New Thai political party accuses junta of damaging nation's image

[webfact]

New Thai political party accuses junta of damaging nation's image

By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Amy Sawitta Lefevre

 

FILE PHOTO: Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, founder of Thailand's Future Forward Party, speaks during an interview at the Reuters office in Bangkok, Thailand March 19, 2018. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun/File Photo

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - A new Thai party that aims to shake up politics hit back at the ruling junta on Wednesday, accusing it of tarnishing the image of the southeast Asian nation by filing police charges against some party members.

 

Thailand is preparing for a general election by next May, promised by the military junta that has ruled since ousting a civilian government in 2014, ushering in curbs on politicians as well as arresting and jailing dozens of critics.

 

"The NCPO used its power to suppress the public who have political views that differ from its own," the Future Forward Party said in a statement, referring to the junta by its official name, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

 

"The results of these actions have impacted and damaged the image of the country," it said on its official Facebook page.

 

The party launched this year, hoping to woo young people and win backing from those seeking an alternative to military rule. It is led by an auto parts billionaire and newcomer to the political scene, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, 39.

 

He and two party members met police on Tuesday after the junta filed a police complaint over a June 29 speech by Thanathorn shown on Facebook, accusing the trio of provoking a "public disturbance" and violating the Computer Crimes Act.

 

Police said they were reviewing the charges.

 

"We called them in for interrogation," the police official investigating the case, Athilak Whangsirivorakoon, told Reuters by telephone. "If, after their testimony, we think there is evidence, then we will proceed with charges."

 

Reuters could not immediately reach a junta spokesman for comment.

 

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, 64, an ex-army chief who led the coup, has shown signs of wanting to stay in power after next year's vote, touring the countryside to meet people in what critics say is his bid to continue in the job.

 

(Writing by Amy Sawitta Lefevre; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-08-02

[Samui Bodoh]

"...Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, 64, an ex-army chief who led the coup, has shown signs of wanting to stay in power after next year's vote, touring the countryside to meet people in what critics say is his bid to continue in the job..."

 

I would have written the paragraph above as:

 

'Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, 64, an ex-army chief who led the coup, has shown utter determination to stay in power by using/abusing State monies for his campaign, utilizing the law to silence his opponents, and abusing his office on a daily basis for his political faction's gain and advancement.'

 

But, perhaps that is why I don't work for Reuters...

 

Go FFP!

 

Edited August 1, 2018 by Samui Bodoh
Lack of coffee

[Thailand]

Those tactics worked well for Hun Sen. At least he was somewhat more blatant but still time for the current incumbents to sink even lower.

[baboon]

38 minutes ago, Thailand said:

Those tactics worked well for Hun Sen. At least he was somewhat more blatant but still time for the current incumbents to sink even lower.

I'm sure they won't disappoint.

 

Moving on,

"He and two party members met police on Tuesday after the junta filed a police complaint over a June 29 speech by Thanathorn shown on Facebook, accusing the trio of provoking a "public disturbance" and violating the Computer Crimes Act."

Where was this public disturbance and why was it not reported on? How many were arrested as a result? There wasn't one? Well how the bloody hell did they provoke it, then?

 

Thai nationals might want to consider vacationing in North Korea for a bit of a breather from this nonsense...

Edited August 2, 2018 by baboon

[Lungstib]

He is stating what to most of us is obvious but which the Thai elite try hard not to see. Rule by laws of a false, restrictive and obstructive nature doesn't create the proper climate for real talks, discussions and decision making. Its just a one party power grab of a megalomaniac.

[Thaiwrath]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

New Thai political party accuses junta of damaging nation's image

'Tormented'Prayuth Ready ToPunch Critics In The Mouth

Now's your chance Mr P ! 

Edited August 2, 2018 by Thaiwrath

[BobBKK]

They are the hope of Thailand.

[rkidlad]

The PM said he'd like to punch people in the mouths who criticize him. How is this not provoking 'public disturbance'?

 

He should not be saying things like that. This is what happens when you are not held accountable for your actions. How is threatening violence towards someone who criticizes you good for anyone but yourself? It isn't. 

 

But he was only joking, of course. Now we can all go round threatening to thump people who call us out on our BS and simply say, "I'm joking", right? 

[yellowboat]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

He and two party members met police on Tuesday after the junta filed a police complaint over a June 29 speech by Thanathorn shown on Facebook, accusing the trio of provoking a "public disturbance" and violating the Computer Crimes Act.

 

Police said they were reviewing the charges.

Worse than a punch in the mouth.   More time with the pouting general in office will hurt the country even more.  The young man is right.

[Srikcir]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

provoking a "public disturbance"

How about a Thai make a complaint to the NACC or Ombudsman that the police in accepting the NCPO complaint are by their interrogation creating a public disturbance and national disgrace through police abuse of power?

