‘Prayut creating network of allies’ to remain as PM

[webfact]

‘Prayut creating network of allies’ to remain as PM

By JINTANA PANYAARVUDH 
KAS CHANWANPEN 
KANITTHA THEPPAJORN 
THE NATION 

 

 

GENERAL Prayut Chan-o-cha is building a network of political allies to generate support for his bid to become the prime minister after the next election, analysts say.

 

Yuttaporn Issarachai, political scientist from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, said Prayut was building a political network in preparation for the upcoming election. 

 

He said Prayut’s political intention was noticeable when he travelled upcountry to meet with several politicians from small and medium-sized parties. 

 

Prayut is trying to build a base of allies who come from different backgrounds but share the same purpose of backing his return as head of the government, an analyst said.

 

Stithorn Thananithichot, a political analyst from King Prajadhipok’s Institute, said Prayut was making deals with these political groups to create a “stepping stone” for his premiership bid.

 

It was possible that these groups together could gain 126 seats in the House of Representatives. When combined with the 250 junta-appointed senators, it would be sufficient to put Prayut in the government’s top job, he said.

 

“The new election method actually allows this. If Pheu Thai and the Democrat parties won the constituencies, they would not get anymore seats for the party-lists. Then, these seats would go to these smaller parties that will back Prayut,” he explained.

 

The PM has come under criticism from politicians and observers for his recent political moves, which have been viewed as paving the way for his return to power.

 

Sudarat Keyuraphan, a key member of Pheu Thai Party, urged Prayut to be straightforward about his political ambitions and stop exploiting state resources to fortify his position. Jurit Laksanawisit, the former spokesman for the Democrat Party, said Prayut should hire more advisers to teach him about morality, in addition to the political understanding he was seeking. 

 

The reactions came after the Cabinet on Tuesday appointed Sontaya Kunplome to be Prayut’s political adviser and Ittipol Kunplome to be adviser to the tourism and sports minister.

 

Before the appointment of the Phalang Chon politicians, Prayut met with politicians from the Sasomsap family who are influential in Nakhon Pathom province and Somsak Thepsutin, who is influential in Sukhothai, Yutthaporn noted. And the PM is likely to see many more politicians in future mobile Cabinet meetings, the analyst predicted.

 

However, these politicians were unlikely to leave their current parties to join a new, pro-junta party, he said. 

 

They would more likely keep their affiliation but would join with the 250 senators to later vote for Prayut as an outsider prime minister, he said.

 

“This is because voters in recent years have come to understand that when they vote for a candidate, it matters to the party, too. So, if these politicians leave their current party and join with a pro-military group, it is likely that they would lose the election,” he said.

 

Pheu Thai Party's  key figure Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan

 

Meanwhile, Sudarat yesterday called on Prayut to “act manly” and make it clear if he wanted to become a politician.

 

She said the move to appoint Sontaya demonstrated clearly Prayut’s desire to become prime minister after the election and prolong his rule as much as possible.

 

The problem now was that the junta leader was exploiting his absolute power and state resources to gain advantage over all other parties which were frozen by the coup-makers’ order, she said.

 

This was not genuine democracy, Sudarat said. But if Prayut could be straightforward about his ambitions and not play outside the rules, all parties would welcome it, she said. 

 

“On the other hand, if he continues to be secretive, he will be questioned by the public,” she said.

 

Jurit said Prayut’s appointment of a political adviser was not surprising. However, he found it strange that after four years in power, Prayut now says he is ignorant about politics.

 

“But since he’s already appointed an adviser. I think he may as well appoint two more advisers – one to advise him about the people’s needs and the other about morality,” Jurit said.

 

Government officials yesterday played down the appointments. Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam declined to say whether the appointments of the Kunplome brothers were to reinforce Prayut’s political influence. But he admitted that Prayut himself had proposed the appointments.

 

Prayut specifically wanted Sontaya to help oversee the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), Wissanu said, adding that Sontaya had volunteered to create a better understanding among local people. 

