Ban On Political Party Activities Lifted

[sriracha john]

It would appear to me that what the Cabinet did was paint TRT into a corner, from which there is little or no escape. Since TRT was dissolved, there is no party. And with elections scheduled for December, they have to wait for the NLA to approve rules for creating a new party...which will probably be slow-rolled and prevent them for actually fielding a slate of candidates in the next election. This looks more like back-room maneuvering by the junta to keep TRT from creating a new party than it does a return to "democracy." Am I missing something or is this what really just happened?

There certainly is no TRT party any more. Even when they set up a successor party they will have no members, no money, no assets etc and will have to go through the legal process to achieve all of this. This takes time and they may find they have even less ex-MPs with them by then as MPs especially less influential ones start to panic about not having a seat in parliament, and get attracted to other parties. There are also at least 2 other groups of ex-TRT MPs (controlling about 1/3 of ex TRT MPs) who say they will not go back in a similar position of having to set up parties although it may be easier for them being mono-factional rather than the multi-factional mish mash that the TRT rump now is.

As to whether this was deserved or not I cant be bothered to argue. Even those disqualified seem divided on whether to accept their lot of fight it). The fact is we are where we are and the country needs to move forward. The relaxation of politcal restrictions and the move to an election has to be welcomed. It is a first step back towards the parrtial democracy that Thailand had before and this time hopefully with less abuse.

Additionally, The EC has stated previously that it typically takes 6 months or more to register a new party as so many aspects are looked into. As Thailand has over 40 political parties registered now, it would easy enough to verify that the processing time is accurate. It certainly doesn't sound TRT is being singled out and that's just the length of time it normally takes.

From the TRT Faces Dissolution thread

Here's a little food for thought I imagine a lot of people hadn't considered....

Thai Rak Thai, Democrat may not be revived in time for next poll if disbanded

Election commissioner Sodsri Satayatham Tuesday reminded parties concerned that they might need about six months to register a new party if faced with a court order to disband an old party due to electoral fraud.

"The party registration is a lengthy process because of required accounting audit for the dissolved party," she said, hinting that the new party might not be ready to contest the next general election if party founders chose not to take over existing parties.

Thai Rak Thai Party acting leader Chaturon Chaisang earlier said he had a contingency plan to form a new party if his former ruling party faced a guilty verdict for fraud.

Sodsri said any parties disbanded by the court order were obliged to undergo the audit on financial record before being allowed to register a new party under a new name.

- The Nation

Well, John, you certainly saw the handwriting on the wall. I find the Cabinet's actions on Tuesday to be pretty disingenous....The headlines will read "Ban On Political Parties Is Lifted" when in realilty they have slipped a sharp dagger into the gut of TRT members. I'm very neutral about the political situation in Thailand...it is their country and I'm just along for the ride...but you have to admit, this was pretty good political theater on Tuesday.

It's been terrific theater for a long time... it is a mystery and psychodrama that constantly changes and keeps the everyone in the audience guessing.

It's what so fascinating about it and that keeps people coming back for more.

The ever-burgeoning news clipping forum is testament to that when compared to the

"3-post, 29-view threads" of yesteryear in this same forum.

It accounts for this forum attracting even more attention and surpassing more views than even the "Visa Forum."

Edited June 6, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Parties' honour must come first

The lifted ban on political activity offers politicians and the public a chance to rebuild a better democracy

The interim Surayud government yesterday made good on its promise to lift the ban on political party activities which had been in place since the military coup-makers toppled the Thaksin administration in September of last year. As a result, all existing political parties - with the exception of the Thai Rak Thai Party, which was dissolved after being found guilty of electoral fraud by the Constitution Tribunal last week - can now begin getting organised and making preparations to compete in the general election slated for later this year.

Even though all 111 former members of the Thai Rak Thai Party's executive committee - including deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra - have been barred from participating in the planned nationwide election as candidates, these individuals will continue to enjoy their rights as citizens to freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and the ability to engage in political activities in support of any political party. When the Cabinet lifts the ban on political party registration, which it said it would do over the next few weeks, non-executive members of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party can even apply to re-register the party under the same name if they so wish. The former Thai Rak Thai executives whose rights to seek public office have now been revoked for five years can even campaign for this resurrected Thai Rak Thai Party in the next general election as regular party members or supporters.

