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Discussion 1 : 30/07/2012 at 06:12 PM

bula: #ad infinitum: Folks are expressing their opinions and that's the way it should be in a forum.This article has been beat to death and there is nothing more being added,in my opinion, than fuel to the fire. You have called out several posters because they don't agree with your words. Your desire to right things in Thailand is admirable per your post #100:"Is it wrong to encourage people to take real action in solving this social ills? Talk is cheap. get real into action>" Perhaps an open letter to BP clarifying what you mean would help. In closing I am pasting a quote from a redview post which was in a recent article by BP:: "The UDD is watching this mostly cowardly PTP Government very closely. Continued support will happen, as the alternatives for the UDD are unacceptable, but it does not prevent them from trying to give this PTP Government some backbone." As I have said numerous times, let the governemnt govern. I'll add on to that for this post. What's to be afraid of? Perhaps something good will result. Appreciate the time in this thread.

Discussion 2 : 30/07/2012 at 01:14 PM

brilliant #95 - Why? Is it wrong to encourage people to take real action in solving this social ills? Talk is cheap. get real into action. Why you did not quote what I said about the many kids of rich influential people? I think you better look yourself in the mirror before you call anyone a hypocrite.

Discussion 3 : 30/07/2012 at 12:42 PM

brilliant #93 - Evidence are with the ombudsman. BTW, what do you called a person who claimed to have a teaching job at military academy but took leave for 200+ days in a year while a maximum of 70 is allowed?

Discussion 4 : 30/07/2012 at 12:23 PM

samut #96 - It was a reply to your criticism that you mentioned my name. You wrote "Anyone who doesn’t agree with you bula is a pro dictatorship and pro coup poster; you know what the communist regimes state “If you are not with me you are against me” My post #83 as I mentioned was in replied to bangkok #56 post. I wrote - "Why should i reveal to pro coup pro dictatorship posters what i do on the ground." Did I mention your name?

Discussion 5 : 30/07/2012 at 11:42 AM

brilliant #94 - History was clear. AV did not announced the date in parliament. Negotiation meetings were just his master's order to play with time for the military to be ready. Military with heavy war weapons came in before the UDD leaders could surrendered themselves to the police as promised.

Discussion 6 : 30/07/2012 at 10:07 AM

Bula; not sure I understand you; You are “pro democracy and rule of law” but I’m a pro coup, pro dictatorship and pro street mob elements (are you referring to the red’s?). I come from a country where democratic principles are in place for a hundred years and do not need teaching about democracy. If you would read my comments you would find out that I’m not favoring one side but suggesting that whoever is in charge of the country works for the benefit of the country, but for sure I’m not in favor of undemocratic “elements” and street mob.

Discussion 7 : 29/07/2012 at 11:19 PM

bula - "bangkokbob #56 - Why do you single out Panthongtae? If you have evidence that he broke the law, report it to the relevant authority. Talking about it does not solve similar society ills. Take real action, work on getting solid evidence." Not much of a hypocrite are you?

Discussion 8 : 29/07/2012 at 11:16 PM

bula - "howell #73 - AV offered an early election??? " Wow, once agin reds change history. Yes, bula, no matter how hard you try to change FACTS, an early election was offered and accepted. Then the red leaders reneged on the deal they had accepted.

Discussion 9 : 29/07/2012 at 11:14 PM

bula - "This news report is about AV committed a military crime - I called it 'MIA' through falsifying documents. " The falsified documents are most likely in Suwanatat's hand. If you have proof that Abhisit did commit a military crime, you should present it to the proper authorities. If and when Abhisit is tried in a legal court, not the court of red shirt opinion, then you can claim him guilty of committing a crime.

Discussion 10 : 29/07/2012 at 06:08 PM

Discussion 88 bigpicture : defence minister is just cooperating and responding with the ombudsman office thus disclosing the falsified draft dodge documents. This is what reported by BP and please twist no facts.

Discussion 11 : 29/07/2012 at 05:17 PM

to#90 Bula YOU ARE TOTALLY WRONG !!!!!

Discussion 12 : 29/07/2012 at 03:58 PM

bigpicture #88 - what process that you are talking about you think the UDD disagreed or turn into an attempt to indoctrinate? Don't forget that AV's issue on this article is a criminal offence which the defence ministry is responsible and it could have been history if AV did not sue Jaterporn. The defence ministry is only cooperating with the demand of ombudsman. Who is turning it to be a political issue?

