The Constitutional Tribunal Disbands Thai Rak Thai - Election cheating

[solent01]

For all of the sins of Mr Thaksin and TRT, banning a large party is simply a bad precedent, and a step back from democracy.

Are you forgetting that Nong T paid for the party 100% - it was not a democratic entity, it was his personal playpen bought and paid for from the proceeds of a company founded and then expanded on the back of privileged decisions while he was in the Chaovalit cabinet.

The words Nationalist and Socialist were occurring far too often in the TRT circuit for any "western-friendly" government to allow TRT to continue. Comparisons to a certain other party with those qualities, that was also put down by military intervention (on a massive scale) were becoming too common place - domestically and internationally. It had to stop, for the good of the country.

There is an additional subtle message in this decision - the old system of patronage and favour is starting to be closed down, wealth will in future not be the criteria for political office. Corruption is accountable also comes through as a further message in the decision.

Gaz

Good post

[mitrapaap]

Today’s decision of junta appointed court is the worst possible. It makes no sense to talk about legal aspects of the decision taking into account the illegal nature of junta and all institutions it created. But the decision also lacks the elementary logic. The actions of accused two members of Thai Rak party were the result of existing at the time election regulations and the decision of democrats to boycott the elections. In other words, the action of Thai Rak were the implication of the action of Democrats. Another charge regarding dissolution of the parliament is totally absurd: khun Thaksin faced mass demonstrations. He wanted to introduce the state of emergency but it was denied by military commanders. The dissolution of the parliament was a natural step: he simply asked for a new mandate from the electorate. I would characterize the court decision as a farce. Sonthi could simply disband TRT immediately after the coup with the same degree of “legality and logic”.

The general public was willing to accept a more balanced decision: banning certain leading figures in both parties from the political activities for 5 years but keeping parties intact. It would open up the possibility for fair elections in December. Phony elections without the participation of the most popular political party will not resolve deep political crisis in Thailand.

I think we all can agree to one thing: Thailand needs certain degree of stability. The practical question now what are stable equilibria which are attainable from the current political situation. A related question: what are practical ramifications of the current decision. First of all, Sonthi does not look like a man who suppose to retire in three monthes ( I remind that he is planned to retire from his Army post in September).

I found especially amazing the introduction of the so-called Pitak emergency plan. Two major differences between this plan and the previous one: it provides participation of the Army ( and not just a police) in handling emergency situations and secondly Sonthi is in charge of the implementation of the plan. Looks like a typical power grabbing to me.

I personally would not mind if such a plan would have been implemented in deep South. But apparently Sonthi see more enemies in BKK rather than in deep South ( and , in fact, it can be very true in his own case).

It is, of course, not a secret that the major power base for Democrats is in the South (even during landslide victories of TRT in national elections democrats easily carried this region). Interestingly, the major support the junta gets nowdays is in exactly the same region.

General Sonthi is also Southerner ( and muslim as , of course, very well known).

The court ruling create a greater regional division in Thailand between South and North.

Of course, such a division always existed and has deep historical roots but the court ruling elevate it to qualitatively new level. If such division become evident in Armed forces, it may lead to far reaching consequences. Overall, propagation of such division is extremely dangerous and may lead to very serious problems (to put it mildly)

So, what are “stability options” available for Thailand? As I said, phony elections without a participation of the most popular party cannot bring a stability. Thus, I see only two.

• Popular uprising with swift return to the Constitution of 1997 and fair elections within 6 monthes.
  

• Military dictatorship of Burma type.
  

Somehow, I do not see any signs that the first option is viable. Thus, let us consider the second option. In my opinion, Burma is relatively stable. Of course, it is boycotted by many countries but manage to exist in relative isolation. The major reason for that is the abundance of mineral resources in Burma and availability of several reliable clients (like China and Russia) who are interested in exploiting these resources and supply Burma with everything it needs. Still, overall, the living standards in Burma are quite low. Unfortunately, Thailand has very limited natural resources. It is a global player which depends to significant extent on tourism, export and foreign investments. Nevertheless, Burmese option is possible but the general Thai population would need to accept much lower living standards.