 

“His stronghold’s already geographically in the area of the EEC and the people need to understand how they’ll benefit. And Sontaya has people working in the area,” Wissanu said.

 

Jurit Laksanawisit

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30343434

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-04-19

[brucec64]

Straight from the "How To Steal an Election 101" playbook.

[Samui Bodoh]

25 minutes ago, webfact said:

‘Prayut creating network of allies’ to remain as PM

Well said, Captain Obvious!

 

There is little doubt that Prayut is trying to stay on in power after the election, and that he is abusing his current office to do so. However, there is (realistically) only one way to do that; the use of the Appointed Senate would be required along with sabotaging the creation of a government in the lower house.

 

The 64,000$ question is; will the Thai people accept as 'Legitimate' the formation of a government based on the Junta constitution and the Junta-Appointed Senate? This is the political area that the parties need to be harping on day after day after day after day.

 

31 minutes ago, webfact said:

Meanwhile, Sudarat yesterday called on Prayut to “act manly” and make it clear if he wanted to become a politician.

Good on Sudarat for her comments! This is exactly how to fight the Junta\Prayut. There needs to be a concentrated campaign to attack the legitimacy of retaining power through the use of the Appointed Senate, and that campaign needs to get underway NOW, before it is too late. The second aspect of the campaign is to point out, over and over again, that using the office to seek an unfair advantage is not 'legitimate' and an abuse of power. Finally, the immediate campaign needs to, subtly of course, really begin questioning if Prayut's cheating is... the best word is from Sudarat, "Manly". I would point out, again and again, that Yingluck had the courage to face a fair election and question why Prayut doesn't have the same courage (comparing Yingluck's courage and Prayut's courage will be a good thing).

 

The Junta/Prayut are hell-bent on staying in power though cheating (Yellows and Greens ALWAYS cheat); the way to counter that is to create political conditions which make cheating an illegitimate option. And get on it; if you wait too long, it'll be too late. If the parties allow Prayut/Junta to set the 'winning' conditions in advance, then they have lost the election before it begins.

 

[kannot]

its  coming 

 

 

[Oziex1]

Allies? A network of influential thugs, he feels right at home with this lot.

[stephen tracy]

"Prayut should hire more advisers to teach him about morality"... it would be easier to teach a bear to shit on a toilet, wipe itself and wash its hands after.

[Chang_paarp]

The astute political operator would use these meetings to point out that a vote for these people will be a vote for Prayut as PM for life. Might work for or against the opposing candidate depending how the electorate feels.

[YetAnother]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

said Prayut should hire more advisers to teach him about morality,

tough job that, like teaching me on how to be one meter taller

[Thailand]

"He said Prayut’s political intention was noticeable when he travelled upcountry to meet with several politicians from small and medium-sized parties."

 

It was noticeable when he and Suthep conspired in 2013.

[RichardColeman]

Why does he just not come out and name it what it is ? The Junta Mafia Conglomeration !

[baboon]

What a delicious irony it would be if these allies end up stabbing him in the back the way he did to his previous boss...

[robblok]

1 hour ago, Chang_paarp said:

The astute political operator would use these meetings to point out that a vote for these people will be a vote for Prayut as PM for life. Might work for or against the opposing candidate depending how the electorate feels.

Of course they must point that out.. and when he still gets enough votes then it really shows how much power canvassers and political allies have. 

 

Interesting to see if people who before supported the PTP but now their leaders have chosen the junta (Kahman Poh). Will be interesting to see if the people will follow him to ally with the junta. IMHO if that happens it shows the power of canvassers and vote buying and proves to me a few things I have always thought about Thai politics. (so will be interesting to see)

[robblok]

4 minutes ago, baboon said:

What a delicious irony it would be if these allies end up stabbing him in the back the way he did to his previous boss...

These allies just go where they think they can make the most money.. if Thaksin offers more they will be back.. they don't care about their voters.. they just sell themselves to the highest bidder. Now we will have to see if these guys can keep their support bound to them. 