Discussion 13 : 29/07/2012 at 03:21 PM

Samut #86- i am pro democracy and rule of law. Btw, communism is anti-democracy, so i am not one of them. So, are u one of those pro coup pro dictatorship pro street mob elements? You postings can tell.

Discussion 14 : 29/07/2012 at 03:06 PM

bluebkk : Agree with your post on the noted UDD comments. Every comment seems to turns into an attempt indoctrinate. It has become very prominent in the past three weeks. Perhaps BP views thia as equal time or whatever but as I have written previously, let the process work. If AV is guilty of perhaps what a great deal of others have done then that's the way it is. If he is not guilty of this , lets look at the other side of the fence if anyone can tolerate another exercise which takes away from the true governing and advancement of Thailand. The PM,Defence Minister and Mr.Chalerm, would be better focused on what is getting worse in the South. Some of the UDD posters would be better focused on what TS says and later does a u-turn and who are really the victims in this mess.

Discussion 15 : 29/07/2012 at 01:23 PM

Any regular reader of BP gets attacked personally by the most active UDD propaganda writers Bula and redview. Guys, as I said before, but BP does not dare to publish...if you don't like the tendency of this newspaper and the decent views of its readership, feel free to go and watch the red TV station in the red villages. There you will love the day-in-day-out red lies and rhetoric you so desperately defend!

Discussion 16 : 29/07/2012 at 11:25 AM

Anyone who doesn’t agree with you bula is a pro dictatorship and pro coup poster; you know what the communist regimes state “If you are not with me you are against me”. Maybe someone would just like to see Thailand prospering but maybe this might be hard to be understood!

Discussion 17 : 29/07/2012 at 11:21 AM

Again I personally believe that Minister ACM Sukumpol Suwanatat, should delegate these matters to the responsible authorities, and arrange a process following existing laws, quietly and professionally. Yet I would like to see decisive action taken on matters of the southern unrest, drug addiction within the armed forces, initiation & reduction of top brass and modernization of the forces with a plan for the forthcoming 30 years, discharges of soldiers involved in anything and of any ranks not abiding by laws applicable for the very common Thai citizen, and so much more! Time is money, and the armed forces are living off the taxpayer’s money for too long too easy much too expensive, riddled with billions of corruption and disunity within themselves. So where to start with Mr. Minister?

Discussion 18 : 29/07/2012 at 11:00 AM

Samut #80- He is not a PM. He is persecuted politically.

Discussion 19 : 29/07/2012 at 10:53 AM

Samut #80 - i was commenting on bangkok #56 post talk is cheap and it does not solve the problem. Get real and go into action. Btw. Why should i reveal to pro coup pro dictatorship posters what i do on the ground.

Discussion 20 : 29/07/2012 at 10:30 AM

Disc. #73...."AV being discussed at the ICC. Just where did that go ? In the bin ?"......It is on hold now, pending acceptance for further action to be requested by Yingluck. It is generally agreed that she will too afraid to do so. However, it is in the 'pending' file at ICC. The UDD is watching this mostly cowardly PTP Government very closely. Continued support will happen, as the alternatives for the UDD are unacceptable, but it does not prevent them from trying to give this PTP Government some backbone.

Discussion 21 : 29/07/2012 at 10:12 AM

Most of the posters can accept that members of all parties involved in politics have made mistakes and committed offenses which is good news; only a few hardcore posters want accept anything which would be said against their party but talk about democracy all the time.

Discussion 22 : 29/07/2012 at 10:06 AM

What about your beloved leader ‘bula” far away, he holds a Montenegrin passport but is still advising the Government.

Discussion 23 : 29/07/2012 at 10:03 AM

Bula you suggest to take real action; and you know personally many kids from rich families who did not serve in the military. So why don’t you take action and report to the relevant authorities?

Discussion 24 : 29/07/2012 at 07:18 AM

Discussion 72 englishbob : "Defence Minister....reaffirmed .....Abhisit Vejjajiva's exemption from military service could have been unlawfully acquired." But the fact is that AV did not serve in the military service at all. The defence minister said so!

Discussion 25 : 29/07/2012 at 06:46 AM

bangkokbob #56 - I personally know many kids from rich influential who did not serve in the military. Why do you single out Panthongtae? If you have evidence that he broke the law, report it to the relevant authority. Talking about it does not solve similar society ills. Take real action, work on getting solid evidence.