Political parties will now hold meetings among supporters to discuss strategies and tactics, reassess policy platforms and recruit would-be candidates in preparation for the general election.

Thailand has moved a step closer to the restoration of full democracy and the Thai people will have another chance to prove that they know how to govern themselves by exercising their right to vote for political parties that will represent them in the future democratically-elected government. In order to do that, they must learn from their past mistakes. The five-and-a-half years under Thaksin Shinawatra and his Thai Rak Thai Party offer a valuable lesson on why voters should not allow themselves to be manipulated by a populist politician like Thaksin, who pandered to the unprincipled wants and needs of the populace to gain political power, which he then exploited to maximise his personal gains at the expense of the public interest.

People must not forget how Thaksin went on to destroy democracy by flouting the rule of law, rolling back civil liberties and undermining democratic institutions in an attempt to monopolise political power by hook or by crook. And how he pitted the rural masses against the urban middleclass when the latter, disgusted by the culture of corruption and deceit of his time in office, finally rose up against him.

Thaksin's demagoguery polarised the nation, which led to the possibility of a violent confrontation between the urban middleclass and the rural masses. The former prime minister was stopped in his tracks and overthrown in a coup, which, though widely supported by the middleclass, was a necessary evil because the overthrow of a democratically-elected government turned back the clock on democratic development in this country.

Now that Thailand is being put back on track to a restoration of democracy, people must first learn how to differentiate good political parties from bad ones. A good political party must have a corporate culture and organisational set-up that are based on democratic principles - not on the corruption-prone patronage of some rich or powerful individuals. That means it must consist of people with a shared ideology who work together in pursuit of political objectives through principled approaches and honest means - not through vote-buying or other acts of electoral fraud.

People must realise that they should not expect the military or any other powerful institution to bail them out every time they choose to put the wrong individuals or parties in power or to create conditions that make it possible for a tyrannical leader to rule with fear and intimidation. In the next general election, people must make the right choice based on good conscience and self-respect, exercising and fulfilling their rights, freedoms and duties as honourable citizens in a democracy. Our democracy will only be as good as we make it.

It has been said that in a democracy, people get the government they deserve. Let's hope that we as a people actually deserve better.

- The Nation Editorial

[ThaiGoon]

Parties' honour must come first

The lifted ban on political activity offers politicians and the public a chance to rebuild a better democracy

The interim Surayud government yesterday made good on its promise to lift the ban on political party activities which had been in place since the military coup-makers toppled the Thaksin administration in September of last year. As a result, all existing political parties - with the exception of the Thai Rak Thai Party, which was dissolved after being found guilty of electoral fraud by the Constitution Tribunal last week - can now begin getting organised and making preparations to compete in the general election slated for later this year.

Even though all 111 former members of the Thai Rak Thai Party's executive committee - including deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra - have been barred from participating in the planned nationwide election as candidates, these individuals will continue to enjoy their rights as citizens to freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and the ability to engage in political activities in support of any political party. When the Cabinet lifts the ban on political party registration, which it said it would do over the next few weeks, non-executive members of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party can even apply to re-register the party under the same name if they so wish. The former Thai Rak Thai executives whose rights to seek public office have now been revoked for five years can even campaign for this resurrected Thai Rak Thai Party in the next general election as regular party members or supporters.

Political parties will now hold meetings among supporters to discuss strategies and tactics, reassess policy platforms and recruit would-be candidates in preparation for the general election.

Thailand has moved a step closer to the restoration of full democracy and the Thai people will have another chance to prove that they know how to govern themselves by exercising their right to vote for political parties that will represent them in the future democratically-elected government. In order to do that, they must learn from their past mistakes. The five-and-a-half years under Thaksin Shinawatra and his Thai Rak Thai Party offer a valuable lesson on why voters should not allow themselves to be manipulated by a populist politician like Thaksin, who pandered to the unprincipled wants and needs of the populace to gain political power, which he then exploited to maximise his personal gains at the expense of the public interest.

People must not forget how Thaksin went on to destroy democracy by flouting the rule of law, rolling back civil liberties and undermining democratic institutions in an attempt to monopolise political power by hook or by crook. And how he pitted the rural masses against the urban middleclass when the latter, disgusted by the culture of corruption and deceit of his time in office, finally rose up against him.

