Remember the Hard Truth that the SAF could intervene if there is a “freak” election result?
Could what is happening in Thailand tell us what will happen here when in the near future when the PAP (even with the help of its near clones, the People in Blue) is unable to command a parly majority? And the SAF intervenes?
The paper generals could do worse than to follow the Thai generals and give us, for starters, free World cup footie? http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27790396 And if its not a WC yr, then free EPL*?
Thailand’s ruling junta has ordered TV regulators to ensure that football fans will not have to pay to watch any matches at the World Cup.
This will be part of what The military said it was part of its “happiness campaign”, which has seen a number of policy gimmicks, such as free haircuts and concerts. In S’pore, S’poreans would appreciate free hawker food and no PUB bills.
As the Economist reports:
One of their priorities is a push for Gross National Happiness. The day after the coup General Prayuth told diplomats that economic revival was a big priority. Returning happiness to the people is to be counted a separate issue, apparently. A week later, and state agencies have been reported to be working on a Happiness Index. The Nation, a pro-establishment newspaper that has come to read like a Thai variation on one of Vietnam’s Party-controlled papers, reported that under the generals all of the existing economic plans have been amended—in order to boost gross national happiness. Perhaps this is all an allusion to the happiness-minded people of Bhutan, also Buddhists who adore their king? Then try picturing Bhutanese marching through Bangkok in jackboots.
On June 5th the junta organised its first “Return Happiness to the Public” event. Staged at Victory Monument, which had recently been the site of small-scale protests against the coup, it featured dancers in camouflage outfits; a spicy routine by the orchestra of the Royal Thai Army; plus free food, and haircuts. A few hundred or so fans of the army showed up, and its Thai Psychological Operation team says it was pleased with the attendance.
http://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2014/06/thailands-military-coup
Related article: http://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2014/06/watching-thailand-s-coup-myanmar
The generals could learn about interrupting tv programmes: Since the coup on 22 May, TV programmes have frequently been interrupted by the army listing names of people they’re summoning for questioning. Though not of course footie games.
And making, All those detained … sign an agreement which states they will not criticise the military government.
And for us S’poreans who did not PAP in GE 2011, we can do what the Thais who are unhappy about are doing
— eat sandwiches (State-run newspapers have warned people against eating sandwiches, and a senior police chief said they’re keeping a close eye on the sandwich-eaters. Eating sandwiches is not illegal per se, he said, but if sandwich-eating is being used as a front – when the real intention is to criticise the coup – then that would be.);
— give the three-finger salute
http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-27833824
On a serious note, what the Thai coup is all about: Royalists not happy at who is the heir to the thrown http://m.afr.com/p/world/thailand_secret_story_the_battle_QcvSA6u4clBHmLTFPLFQNJ
What is not reported in the story, is that Thaksin and the crown prince are buddies.
http://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2014/05/future-thailands-elite
—
*After all PAP PA is showing WC and EPL matches https://atans1.wordpress.com/2014/06/12/paps-new-secret-weapons/
But this TRE poster is unhappy, he can’t bring his own food and drink:
there is a rule which says:
No outside food and drinks are allowed. Tidbits and drinks (hot/cold) are sold in the football loft.
The reader said, “I am very angry at how the PA is exploiting Singaporeans, even politicizing sports and profiteering from the World Cup!”
He said that he can understand if the place is a food court or restaurant whose primary interest is to make money and it demands that no outside food and drinks are allowed. But he cannot understand why PA disallows residents to bring their own tidbits and drinks.
“I am not allowed to bring outside food and drinks but can only buy the more expensive food and drinks directly from PA???” the reader said. “Why can’t I bring my own water from home?”
“Why this kind of small money PA also wants to make? What about the millions of dollars of budget allocated to PA every year? Not enough?” the reader wondered.
The reader was also angry that priority is not given to Singaporeans to watch the free screenings.
“It does not state if priority will be given to Singaporeans. In previous PA events in which I have attended, such as the monthly walk-a-jog sessions, a certain group of nationality will jump at every chance to hog free drinking water or other goodies after the walk-jog,” he added.
The reader then took issue with the limited seating capacity as the venue could only cater to 150 viewers.
“Is this a joke? In GE 2011, there were 27,701 voters in Hong Kah North SMC and today only 150 out of 27,701 voters can watch the matches for free???” the reader asked.
“That’s not even 1% of the residents!” he exclaimed.
He remarked sarcastically, “The PA must not underestimate that only 150 out of 27,000+ voters will go to the CC – this is not a PAP GE rally!”
“Will the PA please stop treating citizens as sheep?” he asked.
The reader concluded by saying he will not bother to write to the PA, REACH or his MP, Dr Amy Khor.
“Because I am afraid Dr Amy Khor would repeat what she has already said in parliament that ‘Singaporeans first’ policy is not good for the economy!” he said.
Gosh, he think S’pore’s his grandfather’s place is it? And he xenophobe to boot?