Discussion 26 : 29/07/2012 at 06:35 AM

brilliant #71 - Yellowshirt/PAD and prachathipat party had littered Thailand with false "nationalistic" issues. The most recent case is NASA climate research and study. This news report is about AV committed a military crime - I called it 'MIA' through falsifying documents. All that you commented showed your straw-grasping attempt.

Discussion 27 : 29/07/2012 at 06:26 AM

englishbob #72 - AV did not show an example of a patriotic leader. On an illegal job at military, he served only a few days out of a year - a case of a serious military offense - MIA. BTW, he hold a British passport when he was PM until now he is not willing to give it up.

Discussion 28 : 29/07/2012 at 06:20 AM

howell #73 - AV offered an early election??? How to believe him since he is just a orders follower. His order was to play for time for the military to be readied. Before the Redshirt leaders could surrender to the police on the promised date, the war weapons armed military moved in, and Suthep reported to DSI instead of the police.

Discussion 29 : 29/07/2012 at 12:05 AM

@redview. 'Their principle demand was "elections"'. Where were you when they were offered an early election that was turned down by Thaksin because it did not include his money and passport back ? Do you seriously think he cares about democracy ? AV being discussed at the ICC. Just where did that go ? In the bin ?

Discussion 30 : 28/07/2012 at 10:39 PM

Disc70 - Android - Did you research that latest post? Or is it another straw-grasping attempt? Exemption from military service is given to people employed in vital roles and university students... teaching is one of those roles. There is also a 'cadet' option which lots of young men do in high school to avoid the draft later. So you don't consider teaching soldiers to be soldiering? How about cooking? Medicine? Or is your vision so narrow that Military service has to be running around in the mud with a gun?

Discussion 31 : 28/07/2012 at 10:06 PM

World history is littered with incompetent and inept governments that use false "nationalistic" issues as red herrings to cover their shortcomings. This was a favorite tactic of Thaksin and continues to this day. They know the reds will get all up in arms about this and take their minds off of the failed government they support. And by all indications, it's working. Reds can ignore the failed rice scheme full of billions of baht of corruption, the abject failure in the South where fellow Thais die every single day, the flood failures, one of their highest leaders helping his son that was convicted of desertion become a police officer, dropping exports, etc. This government is full of cronyism, nepotism, corruption and failure. Some day the bill will become due.

Discussion 32 : 28/07/2012 at 10:04 PM

Discussion 67 lancelot : technically speaking, by teaching at the military school doesn't mean to have obeyed the mandatory conscription. You surely wouldn't agree that serving as a librarian in the barrack's library is a military conscription.

Discussion 33 : 28/07/2012 at 09:39 PM

dao D67: Spot on, and you forgot to mention Abhisit has something the whole of the UDD/PTP dont have. A mind of his own and knows how to use it.

Discussion 34 : 28/07/2012 at 09:15 PM

@Discussion 47 - When I was fresh out of university, I served on active duty in my country's army. Later I worked as an instructor for officers and NCO's. What did I teach? I attempted to get them to write simply and effectively, so they could be understood. The military studies much more than simply drill and ceremony or combat arms. I have no problem imagining Abhisit as an army instructor.

Discussion 35 : 28/07/2012 at 08:58 PM

It must annoy PT that Abhisit is so squeaky clean while their party is full of fugitives and people you wouldnt want to watch your house never mind the country .Theres a reason he is clean .He isnt a corrupt weasel like so many others in power right now .

Discussion 36 : 28/07/2012 at 08:58 PM

to#60 Android Something you don't want to understand, Abhisit offered his services to Army in teaching at Chulachomklao Military Academy (why do you think it'not appropriate). This Academy is for the people want to become high officer, it's look like Universty. If Abhisit had studied medecine abroad, I think he would have chosen to be lecturer in Military Phra Mongkhut hospital... It's no sense to mention Thammasat for this case...

Discussion 37 : 28/07/2012 at 08:53 PM

Abhisit is becoming the red shirts' version of Emmanuel Goldstein in "1984". All they need now are the daily "Two Minutes Hate" periods to make it complete.

Discussion 38 : 28/07/2012 at 07:52 PM

Discussion 27 wrote: "Most uni degree's are obtained unlawfully so what's the difference." I agree with you, especially Doctorate degree that some so called high profile MPs pretend to have obtained.

