Stage being set for ‘neutral’ Prayut to return as the PM

[rooster59]

Stage being set for ‘neutral’ Prayut to return as the PM

By ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM 
THE NATION

 

 

THE NEXT GENERAL election is still several months away but it seems preparations are under way for General Prayut Chan-o-cha to return as prime minister – and he has a big edge over others if that was his wish.

 

Many observers see the current Constitution, which came into effect in April last year, as designed to favour an unelected PM candidate and smaller political parties. The mixed-member proportional (MMP) representation system will be adopted for the first time in the next election. Under this electoral system, each voter gets two votes – one to elect the representative for their constituency and the other for the candidate’s political party.

 

The new electoral system will make it very difficult for any political party to gain an absolute majority in the House of Representatives. So, it is highly likely that the administration to be formed after the election will be a coalition government.

 

In the MMP representation system, “every vote counts” and all the votes each party gets will be calculated to determine how many House seats they translate into. So there will be a lot of smaller parties in the Lower House.

 

However, collectively or in large groups, those tiny players can become a critical factor in the post-election numbers game to form a coalition.

 

Moreover, a constitutional clause allows a non-MP prime minister if the Lower House fails to agree on who should become the next head of government. The clause states that if the Lower House fails to agree on the PM candidate, a joint meeting with the Senate shall be convened to select the government head. All the 250 senators are selected by the ruling junta – the National Council for Peace and Order – and in the second round, the PM candidates can be anyone, not just those in the political parties’ lists.

 

This is where Prayut stands a good chance of being nominated and chosen to become prime minister again. He could claim legitimacy as a “neutral choice”, as the winning parties failed to reach an accord. The more the number of parties in the Lower House, the higher the likelihood of them failing to reach an agreement, and consequently the better the chance for Prayut to “fill the void”.

 

In addition to support from the junta-appointed Senate, Prayut could also find future allies in many political parties who would be ready to back him if “the offer were right”. Also, there are other parties that exist or are being formed with the main purpose of bringing Prayut back as prime minister after the election. These include the Bhum Jai Thai Party, which is drawing many former MPs and politicians due to confidence in its leader Anutin Charnvirakul and financiers.

 

Certain government figures also are reportedly planning a new political party that will be pro-military. They mainly are from the government’s economic team, namely Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who is in charge of the economic affairs, Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana, and Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong.

 

This party-in-the making is attracting many former MPs and veteran politicians from various parties.

 

Prayut could also get the backing from new parties who have clearly expressed their preference for him. These include the People Reform Party and one to be formed by certain leaders of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee. And there are some small parties and political factions to whom Prayut had earlier extended his hand of friendship. They include the Phalang Chon Party and a Pheu Thai Party faction led by the Sasomsap brothers. Middle-sized parties like Chart Thai Pattana and Chart Pattana, with a long history of joining winning coalitions, could also provide necessary support for General Prayut to become the next PM – certainly if they get satisfactory offers.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30343126

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-04-14

[Samui Bodoh]

1 minute ago, rooster59 said:

THE NEXT GENERAL election is still several months away but it seems preparations are under way for General Prayut Chan-o-cha to return as prime minister – and he has a big edge over others if that was his wish.

Yes.

 

He cheats.

 

[Darcula]

4 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

Stage being set for ‘neutral’ Prayut to return as the PM

 

To return, he has to go away first.

[YetAnother]

8 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

This is where Prayut stands a good chance of being nominated and chosen to become prime minister again.

hard to ascribe intelligence to that smug b*****d, but they did rig this new system (in line with the myanmar model) well

[Thechook]

Was there ever any doubt with the way it has been set up.  Then there's section 44 he has to squash opponents and other parties are still prohibited from meeting to organise their campaign.  It's a one horse race as all the others have been knackered.

[Thailand]

Other parties have confirmed that in true Thai tradition - "we can be bought".

[canuckamuck]

4 years to rig the laws and create a huge advantage, and political parties still unable to have any assembly, media still muzzled. The opposition form mostly unknown groups with no previous  publicity. A fixed fight if there ever was. Like fighting an opponent tied in ropes. Thai democracy, fighting Thai style.

Edited April 14, 2018 by canuckamuck

[PatOngo]

That smug look on his face sums him up perfectly.

 

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

27 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

‘neutral’ Prayut

Can't find anything neutral in this man.

