Thailand to hold first general election since coup on March 24

[Eligius]

50 minutes ago, ukrules said:

This is much better than the end of February for reasons of tourism.

 

I may have to adjust my thoughts as to when the mass riots and potential civil war begins.

This is going to be a lively year in Thailand.

When, after forcing the population to wait and wait for the result (as they have been forced to wait and wait for the 'election'), the 'result' is announced by the Authorities that Prayut (or a political clone) is the winner and will continue in government for the next four years - a number of Thais in different areas of Thailand (particularly Isaan, but even parts of BKK) will surely hit the streets.

 

But the numbers will likely not be massive or spectacular (nothing like the huge numbers of Red Shirts who descended on Bangkok in 2010). Things will get a bit hairy for the junta-backed leader(s) - but the Powers That Be will cope with it all right. Have no fear. The mass of the Thais will continue to get what they have allowed.

 

Edited January 23, 2019 by Eligius

[SABloke]

13 hours ago, Chang_paarp said:

The final declaration of the results will clash with some of the associated ceremonies as they have to happen 60 days after the election.

Yes, that's their BS excuse. But 60 days is the latest they can announce results. There's nothing stopping them from announcing the results within a week. In reality, they could have held elections on Feb. 24th and given themselves 30 days to investigate claims of cheating etc. and still not intervere with the coronation.

[YetAnother]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Ittiporn declined to confirm whether the commission could be able to complete the whole process and avoid the risk of unconstitutional polling, which could lead to an annulment of the election. 

the hidden card up the junta's sleeve, in the event of an unfavorable result , they , still in power, just toss wrenches and spanners into the process and thus make the election void by their delays

[ukrules]

21 minutes ago, Eligius said:

But the numbers will likely not be massive or spectacular (nothing like the huge numbers of Red Shirts who descended on Bangkok in 2010). Things will get a bit hairy for the junta-backed leader(s) - but the Powers That Be will cope with it all right. Have no fear. The mass of the Thais will continue to get what they have allowed.

If both sides are demonstrating at the same time then this will be the source of major civil unrest.

 

They hate each other and there will be violence between them.

 

What do you think will happen if the above plays out?

 

I suspect it will be another coup. When? August, September ?

[delphioracle]

In truth  just what  difference will it make to   non Thai's? No  vote, no representation. Jus view if you will the delights of many western ''democracies.''

 

Many examples there in the west of ''flawed democracies'' masked by an illusion of the truth.

 

Not  our country and of course if we don't like it we must plan accordingly. Lived  here for 26 plus years and it's always the same old wine in patched up skins greasy hands and packed wallets possessed by  those in the  current elected  (for a price) ruling clique whoever or whatever it, they may be.

 

Bit like politics worldwide is it not?

In the west a thin  veneer of virtue and honesty along with glib words cloaks the politicians , here,, well we see the truth like it or not.

 

    

[Eligius]

11 minutes ago, ukrules said:

If both sides are demonstrating at the same time then this will be the source of major civil unrest.

 

They hate each other and there will be violence between them.

 

What do you think will happen if the above plays out?

 

I suspect it will be another coup. When? August, September ?

Yes - I think the Authorities will ultimately remain in control. And we all know who they are and whose interests they represent and enact.

[zyphodb]

10 minutes ago, Eligius said:

Yes - I think the Authorities will ultimately remain in control. And we all know who they are and whose interests they represent and enact.

Yep, divide and rule choreographed perfectly...

[Chang_paarp]

29 minutes ago, SABloke said:

Yes, that's their BS excuse. But 60 days is the latest they can announce results. There's nothing stopping them from announcing the results within a week. In reality, they could have held elections on Feb. 24th and given themselves 30 days to investigate claims of cheating etc. and still not intervere with the coronation.

Walking and chewing gum is not a trait these folk are known to have mastered. It is like understanding parliamentary democracy (or pretty much any for of democracy). a totally alien concept.

 

Whilst the results will be well known, the EC needs its moment in the sun to make the "official" pronouncement. They do not want to be seen to impinge on any event held to glorify a higher authority. This delay gives the elected folk a chance to wheel and deal to get the best deal for themselves which can involve changing sides if need be, thus the plethora of minor parties.

[Blackheart1916]

24th of March is a long, long, long time away.

[bowerboy]

There is a loooooonnggggggg time between now and March 24th.