[anon537687643]

Thailand has no future! A “pseudo democracy” a fake constitution that was forced through to make sure this guy remains in control !


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

[yellowboat]

14 minutes ago, robblok said:

Interesting to see if people who before supported the PTP but now their leaders have chosen the junta (Kahman Poh).

If people still support these lecherous opportunists, Thailand will have no future.  The Shin wins were built on hope.  A Prayut win would be at best a wet blanket. 

[a977]

1 minute ago, yellowboat said:

If people still support these lecherous opportunists, Thailand will have no future.  The Shin wins were built on hope.  A Prayut win would be at best a wet blanket. 

And s#%t sticks to a wet blanket!!!!!!!

[robblok]

2 minutes ago, yellowboat said:

If people still support these lecherous opportunists, Thailand will have no future.  The Shin wins were built on hope.  A Prayut win would be at best a wet blanket. 

Shins and hope in the same sentence... funny.  Shin wins were build on promises.. just like every other win of any party. If Prayut gets enough votes it just means people don't care about who is in power as long as they get a cut. (what i always said) So if I see the support of the Kahman Poh clan not going down it shows me people don't care about the Shins.. just about what is promised to them. (so it will be interesting to see). 

[smutcakes]

32 minutes ago, robblok said:

These allies just go where they think they can make the most money.. if Thaksin offers more they will be back.. they don't care about their voters.. they just sell themselves to the highest bidder. Now we will have to see if these guys can keep their support bound to them. 

So how has the reforms promised helped to deal with this? Where are the PDRC reformers now?

[robblok]

Just now, smutcakes said:

So how has the reforms promised helped to deal with this? Where are the PDRC reformers now?

So what.. the people are free to vote.. they can choose not to support these guys..unless you are willing to accept that canvassers have more power then we think. If that is the case the PTP victories are hollow too.

[leeneeds]

Colluding conclusion , for all to see

 understanding  the senate vote 

only leaves Prayut as the new PM.

 

[Anak Nakal]

Criminal meet with criminal.

Prayut, how much money?

 

[smutcakes]

8 minutes ago, robblok said:

So what.. the people are free to vote.. they can choose not to support these guys..unless you are willing to accept that canvassers have more power then we think. If that is the case the PTP victories are hollow too.

No, you are intentionally missing the point. There was a coup on the back of 100's of thousands of predominant Bangkok based and southerners protesting over Government corruption. A coup you strongly supported reasoning that they needed reform. (you were one of a few naive enough to actually believe they wanted reform) Now the NCPO who were supposed to reform are doing the exact same things political parties have always done (Including previous coup governments) and yet the PDRC and the 100's of thousands of Bangkok and southerners are suddenly quiet.

 

Can you answer a  couple of simple questions. Do you now accept that the protests where carefully organized and choreographed by the army and other powerful Bangkok based factions simply as a means of grabbing power and continuing corruption rather than any reform? And also the 100's of thousands of protesters also did not really care about corruption? do you conceded that your hatred of Thaksin completely clouded your vision and you were simply unable to see that there never was any intention to stop corruption or reform anything? (Something people have been telling you for 4 years-)

 

I am well aware how political works and how parties need to keep these canvassers and regional mafia groups onside. It is clear and always has been the case. But Prayut has spent the last 4 years degrading politicians for this type of things and shouting about reform and Prawit have crack downs on influential mafia, yet 12 months before an election they appoint 2 of the possible worse ones into their Government.

Edited April 19, 2018 by smutcakes

[robblok]

1 minute ago, smutcakes said:

No, you are intentionally missing the point. There was a coup on the back of 100's of thousands of predominant Bangkok based and southerners protesting over Government corruption. A coup you strongly supported reasoning that they needed reform. (you were one of a few naive enough to actually believe they wanted reform) Now the NCPO who were supposed to reform are doing the exact same things political parties have always done (Including previous coup governments) and yet the PDRC and the 100's of thousands of Bangkok and southerners are suddenly quiet.