Overall, this sad day manifests, in my view the last Hurrah of Thai elite and, in some sense, demonstrates the degree of its degeneration.

I stand by my (albeit very pessimistic) scenario

I wonder, I wonder... I wonder what would the posts here be if the court didn't find any wrongdoing of TRT and allowed them to continue? The posters here would tear the court in peaces. What have so many said on this website. Thais can do whatever they want it will be wrong.

[chanchao]

I am starting a new party.....called Farang Rak Thai.

Sure, I already have the logo:

aaa.. though sadly not on this computer. Will have to wait until Friday.

[gust]

Today’s decision of junta appointed court is the worst possible. It makes no sense to talk about legal aspects of the decision taking into account the illegal nature of junta and all institutions it created. But the decision also lacks the elementary logic. The actions of accused two members of Thai Rak party were the result of existing at the time election regulations and the decision of democrats to boycott the elections. In other words, the action of Thai Rak were the implication of the action of Democrats. Another charge regarding dissolution of the parliament is totally absurd: khun Thaksin faced mass demonstrations. He wanted to introduce the state of emergency but it was denied by military commanders. The dissolution of the parliament was a natural step: he simply asked for a new mandate from the electorate. I would characterize the court decision as a farce. Sonthi could simply disband TRT immediately after the coup with the same degree of “legality and logic”.

The general public was willing to accept a more balanced decision: banning certain leading figures in both parties from the political activities for 5 years but keeping parties intact. It would open up the possibility for fair elections in December. Phony elections without the participation of the most popular political party will not resolve deep political crisis in Thailand.

I think we all can agree to one thing: Thailand needs certain degree of stability. The practical question now what are stable equilibria which are attainable from the current political situation. A related question: what are practical ramifications of the current decision. First of all, Sonthi does not look like a man who suppose to retire in three monthes ( I remind that he is planned to retire from his Army post in September).

I found especially amazing the introduction of the so-called Pitak emergency plan. Two major differences between this plan and the previous one: it provides participation of the Army ( and not just a police) in handling emergency situations and secondly Sonthi is in charge of the implementation of the plan. Looks like a typical power grabbing to me.

I personally would not mind if such a plan would have been implemented in deep South. But apparently Sonthi see more enemies in BKK rather than in deep South ( and , in fact, it can be very true in his own case).

It is, of course, not a secret that the major power base for Democrats is in the South (even during landslide victories of TRT in national elections democrats easily carried this region). Interestingly, the major support the junta gets nowdays is in exactly the same region.

General Sonthi is also Southerner ( and muslim as , of course, very well known).

The court ruling create a greater regional division in Thailand between South and North.

Of course, such a division always existed and has deep historical roots but the court ruling elevate it to qualitatively new level. If such division become evident in Armed forces, it may lead to far reaching consequences. Overall, propagation of such division is extremely dangerous and may lead to very serious problems (to put it mildly)

So, what are “stability options” available for Thailand? As I said, phony elections without a participation of the most popular party cannot bring a stability. Thus, I see only two.

• Popular uprising with swift return to the Constitution of 1997 and fair elections within 6 monthes.
  

• Military dictatorship of Burma type.
  

Somehow, I do not see any signs that the first option is viable. Thus, let us consider the second option. In my opinion, Burma is relatively stable. Of course, it is boycotted by many countries but manage to exist in relative isolation. The major reason for that is the abundance of mineral resources in Burma and availability of several reliable clients (like China and Russia) who are interested in exploiting these resources and supply Burma with everything it needs. Still, overall, the living standards in Burma are quite low. Unfortunately, Thailand has very limited natural resources. It is a global player which depends to significant extent on tourism, export and foreign investments. Nevertheless, Burmese option is possible but the general Thai population would need to accept much lower living standards.

