12 minutes ago, GarryP said:

I agree with you. As she was officially a commoner, what was unconstitutional about her appointment. No reason to dissolve the party. But the party seriously screwed itself by only appointing one candidate. 

 

Interesting times ahead. 

Official is the key word. The Royal title is bestowed. She did seek to regain that total title but was denied. She also agreed to participate  as a candidate on her own consent. Yes it was a foolish decision making by Thai Raksa but illegal constitutionally is a stretch too far. The ball is on the junta’s court and dissolving the party may not be the right decision for the election. 

17 minutes ago, GarryP said:

But the party seriously screwed itself by only appointing one candidate. 

That's why I can't make head or tail of this. I can't imagine they would be so confident her nomination would be endorsed if it's unprecedented. They knew what they were risking so why go all in? I can't figure out the thinking behind it all.

3 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

Official is the key word. The Royal title is bestowed. She did seek to regain that total title but was denied. She also agreed to participate  as a candidate on her own consent. Yes it was a foolish decision making by Thai Raksa but illegal constitutionally is a stretch too far. The ball is on the junta’s court and dissolving the party may not be the right decision for the election. 

Got to add that she is not protected by LM and 112 because she officially not a royal. She can be criticized unlike Prayut. 

Is there a possibility of other parties fielding other candidates, before the deadlines? I am not hearing anything about this? Prayuth must be prevented from retaining power, at all costs. He is the single greatest detriment to the nation, and must be stopped. What has he accomplished in the past five years? I do not care who is elected, as long as it is not him, and as long as the army is sent out to pasture, where they belong. They do not represent the people of Thailand, on any level. They are here to protect the elite, the super wealthy, those that are connected, and those in power, most of all themselves. Anyone is better than him. And I mean even Justin Bieber. 

 

At this point in time, and especially after the latest stunt, the army is despised by the Thai people. I think that if this guy gets back in, there will be major unrest over the next few years. The Thai people are not happy campers at this point in time. They want Prayuth's forced reign to end. They want a free and fair election. They want the 250 illegal senators removed forever. Get out. Get out now. You are not liked. You are not wanted. You are not competent. You do not care about the Thai people. You are despised!

Edited February 11, 20197 yr by spidermike007

Where would  monkeys be without trees. 

It is very interesting to read the various viewpoints here about what has happened. I have my own theory (expressed in earlier posts on this thread) - but others have indicated a plausible scenario in which Thaksin effectively wanted the outcome that resulted, as it reveals the hands of the players. That could well be the case - although on balance, I doubt it. I tend to think Thaksin genuinely believed he could get his candidate through and thus break the military deadlock. But things did not go the way he had wished. Thaksin had miscalculated. The de facto consequence is - yes - that people's hands have been revealed in a stark and dramatic way (but I don't think that was intentionally calculated into the initial move and choice by Thaksin - but I could be wrong, of course).

 

Whatever lies behind this great mess, the outlook is not promising. I think popular rancour and conflict is much more likely now than before (although still in limited numbers).

 

Edited February 11, 20197 yr by Eligius

17 minutes ago, Eligius said:

It is very interesting to read the various viewpoints here about what has happened. I have my own theory (expressed in earlier posts on this thread) - but others have indicated a plausible scenario in which Thaksin effectively wanted the outcome that resulted, as it reveals the hands of the players. That could well be the case - although on balance, I doubt it. I tend to think Thaksin genuinely believed he could get his candidate through and thus break the military deadlock. But things did not go the way he had wished. Thaksin had miscalculated. The de facto consequence is - yes - that people's hands have been revealed in a stark and dramatic way (but I don't think that was calculated into the initial move and choice by Thaksin - but I could be wrong, of course).

 

Whatever lies behind this great mess, the outlook is not promising. I think popular rancour and conflict is much more likely now than before (although still in limited numbers).

 

Fully agreed with your assumptions. I see this as a lost opportunity for a chance at colors conciliation and possibly reunification. I also see this as a lost chance of taming the military and stopping coup at least in the next 8 years. I see a lost chance in for better economy and better life for the people. Now we back to the nasty bleak future. 

9 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

Fully agreed with your assumptions. I see this as a lost opportunity for a chance at colors conciliation and possibly reunification. I also see this as a lost chance of taming the military and stopping coup at least in the next 8 years. I see a lost chance in for better economy and better life for the people. Now we back to the nasty bleak future. 

Yes, Eric. I think Thaksin's plan was potentially a master-stroke. He truly believed that he had the relevant parties on-board - and that he had found a way to break the gridlock in Thai politics for several years to come. He knew that if his candidate was voted in by the people - and no manipulations of, or lies about, the vote would have dared to take place, given THAT candidate (and everyone and his pet cat knows that that WOULD indeed have been the case) - then Prayut and his power-group would have lost everything. A whole new direction and dimension would have been brought into Thai politics. A chance for a new beginning.

