Election Daze

Finally, the parliament has been dissolved. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra finally bowed to pressure due to the tax-free sale of his company, Shin Corp. Prominent academics, politicians, business figures, students and the general public have vented their dissatisfaction by taking to a well known location downtown to protest.

Considering the fact he sold his massive telecom company for a cool US$1.9 billion, not a single cent, or Baht for that matter went to tax. Thinking about it, its darn well absurd. Anyways, elections are set to be held in a few months' time and there's already a scramble to determine who will helm 'The Land of Smile'. Many say Thaksin will still win the upcoming elections but with lesser support. Some say the Democrats will take power from the previous government of Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai(TRT).

That would be interesting. The Democrats are led by the charismatic and very good looking, Abhisit Vejjajiva, seen here discussing with fellow politicians regarding last year's censure debate.
Asiaweek qoutes "Abhisit Vejjajiva is somehow too good to be true: a young lawmaker who abhors the old system and works tirelessly for a cleaner tomorrow. For the Thai people, used to some of the classic cigar-chomping, ill-informed loudmouths who stalk the halls of parliament, Abhisit offers a ray of hope".

His track record has been quite impressive. At 35, he has already served under two governments as a spokesman and Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, overseeing investment and education issues. Last year, when the Democrats under the old guard of Banyat Banthadthan came to realization after a crushing defeat by Thaksin, paved the way for a dynamic individual to take up the hotseat. Under new leadership, Abhisit has managed to persuade Orange Telecom joint CEO, Apirak Kosayodhin, a brilliant and well known top executive to be lured into politics and join the Democrats. Apirak would later go on to contest and win the governorship of Bangkok.

The Democrats basically have a younger generation steering the oldest political party in Thailand. It remains to be seen if TRT can be toppled, and even if the Democrats do stage a winning election, will Abhisit be able to weed out the bad image Thailand portrays as a haven for corrupt practices?
Its also going to be my first time voting on Thai soil since obtaining citizenship. Stay tuned...

Mortal beings

These days, my relationship with dad has gained a rather significant leap. During my younger days, I'd always be the one arguing how I saw things my way. Basically all your stubborn elements found during adolescence. Looking at myself back then and realizing how much of a pain I was and, am quite pleased not to be giving him anymore grief...Or am I?

Last night I attended my senior's dad's funeral, and those memories flashed across me during the recital by monks of the Pali sanskrit. Peng was my senior back in university where we colleagues of the uni tennis team. Sadly for him, his dad met with an unfortunate demise by a fall in the bathroom. The partners and former team mates turned up to show our respects and to give him moral support.

I thought of dad the entire duration of the funeral. I remembered him telling me everyone dies, including him and I cried profusedly. I just couldn't imagine how life would be without him and of course, mum. He said even doctors die too, and I remember saying "No way!"(Used to think doctors were only 2nd to god). I mean how could a person who treats the sick, die?

Many a times we think we know it all, because we're living in the 21st century loaded with modern mentality, information and attitude, but its all a facade really. No one knows better than our parents, they've been there, done that and they've certainly been through what we're just about to face. Their invaluable experience is what has guided them to their successes today. Doesn't hurt to listen, as I'm sure our parents only want the best for us.
Not all parents show it, but they have their own special way of expressing their love for us.

I think we as a human race, take everything for granted. Don't. You may never have the chance to show your gratitude to your own flesh and blood again. From a distance tonight, I could see Peng's mind wander about. I can bet he was thinking of the good and bad times he shared with his dad, and how he would never have the chance to again.

Deepest condolences, bro. Be strong, you'll make your dad proud when you're up there in the sky. Good luck to you achieving your wings. We're here for you always.

Good news

With much joy and relief as an important phone call came through.

"After much careful consideration, the board has unanimously approved Earth Born's loan for expansion. Congratulations!"

We were in seventh heaven. High fived the managing director before giving each other a hug. It took a government-backed bank over half a year before our funds were approved. In a world filled with corruption and red tape, it took that long for our capital injection to come. Controversially, we had heard this bank providing huge amounts to politicians. In they walk through the front door, and out the back they go, in less than an hour with a naffy 30 million cheque in their pocket. After seven months, we're finally able to go to sleep without the stress that has accumulated for such long periods of time. In business, it is always important to stay in competition with your competitors. With this secured, we are now able to move into our expansion phase to manufacture more and at least capture 15-20% of the world market.