Discussion 39 : 28/07/2012 at 06:54 PM

Gee , office of the ombudsmen hey , isn`t that part of the checks and balances that PTP propose in getting rid of ? Seem`s this is all they can pin on AV , if at all , like he said , it was a done matter , how many times do they need to dig it up ? Shows just how desperate PTP are , in their attempts to smear AV , over this ? Sort of like free advertising for AV ,as it shows once more that compared to most of PTP , he is so clean that this is all that they once again have come up with ? Three cheers for AV , possibly the cleanest PM Thailand has ever seen ?

Discussion 40 : 28/07/2012 at 06:17 PM

ACM Sukumpol, I would prefer to see lot's of documents and proof of success, as how you and your forces under you, tackle the southern insurgency for example. As a career soldier, I would prefer you would engage in more important matters of national security, than such childish political manoevering. Why ddid you not raise this issue 20 years ago, as a career soldier at that time?

Discussion 41 : 28/07/2012 at 06:06 PM

Amazing, seems like most posters here simply cannot stick to the subject in the article, is it really that hard guys ???

Discussion 42 : 28/07/2012 at 05:47 PM

Discussion 48 lancelot : every sensible person respect the good soldiers including me. Soldiers do need basic concepts of politics when in service, but would you agree that an Oxford graduate is more appropriate to serve in Thammasat University rather than in the barracks.

Discussion 43 : 28/07/2012 at 05:44 PM

abbub, "The conflict in the south a hundred years old, albeit the last decade or two has seen increased violence." It increased sharply during the Thaksin government. Do you remember any incidents that took place during that time that might have caused it to flare up? "But that truth does not make the accusation against AV untrue. " Also does not make it true. "Jatuporn had Seh Daen killed. But I can't prove it" False. He said he had a suspicion but no evidence.

Discussion 44 : 28/07/2012 at 05:07 PM

Redview#55 wrote: "The R'song political event was an attempt by voters to reclaim from coupists, the Govt. they elected. Their principle demand was "elections". " Prime Minister Abhisit offerend them elections. They refused to accept the offer. Because democracy was not their goal. They refused elections because their master in Dubai prefered a confrontation with the militay so he could put blood on other peoples' hands, instead of his own for a change.

Discussion 45 : 28/07/2012 at 05:06 PM

Redview, your posts truly read like a press release from North Korea or a speech from Lenin, LOL. You can turn around in red village/Tida like denial sauce as long as you want but he IS a criminal on the run and nothing can change that!

Discussion 46 : 28/07/2012 at 04:49 PM

By the way, why hasn't Panthongtae Shinawatra served in the military? What's his excuse?

Discussion 47 : 28/07/2012 at 04:43 PM

Discussion #53..."Could you please do not mix DEM opposition party with the coupists"....I beg to differ. There are a number of factors supporting that perspective: #1 - One needs look no further than identify who the major beneficiary of said coup Was. #2 - The R'song political event was an attempt by voters to reclaim from coupists, the Govt. they elected. Their principle demand was "elections". The vigour with which the ruling and unelected Democrat Party attacked this demonstration, clearly showed their affinity and culpability. #3 - PTP attempts to revise the coup-rooted Constitution is opposed strongly by the Democrats, again demonstrating their coupist association, #4 - The vigorous defence of the Constitution Court by the Democrats demonstrates their support of what some call a "judicial coup"......It is clear from above examples that the Democrat Party and coupists work together, if in fact they are not the same.

Discussion 48 : 28/07/2012 at 04:40 PM

@redview#49. If the Reds are against coups, why did their leaders and thousands of them turn out on June 24 to celebrate the 1932 coup? It was not a popular uprising, as there were no protesters in the streets, and it did not bring democracy, as there were no elections immediately following. It was a coup staged by army officers and some politicians who kept power for themselves. So why did the Red Shirts celebrate that victory by "coupists" ? Mr. Thaksin is a convicted criminal.

Discussion 49 : 28/07/2012 at 04:18 PM

to#49 Redview Do you know the coupist is one the side of PTP government, I mean General Sonthi ???? His own party in belong to coalition majority.... Do you know Taksin is two time convicted criminal : - found guilty in Ratchadapisek land case - put himself in exile to escape Justice Do you know Taksin was tried under PM Samak, not under a military rule... even if the judges were selected during the military transition goverment, these judges are belong to the Court not to the Army... Could you please do not mix DEM opposition party with the coupists, because DEM didn't nothing during the coup. They only play a democratic processus game to become government when Bhumjai Thai separate from PTP. So please don't arrange the facts as the sauce you like !!!!