 

The police should have rejected the NCPO complaint on the grounds that freedom of expression guaranteed by the constitution is merely a disturbance of thought that does not constitute a public disturbance.

However, the Royal Thai Police leadership has made it clear repeatedly since May 2014 that it will pursue any complaint by the NCPO without challenge in apparent fear of retaliation by the NCPO, ie., relief of position, financial ruin.

Under Prayut the RTP are more soldiers than police used to uphold the power of the junta and not to the security of the Thai People.

[geriatrickid]

If the ruling group want to create a public hero, they are doing so now. He's young, vibrant, intelligent and hiso. More importantly, he has the natural ability to emotionally connect with people and to put them at ease with just a smile and a kind word. He has charisma, charm and a respect for the poor and rural people.

 

The gentleman took the  title of sexiest politician away from Abhisit the day he announced his intention to run for office. If the man wants to get free media attention and gain the votes of millions, he need only be photographed without his shirt on. He has washboard abs and  the body of an athletic 25 year old despite being almost 40. Some people are already swarming him like a KPop star when they see him. He's already got the attention of the under 40 age group, especially the younger votes who typically have previously not bothered to vote. Over the past five years, a large group of new voters gained the right to vote, while a greater number of those who supported the ouster of the former democratically elected government won't be voting because they are dead or infirm.

 

 

 

 

 

The old  nasty men  who now run the show, are afraid of this man. He doesn't need viagra to satisfy a woman and he doesn't need to  hand out gifts to get the people to love him. He is a game changer in Thailand  and should he remain safe, will likely be the leader of a future government.

 

 

 

 

Edited August 2, 2018 by geriatrickid

[Joker Man]

They are always joking that's why they now  call themselves.. Mr. Jokers everywhere in Thailand. Just saying though.

[Eligius]

26 minutes ago, geriatrickid said:

If the ruling group want to create a public hero, they are doing so now. He's young, vibrant, intelligent and hiso. More importantly, he has the natural ability to emotionally connect with people and to put them at ease with just a smile and a kind word. He has charisma, charm and a respect for the poor and rural people.

 

The gentleman took the  title of sexiest politician away from Abhisit the day he announced his intention to run for office. If the man wants to get free media attention and gain the votes of millions, he need only be photographed without his shirt on. He has washboard abs and  the body of an athletic 25 year old despite being almost 40. Some people are already swarming him like a KPop star when they see him. He's already got the attention of the under 40 age group, especially the younger votes who typically have previously not bothered to vote. Over the past five years, a large group of new voters gained the right to vote, while a greater number of those who supported the ouster of the former democratically elected government won't be voting because they are dead or infirm.

 

 

 

 

 

The old  nasty men  who now run the show, are afraid of this man. He doesn't need viagra to satisfy a woman and he doesn't need to  hand out gifts to get the people to love him. He is a game changer in Thailand  and should he remain safe, will likely be the leader of a future government.

 

 

 

 

Yes. If Thanathorn is indeed what he seems to be, he is just about the best thing that could ever happen to Thai politics. He is bright, progressive, articulate, personable, endowed with empathy (so it seems) - and a believer in true democracy.

 

Sadly, his time almost certainly is not yet (the junta will never allow him to get close to the levers of power) - but my hope and dream is that one day, when all the old dinosaurs are extinct, he will take up the position that he so clearly deserves. This man could really change Thailand - for the better.

[Joker Man]

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, We are right behind you. You have all our support.

[manchega]

yes lets have some sense , and a little bravery, else this is a group of people that will be doing attitude adjustment once the dictator is reelected, 

[chainarong]

History dictates  the problems Thailand faces wont be solved at the ballot box.

[holy cow cm]

It's like the silencing of critics to make them lambs. It's clear the path the junta is taking. They want control and won't stop until they have the next phase. Now, if they let some of us who have been here for umpteen million years with family become citizens, then they would never hear a complaint for the most part from me again. Would solve my long term problem. 

[TKDfella]

If only the other (supposedly anti junta) parties had the guts to do the same. The junta would then find themselves filing complaints to just about everyone (except followers of course). This would then be sending the message loud and clear, not only to the junta but to Thai people and the international community. 

[thedivezone]

1 hour ago, geriatrickid said:

If the ruling group want to create a public hero, they are doing so now. He's young, vibrant, intelligent and hiso. More importantly, he has the natural ability to emotionally connect with people and to put them at ease with just a smile and a kind word. He has charisma, charm and a respect for the poor and rural people.

