Minister quits as coup rumours persist

[Khun Don]

Minister quits as coup rumours persist

(BangkokPost.com, Agencies) - Prime Minister's Office Minister Prasit Kovilaikool has resigned, citing ill health.

The resignation, comfirmed by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, came as rumours of a second coup d'etat continued to swirl in Bangkok.

Gen Surayud, who would be the victim if the military makes another move, ruled out another coup taking place as criticism on his government mounted.

On Sunday, Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas said another coup could happen but he did not say by whom.

Surayud said Mr Prasit's resignation was purely due to his heart problems and had nothing to do with the current political situation.

Last November, citing differences with both the prime minster and cabinet colleagues, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula quit the cabinet.

Mr Prasit was added to the cabinet at that time, to handle legal affairs. He is a lawyer, who has served as dean of Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Law and as Rector of Huachiew University.

[RobinVirant]

Where's Mac thread about Guts and Balls, seems these lilly livered pollies have none. I also note that they have a long career as Uni Lecturers, and I know how well Unis are run in this country.
What to do? Pity I can't nominate soemone like myself, but my daughter will be ready in a few years, watch out then.

[lenss]

RV, what's a Uni? like maybe a university prof? Remember PM Kukrit Pramoj. Played in a movie that some may remeber. The ugly american staring Marlon Brando. Kukrit played the prime minister of thailand, who later on did become the PM. Well loved by the Thai people . Current Gov never had a chance. Thai's have tasted a bit of democracy. They no longer fear, I hope, being shot dead for demonstrating another opinion.

[RobinVirant]

I read other forums here from teachers at Thai schools, the overall concensus is that Thais are basically not motivated or worried about an education. That teachers and academia lack professionalism, and generally the whole system is in a state of demise.
Now from this rubble are we to expect acheivers, not likely, only the military schools train leaders, albeit not in economics but stealth.
So Thais need something different. Right now most half/thais take the easy road to making films or just louging around making adds for Nivea White Cream lotion.
My daughter already has started to question why she does things, and at times argues her point of view - she is 7 years old.
Now provided the education system don't beat this out of her, and nourish her inquiring mind, and at times stubborn stance, then she should develop into a good leader. Someone who can reason and decide a course of action without a script, someone who can forceably convince others of a point of view.
The only problem is she (I) have no money, so she will have to be exceptionally good, and we intend to get her into a miltary school for the network required.
A certain PM we have relieved of duty basically stole his fortune through changes in telecom constitution, then through further constitution changes sold the farm.
My daughters ethics will be beyond reproach, I can guarantee that. The rest will be up to her.

[lenss]

I think the teacher's you refer to are farang. Most perception's by teacher's are about how well or not well learning the english language is obsorbed by thai student's.. Don't like to compare much but the state of primary and secondary and high schools in america is a disaster. Half the kid's flunk out. can't pass test's ..European schools and probably those in aussie are much better at teaching children. Wonder about the sentence you wrote . "Someone who can forceably convince other's of a point of view". Something like a dictator??

[RobinVirant]

It's a fine balance between being a dictator and great orator. I suppose a better way of putting it would be the ability to apply reasoned argument to sway the opinion of others. I'm not saying she will be another Robert Menzies or Churchill, but that is what Thailand need someone with vision and conviction for the common good. The last PM had the first two, not the "good." bit.
WRT schools in Thailand, I have noticed this poor application of academia in post graduate studies, where they chased the magic dollar, but failed the actual course becasue it lacked cohesive depth and most of all a lack of ethics - therein lies the kernal of what we are after.
I doubt Australian public education is much better, but that's up to me. If I am not satisfied the school is doing it's job I will first try to persuade them to improve, and failing that move.
I detest private schools, because there is no value for the money outlayed.