Thaksin's demagoguery polarised the nation, which led to the possibility of a violent confrontation between the urban middleclass and the rural masses. The former prime minister was stopped in his tracks and overthrown in a coup, which, though widely supported by the middleclass, was a necessary evil because the overthrow of a democratically-elected government turned back the clock on democratic development in this country.

Now that Thailand is being put back on track to a restoration of democracy, people must first learn how to differentiate good political parties from bad ones. A good political party must have a corporate culture and organisational set-up that are based on democratic principles - not on the corruption-prone patronage of some rich or powerful individuals. That means it must consist of people with a shared ideology who work together in pursuit of political objectives through principled approaches and honest means - not through vote-buying or other acts of electoral fraud.

People must realise that they should not expect the military or any other powerful institution to bail them out every time they choose to put the wrong individuals or parties in power or to create conditions that make it possible for a tyrannical leader to rule with fear and intimidation. In the next general election, people must make the right choice based on good conscience and self-respect, exercising and fulfilling their rights, freedoms and duties as honourable citizens in a democracy. Our democracy will only be as good as we make it.

It has been said that in a democracy, people get the government they deserve. Let's hope that we as a people actually deserve better.

- The Nation Editorial

Word.

[sriracha john]

A Thai protestor wearing an emprovised hat with a picture of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra talks on her cell phone during an anti-coup demonstration in Bangkok, 05 June 2007. Thailand's government has lifted a post-coup ban on political activities, paving the way for ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's dissolved party to regroup.

AFP

[chownah]

I heard that the Democrat's new motto is "You will be assimilated...resistence is futile."

[sriracha john]

The obligatory posting of poll results for this News Clipping Forum thread:

Most city residents back lifting of ban on political activities: Poll

BANGKOK – Most city residents supported the government’s decision to lift a ban on political activities and allow a registration of new political parties in Thailand, according to a poll by Bangkok University’s Research Institute.

The survey was conducted on “Future of Thai Politics After Constitutional Tribunal’s Ruling on Political Party Dissolution” with a random sample of 1,032 eligible voters in Bangkok, who monitored the case.

It showed 58.8 per cent agreed with the lifting of orders number 15 and 27, imposed by the military shortly after last September 19’s bloodless coup to ban any political activities and establishment of new political parties, while 29.4 per cent disagreed.

Asked whether a group of former ruling Thai-Rak-Thai party members should be allowed to register a new political party under the same name, 41.5 per cent disagreed while 23.8 per cent agreed.

Asked whether they wanted to get the one-party government or the coalition government in the next general election, 52 per cent said they preferred the coalition government while 48 per cent opted for the one-party government.

Regarding a person they wanted to become the next prime minister most after the next general election, 39 per cent supported the Democrat Party’s leader Abhisit Vejjachiva, 21.5 per cent chose ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, 4.8 per cent opted for the Democrat Party’s advisory chairman Chuan Leekpai, 2.8 per cent backed incumbent Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont, and 2.7 per cent supported the Chart Thai Party’s leader Banharn Silapa-archa.

- MCOT

[Jai Dee]

Mr Banharn believes green light to allow political campaigns will lead to more protests in Bangkok

The Chart Thai Party Leader Banharn Silpa-archa says he believes that the green light to allow political activities will lead to more people coming into the city to hold rallies.

Mr Banharn says he has been informed that rural people have been paid to join demonstrations in the capital and expresses his concern that the situation will escalate. However, he adds that both the government and the Council for National Security (CNS) might prepare measures to tackle protests and calls for all sides to be aware of their actions to avoid violence.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chart Thai Leader Weerasak Kowsurat (วีระศักดิ์ โค้วสุรัตน์) voices support for the government’s permission which paves way for the parties to compete in public policies. He also requests all sides to express political opinions based on rationality.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 June 2007

[John K]

Mr Banharn believes green light to allow political campaigns will lead to more protests in Bangkok

The Chart Thai Party Leader Banharn Silpa-archa says he believes that the green light to allow political activities will lead to more people coming into the city to hold rallies.