 

Can you answer a  couple of simple questions. Do you now accept that the protests where carefully organized and choreographed by the army and other powerful Bangkok based factions simply as a means of grabbing power and continuing corruption rather than any reform? And also the 100's of thousands of protesters also did not really care about corruption? do you conceded that your hatred of Thaksin completely clouded your vision and you were simply unable to see that there never was any intention to stop corruption or reform anything? (Something people have been telling you for 4 years-)

Hi,

 

No I don't agree, the protest started because of the Thaksin amnesty. That was what brought the people out. I walked among those people I had friends who protested. They were against corruption and the Thaksin amnesty. It was only until later that Suthep became involved. Had Thaksin not been such a fool to push his amnesty the spark would never have ignited. 

 

I know you want to rewrite history but I wont let you. Suthep only came into play later after the genuine protest erupted against the amnesty. You could see how the ranks swelled at night when the office workers joined after working. (i was there.. were you.. did you mingle with them ?) I had a close friend that went there every night with her friends. She is an office worker. 

 

I only accept I was wrong to think the junta would stay short.. this was unlike any other coup before they always left around a year later. I still feel its good because otherwise the 33 billion fake G2G deals would not have been uncovered and the criminal YL would still be here. 

 

Do you accept that YL Thaksin amnesty set it all alight.. Without it the massive corruption (33 billion more then the cost of the subs) would have gone unnoticed.. and the lying YL would have come off without punishment. Yes I investigated.. no no corruption (33 billion pff).

[smutcakes]

1 minute ago, robblok said:

Hi,

 

No I don't agree, the protest started because of the Thaksin amnesty. That was what brought the people out. I walked among those people I had friends who protested. They were against corruption and the Thaksin amnesty. It was only until later that Suthep became involved. Had Thaksin not been such a fool to push his amnesty the spark would never have ignited. 

 

I know you want to rewrite history but I wont let you. Suthep only came into play later after the genuine protest erupted against the amnesty. You could see how the ranks swelled at night when the office workers joined after working. (i was there.. were you.. did you mingle with them ?) I had a close friend that went there every night with her friends. She is an office worker. 

 

I only accept I was wrong to think the junta would stay short.. this was unlike any other coup before they always left around a year later. I still feel its good because otherwise the 33 billion fake G2G deals would not have been uncovered and the criminal YL would still be here. 

 

Do you accept that YL Thaksin amnesty set it all alight.. Without it the massive corruption (33 billion more then the cost of the subs) would have gone unnoticed.. and the lying YL would have come off without punishment. Yes I investigated.. no no corruption (33 billion pff).

Its good because the fake G2G deals have been uncovered, but lets ignore the 100's of billions the Junta is throwing away on populism, bribery etc. Yeah really good! Luckily they have an amnesty for it, where are the people protesting that?

[robblok]

5 minutes ago, smutcakes said:

Its good because the fake G2G deals have been uncovered, but lets ignore the 100's of billions the Junta is throwing away on populism, bribery etc. Yeah really good! Luckily they have an amnesty for it, where are the people protesting that?

You do realize that 33 billion is quite possible the larges corruption scandal in Thai history ? Even if Prayut got a 50% kickback on the subs (real unlikely) it does not even get close, or the scandals now in the news, poor kids, schools, welfare..a ll measured in 100's of millions not even billions. Nice to forget about that.

 

As for populism, im against it but it is on par with what YL did and I am against that too. So what changed.. otherwise YL would have spend it to boost her popularity.. now Prayut does it ? Wrong on both sides.

 

And thank you for trying to rewrite history shows your true colors. Your hatred if the junta makes you rewrite the history of the protest.. not accepting that students and office workers came out without pay or leadership from Suthep to protest against the Thaksin amnesty and YL corruption. Only later when the fire was lit did Suthep make an appearance. 

 

 

Edited April 19, 2018 by robblok

[Eric Loh]

22 minutes ago, robblok said:

No I don't agree, the protest started because of the Thaksin amnesty.