Overall, this sad day manifests, in my view the last Hurrah of Thai elite and, in some sense, demonstrates the degree of its degeneration.

I stand by my (albeit very pessimistic) scenario

Who says it has to be stable??

[alascal]

"I personally would not mind if such a plan would have been implemented in deep South. But apparently Sonthi see more enemies in BKK rather than in deep South ( and , in fact, it can be very true in his own case)."

So, the end does justify the means?

[mitrapaap]

I am starting a new party.....called Farang Rak Thai.

Sure, I already have the logo:

aaa.. though sadly not on this computer. Will have to wait until Friday.

I had the same idea but Thai Rak Farang. The only thing is I'm not sure wheter I could get any people together to form that party. So I guess I better join yours.

[SiamSquare123]

i just saw some comical footage of the thai rak president leaving in a van with others shouting at reporters and fighting with someone else in the van who was trying to close the door. lol.

[george]

Update:

Constitutional Tribunal disbands Thai Rak Thai

BANGKOK: -- Former premier and Thai Rak Thai ex-leader Thaksin Shinawatra, responding to the ruling against the party, told BBC: "We have to respect the rules of the game. That is, the rule of the law. If the rules of the law are observed, we have to respect it."

Thaksin said he would "definitely" come back to Thailand because "it's my home country. I love my country. I love my people."

Caretaker Thai Rak Thai leader Chaturon Chaisang said last night that the Constitution Court's verdicts disbanding his party, along with two others, was "highly unexpected", and expressed his worry over "setbacks" towards the development of democracy in Thailand.

He called on more than 14 millions party supporters to respect the verdicts, and not protest or resist them.

"Exercise your tolerance and wisdom and be calm," he said in a brief interview outside the courthouse.

Chaturon said he was confident that he would offer good ways out to "go forward together" with party supporters, who he said, still had faith in him and share the Thai Rak Thai ideology.

At party headquarters, party supporters and party MPs cried and consoled each other, before giving themselves applause and reading a poem grieving the verdicts.

An official party statement will be released at 11 am Thursday.

Caretaker Thai Rak Thai leader Chaturon Chaisang vowed on Wednesday night to fight on after the Constitution Court's verdicts disbanding his party.

Speaking emotionally at his party headquarters, he said the verdicts had proved that who controlled the state power could make anything right. "Although the power is achieved through the gun barrels, it's still the right thing."

He said the public could not accept the verdicts. "This is not acceptable. The country is now ruled under dictatorship," he added. He continued his verbal attacks before his speech was take over by a newscaster.

Chaturon said earlier at the courthouse that he was "highly unexpected", and expressed his worry over "setbacks" towards the development of democracy in Thailand.

He called on more than 14 millions party supporters to respect the verdicts, and not protest or resist them. "Exercise your tolerance and wisdom and be calm," he said in a brief interview outside the courthouse.

Chaturon said he was confident that he would offer good ways out to "go forward together" with party supporters, who he said, still had faith in him and share the Thai Rak Thai ideology.

An official party statement will be released at 11 am today.

--The Nation 2007-05-31

[mitrapaap]

Today’s decision of junta appointed court is the worst possible. It makes no sense to talk about legal aspects of the decision taking into account the illegal nature of junta and all institutions it created. But the decision also lacks the elementary logic. The actions of accused two members of Thai Rak party were the result of existing at the time election regulations and the decision of democrats to boycott the elections. In other words, the action of Thai Rak were the implication of the action of Democrats. Another charge regarding dissolution of the parliament is totally absurd: khun Thaksin faced mass demonstrations. He wanted to introduce the state of emergency but it was denied by military commanders. The dissolution of the parliament was a natural step: he simply asked for a new mandate from the electorate. I would characterize the court decision as a farce. Sonthi could simply disband TRT immediately after the coup with the same degree of “legality and logic”.

