Sonthi warns crisis likely in May

[Tony Clifton]

A group could also support Thaksin by saying Surayud has been protecting Thaksin. The 180 spin technique strikes again.

[blaze]

A group could also support Thaksin by saying Surayud has been protecting Thaksin. The 180 spin technique strikes again.

Given the warm welcome that Gen Sonthi gave these people then Sonthi would have to be 'in on it' too. Unless you really think that he had never heard of this outfit and yet uncharacterstically, agreed to meet them- of all groups demanding an audience with him.

So following your scenario- Sarayuth, Gen Sonthi AND this outfit- are all Thaksin people.

[sriracha john]

Not included in the above posting is the fact that this particular group is virulently anti-Thaksin- for what ever reasons.

perhaps they had heard this was coming:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=119948

or they've been reading about his multiple exploits here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=93701

or were disgruntled by:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=91684

or ticked off by:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=91769

or had heard enough of his crap here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=104517

and had decided that this was the final straw:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=92482

Maybe I didn't read them thoroughly enough- but as near as I could tell your threads are all relating to Thakisn's malfeasance. It is Sarayuth's resignation that these people want. I don't see anything in your post that even suggests that Sarayuth is protecting Thaksin which is their espoused reason for petitioning the General.

Perhaps I misinterpreted your comments as they came across as wondering why the group would be anti-Thaksin.

[blaze]

Not included in the above posting is the fact that this particular group is virulently anti-Thaksin- for what ever reasons.

perhaps they had heard this was coming:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=119948

or they've been reading about his multiple exploits here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=93701

or were disgruntled by:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=91684

or ticked off by:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=91769

or had heard enough of his crap here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=104517

and had decided that this was the final straw:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=92482

Maybe I didn't read them thoroughly enough- but as near as I could tell your threads are all relating to Thakisn's malfeasance. It is Sarayuth's resignation that these people want. I don't see anything in your post that even suggests that Sarayuth is protecting Thaksin which is their espoused reason for petitioning the General.

Perhaps I misinterpreted your comments as they came across as wondering why the group would be anti-Thaksin.

Uh huh. And having read the actual post- do you still think that?

Edited May 9, 2007 by blaze

[sriracha john]

Perhaps I misinterpreted your comments as they came across as wondering why the group would be anti-Thaksin.

Uh huh. And having read the actual post- do you still think that?

I believe the group is anti-Thaksin. I also believe the group is anti-Surayud. I don't believe in their view that Surayud made a deal with Thaksin. I don't believe that Surayud should be replaced, but I would interested in seeing who they would suggest as a viable alternative. I do believe there have been shortcomings by Surayud during his time as PM, but don't believe they are on scale to justify his removal. If he is removed by Sonthi as PM, I wouldn't view that as a "second coup." To me, that would entail removing Sonthi and Surayud by a third entity.

[mumbu]

The anti-semitic comment of Plus in this thread did not surprise me at all. Of course, I noticed from other threads that he pretends to be in the know about Thailand but his views and estimates are suspiciosly projunta and actually are not accurate in many cases. I would not take such an "observer" seriously. It is clear that Banya needs current government to go to avoid elections in near future and he is preparing the ground for this (of course, he is in position to dismiss current PM without any additional coup). Thus, this government should go, there will be no referendum on new constitution and Banya will try to strengthen his grip on power. This has nothing to do with Thaksin. Just another general want to become a dictator. Whether it is going to happen, remains to be seen. But I am sympathetic with Moby analysis.

[Jai Dee]

PM has not received report on assassinations of himself and CNS Chairman

The Prime Minister, Gen. Surayud Chulanont, insists that he has not received the report on the assassinations of himself and the Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief and Council for National (CNS) Chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin.

The security for Gen. Surayud today (May 10) is usual and has not been augmented. Besides, the Prime Minister says his procession does not have a vehicle that can cut the signals of mobile phones as rumoured.

However, Gen. Surayud says he still believes no mishaps should happen to him because he does not have any problem with anybody, especially with politicians.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 May 2007

[sriracha john]

PM has not received report on assassinations of himself and CNS Chairman

The Prime Minister, Gen. Surayud Chulanont, insists that he has not received the report on the assassinations of himself and the Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief and Council for National (CNS) Chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 May 2007

The TNNBPRD boys have unwittingly stolen a page from famed author, Mark Twain:

"The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated."

Mark Twain quotation after hearing that his obituary had been published in the New York Journal.

