn out to be a*s holes! It is a crap shoot and one of the reasons why people should not take this whole forum thing too seriously. I confess I have been guilty of this because I am passionate about the subject of the thread but I can take a step back and see the madness too. I suggest you do this sometime too!

that would be the most. expensive. beer. ever.

appreciate the thought, but no thanks.

cry baby!