Abhisit's 'special treatment' at forum upsets other participants

By Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation

A people's forum at Rangsit University held to press issues to be adopted by various political parties turned nasty yesterday after representatives of two political parties complained that the Democrat Party leader, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, was given preferential treatment as he showed up late but was whisked to address the crowds before many of the others had done so.

As Abhisit finished speaking and began walking away from the stage, New Politics Party representative Sombat Benjasirimongkol reprimanded him from the podium in front of the thousand or so participants.

Abhisit was "taking advantage of others by not being punctual, and then leaving after speaking. If we are this farcical, we cannot solve the country's problems," said Sombat, party-list candidate No 5 for the New Politics Party. "Abhisit is using his privilege as prime minister to be above us. Advanced society must have principles and respect others' rights."

Abhisit did not take any notice or pretended not to hear as he enjoyed being mobbed by many grass-roots participants, mostly female, who visibly adored him and wanted to touch him or take a picture with him. Even a female organiser with a non-governmental organisation was seen trying to take a picture of the PM.

When Pheu Thai deputy leader Plodprasob Suraswadi got his turn at the podium after Sombat, he also lambasted Abhisit for his behaviour.

"What has just happened cannot be allowed to occur again in Thailand. I hope the organisers will take note."

Earlier, the organisers, comprising representatives of 40 grass-roots organisations and NGOs mostly aligned with Prawase Wasi, chairman of the Abhisit-appointed National Reform Congress, announced on-stage that for fairness, all parties would draw lots to determine which one would address the crowd first.

That arrangement apparently changed and Suriyan Tonghueid, secretary-general of the Campaign for Popular Democracy and one of the co-organisers, told The Nation that the Democrat Party had made a request, and he defended Abhisit.

"He didn't cut the queue. They told us in advance that that's all the time they had," Suriyan explained.

The forum got representatives from at least five parties to listen to their demands, without the Democrat Party, which came late.

The demands covered nine issues, including land reform, tax reform, a better social welfare system, greater access and rights for people with disabilities, discontinuation of hydroelectric-dam construction, greater rights and information for people who seek bank loans, ending of prosecution of villagers allegedly encroaching on national parks and more.

Some participants said they did not expect much from any political party.

On-stage, a male organiser warned in vain before the arrival of politicians that they should concentrate on making political demands and making policy proposals.

"Don't adore them or ask for their signatures. After July 3, they will treat us differently. You should ask them what they can or cannot do and not try to hug them. It's useless, as it won't resolve land issues, or the problem of being stateless."

-- The Nation 2011-06-25

To be fair, as prime minister and number 1 candidate he showed up in person while other parties just sent minor players. Yingluck couldn't even make it because 'she was too busy'. A week before the poll, you can't expect someone to sit around for hours in a forum, it was a bit rude, yes, but at least he showed up.

To be fair, as prime minister and number 1 candidate he showed up in person while other parties just sent minor players. Yingluck couldn't even make it because 'she was too busy'. A week before the poll, you can't expect someone to sit around for hours in a forum, it was a bit rude, yes, but at least he showed up.

Why can't you, others sat around for hours, actually the argument here is about the organisers statement about drawing straws to see who goes first then coming up with a lame excuse to give Mr. Abhisit preferential treatment, if he was too busy to wait his turn then perhaps he should have sent his capable deputy as a stand in but on the other hand, better not, with his connections others would probably not even got the chance to air their views.

To be fair, as prime minister and number 1 candidate he showed up in person while other parties just sent minor players. Yingluck couldn't even make it because 'she was too busy'.

True. Pheu Thai Party sent their sixth man down the line.

When Pheu Thai deputy leader Plodprasob Suraswadi got his turn at the podium

I wonder if he was involved in the catering of the after-forum meal...

Pheu Thai Party-list MP candidate #6 and former Chiang Mai Night Safari Project Director, Plodprasop Suraswadi

Chiang Mai Safari: Rare Animals On The Menu At Zoo, Eat lion, tiger, elephant, giraffe meat

CHIANG MAI: -- Visitors offered daily buffet of lion, tiger, elephant and giraffe meat; conservation groups outraged. Lovers of “wild” cuisine are in for a treat when Chiang Mai’s Night Safari opens next year, Project Director Plodprasop Suraswadi said yesterday. Visitors to the park’s Vareekunchorn restaurant will have the option of tucking in to an “Exotic Buffet” of tiger, lion, elephant and giraffe, for just Bt4,500 a head.

Their lucky he didn't take his toys and go home! Play nice. There are a few more issues that need addressing.

Alas, the people who complain about "special treatment" are usually the ones who are not getting it. And once they receive "special treatment" they will be first in line to try to justify why they deserve it. I don't believe for one moment that the "complainants" in this case have never used their position in Thai society to extract special treatment in one form or another.