Rob, you remember this infamous slip of the tongue comment.

 

"Suthep in talks with Prayuth 'since 2010'" Mr Suthep broke his silence at a fund-raising dinner on Saturday night at the Pacific Club in Bangkok. ... He said he chats regularly to Gen Prayuth and his team via the Line chat ...

 

Amnesty was a poor and foolish attempt but the coup was inevitable. Amnesty protest fizzled out in few days after the bill was withdrawn and matters would have got back to normal for the election to proceed without any troubles. The coup planners pushed their agenda and got it and now all suffer the consequences for the next 20 years.

[baboon]

9 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

Rob, you remember this infamous slip of the tongue comment.

 

"Suthep in talks with Prayuth 'since 2010'" Mr Suthep broke his silence at a fund-raising dinner on Saturday night at the Pacific Club in Bangkok. ... He said he chats regularly to Gen Prayuth and his team via the Line chat ...

 

Amnesty was a poor and foolish attempt but the coup was inevitable. Amnesty protest fizzled out in few days after the bill was withdrawn and matters would have got back to normal for the election to proceed without any troubles. The coup planners pushed their agenda and got it and now all suffer the consequences for the next 20 years.

I would agree. The coup was inevitable. Only the grounds for staging it were flexible. 

[sammieuk1]

Nepotism party has a ring to it and sounds Thai.

[Samui Bodoh]

26 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

Rob, you remember this infamous slip of the tongue comment.

 

"Suthep in talks with Prayuth 'since 2010'" Mr Suthep broke his silence at a fund-raising dinner on Saturday night at the Pacific Club in Bangkok. ... He said he chats regularly to Gen Prayuth and his team via the Line chat ...

 

Amnesty was a poor and foolish attempt but the coup was inevitable. Amnesty protest fizzled out in few days after the bill was withdrawn and matters would have got back to normal for the election to proceed without any troubles. The coup planners pushed their agenda and got it and now all suffer the consequences for the next 20 years.

I couldn't agree more.

 

The protest against Thaksin's amnesty was a reasonable exercise in Democracy.

 

Suthep's rent-a-mob and the coup were a planned power grab by the military, nothing less and nothing more.

 

Blaming the coup on Thaksin, the PTP or anyone other than the coup plotters themselves is simply being one of Lenin's "Useful Idiots" or "Useful Fools" (depending on which translation you prefer).

 

It saddens me that there are so many "Useful Fools" and/or "Useful Idiots" here...

 

 

Edited April 19, 2018 by Samui Bodoh
Lack of coffee

[robblok]

24 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

Rob, you remember this infamous slip of the tongue comment.

 

"Suthep in talks with Prayuth 'since 2010'" Mr Suthep broke his silence at a fund-raising dinner on Saturday night at the Pacific Club in Bangkok. ... He said he chats regularly to Gen Prayuth and his team via the Line chat ...

 

Amnesty was a poor and foolish attempt but the coup was inevitable. Amnesty protest fizzled out in few days after the bill was withdrawn and matters would have got back to normal for the election to proceed without any troubles. The coup planners pushed their agenda and got it and now all suffer the consequences for the next 20 years.

So what.. that does not change the fact the people came out against the amnesty and the corruption of the Shin government. That Suthep hijacked it later on does not change those facts. The people who came out were students and office workers... not paid for farmers bused in from the north like with red protests. Later Suthep saw his chance and bused in some Southern farmers and used the genuine feelings against the amnesty for his own good.

 

Without Thaksins amnesty the support for the coup would not have been so wide. It was even in the news that PTP politicians commented on this saying it was foolish.

 

Nice try you guys to rewrite history yet again to suit the little red book. 

 

Your insulting the brave people who started the protests, who were bombed and killed by the red terrorist. In comparison the student now only face prosecution not death by red terrorists. I remember talking with my friend about it when she attended those protests and the fear of bombings was real. Then of course you had those red members here calling it false flag (later proven to be incorrect)