[saakura]

It seems to me that it is only the foreigners in Thailand who are angry and frustrated over Mr.P's power grab and all that he has done over the last few years to extend it. A huge, almost 99% Thais just dont seem to be bothered much, except a handful of students and activists. The only thing which can scare off these bullies is a mass uprising, which is not going to happen, as most seem to either accept or are resigned to it. Yesterday out in the streets, everyone was very happy enjoying throwing water and having a lot of fun, as always.

[geriatrickid]

14 minutes ago, saakura said:

It seems to me that it is only the foreigners in Thailand who are angry and frustrated over Mr.P's power grab and all that he has done over the last few years to extend it. A huge, almost 99% Thais just dont seem to be bothered much, except a handful of students and activists. The only thing which can scare off these bullies is a mass uprising, which is not going to happen, as most seem to either accept or are resigned to it. Yesterday out in the streets, everyone was very happy enjoying throwing water and having a lot of fun, as always.

 

That's your view based upon your interactions. I suggest that you broaden your social circle because you are have misunderstood public sentiment. 

Do you honestly believe that the junior  officer corps was out on the street with you splashing water? How about the Thais who have had benefit of international travel and education? If you wish to base your political assessment on the  antics of the people who are disenfranchised and who have no power in Thailand, go for it, but  understand why you will be laughed at.

[Eligius]

26 minutes ago, saakura said:

It seems to me that it is only the foreigners in Thailand who are angry and frustrated over Mr.P's power grab and all that he has done over the last few years to extend it. A huge, almost 99% Thais just dont seem to be bothered much, except a handful of students and activists. The only thing which can scare off these bullies is a mass uprising, which is not going to happen, as most seem to either accept or are resigned to it. Yesterday out in the streets, everyone was very happy enjoying throwing water and having a lot of fun, as always.

Totally agree with you, Saakura. Yes, it is very disheartening for those of us (and there are many of us here on Thaivisa) who care about democracy, human rights and civil rights - to see the overwhelming apathy of the Thais (with the honourable exception of a handful of very brave students and a few other activists). Most Thais that I speak to seem more interested in that silly fake-historical costume drama ('Love Desitiny', or whatever it was called) than in their own actual human dignity and freedom.

 

Oh well. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. If the Thais want to accept serfdom and servitude (with a few muted grumbles behind their hands - which will get them nowhere), then that is their 'love destiny' - love of being a slave. Or at the very least, acquiescence in their own slavery. Let them reap the fruits of what they have sown - and are still sowing ...

 

Edited April 14, 2018 by Eligius

[BobBKK]

What a farce  'neutral'   

[Crossy]

Ah, this is obviously some strange usage of the word 'neutral' that I wasn't previously aware of.

 

RIP Douglas Adams

[bannork]

Posters, remember the new owners of The Nation have strong right wing leanings. This is one such article expressing unbridled optimism in its predictions of public support fot the parties supporting the return of Prayuth as PM. Election day, a long long way off, will be the litmus test. I suggest the result will be as in the past three elections.

[robblok]

24 minutes ago, Eligius said:

Totally agree with you, Saakura. Yes, it is very disheartening for those of us (and there are many of us here on Thaivisa) who care about democracy, human rights and civil rights - to see the overwhelming apathy of the Thais (with the honourable exception of a handful of very brave students and a few other activists). Most Thais that I speak to seem more interested in that silly fake-historical costume drama ('Love Desitiny', or whatever it was called) than in their own actual human dignity and freedom.

 

Oh well. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. If the Thais want to accept serfdom and servitude (with a few muted grumbles behind their hands - which will get them nowhere), then that is their 'love destiny' - love of being a slave. Or at the very least, acquiescence in their own slavery. Let them reap the fruits of what they have sown - and are still sowing ...

 

Yes that is for sure members here are far more up in arms about the junta than the Thais are. The ones I spoke with said no matter who we vote for they are all corrupt. According to them there is no real alternative and they are all in it for themselves. Kinda the way I see things now too.

 

I only have a little bit of hope that one of the new parties, the one led by the billionaire has something new to offer.  The old parties certainly have nothing to offer and will revert to their old corrupt and arrogant ways once they are back in power. Though it will be hard to equal the arrogance of Prayut, they all seem to think once in power they should all be believed and obeyed. 