Discussion 50 : 28/07/2012 at 04:11 PM

Whats real whats not, no one can tell as even fake documents are issued by real civil employees with real stamps, signatures. There are countless cases of land deeds being falsify using real documents. But in this case, its just some mud slinging. This issue has been brought up in the past and Abhisit has been proven innocent. Who knows if the evidence they are holding up now are not falsified too?! Nothing has proven Abhisit innocent. He has not been charged at all yet. Why spread such stories.

Discussion 51 : 28/07/2012 at 04:06 PM

Redview 49: You are no difernet than the Opposition in seeking an end result that you like. The article is about potential "draft-dodging" by the previous PM. Talk about it and not your own version of TS adoration. What is self-imposed exile after a court(whatever the makeup) convicts you and you are on the next plane out? Was there a concern for Thailand that there would be upheaval if he stayed to contradict the ruling? I seriously doubt it. If AV did evade then let the outcone be whatever it is. Please don't try and tell me that folks on both sides of the house might not be liable for the same infraction.I'm sticking to the article's implications only. No need for a vocabulary lesson.

Discussion 52 : 28/07/2012 at 03:55 PM

D29 Khun Abbub. I also don't want any confrontation over such a serious matter. I have friends living there with 3 little children and worry about their safety all the time. Malays and British defeated the Communists with a strategy of denial of space and good police work Today's photo shows well armed well organized soldiers defeating a Thai Army unit-again. It is a full on war and Thailand is losing IMO. Why aren't you angry at his sheer incompetence , why aren't you on the street, you might be surprised some farangs might join you over this matter.

Discussion 53 : 28/07/2012 at 03:22 PM

Discussion #39..."....a Political Party persists in receiving and acting out orders from a convicted criminal currently on the run".......I presume this means Mr. Thaksin. Several misconceptions here however: #1 - It is not likely that the PTP is acting on 'orders'. Most likely a collegial and consultative approach, undoubtedly with significant input from Mr. Thaksin...#2. He is not a convicted criminal. He is a 'political exile'. Judicial convictions under the auspices of coupist, political enemies are invalid, as the Nitirat propsals point out. Winning too many elections does not a conviction make. #3 - He is not on the run. He is in self-imposed political exile. To suggest otherwise is an attempt to project self-serving coupist agenda's attempting to legitimize what they did.

Discussion 54 : 28/07/2012 at 02:22 PM

to#26 Android Do you think the soldiers cannot learn other thing than how to play with the guns ? Please, don't look down the soldiers, maybe one day you will need them !!!!

Discussion 55 : 28/07/2012 at 02:05 PM

Instead talking about the ex prime minister fake millitary exemption the current minister should look into his problem which is the south... More And more soldiers are getting killed each day but there are no press conference from the minister to console or describe the situations, it times for these ministers to step back from iPhone application.

Discussion 56 : 28/07/2012 at 01:47 PM

Whats real whats not, no one can tell as even fake documents are issued by real civil employees with real stamps, signatures. There are countless cases of land deeds being falsify using real documents. But in this case, its just some mud slinging. This issue has been brought up in the past and Abhisit has been proven innocent. Who knows if the evidence they are holding up now are not falsified too?!

Discussion 57 : 28/07/2012 at 12:52 PM

Musashi ; do you have evidence that AV did what he is accused of? I don’t think so! In most societies you are innocent until proven guilty but some people just can’t stop to blame others without any proof. Beside it would be nice to know how many sons of influential figures have served in the military, of course from all political camps and not just from one.

Discussion 58 : 28/07/2012 at 12:51 PM

Stop this nonsense and concentrate on how to stop the unrest in the South. Yet more soldiers killed whilst you play at politicians. Do your job! from iPhone application.

Discussion 59 : 28/07/2012 at 12:40 PM

redview D32: The same way a Political Party persists in receiving and acting out orders from a convicted criminal currently on the run.

