bannork

Words fail me

About time. Nattawut, one of the two most prominent red shirt leaders has left PT.

' No deal has been made before he returns' Paetongtan says She also said Thaksin's return had nothing to do with the proposed vote for Settha as PM. She also said prior the election that PT would never join with Pravit and Prayuth's parties.. Does she realise no one believes the nonsense she talks?

The OP has written for The Nation for years. He has to try and constantly come up with a new angle on current issues. Unfortunately, he often fails, as here

Yes, at the moment we can only speculate. For instance, if Thaksin does come back, what will be his conditions for release, both physically and politically. For instance, will he be remanded and then sent to a luxurious private hospital, citing health and age, a kind of suspended sentence, or will he be fully pardoned on day one? We'll soon know if he really comes back. And then political conditions. Surely the elite are going to force PT to adopt a conservative line regarding a new constitution. PT could override that by voting with MF but will Thaksin allow that? His hospital accommodation could be downgraded if PT get too liberal. Have to wait and see.

Have to disagree about high risks for MF. The dissolution case, accused of trying to destroy the monarchy. I read two lawyers' opinions on this and they both said the accusation is baseless. MF want to amend a criminal law, Article 112, diluting the penalties for transgressions, but under Thai constitutional law, the monarchy is inviolate. Constitutional law trumps criminal law ( apologies for using that word) therefore reform of a criminal law is no threat to the monarchy's position, enshrined under constitutional law. But TIT. Secondly , even if dissolved, the phoenix will rise from the ashes, just like MF arose from FF. There are plenty of able and bright Thais willing to carry the baton forward. For this new government, PT will push for populist policies to maintain the support of those that don't care about joining the junta boys. But it's unlikely to be a steady coalition, too many snouts in the trough, PT are outnumbered by Bhumjaithai, Pravit, Prayuth and a few others. Plenty of chance to rock the boat.

Got to report to the slammer first

Yes but not 21 times.

The claim by PT leaders that the jumping into bed with the uncles was necessary for public reconciliation, to let the country unite and move forward is logic truly full of holes. To achieve this, you kicked out the true move forwards, all 14 million of them! A nation united, indeed!

All to bring one man home. In the past red shirts were criticised by some for being devoted to Thaksin, why couldn't they lead their own movement. I remember Nattawut saying the heart of the red shirts was democracy, they would stay with Thaksin as long as he stuck to democratic principles. In truth there was no other party around that offered anything to civic movements. Well now there is.

Another PT MP going back on his word

From this clip on Thai Rath TV this morning, it looks like the pickup just ploughed into the song-theow. In my experience van drivers are amongst the most dangerous on Thai roads, hurtling from lane to lane and tailgating in their bid to deliver and earn their commission as quickly as possible. The cries and wailing of grief of relatives or friends of the dead were unbearable to listen to ( on another channel).

I agree with you! The Senate has no say in Parliament's confidence debates. I was pointing out the debates had occurred in the previous Parliament and in fact PT blocked MF from grilling Pravit

There were a few no confidence debates and votes in the last Parliament. In fact Pheu Thai prevented MF from grilling Pravit by not giving them enough allocated time .

Meanwhile it seems The Democrats should be down another man.

Whoever is PM, the numbers in Parliament won't change unless MF are dissolved. Meaning MF and PT alone possess a majority in the House, so any bill to entrench the old clique's power can be easily shot down. However if part of the deal for Thaksin to come back is a condition that PT will support the junta parties, then the only hope is MF win by a landslide in the next election. A lot depends on the conduct of PT, could they even support an extension of the senators' powers? If so, Thailand is screwed

Thaksin ( PT) needs Pravit in the government for him to come home so PT must be in the government too . To maintain Thaksins liberty, I'm sure (PT) will continue to kowtow to Pravit and the establishment. PT will become the new populist conservatives, hoping to keep the working class happy with various schemes. They will need 4 years for this so I expect the next government to try to run the full course if Toni come home. If he doesn't, then wrangling between the greedy factions will spell doom for them I believe. . Bhumjaithai are already arguing with PT over ministries they want to retain!

Your repeating your error . Criticism of Thaksin doesn't mean defence of the establishment. And now Toni's queueing up to join the establishment.

The classic defence of Thaksin's extra judicial killings, the Nuremberg argument: ' He was only obeying orders'

'My love is vengeance that's never free.'