Mr Banharn says he has been informed that rural people have been paid to join demonstrations in the capital and expresses his concern that the situation will escalate. However, he adds that both the government and the Council for National Security (CNS) might prepare measures to tackle protests and calls for all sides to be aware of their actions to avoid violence.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chart Thai Leader Weerasak Kowsurat (วีระศักดิ์ โค้วสุรัตน์) voices support for the government’s permission which paves way for the parties to compete in public policies. He also requests all sides to express political opinions based on rationality.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 June 2007

I can agree with this and disagree.

The only group thus far making any noise is the TRT and associates. I think the Thais in general are very tired of this and want to move on.

To phrase this in a metaphor not about ants:

Nature tends to correct it’s mistakes. Creatures that are incompatible with their environment soon become extinct.

Edited June 6, 2007 by John K

[Plus]

Oh no, not the ants, JK, some people have allergies to ants metaphore.

I think nationally ex-TRT will try to campaing on "no junta" platform for a while, until they realise that it doesn't have any mass appeal.

Locally their MP candidates will go on as usual, some of their posters might even feature Thaksin just like before, for extra weight.

On the other hand during last election campaign Thaksin was not so prominent as in 2005.

[John K]

Oh no, not the ants, JK, some people have allergies to ants metaphore.

I think nationally ex-TRT will try to campaing on "no junta" platform for a while, until they realise that it doesn't have any mass appeal.

Locally their MP candidates will go on as usual, some of their posters might even feature Thaksin just like before, for extra weight.

On the other hand during last election campaign Thaksin was not so prominent as in 2005.

Yes I expect some politicians will be busy as bees. Oops....

[Gnarpjohan]

(from The Nation editorial)...

People must realise that they should not expect the military or any other powerful institution to bail them out every time they choose to put the wrong individuals or parties in power or to create conditions that make it possible for a tyrannical leader to rule with fear and intimidation.

Well...some people have ideas about "the good state" that guarantees the welfare of people in various ways. But the idea about the "good military" or "any other powerful institution" to "bail them out" when people have had the poor taste to elect some "tyrannical leader to rule with fear and intimidation" must be a new one?

A main benefit about transition of political power through elections and not by coups must be that when what the wrong folks are elected and fail, they can be peacefully voted out of office. What current events in Thailand have forcefully shown is that elected representatives (arguably bad) are only allowed to stay in power as long as it is accepted by the army and the power elite in Bangkok. The army has sent the message, bright and clear: do as we please, or we are ready with our guns.

Elections under gunpoint are not free elections. Unless the army can be isolated from politics, Thailand will never be very democratic. It will take a long time before confidence can be regained that the army will not take over at will.

Thaksin should have been v-o-t-e-d out of office. Measures could have been taken to prevent vote-buying and other malpractices, to ensure a fair election. You want Thaksin out of office, fine - vote for it. If fair elections are held and Thaksin is still in power, you need to live with it, that's democracy. If the election was not fair, make sure the next one is.

(Thaksin) ...pandered to the unprincipled wants and needs of the populace to gain political power, which he then exploited to maximise his personal gains at the expense of the public interest.

Give me a break, "unprincipled wants and needs of the populace": who can blame farmers for wanting higher rice price or access to hospital care? This is on only at the expense of public interest if public interest is narrowly defined as the interest of a minority of relatively well-situated folks. Disrespectful to the majority of people in Thailand if you ask me.

What is really lacking in Thailand seems to be a lack of respect for majority rule among the people in power, who are in turn backed up by people with guns.

The coup was about the feudal powers protecting its own, nothing else.

[Plus]

A main benefit about transition of political power through elections and not by coups must be that when what the wrong folks are elected and fail, they can be peacefully voted out of office.

Stop here for a second - what if wrong folks CANNOT be peacefully voted out? What to do then?

Redefine what is wrong? Declare that black is white?

>>>>

Military stepped in when they thought that there was no chance of righting wrongs through peaceful elections.

That was their solution, and people accepted it, and will continue to support it as long as it sticks to righting wrongs.

[Gnarpjohan]

Stop here for a second - what if wrong folks CANNOT be peacefully voted out? What to do then?

Meaning what? Elections would have been held if the army had not intervened. I haven't seen any allegations of rigged elections.

It should have been up to the majority of the people to decide if Thaksin should stay in power out or not.

[sriracha john]

Group 'aims to topple junta'

60 ex-TRT MPs in new body, as 22 anti-coup groups meet, vow to do the same

A wide spectrum of political groups, including more than 60 ex-MPs from the defunct Thai Rak Thai Party yesterday formed the "Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship", which hopes to provoke a mass uprising to topple the ruling junta.