[jayboy]

45 minutes ago, Eligius said:

Totally agree with you, Saakura. Yes, it is very disheartening for those of us (and there are many of us here on Thaivisa) who care about democracy, human rights and civil rights - to see the overwhelming apathy of the Thais (with the honourable exception of a handful of very brave students and a few other activists). Most Thais that I speak to seem more interested in that silly fake-historical costume drama ('Love Desitiny', or whatever it was called) than in their own actual human dignity and freedom.

 

Oh well. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. If the Thais want to accept serfdom and servitude (with a few muted grumbles behind their hands - which will get them nowhere), then that is their 'love destiny' - love of being a slave. Or at the very least, acquiescence in their own slavery. Let them reap the fruits of what they have sown - and are still sowing ...

 

This sums up the position well.In a regional context the political climate in Thailand, allowing for local variations, doesn't seem that different from the rest of ASEAN.Democracy is faltering even dying.Yet I still have hopes for Thailand and there are so many imponderables that only a fool would place faith in a 20 year road map installed by the Junta.The culture of deference is still there but declining all the time.In the recent past Thais have not been passive and subservient automatons in the face of repression.The impact of social media is hard to predict but I don't think it will favour the old order.The country is becoming richer and more socially fluid but as any student of history knows the cracking point often comes when things are getting better.It's an overused metaphor but there's danger of Thailand becoming a pressure cooker that will eventually explode.Let's hope it won't come to that and let's hope the old dinosaurs who have so badly failed their country finally expire.

 

And some will know that in the darkest days of the fight against fascism, Winston Churchill invoked Arthur Hugh Clough.The message is resonant for Thailand now.

 

Say not the struggle nought availeth,

     The labour and the wounds are vain,

The enemy faints not, nor faileth,

     And as things have been they remain.

 

If hopes were dupes, fears may be liars;

     It may be, in yon smoke concealed,

Your comrades chase e'en now the fliers,

     And, but for you, possess the field.

 

For while the tired waves, vainly breaking

     Seem here no painful inch to gain,

Far back through creeks and inlets making,

     Comes silent, flooding in, the main.

 

And not by eastern windows only,

     When daylight comes, comes in the light,

In front the sun climbs slow, how slowly,

     But westward, look, the land is bright.

Edited April 14, 2018 by jayboy

[BobBKK]

32 minutes ago, bannork said:

Posters, remember the new owners of The Nation have strong right wing leanings. This is one such article expressing unbridled optimism in its predictions of public support fot the parties supporting the return of Prayuth as PM. Election day, a long long way off, will be the litmus test. I suggest the result will be as in the past three elections.

Indeed! and the present mob have had years to set-up the whole circus including unelected senators, stopping debate, not allowing meeting or elections and the upcoming elections will be a farce as far as democracy is concerned. 

[Anak Nakal]

Thai people still not like him.

They never like him. The never will like him.

[JOC]

2 hours ago, rooster59 said:

In addition to support from the junta-appointed Senate, Prayut could also find future allies in many political parties who would be ready to back him if “the offer were right”

To put it very simple....They are offered ministries, where it easy to steal.....

The real scary thing here is, that this undemocratic setup must have the backing of a high institution   (I will leave it to the imagination and intelligence of my fellow posters to fill in the blanks....)

 

[JOC]

7 minutes ago, Anak Nakal said:

Thai people still not like him.

They never like him. The never will like him.

Wrong!!

The elite/The powerful/The wealthy/The 'Amart' love his status quo policies...

With him at the helmet for the next decade or two (scary thought) there will be no change to social and/or economic inequality.

The fat cats will get fatter and the poor will get poorer.

And if anyone dare to question the policies, they will get the magic word sustainability thrown at them (Thai translation: Know your place....)

[kannot]

2 hours ago, saakura said:

It seems to me that it is only the foreigners in Thailand who are angry and frustrated over Mr.P's power grab and all that he has done over the last few years to extend it. A huge, almost 99% Thais just dont seem to be bothered much, except a handful of students and activists. The only thing which can scare off these bullies is a mass uprising, which is not going to happen, as most seem to either accept or are resigned to it. Yesterday out in the streets, everyone was very happy enjoying throwing water and having a lot of fun, as always.

little  things  please little............

[JOC]

Sadly we have to admit "The Singing General" has outsmarted us all....