The general public was willing to accept a more balanced decision: banning certain leading figures in both parties from the political activities for 5 years but keeping parties intact. It would open up the possibility for fair elections in December. Phony elections without the participation of the most popular political party will not resolve deep political crisis in Thailand.

I think we all can agree to one thing: Thailand needs certain degree of stability. The practical question now what are stable equilibria which are attainable from the current political situation. A related question: what are practical ramifications of the current decision. First of all, Sonthi does not look like a man who suppose to retire in three monthes ( I remind that he is planned to retire from his Army post in September).

I found especially amazing the introduction of the so-called Pitak emergency plan. Two major differences between this plan and the previous one: it provides participation of the Army ( and not just a police) in handling emergency situations and secondly Sonthi is in charge of the implementation of the plan. Looks like a typical power grabbing to me.

I personally would not mind if such a plan would have been implemented in deep South. But apparently Sonthi see more enemies in BKK rather than in deep South ( and , in fact, it can be very true in his own case).

It is, of course, not a secret that the major power base for Democrats is in the South (even during landslide victories of TRT in national elections democrats easily carried this region). Interestingly, the major support the junta gets nowdays is in exactly the same region.

General Sonthi is also Southerner ( and muslim as , of course, very well known).

The court ruling create a greater regional division in Thailand between South and North.

Of course, such a division always existed and has deep historical roots but the court ruling elevate it to qualitatively new level. If such division become evident in Armed forces, it may lead to far reaching consequences. Overall, propagation of such division is extremely dangerous and may lead to very serious problems (to put it mildly)

So, what are “stability options” available for Thailand? As I said, phony elections without a participation of the most popular party cannot bring a stability. Thus, I see only two.

• Popular uprising with swift return to the Constitution of 1997 and fair elections within 6 monthes.
  

• Military dictatorship of Burma type.
  

Somehow, I do not see any signs that the first option is viable. Thus, let us consider the second option. In my opinion, Burma is relatively stable. Of course, it is boycotted by many countries but manage to exist in relative isolation. The major reason for that is the abundance of mineral resources in Burma and availability of several reliable clients (like China and Russia) who are interested in exploiting these resources and supply Burma with everything it needs. Still, overall, the living standards in Burma are quite low. Unfortunately, Thailand has very limited natural resources. It is a global player which depends to significant extent on tourism, export and foreign investments. Nevertheless, Burmese option is possible but the general Thai population would need to accept much lower living standards.

Overall, this sad day manifests, in my view the last Hurrah of Thai elite and, in some sense, demonstrates the degree of its degeneration.

I stand by my (albeit very pessimistic) scenario

Who says it has to be stable??

The desire of economic stability and growth.

[chanchao]

Wow.. 209 members watching this topic.. and that at this hour. Must be a record..

Oh, the pressure of saying something sensible and worth reflecting on..