Edited May 10, 2007 by sriracha john

[blaze]

Perhaps I misinterpreted your comments as they came across as wondering why the group would be anti-Thaksin.

Uh huh. And having read the actual post- do you still think that?

I believe the group is anti-Thaksin. I also believe the group is anti-Surayud. I don't believe in their view that Surayud made a deal with Thaksin. I don't believe that Surayud should be replaced, but I would interested in seeing who they would suggest as a viable alternative. I do believe there have been shortcomings by Surayud during his time as PM, but don't believe they are on scale to justify his removal. If he is removed by Sonthi as PM, I wouldn't view that as a "second coup." To me, that would entail removing Sonthi and Surayud by a third entity.

Interesting - Gen Sonthi's admitting today that this bunch duped him. That he expected a report on 'undercurrents' (Then why did he have his photo taken with them? Or did he have the photo-op before he even knew why they'd come calling?

If he seriously thought that all fifty of them were to present an analysis of 'undercurrent activity in the NE' why didn't he ask that the reports be delivered through normal intelligence channels- why the red carpet? I don't know...

but you're right SRJ- no coup here- just some very red faces.

And some oblique references in the Post to one of the group's leaders having a bone to pick with the govt re its refusal to sell TPI back to his old friend. Of course any issue somebody has with Sarauth's gov't can be masked with Anti-Thaksin rhetoric. Or, equally, with pro-democracy rhetoric.

Edited May 10, 2007 by blaze

[John K]

Am I mistaken or is the absurdity of events on an increase? TRT propaganda VCDs, staging this gathering under false pretense, luring people to PTV / TRT rallies with (possibly fake) amulets just so they have a high head count for the media coverage.

There certainly is a lot of effort going into the facade because the substance is not there.

Edited May 10, 2007 by John K

[blaze]

Am I mistaken or is the absurdity of events on an increase? TRT propaganda VCDs, staging this gathering under false pretense, luring people to PTV / TRT rallies with (possibly fake) amulets just so they have a high head count for the media coverage.

There certainly is a lot of effort going into the facade because the substance is not there.

Do you understand that this group is Anti-Thaksin? Not, as your other examples would suggest, pro-Thaksin. ... That the leader of the group was a key player in the PAD? The substance is there John. You just have to stop believing that in the realm of politics and not just in THailand- things are what they seem.

The only thing absurd in this case was the red carpet followed by the red face.

[John K]

Am I mistaken or is the absurdity of events on an increase? TRT propaganda VCDs, staging this gathering under false pretense, luring people to PTV / TRT rallies with (possibly fake) amulets just so they have a high head count for the media coverage.

There certainly is a lot of effort going into the facade because the substance is not there.

Do you understand that this group is Anti-Thaksin? Not, as your other examples would suggest, pro-Thaksin. ... That the leader of the group was a key player in the PAD? The substance is there John. You just have to stop believing that in the realm of politics and not just in THailand- things are what they seem.

The only thing absurd in this case was the red carpet followed by the red face.

Anti or pro it is just a string of events that caught my attention. I think it comes down to appearance is everything.

[sriracha john]

Am I mistaken or is the absurdity of events on an increase? TRT propaganda VCDs, staging this gathering under false pretense, luring people to PTV / TRT rallies with (possibly fake) amulets just so they have a high head count for the media coverage.

There certainly is a lot of effort going into the facade because the substance is not there.

Do you understand that this group is Anti-Thaksin? Not, as your other examples would suggest, pro-Thaksin. ... That the leader of the group was a key player in the PAD? The substance is there John. You just have to stop believing that in the realm of politics and not just in THailand- things are what they seem.

The only thing absurd in this case was the red carpet followed by the red face.

Which group are you referring to? This Chaiwat network? (the Post didn't even name the group). Did anyone even know they existed last week? Besides him, is there mention of any other notables in their group? How big is their group? Any more than the 50 who visited? Sorry, but it doesn't sound like much substance at all. There's a little, but not much. PTV is of a bigger concern because of their obvious financial backing and their offerings of a highly sought-after amulet for attending a rally of theirs. I do give the TRT their justifiable kudos for their marketing techniques. They can be quite good and that reflects the experience gained from the various mobile phone, television, and media enterprises of their boss. The amulet-giveaway is just the sort of marketing ploy that could build up their numbers from the abysmal totals of all previous rallies. Never mind that most attending couldn't give 2 <deleted>'s about PTV. Anyway, PTV is the one worth watching. I wouldn't be surprised if the name of the Assembly of Issan Something or Other isn't remembered next week. Sonthi's not the type to worry about a red face for more than a few moments, but certainly he won't be giving the Assembly of... Who Are They Again? Group any further opportunities and the attending publicity that comes with it.