 

But Thaksin did not know that there was a very, very cunning and malicious plot in place, in which Prayut was centrally involved (cannot say more). Thaksin's potentially brilliant move backfired, and Prayut reigns even more securely and more strongly now than before. Now there is nothing to stop Prayut riding to victory in the 'polls'. He is home and dry -  (for the time being ....!).

 

Edited February 11, 20197 yr by Eligius

17 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Is there a possibility of other parties fielding other candidates, before the deadlines? I am not hearing anything about this? Prayuth must be prevented from retaining power, at all costs. He is the single greatest detriment to the nation, and must be stopped. What has be accomplished in the past five years? I do not care who is elected, as long as it is not him, and as long as the army is sent out to pasture, where they belong. Anyone is better than him. And I mean even Justin Bieber. 

My thoughts entirely. Any party that supports the military's involvement in politics or running the country does not deserve any support whatsoever. If I could vote, which I can't this time round, I would vote for Future Forward for its policy of cutting the number of generals down by 2/3, reducing the size of the army and making it a professional force for the defense of the country, and stopping conscription. 

7 minutes ago, GarryP said:

My thoughts entirely. Any party that supports the military's involvement in politics or running the country does not deserve any support whatsoever. If I could vote, which I can't this time round, I would vote for Future Forward for its policy of cutting the number of generals down by 2/3, reducing the size of the army and making it a professional force for the defense of the country, and stopping conscription. 

My God, GarryP - you are such a heinous radical!! You really think that the military has no right to run a country? Are you some kind of communist - or what are you? Don't you know that military governments throughout history have always been immensely successful and much loved by the people?

You really need to moderate your outrageous and extremist views, which would not be tolerated in any civilised, progressive society!

 

Edited February 11, 20197 yr by Eligius

Can't you see the irony of promoting someone as PM who is untouchable in terms of criticism?

It's utterly elitist and runs against the whole claim that Thaksin's parties are democratic. Which is of course the case, they aren't democratic.

I think Thaksin blundered here, as he did when Yingluck's government introduced the amnesty bill to pardon him. If Yingluck had not done that, Suthep would have had no excuse to take to the streets. The fact PT later dropped the bill sadly made no difference. Suthep and gang were already on on the streets andcould switch the thrust of the protests to reform. But without that amnesty bill in the first place they had no cause to grasp at.

9 minutes ago, bannork said:

I think Thaksin blundered here

he obviously did, BIG TIME 5555555555

19 minutes ago, Eligius said:

and Prayut reigns even more securely and more strongly now than before. Now there is nothing to stop Prayut riding to victory in the 'polls'. He is home and dry -  (for the time being ....!).

Till he falls (or has fallen) out of favour with his paymasters and significant other

speaking to 2 Thai friends one very political in BKK, i have had it intimated he will not be feeling too comfortable

1 hour ago, Eric Loh said:

She did seek to regain that total title but was denied.

Of course she was denied as there is noone that has the power until they have the coronation.

2 minutes ago, poohy said:

Till he falls (or has fallen) out of favour with his paymasters and significant other

speaking to 2 Thai friends one very political in BKK, i have had it intimated he will not be feeling too comfortable

You could be right - everything is up in the air now. But none of it looks good for the ordinary Thais.

3 minutes ago, Eligius said:

You could be right - everything is up in the air now. But none of it looks good for the ordinary Thais.

That doesn't bother Thaksin. Ordinary Thais are just the little people who don't count, like the red shirt leaders whose names are far down the party list of Thai Raksa Chart even though they have worked hard. And Jaturon Chaisaeng, sorry mate, nothing for you 

5 minutes ago, MrPatrickThai said:

Of course she was denied as there is noone that has the power until they have the coronation.

The ascension with all the power trappings has been official following the demise. The 3 days coronation is a royal tradition for the nation and the people.  

43 minutes ago, Eligius said:

But Thaksin did not know that there was a very, very cunning and malicious plot in place, in which Prayut was centrally involved (cannot say more). Thaksin's potentially brilliant move backfired, and Prayut reigns even more securely and more strongly now than before. Now there is nothing to stop Prayut riding to victory in the 'polls'. He is home and dry -  (for the time being ....!).

 

 

18 minutes ago, poohy said:

Till he falls (or has fallen) out of favour with his paymasters and significant other

speaking to 2 Thai friends one very political in BKK, i have had it intimated he will not be feeling too comfortable

Prayuth's clique (Eastern Tigers) no longer has the power. The power now rests with the Wong Thewan clique headed by Apirat Koongsompong.  Prayuth could still stay on as PM if it serves their needs, but as a puppet. Diddums Prayuth. 