The group, which includes former TRT MPs but claims to have no link with deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, joined a People's Television (PTV) rally at Sanam Luang and vowed to protest until the junta is overthrown.

Meanwhile, representatives of 22 anti-coup groups held a five-hour meeting at Thammasat University yesterday and formed an alliance to oust the junta.

"The economy and democracy in this country are in the Dark Ages. Moreover, the military intends to extend its rule," former TRT MP Nisit Sinthuprai claimed in a press conference at the Rattanakosin Hotel.

"We want the junta to quit and return power to the people instantly without conditions. It is the only way to lead this country out of crisis."

Nisit said the group, calling itself the Pro-Thaksin Anti-Dictatorship Group, assembled 19 networks nationwide, including Isaan taxi-drivers, tour guides and members of local administrative bodies.

"We will be a centre for all movements to rise up against the junta and reject the dictators' draft constitution," he said, adding that the group's protests would be held in local areas.

"But if those people want to come to Bangkok to join the main protest, I won't be able to stop them," he said.

"We don't get any financial support from Thaksin," group spokesman Supachai Phosu insisted. "Using his name to represent the group doesn't mean we want Thaksin to return to power. We are only trying to prevent the junta from extending its rule."

The new anti-junta groups had been formed since the Cabinet lifted bans on political party activity on Tuesday, a week after the Constitution Tribunal dissolved the Thai Rak Thai Party.

When TRT was disbanded, its key members flocked to existing political factions or founded new groups. Some are believed to remain loyal to Thaksin. They are alleged to have made direct contact with Thaksin in a bid to clear the way for his return to power from exile in London.

PTV began daily protests last week and vows to remain at Sanam Luang until the junta hands over power.

The 22 anti-coup groups, including PTV, agreed to form the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship, PTV rally organiser Jatuporn Promphan said.

The alliance includes organisations of labourers, activists, academics and state-enterprise employees. It is led by activists Weng Tojirakarn and Sant Hatirat, and former senators Prateep Ungsong-tham Hata, Sawai Prammani and Colonel Somkid Sisangkhom.

Jatuporn said June 24 would be "D-Day" for the anti-junta movement, when it plans to march to Army headquarters, about 3km from Sanam Luang, to demand that the junta quit and return power to the people.

- The Nation

[ColPyat]

And here we go again.

Unless all sides can work out a compromise this is not going to stop.

I would suggest amnesty for all involved, including TRT and junta, re-instatement of the '97 constitution, and elections as fast as possible.

Otherwise this is going to end in tears.

Edited June 6, 2007 by ColPyat

[John K]

Stop here for a second - what if wrong folks CANNOT be peacefully voted out? What to do then?

Meaning what? Elections would have been held if the army had not intervened. I haven't seen any allegations of rigged elections.

It should have been up to the majority of the people to decide if Thaksin should stay in power out or not.

Wow I can’t believe you said that. They just sent the TRT packing because of that.

Thaksin was manipulating everything from behind the scenes. Everything from having his goons go after peaceful protesters to buying votes wholesale. What we are saying is if this was a fair run election I would agree with you 110%, but Thaksin has never been known to play fair. He would have won the election by fraud and stand behind it as 100% legal and democratic.

There are several threads to that effect here, please take the time to read them.

[sriracha john]

courtesy of 2bangkok.com

Matichon, October 19, 2006

[The pictured man is Newin Chidchob]

Translation:

Call from England!

How are you there?

====================================================

The banned will play on

Always in the political forefront, the high-profile TRT and Buriram province politician Newin Chidchob says he accepts the verdict, but he intends to keep playing a role in politics. After losing his electoral rights for five years in the verdict of the Constitution Tribunal, Mr Newin Chidchob, a former key figure of the Thai Rak Thai party and a close aide of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, talks about his future.

Pradit Ruangdit, Bangkok Post: Was the verdict fair in your opinion?

Newin Chidchob: Nobody accepts what they have lost. But we have rules and we have to play by them. I cannot say if it is fair or not because I am the one affected by the ruling.

Q: Have you had a chance to talk to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra?

A: No I haven't. Doing that will not benefit either of us. I know what the consequences would be if I met Mr Thaksin.