[sriracha john]

See? No sooner did I finish the above post... when PTV comes up with their latest:

PTV plans legal action against Sonthi for failure to act against corrupt officials

Banned satellite broadcaster PTV plans to file a criminal complaint against General Sonthi Boonyaratglin by tomorrow for failing to bring the axe down on government officials whom he claimed had tried to bribe him.

Sonthi, chief of the Council for National Security (CNS), said several upper-middle ranking officials had attempted to give him between Bt40 million and Bt100 million to promote them to director-general posts, PTV founder Veera Musigapong said yesterday.

*Has anyone else said Sonthi said this? It's not been reported elsewhere that I know of*

The junta chief claimed the incidents had led him to conclude that paying bribes to get promoted was common during the previous government of deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra, Veera said.

"Sonthi knows who the people are. Why hasn't he charged them over their illegal actions?" he said.

Veera, a former Thai Rak Thai MP, alleged Sonthi was not doing his job and protecting the national interest. A PTV legal team was drafting a complaint, expected to completed by tomorrow, and would then hand it to the police, he said.

*Geez, they got some legal team...think about a complaint and then have it drafted and completed within a day.*

Meanwhile, PTV executive and former Thai Rak Thai MP Jatuporn Prompan warned Sonthi that he should not attempt to betray Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont as he had Thaksin Shinawatra.

Jatuporn referred to the special treatment that CNS leader and Army chief Sonthi had given to Assembly of Isaan People members on Tuesday at Army headquarters.

*ahhh ok... that's the name of that group. How about what do they say about what occurred? Or has PTV become their mouthpiece?*

Although Sonthi distanced himself from the anti-Surayud group by saying he was "lured" into the meeting, Jatuporn believed the session was a set-up by both sides to pressure Surayud to quit.

*That's nice speculation, Jatuporn... now why don't you run off and go yell at some university students. You're much better at that.*

Jaruporn also challenged the junta to accept his offer. He said PTV would stop its activities if its mass rally planned for May 31 could not attract enough demonstrators to fill up the whole of Sanam Luang.

*Hence, the purchase order being placed for the sough-after amulets. Anything and everything to get a crowd out.*

However, the CNS generals should step down if the rally gathered enough people, he added.

*well... Jatuporn has a sense of humor that's for sure. Problem is... he's in absolutely no position to be offering the stakes in this coin-toss, "Heads we quit, Tails you quit."

- The Nation

Edited May 10, 2007 by sriracha john

[Tony Clifton]

Jaruporn also challenged the junta to accept his offer. He said PTV would stop its activities if its mass rally planned for May 31 could not attract enough demonstrators to fill up the whole of Sanam Luang.

Sure does fit with the uncovered amulet hand-out plan... Seems like anything goes for these guys, last-minute rubber stamps with missing or out of ink pens, paper ballot boxes, bankrolling smaller parties, doomed populist policies and now using religion and beliefs to attract a crowd. They're really scraping the bottom now.

[Jai Dee]

PTV criticizes CNS Chairman on the proposal to discharge PM

PTV director Nattawut Saikua says he does not believe that Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief and Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin did not know in advance that a group of political activists led by former MP Chaiwat Sinsuwong planned to send a request seeking Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont’s replacement when they met him. Mr. Nattawut claims that public members could be deceived and ask them to closely monitor the political situation as he believes the CNS and the government could be at odds.

Another PTV executive, Mr. Weera Muksikkaphong, says he sees that Gen. Sonthi apparently welcomed and accepted the proposal, and as a result, his action could signal his intention to discharge the Prime Minister. Mr. Weera however considers Gen. Sonthi’s action as a national leader as inappropriate and should not be exempted. Thus, Mr. Weera says there should be demands for Gen. Sonthi to leave his post as well.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Democrat leader considers demand for PM to step down as usual

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva sees the demand for Prime Minister Surayud to step down from his post as normal since many sides have high expectations for him.

Mr. Abhisit says social disunity and unfavorable working conditions also contribute to such demand. However, he would like to praise Gen. Surayud’s reaction, but he still would like him to find the best solutions for the country so the Constitution will be finalized and the general election will be underway without difficulties.