Discussion 60 : 28/07/2012 at 12:12 PM

"The Democrat leader said he has refrained from publicly discussing the issue because a defamation trial is currently under way".....Referencing Mr. Abhisit as the Democrat leader several times in this article, seems incongruous to me. Considering his unelectability via national elections, being hoisted into the Prime Ministership, his role at R'song, recent electoral defeat and being the subject of discussion at the International Criminal Court, why would a Political Party with national electoral ambitions, persist in this manner. I am puzzled by this.

Discussion 61 : 28/07/2012 at 11:46 AM

What would happen to a Defence Minister in a western country that makes personal files of a soldier available to the media in a press conference for poltical friends ? I guess he would have to resign immediately or he would be fired. What will madam PM choose ? Right, a cabinet reshuffle is comming soon.

Discussion 62 : 28/07/2012 at 11:37 AM

It is the way of politics all over the world and throughout history. Sling mud at your opposition. However, it appears that some of Abhisit's draft-dodging mud is starting to stick.

Discussion 63 : 28/07/2012 at 11:08 AM

With all the time they have had to gather these details, all the PTP can come up with is one document that isn't "official". Guess that means all the rest of Abhisit's documents were official and one was not ... but I also noticed that he didn't say the document was false or forged, just not "official". So how bad can that be. It would be interesting to get a full break down of the PTP MPs. How many were drafted and how many got out of it, how many actually went to college and how many were conferred with honorary or paid for degrees. How many used the MP status to encourage a government department to hire friends and family. How many .... Perhaps it is time for the PTP to start governing Thailand, improving conditions for the Thai people and stop slinging political mud. And yes the DEMS should do like wise but as the PTP hold the majority, they have the greater responsibility to be responsible.

Discussion 64 : 28/07/2012 at 10:52 AM

Thai corruption is so widespread and accepted that breaking the rules is considered normal and every single case of corruption/document forgery/"undue influence" that comes to court is politically motivated. D1 says it best ... "If you asked me if I thought they are all guilty? I would answer yes.

Discussion 65 : 28/07/2012 at 10:41 AM

"ACM Sukumpol denied his moves were politically motivated, saying he has acted in line with the Office of the Ombudsman's order to conduct an inquiry into the matter." Wait a minute. Khun Sukumpol is acting after an order by the Office of the Ombudsman. Isn't this an office that Khun Chalerm wants shut down ? Strange indeed !

Discussion 66 : 28/07/2012 at 10:38 AM

An Oxford graduate in political science teaching soldiers in army barracks about politics. A story too far from convincing.

Discussion 67 : 28/07/2012 at 10:31 AM

Hahahaha, so shallow and so obvious, go to hong Kong and come back with some below-the-belt-century old false allegations

Discussion 68 : 28/07/2012 at 10:22 AM

Musashi: "Seriously though, the backbone of our army is made of the sons of poor workers who can’t and will not shirk their responsibilities as real men." Well, they didn't shirk their responsibilities in Bangkok April-May 2010 did they?

Discussion 69 : 28/07/2012 at 10:22 AM

Has Sukumpol the right to show official document to the Press ??? Abhisit has only one choice : to sue Sukumpol for defamation...

Discussion 70 : 28/07/2012 at 10:21 AM

Bearing in mind the Defence Minister still vehemently believes GT200 bomb detectors work perhaps we should view his 'evidence' in that light. This is a useful diversion from his GT200 comments. Usual trial by media, this evidence should have been presented to the court and should not be disclosed to the public until the court has made its decision in the Jatuporn / Abhisit defamation case on draft dodging. 'Not politically motivated' - give me a break! Everything Thai politicians do is politically motivated - that is part of the problem

Discussion 71 : 28/07/2012 at 10:18 AM

Disc 4 Musashi:Know your facts.You should be sued too calling A. a draftdodger.In 1999 the army investigated A. who was found not guilty.A is suing at this very moment{see disc 6}.Impossible to accuse persons without any proof.Helas,we know you for what you are.

Discussion 72 : 28/07/2012 at 10:13 AM

BKPOSTER D1 Sums it all up very well indeed. Thailand is in a political, economical and even military shambles. GEOFFO (I not meaning to be confrontational) The conflict in the south a hundred years old, albeit the last decade or two has seen increased violence. It is hardly Sukumpol or the Pheu Thai that is losing the war. IMO the hard-headed gun-ho military and ultra-nationalsts refusing any compromise are. - AV said "the defence minister's actions are all politically motivated. Of course. But that truth does not make the accusation against AV untrue. Some commenters are relying on the argument this should be presented in a court of law not in public. They forget the Democrat government, via Suthep claimed: 1) the demonstrators ran into the soldiers' bullets, and; 2) "Jatuporn had Seh Daen killed. But I can't prove it".

