Hobby, thanks for that. Re. " (taking) a principled stand on such issues," I think it's important to understand that things don't work the same here as in, e.g., today's Australia, where to do such a thing will probably mobilise considerable support from the community and MSM. In Thailand, it will quite possibly result in exactly the opposite, & in some cases, imprisonment on trumped-up charges, loss of employment, or even 'disappearance.' I know this from hard-learnt lessons, in a variety of situations.

Of course I haven't been imprisoned, etc., but early in my time here I did make some 'principled stands' on what I considered were corrupt practices in workplaces where I was employed, and the results were disastrous. In 2 cases the situation became so bad for me that I had no alternative but to resign - & even that process had to be handled in a 'circuitous' way in the 2nd instance. I've learned from these experiences to avoid confrontations & work 'behind the scenes.' This approach is often successful, and can even engender support from others who realise what's going on.

Once, during the Thaksin regime, I was working with a cabinet adviser one morning, & we were looking out of her window at a demonstration by workers. This led me to mention the appalling salaries of Thai teachers, & to ask why their union didn't have any muscle. "Why are Thais such terrible footballers?" she asked. "They're not team players. They look after themselves. And they try to sidestep the rules." Farang football players I know here agreed & roared laughing when I told them that. I see signs now that that is changing (I don't know about football, but in other ways.), and that's very encouraging, although things are pretty messy.

Re. Stan G's comments: I was going to respond but, like you, found I couldn't be bothered. And then I read about the way the poll was conducted - so it wasn't necessary. The poll was a set-up, indicating nothing but the deviousness of the pollsters.