 

Plenty could happen in that time to delay this further.

 

a redundant point I know but still...it’s pretty obvious now who the election commission works for even though they are supposedly independant

[DPKANKAN]

1 hour ago, bowerboy said:

There is a loooooonnggggggg time between now and March 24th.

 

Plenty could happen in that time to delay this further.

 

a redundant point I know but still...it’s pretty obvious now who the election commission works for even though they are supposedly independant

Oh S..t. Right when my retirement renewal is due!! 

Edited January 24, 2019 by DPKANKAN
Grammar

[4MyEgo]

I predict a win by the orange shirts

 

[spidermike007]

One can only hope. The fortunes being made are the primary reason for all of the postponements to date. I believe the Thai people will show how much they truly despise Prayuth and the army, come election time. Many believe there are few who are competent enough to lead the nation. Well, it does not take much to be more competent than Prayuth. 

[Jimdandy]

O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!"  Let' all hope.

[robblok]

14 hours ago, humbug said:

just think how many hours/days, hundreds of posts spent typing yellow shirt propaganda, trying to turn the minds of thousands of passive users of this site into junta luvies; When now everyone can see clearly. What a waste of your life, bravo 

No need to love the junta to dislike the Shins. Just like the junta they are a corrupt bunch of crooks anyone who has been here knows that. The only difference is that bunch of crooks get voted in. The end result is the same. We will see how it goes with the Shins if they win, i bet you won't be commenting on their corruption then. Some people are so bias they can't see that nothing will really change but the snouts at the feeding through. 

 

Junta, democrats, Shins, none have proven to be clean or stick with the rules all in it for their own gain. There is no "good"  side just a slightly less evil side.

[Srikcir]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Unlike previous charters that allowed only an acting government to run the country before the election, this Constitution allowed the current government full authority until the next government takes office, Wissanu said. But the government will exercise its power in an appropriate manner,

There was a reason not previously allowed. It' was to prevent abuse of power.

But now the current PM can constitutionally exercise his absolute power up to the point a new government is "installed."

If an event is predicated on a farce, it remains a farce no matter the outcome.

[wildewillie89]

Doesn't make any difference who is in or who is out. On the most part they are all the same, with percentages of projects going into places not relevant to the project. In terms of blatant corruption, sure it still happens up top, but some may argue now at least on the local level it happens a little bit less with introduction of the tribunals and stricter rules within government buildings.

Interestingly enough scouts were sent around my area to gauge who is supporting who. In a district that used to despise the junta (I'm in Issan), they have now seemed to get on board with them as they have helped them out in terms of setting up rural markets and also giving the food cards to the elderly. 

Edited January 24, 2019 by wildewillie89

[Eric Loh]

15 minutes ago, Srikcir said:

There was a reason not previously allowed. It' was to prevent abuse of power.

But now the current PM can constitutionally exercise his absolute power up to the point a new government is "installed."

If an event is predicated on a farce, it remains a farce no matter the outcome.

I am anticipating someone whether activists, academicians or politicians to challenge that highly controversial law. Officially the junta is now a caretaker government and the NLA seized legislating laws. All decisions by the government will be scrutinized with a fine tooth comb by the public and may result in law suits if deemed as malfeasance. The purchase of the Chinese tanks may be on hold. That will be good. 

[Eligius]

17 minutes ago, wildewillie89 said:

Interestingly enough scouts were sent around my area to gauge who is supporting who. In a district that used to despise the junta (I'm in Issan), they have now seemed to get on board with them as they have helped them out in terms of setting up rural markets and also giving the food cards to the elderly. 

So some people in Isaan are now going along with the junta - because a bit of pre-election largesse has been thrown their way?

 

Such people deserve all they are going to get. Carry on, you principled and honourable people  - incarcerate yourselves further in your own tomb. You will love it there. After all - it is self-made!

 

 

Edited January 24, 2019 by Eligius

[Burma Bill]

4 hours ago, ukrules said:

This is much better than the end of February for reasons of tourism.

 

I may have to adjust my thoughts as to when the mass riots and potential civil war begins.

Possibly after the Coronation- remember it will take 60 days to count the votes and declare a result. Amazing Thailand!!

[wildewillie89]

1 minute ago, Eligius said:

So some people in Isaan are now going along with the junta - because a bit of pre-election largesse has been thrown their way?