Discussion 73 : 28/07/2012 at 10:12 AM

Let's see now....last week Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat affirmed that the GT200 bomb scanner was effective, despite mountains of evidence that it is totally unreliable. And this week he holds a press conference to show the media 2 pieces of paper that he claims an opposition MP dodged the draft 20 years ago. Meanwhile people are dying in the south from the insurgency, including soldiers serving under Sukumpol. What's Sukumpol's job description? I hope he gets sacked in the next cabinet re-shuffle, as he has proven that he's unworthy of holding his current post.

Discussion 74 : 28/07/2012 at 09:44 AM

whatajoke Nearly all accusation whether PTP or Dems are all a storm in a tea cup, much to do about nothing.

Discussion 75 : 28/07/2012 at 09:42 AM

Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat reaffirmed his allegation that Abhisit Vejjajiva's exemption from military service could have been unlawfully acquired. Big Deal Most uni degree's are obtained unlawfully so what's the difference.

Discussion 76 : 28/07/2012 at 09:31 AM

Discussion 3 wrote: "Mr Sukumpol should know that evidence is to be presented in court and not to the media" I gree with you, Sukumpol probably knows that only genuine documents can be presented to the court this is why he presented to the media only.

Discussion 77 : 28/07/2012 at 09:29 AM

I think that assisting your wife with the purchase of land whilst in a position of power is less of an offence than avoiding military service for any reason. If Mr Abhisit has deliberately avoided such service for his beloved country then shame on him.

Discussion 78 : 28/07/2012 at 09:26 AM

AV should sue and not just threaten. Defence Min should arrest him if evidence is conclusive. Let' s not play political game. To fish for any negiotaition between both side would victimize the public is not acceptable and in fact disturbing

Discussion 79 : 28/07/2012 at 09:17 AM

The case is in court, why the press conference and talking about evidence? Simple smear campaign. And if in September Abbhisit is found not guilty, then Abbhisit will take the defense minister to court for defamation, win the case and the defence minister will be out there on suspended jail term like Jatuporn already is. This government sure has amazing priorities.

Discussion 80 : 28/07/2012 at 09:15 AM

the minister of defence job top priority is to secure his country, down deep south of thailand its becoming a war zone,innocent thai citizen,the police and army personal are being murdered by insurgent on a daily basis he failing in his duties, the prime minister have to intervene to show leadership ,his political witch hunting of a fellow politican is deplorable AV was excused duties in the army as he was studying politics at oxford universite in england which is very much lacking in thai poltics it show the chaotic shamble here in this present administration

Discussion 81 : 28/07/2012 at 08:55 AM

If Sukumpol has real evidence, it should close his mouth and come to the Court as witness to express what he say or pass this information on to Jatuporn who could use during trial. To give evidence in public is already show this is a wrong evidence... This is only politically motivated, nothing more...

Discussion 82 : 28/07/2012 at 08:44 AM

A rumor said PM Yinluck could thake Defense portfolio, that means the Sukumpol Suwanatat's career as Defense Minister will be over very soon. So Sukumpol has nothing to lose in involving with a dirty affair, maybe in Jatuporn's pay... But any, this Sukumpol's action is only politically motivated... Actually Abhisit is one of the most honest MP, it's easy which one we have to believe !!!!

Discussion 83 : 28/07/2012 at 08:42 AM

Surely teaching for the miltary school would also be classed as doing your miltary duties, same as Doctors, Nurses, Cooks and Drivers,? Considering you are given the rank of an Officer means that you are recognised as serving?

Discussion 84 : 28/07/2012 at 08:34 AM

Why is this any concern of the defence minister? Is he going to look into the conscription records of all Members of Parliament, or only those of the opposition?

Discussion 85 : 28/07/2012 at 08:18 AM

PTP's fascination with the past may play well at the rallies, at least for now.

Discussion 86 : 28/07/2012 at 08:14 AM

the defense minister has better things to do. What a waste of time. Perhaps he should be investigating the faulty bomb detection device so the lives of the brave military men in the south can be saved. Seems to be more important to me anyway.