24 minutes ago, poohy said:

Till he falls (or has fallen) out of favour with his paymasters and significant other

speaking to 2 Thai friends one very political in BKK, i have had it intimated he will not be feeling too comfortable

Not so sure he will fall out of favor, the intervention showed he has some powerful backing. 

 

Interesting times ahead, I am real curious about the election. I don't hope the junta will win, that said no love for Thaksin either but he is marginally les evil and will be subjected to much more checks than the junta if they are in power. So its the better choice. No others have any chance besides the junta and Thaksins proxies.

2 minutes ago, GarryP said:

 

Prayuth's clique (Eastern Tigers) no longer has the power. The power now rests with the Wong Thewan clique headed by Apirat Koongsompong.  Prayuth could still stay on as PM if it serves their needs, but as a puppet. Diddums Prayuth. 

Interesting where have you read that ? I have no clues about this but how did this power shift come to be ? If there are juice details do tell.

2 minutes ago, robblok said:

Interesting where have you read that ? I have no clues about this but how did this power shift come to be ? If there are juice details do tell.

Google Paul Chambers etc etc 

1 minute ago, robblok said:

Interesting where have you read that ? I have no clues about this but how did this power shift come to be ? If there are juice details do tell.

There are numerous articles on the subject in both Thai and English. One of the more recent articles published on New Mandala goes into a lot of detail. Also, Khaosod English mentions the changes at the top. All these have Twitter feeds.   

Just now, GarryP said:

There are numerous articles on the subject in both Thai and English. One of the more recent articles published on New Mandala goes into a lot of detail. Also, Khaosod English mentions the changes at the top. All these have Twitter feeds.   

I don't read new mandela, i do read the Khaosod once in a while but dislike their news website. Must have missed it. 

3 minutes ago, Sticky Wicket said:

Google Paul Chambers etc etc 

I would suggest you also add the term New Mandala, otherwise you are going to get a load of hits about a jazz musician. 

2 minutes ago, GarryP said:

I would suggest you also add the term New Mandala, otherwise you are going to get a load of hits about a jazz musician. 

But Prayut is a great, great jazz musician - didn't you know, Garry? He is famed for his musical performances, his songs, his poetry, his off-the-cuff improvisations. A real maestro!

46 minutes ago, GarryP said:

 

Prayuth's clique (Eastern Tigers) no longer has the power. The power now rests with the Wong Thewan clique headed by Apirat Koongsompong.  Prayuth could still stay on as PM if it serves their needs, but as a puppet. Diddums Prayuth. 

If he can sway the military power clique, he too can sway the appointed senators allegiance. After all he has to sign off the appointments in the royal gazette  Rather conspicuous that he don’t see eye to eye with P & his sponsors especially those in the Privy Council. Without the senators support, the curtain will close on Prayut, 

Is there a possibility that royal orders carry double meaning i.e. are written in code? We read about "Civil unrest in Phichit", but those in the know get a totally different message? 

 

I can give you a very simple answer to this question - the order was very likely sent to all provincial headquarters only the one from Pichit was leaked to the press.

 

The game is just starting - there was a fake NCPO document suspending the entire armed forces leadership from duty circulating yesterday.

 

While apparently the entire military leadership has been summoned to Germany.

 

And then there is the man who was so shocked about her candidacy that he called for a corruption investigation into the “ To be number one “ initiative.

 

I think he wishes now he would have never opened his mouth - not sure if he still has time to pack and leave the country. Thousands of angry Thais took to twitter to insult him with the worst insults available in Thai language. They are in return calling for an investigation into military spending during the last 5 years.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

3 hours ago, GarryP said:

 

Prayuth's clique (Eastern Tigers) no longer has the power. The power now rests with the Wong Thewan clique headed by Apirat Koongsompong.  Prayuth could still stay on as PM if it serves their needs, but as a puppet. Diddums Prayuth. 

Be interesting to know what faction those armoured vehicles which were seen moving belonged to. They were the new kit, so probably "the Wong Thewan" camp.

 

Marvelous nicknames these chaps have: Divine Bloodline, Eastern Tigers! It's obvious why Britain has never had a coup - well with nicknames like "The 'arfurs" (only had half a capbadge it was claimed), "Queens Last Resort" (Queens Lancashire Regiment), The Viet Taff" (Royal Regiment of Wales) and " The Vulgar Fractions" (17/21st Lancers) it would have been a bit embarrassing wouldn't it - not much street cred!

DQ'd as expected. And Thais will just take it and return to hopelessness. That hope didn't last for long.

There are only 2 outcomes now:

 

1. It’s game, set and match and there is nothing more to see here. Military rule for the next 20 plus years.

 

2. Coup

 

i would say it is 90% for option 1.