Interview continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=119273

===========================================

Strange 2nd answer??? Not sure how to take it...

[sriracha john]

Pro-Thaksin group will oppose junta

Ex-Thai Rak Thai members have gathered on Wednesday to set up a pro-Thaksin political group to counter power of the military junta. About 60 former members of Thai Rak Thai from throughout Thailand have formed the group, with supports from labourers and taxi drivers. Nisit Sinthuprai, ex-MP of Roi Et, and Paijit Srivorakarn, ex-MP of Nakhon Phanom, are among core leaders. The group called itself "Love Thaksin, No Dictatorship"

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=119264

=======================================

"Love Thaksin, But Wear A Condom"

[Ricardo]

Stop here for a second - what if wrong folks CANNOT be peacefully voted out? What to do then?

Meaning what? Elections would have been held if the army had not intervened. I haven't seen any allegations of rigged elections.

It should have been up to the majority of the people to decide if Thaksin should stay in power out or not.

Gnarpjohan, you must not have been here in Thailand, or following events here on TV, last year.

Or you would be aware of why the military stepped-in.

Jeez, and people think I'm sometimes a bit naive. !

[sriracha john]

I never thought so, Ricardo... and I wouldn't worry about those that mistakenly might...

The cabinet's decision to do away with the ban on political activities by all political parties, which was imposed last year in the aftermath of the Sept 19 coup by the military, represents an important step in the restoration of democracy to the country. The move _ along with another equally important step to be undertaken which would allow the setting up of new political parties _ clearly demonstrates the Surayud government's commitment to fulfil its earlier promise to hold elections at the end of the year, or even sooner. As a matter of procedure, the Council of State will draft a bill, expected to be ready in about two weeks' time, with the effect of lifting the ban on political activities and allowing the registration of new political parties. The bill will be vetted by the cabinet before it is submitted to the National Legislative Assembly for debate. There should be no problem with the assembly in passing the bill in three straight readings in order to speed up the process.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/07Jun2007_news21.php

======================

Sounds like progress is moving along....

Edited June 7, 2007 by sriracha john

[younghusband]

(from The Nation editorial)...

People must realise that they should not expect the military or any other powerful institution to bail them out every time they choose to put the wrong individuals or parties in power or to create conditions that make it possible for a tyrannical leader to rule with fear and intimidation.

Well...some people have ideas about "the good state" that guarantees the welfare of people in various ways. But the idea about the "good military" or "any other powerful institution" to "bail them out" when people have had the poor taste to elect some "tyrannical leader to rule with fear and intimidation" must be a new one?

A main benefit about transition of political power through elections and not by coups must be that when what the wrong folks are elected and fail, they can be peacefully voted out of office. What current events in Thailand have forcefully shown is that elected representatives (arguably bad) are only allowed to stay in power as long as it is accepted by the army and the power elite in Bangkok. The army has sent the message, bright and clear: do as we please, or we are ready with our guns.

Elections under gunpoint are not free elections. Unless the army can be isolated from politics, Thailand will never be very democratic. It will take a long time before confidence can be regained that the army will not take over at will.

Thaksin should have been v-o-t-e-d out of office. Measures could have been taken to prevent vote-buying and other malpractices, to ensure a fair election. You want Thaksin out of office, fine - vote for it. If fair elections are held and Thaksin is still in power, you need to live with it, that's democracy. If the election was not fair, make sure the next one is.

(Thaksin) ...pandered to the unprincipled wants and needs of the populace to gain political power, which he then exploited to maximise his personal gains at the expense of the public interest.

Give me a break, "unprincipled wants and needs of the populace": who can blame farmers for wanting higher rice price or access to hospital care? This is on only at the expense of public interest if public interest is narrowly defined as the interest of a minority of relatively well-situated folks. Disrespectful to the majority of people in Thailand if you ask me.

What is really lacking in Thailand seems to be a lack of respect for majority rule among the people in power, who are in turn backed up by people with guns.

The coup was about the feudal powers protecting its own, nothing else.

You are right in almost every detail, though I wouldn't be quite so dogmatic about what the coup was about.It was multifaceted although your last sentence captures one important element.Don't be discouraged incidentally by the vocal little band of junta apologists.The line you take is regarded as commonplace by most educated and informed opinion.