 

The gentleman took the  title of sexiest politician away from Abhisit the day he announced his intention to run for office. If the man wants to get free media attention and gain the votes of millions, he need only be photographed without his shirt on. He has washboard abs and  the body of an athletic 25 year old despite being almost 40. Some people are already swarming him like a KPop star when they see him. He's already got the attention of the under 40 age group, especially the younger votes who typically have previously not bothered to vote. Over the past five years, a large group of new voters gained the right to vote, while a greater number of those who supported the ouster of the former democratically elected government won't be voting because they are dead or infirm.

 

 

 

 

 

The old  nasty men  who now run the show, are afraid of this man. He doesn't need viagra to satisfy a woman and he doesn't need to  hand out gifts to get the people to love him. He is a game changer in Thailand  and should he remain safe, will likely be the leader of a future government.

 

 

 

 

 ☝️AMEN to that ! ?

[Eligius]

21 minutes ago, TKDfella said:

If only the other (supposedly anti junta) parties had the guts to do the same. The junta would then find themselves filing complaints to just about everyone (except followers of course). This would then be sending the message loud and clear, not only to the junta but to Thai people and the international community. 

Exactly! This is what I keep saying. I long to see the Thai politicians and Thai people speak out - loud and clear - for freedom and democracy. If enough people stand up and be counted - it will really make a difference.

[Eric Loh]

18 minutes ago, chainarong said:

History dictates  the problems Thailand faces wont be solved at the ballot box.

Neither has Thailand history of coups solving any problems. However history of he world shows that there are more chances of success in solving problems when the ballot box is in used. Just our regional peers as examples. Most have progressed and citizens better off when there are no coups.

[yellowboat]

At this time, somebody like this might have chance if enough people rally behind him.    Only the people can nullify the power of the army, police state and the poorly behaved elites.   There may be one elite who may want to see Thailand become more like modern day Malaysia, able to compete with China, as it once did, be second homes to productive people who invest in the region.    

[spidermike007]

Much like with Trump, Little P. does not respond well to criticism. Psychologists suggest that men with very thin skin, are suffering from self esteem issues, often masked with a great deal of bluster, and a lack of self love. There may be many other causes. One might suggest a lack of performance as one. I would suggest that alot of this applies with both of these fools. And in regard to the destruction of the nation's image, both men have done a superior job with that. 

Edited August 2, 2018 by spidermike007

[yellowboat]

36 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Much like with Trump, Little P. does not respond well to criticism. Psychologists suggest that men with very thin skin, are suffering from self esteem issues, often masked with a great deal of bluster, and a lack of self love. There may be many other causes. One might suggest a lack of performance as one. I would suggest that alot of this applies with both of these fools. And in regard to the destruction of the nation's image, both men have done a superior job with that. 

When I was young, I worked with many New Yorkers just like Trump.  They love themselves far too much and love to dominate.  They are just <deleted>.    At least, Trump's lowering of corporate taxes has helped drive the employment market, but the deficit is still a glaring problem, not to mention his lack of love for the constitution, except for the second amendment of course.   Grumpy little p has done very little in four years except create a police state.  As detestable Trump is in many ways, he was elected.  Little p is just part of a coup legacy, and will always be inferior around those chosen by their people. 

[peperobi]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand is preparing for a general election by next May, promised by the military junta that has ruled since ousting a civilian government in 2014, ushering in curbs on politicians as well as arresting and jailing dozens of critics.

What now? February or May???

[Srikcir]

8 minutes ago, peperobi said:

What now? February or May???

Somewhat old news.

June 25, 2018:

PM Prayut's Deputy Prime Minister for Legal Affairs Wissanu Krea-ngam told reporters various dates were possible from Feb. 24, with the latest being May 5, 2019. Part of the delay was allegedly due to the lack of a specific date for King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s coronation that must precede the national election according to Prayut.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-politics/thailand-signals-election-could-be-delayed-until-may-idUSKBN1JL15P

 

[trainman34014]

The Playground fighting in this La La Land will never end..........Next !

[Enoon]

4 hours ago, Eric Loh said:

Neither has Thailand history of coups solving any problems. However history of he world shows that there are more chances of success in solving problems when the ballot box is in used. Just our regional peers as examples. Most have progressed and citizens better off when there are no coups.

 

I suspect that the post you reply to is not suggesting that another coup is the answer.

 

Coups are relatively "soft".

 

There is no soft solution to the sickness that afflicts the crippled child of 1932.

 

Major, painful surgery is required.

 

Followed by a lengthy recovery period.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 2, 2018 by Enoon

[from the home of CC]

Mr. red shirt just got out of the can, let the fun begin..... 

[chama]

13 hours ago, webfact said:

"The NCPO used its power to suppress the public who have political views that differ from its own," the Future Forward Party said in a statement, referring to the junta by its official name, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Well....yep. Everyone knows this but will they vote for a change? Most Thais don't care about the international image (and why should they) but they would like to see their lives improve and the political party that can convey their ability to do that may have a chance to get into office.