209 Members: BeeWhy, thiadave2000, Dixie, rychrde, joe beets, heybruce, khununknown, papakapbaan, scuba2day, mitrapaap, chanchao, Larry, CNXagent, samsara, stevewilliam, localguy, blaze, bino, andyst, lmponder, opalhort, hanuman1, joskydive, Gnarpjohan, jetjock, solent01, [email protected], Sept, tomx2, whimsy, crowbait, Khun Jack, MrBike, larvidchr, odysseus966, paulbgo, admiraldy, Orac, Okidoki, fredovitch13, Boodles, daddio, phetchal, mutleyg, redewenur, Mali_in_CM, helpisneeded, wellicu812, Navalator, Lorin, mumbu, nasa, elsie, Zaytoon, Khun Bob, tumtumbird, JML, broulio, TIPSYBOB, WaldoPepper, sendbaht, desi, SBACM, ratcatcher, csroland, klfopera, dude007, Donnyboy, yeti, thongdee, dheado, manutoo, BeerBarBoy, SamuiJens, shaymo, womble, happy_viking, khunmarc, farang prince, jstroka, dough, lingyai, Henning Karlsen, h90, moonman1975, MyNameMe, NickeW, fwwong, johnsjourney, twix38, Nickt1220, Regyai, Asianatic, Harrywonka, moskito, jdrags, nitnoymoy, patatillo, streetlite, budsci, froggshw, thai_time, pblake, margin, katastrophic, horseracer21, robblok, opich, KiwiBruce, gemmamccarron, les Dennis, canuckamuck, martybkk, lingling, jrushane, jbsears, Thaistar, Stacking Zeds, VitalGirl, donx, dutchdellboy2, ebean001, rayjen, pbv, TonyBkk, Damman2, appleman_thai, stormyweather, melonf, Foodie, L&J, lolx, joep, petecooper, Mobi D'Ark, easybullet3, ffm, peterbkk, present, retiree, captcraig, Nitinan, idiggold2, Mr_Dave, ozymandious, deve8, Sapillyder, percy2, longman15, SteveB2, sneary7, marcel.dekorte, marshall, hansoman, Yan, pey, bbbob, windupnet, Frankee, pop_corn, hj2622, ReneThai, mt2005, Janive, Phuket Dragon, Mikehubb, pascal20160, wadsy, ffredrik, tracman, deanow, bkk_mike, unthaime, mads, tswi, salapao, MattFS218, julesdick, Jaray, Gizmo1, EmptyMind, norestrictions, kumjim, katfishjohn, cathyy, bubblemonkey, Second Home, minbari357, Chris1977, stanoly, Gambler, gottland, knsm538, Sassie, rennie45, Nahum, Meerkat, machstik, malcolmswaine, jcm, yulypis, thaibear, Bush, dan10400, dr_lucas, lembit, Wolfie, pumbaa, dubsi78

[crowbait]

Just my two satangs worth, and I'm probably not qualified to speak 'coz I'm in the UK and not one of the lucky expats....................but I thought that when TRT and the Taksin government tried and failed to steamroller the Thai people into accepting what certainly appeared to me to be an illegal election, and then tried and nearly succeeded in coercing the Constitutional Court into declaring the election good...........but for the oh, so gentle input from His Majesty, that the TRT's days were numbered.

It has taken a coup and a lot of political, legal and constitutional wrangling for it to happen but now, finally, TRT - the dead man walking - can lie down, pronounced extinct.

Should we have a wake?

Who will be first to dance on the grave?

[chanchao]

Today’s decision of junta appointed court is the worst possible. It makes no sense to talk about legal aspects of the decision taking into account the illegal nature of junta and all institutions it created. But the decision also lacks the elementary logic. The actions of accused two members of Thai Rak party were the result of existing at the time election regulations and the decision of democrats to boycott the elections. In other words, the action of Thai Rak were the implication of the action of Democrats. Another charge regarding dissolution of the parliament is totally absurd: khun Thaksin faced mass demonstrations. He wanted to introduce the state of emergency but it was denied by military commanders. The dissolution of the parliament was a natural step: he simply asked for a new mandate from the electorate. I would characterize the court decision as a farce. Sonthi could simply disband TRT immediately after the coup with the same degree of “legality and logic”.

The general public was willing to accept a more balanced decision: banning certain leading figures in both parties from the political activities for 5 years but keeping parties intact. It would open up the possibility for fair elections in December. Phony elections without the participation of the most popular political party will not resolve deep political crisis in Thailand.

I think we all can agree to one thing: Thailand needs certain degree of stability. The practical question now what are stable equilibria which are attainable from the current political situation. A related question: what are practical ramifications of the current decision. First of all, Sonthi does not look like a man who suppose to retire in three monthes ( I remind that he is planned to retire from his Army post in September).

I found especially amazing the introduction of the so-called Pitak emergency plan. Two major differences between this plan and the previous one: it provides participation of the Army ( and not just a police) in handling emergency situations and secondly Sonthi is in charge of the implementation of the plan. Looks like a typical power grabbing to me.