[hammered]

Pro-Thaksin group will oppose junta

Ex-Thai Rak Thai members have gathered on Wednesday to set up a pro-Thaksin political group to counter power of the military junta. About 60 former members of Thai Rak Thai from throughout Thailand have formed the group, with supports from labourers and taxi drivers. Nisit Sinthuprai, ex-MP of Roi Et, and Paijit Srivorakarn, ex-MP of Nakhon Phanom, are among core leaders. The group called itself "Love Thaksin, No Dictatorship"

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=119264

=======================================

"Love Thaksin, But Wear A Condom"

It will be interesting to see who lines themselves up with this totally TRT front. Already the anti-coup groups have been almost totally purged by intimidation of those opposed to the coup and Thaksin. Anyone left now will be just a Thaksinista. It will be quite interesting to see which of the academics line up to follow master.

It is also interesting to see Newin indicate he accepts the decision. PTV will struggle to organize the mobs they want without big hitters like him. A few so called academics and ex-Bangkok failed TRT MPs supported by a few ex-Chavalit NAP/TRT Isaan MPs do not really carry the same clout. Hopefully this mottley crew of self interested lunatics will not be able to drag the country into violence. However their right to organise their small demos should be supported.

[Plus]

The coup was about the feudal powers protecting its own, nothing else.

That's a conspiracy theory, nothing more. Shadowy feudal powers acting through proxies in the army to protect undefined interests.

How much of it is true? Definitely not 100%.

The only evidence I saw was in Sondhi's interview where he said that someone anonimous regularly dropped 100k in his donation box. That was in PAD days.

[sriracha john]

Pro-Thaksin group will oppose junta

Ex-Thai Rak Thai members have gathered on Wednesday to set up a pro-Thaksin political group to counter power of the military junta. About 60 former members of Thai Rak Thai from throughout Thailand have formed the group, with supports from labourers and taxi drivers. Nisit Sinthuprai, ex-MP of Roi Et, and Paijit Srivorakarn, ex-MP of Nakhon Phanom, are among core leaders. The group called itself "Love Thaksin, No Dictatorship"

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=119264

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"Love Thaksin, But Wear A Condom"

It will be interesting to see who lines themselves up with this totally TRT front. Already the anti-coup groups have been almost totally purged by intimidation of those opposed to the coup and Thaksin. Anyone left now will be just a Thaksinista. It will be quite interesting to see which of the academics line up to follow master.

It is also interesting to see Newin indicate he accepts the decision. PTV will struggle to organize the mobs they want without big hitters like him. A few so called academics and ex-Bangkok failed TRT MPs supported by a few ex-Chavalit NAP/TRT Isaan MPs do not really carry the same clout. Hopefully this mottley crew of self interested lunatics will not be able to drag the country into violence. However their right to organise their small demos should be supported.

mustn't forget their new moniker...

PTV Mob Gets New Name

PTV demonstrators have decided to formally call themselves the Alliance of Democracy against Dictatorship *while it's entirely understandable that their new acronym, ADD, might easily be confused with Attention Deficit Disorder, it should not be* and plan to round-up all other anti-coup protesters to join forces.

[farang prince]

A word of warning for all our dogmatic posters on the right and left...the final chapter of this story has not been written. Let's hide and watch....

[hammered]

Musnt forget to look at who is invovled in the ADD (or is it PTV well actually it is TRT in reality).

We have the odious little Jatuporn who failed to raise a mob at Ram and who got a tad upset when the students exposed him. He also promised anarchy if a single member of the we never did anything wrong party was found guilty by the court. Luckily to date nobody has heeded his words. Then he promised to leave if he could not fill Sanam Luang by May 31. Lots of promises no delivery. Maybe we should rechristen Jatuporn as Mr. Impotent.

Then we sadly have Weng Tojirakarn. He used to be a respected social critic but after aligning himself with the hey we are giving out Jatukarm amulets to atract a big crowd boys he now finds himself discredited as any form of academic. On the court decision day it is reported that after the amulets were given out to thousands the crowd shrank to 300 and he was the first speaker. Sad to see a once respected man allow himself to be used as a circus extra in a stunt designed to bring about chaos and the return of Mr. Thaksin who Weng not that long ago was filing complaints to the DSI about.