Discussion 87 : 28/07/2012 at 08:04 AM

I always thought the Defence Minister's job description entailed defending the country. Yet it seems that Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat can find ample time to dig up some unsubstantiated 20 year old dirt on an opposition MP, and then showcase it at a press conference. Sure takes the lime light off the GT200 bomb detectors, and at the same time further ingratiates himself with Jatuporn and Thaksin. Meanwhile, the Thai army is battling insurgents in the south and suffering casualties. What's wrong with this picture?

Discussion 88 : 28/07/2012 at 08:03 AM

Agree with 'whatajoke'. Highly unlikely AV would instigate a court case if his background was in doubt. Pure Thaksin/PTP politically motivated mud slinging.

Discussion 89 : 28/07/2012 at 08:01 AM

Either you do or do not want to serve your country in the military. Some young men have a choice and others do not.

Discussion 90 : 28/07/2012 at 07:55 AM

"I am not going after anyone," the DF says. His actions and the actions of his PT handlers and Mr. T himself (the 'Thinker' behind PT) are vindictive and immature. PT is really showing its face, and it's pock marked and craven.

Discussion 91 : 28/07/2012 at 07:36 AM

This still pales by yesterday's revelation concerning "the son" becoming a police officer and today's "yes the rice scheme costed US 270 Bln" in my eyes. Lets keep perspective.

Discussion 92 : 28/07/2012 at 07:23 AM

Sukumpol is losing a war in the South. Whats the score this week,14 dead, others injured including his troops. It will be ungovernable as early as next year IMO. He seems clueless about this pressing problem never saying a word about it yet has all the time to create a diversion.

Discussion 93 : 28/07/2012 at 06:57 AM

Instead of showing off what this Govt has accomplished-like the flood, inflation, declining rice export, and etc, it wants to dig old dirts on the opposition. Really nice!

Discussion 94 : 28/07/2012 at 06:56 AM

Why are we debating this matter? If Def. Min. believes the evidence is compelling press charge and arrest the guy.

Discussion 95 : 28/07/2012 at 06:21 AM

Any evidence should not be made public but presented in a court of law. Then it is up to the court to decide. The defense minister is not a judge.

Discussion 96 : 28/07/2012 at 06:12 AM

I'm guessing that it's probably a piece of incorrectly filed or completed paperwork, a storm in a tea cup. We're not talking huge property deals or major corruption here, it's very obviously been dredged up to defend Jautporn with the defence minister himself on the defence team (no pun intended). I doubt Abhisit would be bold enough to drag Jatuporn through court on defamation charges if he knew his own paperwork was false and the case might actually expose him if it went to court, costing him his political career.

Discussion 97 : 28/07/2012 at 05:57 AM

canunk - "He should have to step down as MP" A PTP politician "offering" evidence is about as compelling as Thaksin making a promise or Jatuporn's wild claims about having "evidence" in so many different matters. The case will proceed through the proper channels and if he is found guilty, which I highly doubt, then the matter of his resignation can be discussed. Given that PTP politicians involved in the burning of Bangkok are still active MPs, I'm not sure how this matter would result in resignation.

Discussion 98 : 28/07/2012 at 05:54 AM

“..evading conscription by using falsified documents to get a teaching job..” What was AV teaching? The “Art of Dodging”? Seriously though, the backbone of our army is made of the sons of poor workers who can’t and will not shirk their responsibilities as real men. The irony of this sorry episode is that those shirking the draft have lost their sense of shame – as exemplified by AV. We should throw back the shame on the faces of those evading the draft, and restore pride to the soldiers who are serving Thailand. Draft dodgers like AV undermines the core of the army and society.

Discussion 99 : 28/07/2012 at 05:07 AM

Mr Sukumpol should know that evidence is to be presented in court and not to the media, Yesterday the last piece of defence was presented and if it was not there, then it is not included in the case, and Abhisit should know that if he continuously threatens to sue somebody and then not follow up and do so then it could indicate to people that he has something to hide.

Discussion 100 : 28/07/2012 at 04:17 AM

He should have to step down as MP

Discussion 101 : 28/07/2012 at 03:15 AM

So now the political pressure changes sides and the reds are taking the gloves off too. If you asked me if I thought this was a politically motivated case? I would answer yes. If you asked me if I thought the cases against TS were politically motivated? I would answer yes. If you asked me if I thought bot sides play the political game to discredit the other? I would answer yes. If you asked me if I thought they are all guilty? I would answer yes.