I personally would not mind if such a plan would have been implemented in deep South. But apparently Sonthi see more enemies in BKK rather than in deep South ( and , in fact, it can be very true in his own case).

It is, of course, not a secret that the major power base for Democrats is in the South (even during landslide victories of TRT in national elections democrats easily carried this region). Interestingly, the major support the junta gets nowdays is in exactly the same region.

General Sonthi is also Southerner ( and muslim as , of course, very well known).

The court ruling create a greater regional division in Thailand between South and North.

Of course, such a division always existed and has deep historical roots but the court ruling elevate it to qualitatively new level. If such division become evident in Armed forces, it may lead to far reaching consequences. Overall, propagation of such division is extremely dangerous and may lead to very serious problems (to put it mildly)

So, what are “stability options” available for Thailand? As I said, phony elections without a participation of the most popular party cannot bring a stability. Thus, I see only two.

• Popular uprising with swift return to the Constitution of 1997 and fair elections within 6 monthes.
  

• Military dictatorship of Burma type.
  

Somehow, I do not see any signs that the first option is viable. Thus, let us consider the second option. In my opinion, Burma is relatively stable. Of course, it is boycotted by many countries but manage to exist in relative isolation. The major reason for that is the abundance of mineral resources in Burma and availability of several reliable clients (like China and Russia) who are interested in exploiting these resources and supply Burma with everything it needs. Still, overall, the living standards in Burma are quite low. Unfortunately, Thailand has very limited natural resources. It is a global player which depends to significant extent on tourism, export and foreign investments. Nevertheless, Burmese option is possible but the general Thai population would need to accept much lower living standards.

Overall, this sad day manifests, in my view the last Hurrah of Thai elite and, in some sense, demonstrates the degree of its degeneration.

I stand by my (albeit very pessimistic) scenario

And this, was just the thing worth reading and reflecting upon. I completely agree from start to finish. Worth quoting in blood red.

As for : I think we all can agree to one thing: Thailand needs certain degree of stability.

All can agree, EXCEPT the military. They need to slap half the electorate in the face in order to get them to boycott or vote 'no' in the constitution referendum.

[Austhaied]

I am starting a new party.....called Farang Rak Thai.

Sure, I already have the logo:

aaa.. though sadly not on this computer. Will have to wait until Friday.

I had the same idea but Thai Rak Farang. The only thing is I'm not sure wheter I could get any people together to form that party. So I guess I better join yours.

"Farang Rak Happy Hours" would be more apt for the party's name.

I'm sure there will be a few "members" then.

(sorry to be a clown on this serious occasion)..

[joskydive]

Just my two satangs worth, and I'm probably not qualified to speak 'coz I'm in the UK and not one of the lucky expats....................but I thought that when TRT and the Taksin government tried and failed to steamroller the Thai people into accepting what certainly appeared to me to be an illegal election, and then tried and nearly succeeded in coercing the Constitutional Court into declaring the election good...........but for the oh, so gentle input from His Majesty, that the TRT's days were numbered.

It has taken a coup and a lot of political, legal and constitutional wrangling for it to happen but now, finally, TRT - the dead man walking - can lie down, pronounced extinct.

Should we have a wake?

Who will be first to dance on the grave?

Don't do it just yet! I reckon he's in London now to help out Gordon Brown.

[yuehfei]

well ... bravo to Thai TV Channel 5 for the English running marquee ... kept me up to date on developments throughout the verdict

[redewenur]

Just my two satangs worth, and I'm probably not qualified to speak 'coz I'm in the UK

I'm not qualified to speak either. I'm in Thailand, but from the UK. That's fine. What's not fine is that the majority of Thais were also considered not qualified to speak. Just take a trip around Thailand and ask the (70-80%) "bahn nock" villagers who they voted for twice, and who they would have voted for yet again if the rug of democracy hadn't been pulled from under their feet. TRT had no need of illegal electioneering. Beware of an effective propaganda machine. All nations keep one handy. This is no exception.