Mr. Abhisit suggests the Prime Minister and Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin to show unity because in the next three to four months, many major issues will have to be addressed.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 May 2007

[sriracha john]

PTV criticizes CNS Chairman on the proposal to discharge PM

PTV director Nattawut Saikua says he does not believe that Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief and Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin did not know in advance that a group of political activists led by former MP Chaiwat Sinsuwong planned to send a request seeking Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont’s replacement when they met him. Mr. Nattawut claims that public members could be deceived and ask them to closely monitor the political situation as he believes the CNS and the government could be at odds.

Another PTV executive, Mr. Weera Muksikkaphong, says he sees that Gen. Sonthi apparently welcomed and accepted the proposal, and as a result, his action could signal his intention to discharge the Prime Minister. Mr. Weera however considers Gen. Sonthi’s action as a national leader as inappropriate and should not be exempted. Thus, Mr. Weera says there should be demands for Gen. Sonthi to leave his post as well.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 May 2007

and just earlier...

However, the CNS generals should step down if the rally gathered enough people, he added.

*well... Jatuporn has a sense of humor that's for sure. Problem is... he's in absolutely no position to be offering the stakes in this coin-toss, "Heads we quit, Tails you quit." *

Does that mean the ceremonial coin-toss is being called off?

[stumonster]

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/IE11Ae04.html

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/IE11Ae01.html

Disclaimer :- AToL is owned by the Manager Media Group

[Jai Dee]

CDC Secretary-General worries over speculations on PMs dismissal

The Secretary-General of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), Mr. Somkid Lertpaitoon, expresses his concern on the speculations that the Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief and Council for National (CNS) Chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, will dismiss Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.

Mr. Somkid says the speculations will not help encourage people to join the constitution referendum and they will also create a negative atmosphere in politics. He suggests the CNS not to consider the charter at the moment because if the draft has been rejected by the public, the CNS may face more pressure from the people, and the situation may escalate further.

Mr. Somkid says the National Legislative Assembly has the right to draft another charter to support the original charter. He believes the NLA may amend only nine percent of the draft.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

No thoughts of replacing PM: Sonthi

The junta leader insisted yesterday that he never had the idea of removing Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont from office, as suggested by a group of activists recently.

General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS), reiterated that he had never thought of replacing the premier.

The CNS chief is empowered by the interim constitution to sack the prime minister.

Sonthi said yesterday he had yet to make up his mind whether to enter the political arena after retiring from the Army. He is scheduled for mandatory retirement at the end of September.

The general early this week met political activists from the Northeast at his office at the Army's headquarters, when the group petitioned him to remove the prime minister. But Sonthi said later that he had no knowledge about the group's intention and suggested that he was "tricked" into meeting them.

Leaders of the activists yesterday disputed Sonthi's claim, saying they did not think the general was so naive to be tricked that way.

"Nobody is convinced we set him up. We announced almost a week in advance about what we intended to do when meeting him," said Noppason Settharangsi, of a northeastern activist group.

Source: The Nation - 12 May 2007

[sbk]

Sonthi said yesterday he had yet to make up his mind whether to enter the political arena after retiring from the Army. He is scheduled for mandatory retirement at the end of September.

Source: The Nation - 12 May 2007

Shades of 1992 and Suchinda Kraprayoon.

[lazeeboy]

Sonthi said yesterday he had yet to make up his mind whether to enter the political arena after retiring from the Army. He is scheduled for mandatory retirement at the end of September.

Source: The Nation - 12 May 2007

Shades of 1992 and Suchinda Kraprayoon.

these people are playing every body ,they like the power and the money that goes with it .theres nothing they can do in the south but say they are trying ,ask any mp in uk about n ireland that only stop because of al quada .there will not be an election and taksin will never stand trial in thailand the government will only change when they have brought thailand to its knees ,and that wont be long .thailand is due for a very hard fall and its coming soon ,they need proper politicians not the army in office ,politicans can address the situation and maybe sort it before too much damage is done ,where as this government will do nothing to help ,when the going get tough they will just say its all taksins fault in a few years time these guys in power will be forgotten but they will still have there houses and yachts will some of the hard working people in thailand have there assetts this time next year ? if change doesnt happen soon they wont for sure .enough of this rant im going for a coffee

[sbk]

For those interested, the nation interviewed Suchinda in March.