We all thought the coup took place 22th May 2014.....How wrong we were

The real coup has been ongoing right under our noses.......From 22/5 2014 until today's date....

 

I don't think the guys in green are smart enough....So I wonder, who is the real architect behind this coup-extension...

[KiChakayan]

2 hours ago, saakura said:

It seems to me that it is only the foreigners in Thailand who are angry and frustrated over Mr.P's power grab and all that he has done over the last few years to extend it. A huge, almost 99% Thais just dont seem to be bothered much, except a handful of students and activists. The only thing which can scare off these bullies is a mass uprising, which is not going to happen, as most seem to either accept or are resigned to it. Yesterday out in the streets, everyone was very happy enjoying throwing water and having a lot of fun, as always.

Which would be good news for us foreigners enjoying the good life in Thailand. After all the only thing we have to worry about are 90 days reports, and extensions of stay. None of which would change if democracy was restored, no?

 

Just keep our kids foreign passports up to date.

[holy cow cm]

I would love to see someone slap this maniac and the old cogger his boss too. They need to call themselves communists. 

[Thailand]

2 hours ago, Crossy said:

Ah, this is obviously some strange usage of the word 'neutral' that I wasn't previously aware of.

 

RIP Douglas Adams

They meant unneutral.

[Oziex1]

3 hours ago, HiSoLowSoNoSo said:

Can't find anything neutral in this man.

Two gears only neutral and reverse.

[Oziex1]

How sad it all is, all to ensure the cash pipelines remain open and gushing to the elites and only the elites. A few scraps and the occasional handout to the rest.

 

Oh the trough, the trough, the great prize the grail.

[JAG]

4 hours ago, Eligius said:

Totally agree with you, Saakura. Yes, it is very disheartening for those of us (and there are many of us here on Thaivisa) who care about democracy, human rights and civil rights - to see the overwhelming apathy of the Thais (with the honourable exception of a handful of very brave students and a few other activists). Most Thais that I speak to seem more interested in that silly fake-historical costume drama ('Love Desitiny', or whatever it was called) than in their own actual human dignity and freedom.

 

Oh well. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. If the Thais want to accept serfdom and servitude (with a few muted grumbles behind their hands - which will get them nowhere), then that is their 'love destiny' - love of being a slave. Or at the very least, acquiescence in their own slavery. Let them reap the fruits of what they have sown - and are still sowing ...

 

I'm sorry but I must disagree with you Eligius, as I do with Baboon and Samui Bodoh. You have in my opinion made a fundamental misjudgement by mistaking acquiescence for acceptance,

 

This society is being run by the men with the guns. The guns may be for the most part holstered, but they are still strapped to the people wielding power. The thing about a holstered gun is that you can still see it, and you know that it can be quickly drawn and used. There have been several occasions in the last few decades when the people running the country have not hesitated to use those guns to protect their hegemony. 2010 was the last of several occasions, and there is a very direct connection between that occasion, and the people issuing the orders then and the current regime. The Thai people are entirely aware of that, that is why they acquiesce. 

 

I remember my very basic science (chemistry) education. Two incompatible substances may require the presence of a third substance or event (a catalyst) to initiate an often powerful reaction. (My most powerful memory is of my chemistry teacher setting fire to his trousers by dropping phosphorous onto them from a dish of water!) That reaction can often be sudden and unpredictable. Whilst it is often difficult, and an imprecise business to attempt to judge the mood of a society,  I think that analogy applies to the current situation in this society. What the catalyst will be I don't know. I rather thought that the jailing of Yingluck might have been it - that was forestalled by " allowing " her to leave. An election which results in an overwhelming mandate for one party, only to see an engineered "logjam" result in the imposition of an appointed Prime Minister, as now seems likely, may prove to be a catalyst. Or it may be a succession of much more minor things. I don't know, none of us does, but it is not I am sure true, or fair, to say that the Thai people accept what is being done to their country. They continue to try and enjoy themselves, that is in their nature, they are not a particularly sullen people - one of the reasons why I rather like living amongst them.  Again that does not indicate acceptance, but acquiescence. The two are very different states of mind.

 

One other point to bear in mind - the single most stabilising factor in this society has gone. Uncharted waters.

Edited April 14, 2018 by JAG

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

1 hour ago, Oziex1 said:

Two gears only neutral and reverse.

Maybe they are talking about his brain?