Edited May 30, 2007 by redewenur

[solent01]

Thaksin said he would "definitely" come back to Thailand because "it's my home country. I love my country. I love my people."

If only we could here what he really meant, could have gone something like this...........

I would "definitely" come back to Thailand because "it's my home country. I love my country. I loved stealing my peoples money."

[A_Traveller]

Today’s decision of junta appointed court is the worst possible. It makes no sense to talk about legal aspects of the decision taking into account the illegal nature of junta and all institutions it created. But the decision also lacks the elementary logic.

With respect no it doesn't lack logic, and if you don't understand that the rest of your post is equally questionable. Your logic appears to be that of the robber claiming it is not his fault he stole because the bad victim placed the spoils in his sight, or to paraphrase "those nasty Democrats made me do it". The court today confirmed the legal advice the Democrats received at the time that their actions were entirely legal within the constitutional law at that time. The court critically found that TRT's position was not constitutional at that time and therefore for that key reason the party was forfeit.

As has been said during the day the judgements were rigorous and not a flexible response. Nor had they been drafted in the last week. Ultimately the court has discharged its duty in a manner commensurate with its mandate.

Regards

[rychrde]

Major parties imploding like this is rare, one example is the Italian Christian Democrats who in the early 1990's dissolved themselves under the weight of corruption scandals piled as high as the Sistine Chapel. In this case the law went after individuals, not just the party. Those who survived jumped ship into the newly-formed Forza Italia, founded by Berlusconi as a scam to avoid all the cases against him and the dismantling of his media empire. Amazingly, teflon Berlusconi has survived longer than Toxin. Both countries are pervaded with mafia influences. One difference is that Italy post-war had a plan to become strong and wealthy. The big corporations looked after their workers to overcome poverty. Power was held by a few families but it was a paternalistic oligarchy.

To contrast, the UK is a rich country with poor people, Italy is a poor country with rich people. Where is Thailand in this spectrum?

[chanchao]

Just take a trip around Thailand and ask the (70-80%) "bahn nock" villagers who they voted for twice, and who they would have voted for yet again if the rug of democracy hadn't been pulled from under their feet. TRT had no need of illegal electioneering.

Indeed. Though there was a need, namely the stalemate caused by a BOYCOTT instigated by the "Democrat" party. No way is my family voting "Democrat" any longer, assuming we even get the chance to vote anytime soon. They're not even worthy of the name.

[chanchao]

Thaksin said he would "definitely" come back to Thailand because "it's my home country. I love my country. I love my people."

If only we could here what he really meant, could have gone something like this...........

I would "definitely" come back to Thailand because "it's my home country. I love my country. I loved stealing my peoples money."

Thank you, we all know your opinion. And we also all know the opinion of the people who elected Thailand in a massive landslide. Take it up with them and discuss it, because it will be the closest they will get to having their voice heard somewhere.

[larvidchr]

Well what is done is done, this will be interesting to follow in the coming weeks, not to mention years, I forsee that some TV members with time will have to eat their old hats so to speak, I recall way to many things blueprintet under dictatorships, coming back to hount them with a 1000 mph. I am surprised how many TV members that seem to buy this without thought, I for my part would not put a bet on anything going down under the precent circumstances.

I am also surprised over the seemingly strong sentiments against Thai Rak Thai displayed here on TV by westeners, surely you cant have been hurt, staying here as guests, so much in person by Thai Rak Thai that you willingly condone the loss of freedom by 65 million Thais, I dont like Thai Rak Thai, but I am not prepared, just to satisfy my dislike, to applaud a Junta. It seems to me that to many here have forgotten the freedoms we have enjoyed all our lifes.

I have seen quite a few voices here on TV proclaiming that the Farmers and poor Thais was to stupid and uneducated to have the right to vote, those people must have forgotten their own countrys historys and how democracy started there.

It will unfortunately take years before the political system will have clawed enough power back to dare oppose the generals, and I fear, hopefully unfounded, that the constitution will be a paper protecting the feudal ruling elite in Thailand.