I should be happy, out celebrating and just painting the town red...but its been a gruelling 7 months. I wish my family were close, I wish she was nearby. Its always tough, so many sacrifices one has to make to keep climbing up that ladder. I'm loving it, so far I've adapted myself to this industry with some hits and misses but hey, its all a learning process isn't it? Another good piece of news to add to a promising start in 2006.

Bad Press

Today was press conference day as the company in conjunction with the Ministry of Health launched the latest spa collection. It would be my first time meeting the minister in charge(whom we'll call 'PJ'), but he caused an uproar with some very insensitive comments.

He was talking about the abundance of flowers available in Thailand to be used as an ingredient for various spa products and after that commented "We also have many 'gold flowers' around". I shall explain. When we translate 'gold flower' or Dok Thong, literally means a slut. It may not sound as vulgar in english, but believe you me, it is frowned upon in Thai society. 'PJ' chose to score an own goal in front of the media people and us. I could see many female reporters extremely disgusted with his comments while his deputies tried to play it down by forcibly laughing. While he congratulated our company, our CFO and I were left disappointed by such a classless act. Personally, I think he doesn't know how to do his job. He doesn't know one bit about the health sector, but he merely knows where to 'dip his fingers into'.

I did what anybody would do - Keep my comments to myself. Our paths will cross again, so for the moment I'll just keep my cards close to my chest. I just hope for the sake of the country's health sector, 'PJ' doesn't stay too long in this portfolio. I certainly hope not....

Be a man?

Been a busy February this time round, work has been 24/7 ever since coming back from Chinese New Year. Speaking of which, was not too bad a break although I had to be asked to tend to the restaurant during the busy festive period.
I just realized, I'm going to be 27 this year...I still can't believe I'm gonna be that figure at the end of the year. All I can say is, its all downhill from 22... Time just creeps up on you, you know? Saying that, both mumsy and dad are also getting on and soon to be hitting their sixties...

What can I say about them... They are my inspiration, without them I would never be able to have this day. Time and time again, they have thrown their support behind me and given invaluable advice. I'm really a blessed person. I've been brought up with the close guidance of mum in the etiquette department, all manners go through her inspection...Even these days! Dad gives me advice on how to become a man, to slog it out, never give up and always maintain an ethical work code. He never ceases to give me business advice, which have come in handy. Basically, I've adopted the softer side from mumsy and the no-nonsense approach from dad.

Anyways, coming back to being 27, suddenly a rush of objectives come to mind. Gotta make sure my goals are achieved for 2006 so my plans can trigger a chain reaction of events I've earmarked. Tell you something...Surprising. The other night at dinner, we were sat down having a nice meal together when a toast was proposed by dad, wishing all the very best for his granddaughter, my niece's safe arrival come April, the continuous success of my business and...Also a suitable time for me to TIE THE KNOT. I literally choked. I'd never expected him to tell me to settle down this early. Ok, my brother settled down at 28 and dad thought he could have waited a couple more years and now he wants me to settle down at 27-28... I looked at my brother, my heavily pregnant sister in-law, and mumsy dearest with a shocked expression, and guess what? So were they!

Truth be told, I'd love to settle down, but this is just so unexpected because its coming from dad. All the more, it is quite encouraging as it signals my readiness as, a man from his point of view. Now that the light is green, the potential candidates however, aren't as bright as the prospects of heading into holy matrimony. I do have a soul mate, I know she's the one but time doesn't seem to be on our side, while the current cluth of ladies I'm dating DO NOT meet the requirements of the title Mrs. Many times, I crave having someone waiting at home when I get back from work. To be brutally honest, I've had fun, been there, done that and had enough of. Its Bangkok for god's sakes, all the best parties and night activities are here.

But I've decided to put that thought aside for now. So many goals to achieve this year that leaves me hardly any time to myself. Thanks dad, that was really an unexpected move from you, but nevertheless a touching one. If it does happen, then it'll happen. I shan't go out of my way to prove it, as they say... 'Good things come to those who wait'.