Poor reds lose faith as hopes for homes fade

COMMENTARY

Poor reds lose faith as hopes for homes fade

Published: 3 Oct 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

'I'm a red. Totally red," declared Wannee, a Bangkok slum dweller who was among the protesters rallying in front of Government House yesterday.

Some may look at the red movement's attacks on double standards and disparity as mere rhetoric. But for Wannee, the disparity message hit the nail right on the head, which was why she attended the Ratchaprasong rally regularly in 2010 before the violence broke out.

" I also voted Pheu Thai afterward because I thought it could make a difference to the lives of the poor. But now I'm not sure anymore."

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dao
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Discussion 21 : 04 Oct 2012 at 12.2421
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I,m in favor of clearing slums .They are dangerous fire hazards with out proper sanitation which is why canals next to them are full of garbage and grey water .People who squat next to the train track throw their garbage on trains as they pass by .Low cost housing out side the city please .
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whatajoke
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Discussion 20 : 04 Oct 2012 at 07.3820
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And in the next election Wannee and co will stil vote Puea Thai, because they fall for cheap promises so easily and have been convinced in their midnight red meetings that the alternative is some feudalistic system run by the Amart to keep them poor deliberately, besides all PTs failures can be ascribed to sabotage by the Dems, or blamed on something other than incompetence and corruption.
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aussie
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Discussion 19 : 03 Oct 2012 at 21.3819
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" I also voted Pheu Thai afterward because I thought it could make a difference to the lives of the poor. But now I'm not sure anymore."

OMG , if your still not sure , i`m sure you will be real soon !
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mr.meldrew
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Discussion 18 : 03 Oct 2012 at 20.4718
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Eric D17 : So if the poor get minimum wage 300 Baht they are going be able to afford Bangkok prime city center land or housing? Time for a reality check mate. People who earn big money and pay taxes, not squatters, live in prime locations. That's life. And not all those who can afford to do this are the Elite. Many are people who come from humble backgrounds who put their noses to the grindstone and bettered themselves for them and their children.
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Eric
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Discussion 17 : 03 Oct 2012 at 17.2217
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That's exactly why the income level of the poor in the form of increasing minimum wage will help them have affordable home. See how that's work?
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dao
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Discussion 16 : 03 Oct 2012 at 14.5416
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Most people want property downtown .Its expensive .I dont see how the poor feel they are just entitled to it because they are squatting on someone else s land .
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englishbob
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Discussion 15 : 03 Oct 2012 at 14.3615
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Another failed Peua Thai policy?

OK, I'm lowering my standards... Can anyone name ONE successful Peua Thai policy? 14 months and counting...
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kasper
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Discussion 14 : 03 Oct 2012 at 14.1414
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@mitrapaap, d8.

What do you suggest? That the poor are given free luxury apartments in the CBD?
Most people pay dearly to live in the most popular locations. Is it not fair that those who do not pay anything, get to live in less popular areas, and in less luxurious accommodations?

Do you know anywhere in the world where the government provides free apartments in the city centre?
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lungstib
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Discussion 13 : 03 Oct 2012 at 13.4713
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The poor around the world get the same bad deal. Politicians have almost no concept of what being really poor is about and most entered the profession to make themselves richer not to help the poor. Just look around you, watch the international news and read other papers. The poor Greeks, Spanish, Irish, English and Portugese are all angry with government.
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oldexp
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Discussion 12 : 03 Oct 2012 at 11.5212
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.. the movement is not aligned with any political camp.
"It's probably why the government is not taking us seriously,"said Mam.

Wrong. They don't take you seriously as there is no profit for them in your cause.
Except your vote and that you gave 'em already.
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Poor reds lose faith as hopes for homes fade | Bangkok Post: opinion