I truely hope that "mai pen rai" will prevail and nobody will loose their lifes, cause the damage is done, a slow progrees back to real democracy is the only viable way forward now.

Tomorrow is a new day

Kindest of regards to all

Dident get a vink of sleep, of to the airport in 2 hours, bring on the

[Jingthing]

The verdict is final.

There is no appeal.

The only appeal possible is violence.

You can argue the logic of the verdicts till the cows come home, but this is now the new reality from which Thailand needs to move forward. Those who think it is not even possible for anything good to come from this are too pessimistic.

[egeefay]

The governments of Thailand, Burma, Laos, Vietnam...now...same...same.

[chanchao]

The party has committed wrongdoings that have negative impacts on democracy system of the country.

Oh the irony.

Yeah, I also liked the line where they said "the Thai Rak Thai did not have enough political ideology to remain as a political party

Nice eh! To say that of the biggest political party in the country that for the first time won successive elections AND the first to gain an actual majority.

Very strong legal foundation there, Somchai!

[Jingthing]

The governments of Thailand, Burma, Laos, Vietnam...now...same...same.

Now that might be true, but the current government is still on record as moving towards a new constitution and elections fairly soon. Will the new constitution be better than the old one they dissolved? I doubt it. Have they been an effective government? God, no. But they are indeed showing signs of keeping their core promise, going away someday.

Edited May 30, 2007 by Jingthing

[chanchao]

The verdict is final.

There is no appeal.

The only appeal possible is violence.

You can argue the logic of the verdicts till the cows come home, but this is now the new reality from which Thailand needs to move forward. Those who think it is not even possible for anything good to come from this are too pessimistic.

Sure something good can come from it. Brave people can sacrifice themselves again on Ratchadamnoen Klang and walk into a hail of bullets, and bring a veneer of democracy back. Then 15 years later the next generation of Bangkok yuppies can go stick flowers on tanks again.

[A_Traveller]

The party has committed wrongdoings that have negative impacts on democracy system of the country.

Oh the irony.

Yeah, I also liked the line where they said "the Thai Rak Thai did not have enough political ideology to remain as a political party

Nice eh! To say that of the biggest political party in the country that for the first time won successive elections AND the first to gain an actual majority.

Very strong legal foundation there, Somchai!

Except that quotation was referencing Thaksin's use of the party as an instrument to avoid scrutiny of his business transactions by calling the subsequently voided elections.

Context is critical here.

Regards

[ThaiGoon]

For all of the sins of Mr Thaksin and TRT, banning a large party is simply a bad precedent, and a step back from democracy.

Are you forgetting that Nong T paid for the party 100% - it was not a democratic entity, it was his personal playpen bought and paid for from the proceeds of a company founded and then expanded on the back of privileged decisions while he was in the Chaovalit cabinet.

The words Nationalist and Socialist were occurring far too often in the TRT circuit for any "western-friendly" government to allow TRT to continue. Comparisons to a certain other party with those qualities, that was also put down by military intervention (on a massive scale) were becoming too common place - domestically and internationally. It had to stop, for the good of the country.

There is an additional subtle message in this decision - the old system of patronage and favour is starting to be closed down, wealth will in future not be the criteria for political office. Corruption is accountable also comes through as a further message in the decision.

Gaz

Good post

Second it.

[mitrapaap]

The verdict is final.

There is no appeal.

The only appeal possible is violence.

You can argue the logic of the verdicts till the cows come home, but this is now the new reality from which Thailand needs to move forward. Those who think it is not even possible for anything good to come from this are too pessimistic.

Sure something good can come from it. Brave people can sacrifice themselves again on Ratchadamnoen Klang and walk into a hail of bullets, and bring a veneer of democracy back. Then 15 years later the next generation of Bangkok yuppies can go stick flowers on tanks again.

You are so pessimistic. What a nightmare must your life be.