Gen Suchinda came out to give an interview on the current political scene, with flashbacks of his experience in staging a coup in 1991.

Thai politics has not yet evolved significantly since then. By the way, Suchinda stepped down from political power after the 1992 May tragedy. The followings are excerpts of Suchinda's interview.(March 12, 2007):

Q : Every coup has resulted in a setback to Thai democracy.

A : The coup results in a setback because there is no way out. In every coup, the politicians also concur. The politicians are to blame too. They have also called for the coup (laughing) because they cannot win in the election.

The rest can be found in The Nation

[Jessi]

For those interested, the nation interviewed Suchinda in March.

Gen Suchinda came out to give an interview on the current political scene, with flashbacks of his experience in staging a coup in 1991.

Thai politics has not yet evolved significantly since then. By the way, Suchinda stepped down from political power after the 1992 May tragedy. The followings are excerpts of Suchinda's interview.(March 12, 2007):

Q : Every coup has resulted in a setback to Thai democracy.

A : The coup results in a setback because there is no way out. In every coup, the politicians also concur. The politicians are to blame too. They have also called for the coup (laughing) because they cannot win in the election.

The rest can be found in The Nation

Not long to wait now and Thailand is another Burma.

[sriracha john]

Sonthi said yesterday he had yet to make up his mind whether to enter the political arena after retiring from the Army. He is scheduled for mandatory retirement at the end of September.

Source: The Nation - 12 May 2007

Shades of 1992 and Suchinda Kraprayoon.

these people are playing every body ,they like the power and the money that goes with it .theres nothing they can do in the south but say they are trying ,ask any mp in uk about n ireland that only stop because of al quada .there will not be an election and taksin will never stand trial in thailand the government will only change when they have brought thailand to its knees ,and that wont be long .thailand is due for a very hard fall and its coming soon ,they need proper politicians not the army in office ,politicans can address the situation and maybe sort it before too much damage is done ,where as this government will do nothing to help ,when the going get tough they will just say its all taksins fault in a few years time these guys in power will be forgotten but they will still have there houses and yachts will some of the hard working people in thailand have there assetts this time next year ? if change doesnt happen soon they wont for sure .enough of this rant im going for a coffee

[blaze]

Sonthi said yesterday he had yet to make up his mind whether to enter the political arena after retiring from the Army. He is scheduled for mandatory retirement at the end of September.

Source: The Nation - 12 May 2007

Shades of 1992 and Suchinda Kraprayoon.

these people are playing every body ,they like the power and the money that goes with it .theres nothing they can do in the south but say they are trying ,ask any mp in uk about n ireland that only stop because of al quada .there will not be an election and taksin will never stand trial in thailand the government will only change when they have brought thailand to its knees ,and that wont be long .thailand is due for a very hard fall and its coming soon ,they need proper politicians not the army in office ,politicans can address the situation and maybe sort it before too much damage is done ,where as this government will do nothing to help ,when the going get tough they will just say its all taksins fault in a few years time these guys in power will be forgotten but they will still have there houses and yachts will some of the hard working people in thailand have there assetts this time next year ? if change doesnt happen soon they wont for sure .enough of this rant im going for a coffee

Edited May 12, 2007 by blaze

[SiamSquare123]

i love these threads. so many dumb posts to laugh at.

[blaze]

i love these threads. so many dumb posts to laugh at.

Interesting observation. Please tell those of us who contribute regularly what we would have to do to get your (discerning, no doubt) approval?

Oh - just checked your topic history- yes--- I see.

Edited May 12, 2007 by blaze

[Siripon]

The present situation bears no resemblance to 1992 and Black May. When General Sujinda and General 'Big Jord' (later a close business associate of Thaksin) overthrew Chartchai there was general apathy, nobody went out with their kids to take photos with the tanks, there hadn't been months of demonstrations against Chartchai and his 'buffet cabinet', the middle class had been too busy making money in the boom and the working class, apart from Korat, were indifferent.

This is in stark contrast where the present coup had, and still has, a large support base in the middle class.

In 1992 when Sujinda started to show signs of reneging on his promise not to stay on in power the middle class were galvanised into action at Sanam Luang, outraged by what was seen as the'old power',ie the army's attempt to hold onto power.

If the same held true today the middle class would be flocking to the PTV rallies, demanding democracy be restored but they know the PTV is but a sham, desperate attempts by the present 'old power' to restore Thaksin before the court cases overwhelm him.