 

Such people deserve all they are going to get. Carry on, you principled and honourable people  - incarcerate yourselves further in your own tomb. You will love it there. After all - it is a self-made prison cell!

 

Selfishly...it doesn't worry me who wins. Our Mayor works hard so has developed the area more than any Mayor before him under the junta. In a place that is only 5km from the province's main city, we used to have no water. Now we have supply water, dams for farmers, solar panels to run farm pumps, market and meeting places built to sell on produce, roads built, kindergartens built and run by solar panels, my village not only has the exercise equipment but also free wi-fi as you do exercise. Juvenile prison and rice research lab have been approved, an the Immigration Office also has been approved by the Governor, just not Immigration yet. Cant complain. 

[Eric Loh]

55 minutes ago, wildewillie89 said:

Selfishly...it doesn't worry me who wins. Our Mayor works hard so has developed the area more than any Mayor before him under the junta. In a place that is only 5km from the province's main city, we used to have no water. Now we have supply water, dams for farmers, solar panels to run farm pumps, market and meeting places built to sell on produce, roads built, kindergartens built and run by solar panels, my village not only has the exercise equipment but also free wi-fi as you do exercise. Juvenile prison and rice research lab have been approved, an the Immigration Office also has been approved by the Governor, just not Immigration yet. Cant complain. 

I envy you but just out of curiosity, is your mayor elected or appointed. I think it has relevancy to the progress of your area. 

[bkkgriz]

Pull the other one, it's got a bell on it.

[hotchilli]

Still got my tin hat under the bed, time to get it out and dust it off... that and the respiratory mask together I might have to be careful where I go!!

Never mind about the results date I wonder who will challenge the vote & ask for a recount?

 

[RichardColeman]

So new agenda is :

24 March Election

24 May announce results 

24 July form new government

24 August new coup

24 August 2024 new election

[kannot]

I  just cant decide which "general" to vote  for,  Im turning to tv members for  help

1 General Apathy

2 General Stupidity

3 General  Apology...........sorry  pulled out, not available in Thailand

4 General Li  no  hope (Chinese/ Thai general)

[kannot]

1 hour ago, wildewillie89 said:

Selfishly...it doesn't worry me who wins. Our Mayor works hard so has developed the area more than any Mayor before him under the junta. In a place that is only 5km from the province's main city, we used to have no water. Now we have supply water, dams for farmers, solar panels to run farm pumps, market and meeting places built to sell on produce, roads built, kindergartens built and run by solar panels, my village not only has the exercise equipment but also free wi-fi as you do exercise. Juvenile prison and rice research lab have been approved, an the Immigration Office also has been approved by the Governor, just not Immigration yet. Cant complain. 

Wow  its almost as if  you are n the 21st century, just think if  they hadnt  had the new  tanks  Subs, Mercedes you  might even have gotten so  much  more..................meanwhile  back in the real Thailand our  Head  of  village (EX  ARMY OFFICER) has  just been sacked for misappropriating 300k  baht along with his "team"

[brianthainess]

5 hours ago, delphioracle said:

In truth  just what  difference will it make to   non Thai's? No  vote, no representation. Jus view if you will the delights of many western ''democracies.''

 

Many examples there in the west of ''flawed democracies'' masked by an illusion of the truth.

 

Not  our country and of course if we don't like it we must plan accordingly. Lived  here for 26 plus years and it's always the same old wine in patched up skins greasy hands and packed wallets possessed by  those in the  current elected  (for a price) ruling clique whoever or whatever it, they may be.

 

Bit like politics worldwide is it not?

In the west a thin  veneer of virtue and honesty along with glib words cloaks the politicians , here,, well we see the truth like it or not.

 

    

But in the west we can criticize and have freedom of speech and the wealthy go to jail, and normally the army don't point guns and tanks at you. Military courts are for the military not the general public, to be held behind closed doors the list goes on....⚖️

[brianthainess]

8 minutes ago, kannot said:

Wow  its almost as if  you are n the 21st century, just think if  they hadnt  had the new  tanks  Subs, Mercedes you  might even have gotten so  much  more..................meanwhile  back in the real Thailand our  Head  of  village (EX  ARMY OFFICER) has  just been sacked for misappropriating 300k  baht along with his "team"

And I've just had 4 days without town water. again !

[orchidfan]

"I don't care that they don't like me....as long as they fear me"

Caligula