Alas, the people who complain about "special treatment" are usually the ones who are not getting it. And once they receive "special treatment" they will be first in line to try to justify why they deserve it. I don't believe for one moment that the "complainants" in this case have never used their position in Thai society to extract special treatment in one form or another.

Absolutely spot on. And contrary to the nonsense written by one poster Abhisit is the caretaker acting in the role of PM, and is seen as such and respected as such by other Asean countries. A very busy man on many fronts, whilst No. 6 candidate and No. 4 or 5 candidate on anyone's list have lots of time on their hands - mainly it seems to complain.

There is very little democratic on: Suriyan Tonghueid, secretary-general of the Campaign for Popular Democracy. They supported just like most NGO's numerous coups. NGO's are the pest of society.

An inflammatory post with false information and the replies to it have been deleted.

There is very little democratic on: Suriyan Tonghueid, secretary-general of the Campaign for Popular Democracy. They supported just like most NGO's numerous coups. NGO's are the pest of society.

A month after the February 1991 coup, the Campaign for Popular Democracy (CPD) — a coalition of NGOs, student leaders, academics, social activists working in mass media and labour and professional bodies — was formed to lead the struggle against the military regime and for a people-oriented constitution.

http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/17617

And what's the betting that if he showed up early and sat through the entire event the usual suspects would be complaining that he was wasting time and should have better things to do.

. Yingluck couldn't even make it because 'she was too busy'.

She didn't up because it's going to be a farce...

. Yingluck couldn't even make it because 'she was too busy'.

She didn't up because it's going to be a farce...

You mean that's why she sent one of her minions, the party-list MP candidate #6 and former Chiang Mai Night Safari Project Director, Plodprasop Suraswadi ? Just like she sent #2 to the debate a few days ago. All farce?

She's probably just too busy smiling to hordes of supporters up North, much more fun and safer. not even a need to say much

. Yingluck couldn't even make it because 'she was too busy'.

She didn't up because it's going to be a farce...

You mean that's why she sent one of her minions, the party-list MP candidate #6 and former Chiang Mai Night Safari Project Director, Plodprasop Suraswadi ? Just like she sent #2 to the debate a few days ago. All farce?

She's probably just too busy smiling to hordes of supporters up North, much more fun and safer. not even a need to say much

♫ ♪ Don't cry for me Argentiiinna .... ♪ ♫

"He didn't cut the queue. They told us in advance that that's all the time they had," Suriyan explained.

Seems a fair enough comment ,after all he is still the Caretaker PM,and no doubt still has a busy schedule,running the Country.

. Yingluck couldn't even make it because 'she was too busy'.

She didn't up because it's going to be a farce...

You mean that's why she sent one of her minions, the party-list MP candidate #6 and former Chiang Mai Night Safari Project Director, Plodprasop Suraswadi ? Just like she sent #2 to the debate a few days ago. All farce?

She's probably just too busy smiling to hordes of supporters up North, much more fun and safer. not even a need to say much

♫ ♪ Don't cry for me Argentiiinna .... ♪ ♫

I blame WETV in Chiang Mai for that image of her and her brother being stuck in my head for the last week. The thing is that it would be Thaksin (or his clone) playing both Eva and Juan Peron!

Can you really imagine someone who is supposed to have deep love and concern for the poor etc avoiding an event like this? The thing is she might actually have to respond to a question .........

The two people pissed at him are the two people so far from each other, the only place they can seriously be pissed off is at the reasonable guy in the middle. Who also happens to be still running the country. These two sound like lame-brains whining about not getting the biggest slice of cake.

We have undercard speakers for Pheu Thai And PAD screaming like children who didn't get their way, when an adult does what is expected and then doesn't sit listening to them whining more twaddle, but talks with other adults. And yes Abhisit showed and P. Yingluck couldn't be arsed to show. But her proxy can sling some crap for her. It was an important and respectable meetin she skipped and sent lower caste mouth to fill her chair.So she clearly either is SCARED, or DOESN'T CARE.

I bet it REALLY pissed them both off when he didn't react

and give them the shouting match they obviously wanted.

If I had PTP and NPP both angry with me,

I would think it a day worth living and a job well done.

Does anyone else think that complaining about such nonsensical issues in front of thousands of people is unprofessional? This is such a minor thing yet the candidates are upset about it in front of everyone. I'm sure voters don't really want to listen to politicians that bitch and moan about the arrangements of an meetup and never get on to the discussion at hand.

I'd say these politicians shoot themselves in the foot, but then I remember I am in Thailand and that everyone already has chosen a side from the beginning. The elections are just about who can fling the most poo on their opponents, like monkeys.

One is led to wonder why a certain gentleman ( gender description not a social description) was clad in a very red shirt, yet the party he represented constantly denies and has denied for some time any connection to the Red Shirt brigade.

Plainly the poor fellow is not a " fashion geek"" one can only but and must presume the poor fellow is afflicted with colour blindness, or possibly, brother number one had spoken and offered his advice concerning the choice of clothing or the current fashion trends in Dubai..