Then we have Sant Hatirat chairman of the Foundation of Democracy Heroes.One wonders where Mr. Thaksin would rank among heroes of Democracy but I digress. This is the Sant who along wiht the previosly mentioned Weng made now disproven allegations about a house the current PM built. I never did hear him explain why he made the accuastions or who gave him the false information when satellite pictures revealed it to be a lie.

Prateep Ungsong-tham Hata is a surprising addition, for all her good work in Khlong Thoei and her previous criticism of the Thaksin regimes war on drugs now chooses to campaign for the return of the very man who started the whole drug war excesses and human rights abuses.

It is probably not surprising to see Sawai Prammani involved in a campaign to bring back Mr. Thaksin as he was as a senator at least an apologist for the repeated block voting, caucusing and toeing the Thaksin line in the much maligned and totally discredited upper house.

It is sad to see some of the names who will happily align themselves with the TRT front in the hope of getting a few hundred more people to listen to them rather than to stick to their principles and organise rallies against both the Junta and the Thasinista regime.

[sriracha john]

Throw Sudchai Bunchai into the mix, who, depending on which week it is, appears to be in different groups, (Democracy for the People Network - December 6, 2006/The Nation, or key leader of Saturday People's Group - December 12, 2006/Xinhua, or Saturday People against Dictatorship - Bangkok Post, or leader of Saturday Voice - AFP), who also made unfounded complaints against the PM and faced perjury charges.

It reminds me of going to the ballpark and hearing the vendor shout out to the crowd,

"Programs! Programs! Get your programs here! Can't tell the players without a program!"

[sriracha john]

Meanwhile, Thaksin is making the most of his time since the ban is lifted:

Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra displays a 'Letter of Entrustment' he received from Japan's Takushoku University at a press conference in Tokyo Thursday, June 7, 2007. Thaksin, who has been living in exile since a coup last year ousted him as prime minister, announced his appointment as a guest lecturer at the University, where he will give a talk on July 5. He also said that he would like to return to his home country to teach 'after Thailand returns to democracy.'

Associated Press

Thaksin hopes to teach in Thailand

TOKYO - Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said Thursday that he would like to return to his home country to teach about business and management "after Thailand returns to democracy."

Speaking at a Tokyo news conference announcing his appointment as a guest lecturer at Takushoku University, Thaksin said he would like to live as a "normal citizen" and spend the rest of his life involved in education and charitable activities.

Thaksin, who has been living in exile since a coup last September ousted him as prime minister, said he was looking for a way to share his "accumulated knowledge and experience" with students and hoped to teach in Thailand in the future.

"After Thailand returns to democracy, I think freedom of speech and thinking will prevail. At that time, I will go back. I will teach the younger generation from the experience that I have," Thaksin told reporters.

Thaksin declined to take questions on Thai politics. But he sounded optimistic about recent developments, including the military-installed interim government's move to lift a ban on political party activities and plans for elections in December.

"I think the return to democracy will happen soon," he said.

The interim government that replaced Thaksin has been extremely hostile toward him, saying he should not return to his country until after the elections. Thaksin was deposed after being accused of corruption and abuse of power.

Thaksin has been living the life of an idle billionaire since losing his post, traveling between a residence in London and various countries in Asia.

His appointment at Takushoku University — where he is slated to give his first lecture July 5 on Asian economic and business models — comes as he seeks to buy the English soccer team Manchester City.

"This is my first employment after being ousted — I've been unemployed for a while," Thaksin joked. "I've been trying to find a job ... as chairman of a soccer club, but it's not coming quick enough."

Thaksin refused to take questions on the progress of his bid.

- Associated Press

[sriracha john]

Reuters

Thaksin says will go home when Thai democracy returns

Ousted Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra says he will return to his native land when democracy is restored and spend his time teaching and taking part in charity work.

In Japan to accept an invitation to become a guest lecturer at a Tokyo university, a haggard-looking Thaksin ( it's certainly showing in the above photo) told a news conference on Thursday that he also expected political normalcy to return soon.

Last week, the Thai Constitutional Tribunal banned Thaksin -- unseated last September in a bloodless coup -- from politics for five years and disbanded his Thai Rak Thai (Thais love Thais) party.

"The government has promised in December elections, and now they already allow the political gatherings, and I think the democracy should return back to Thailand soon.

"When democracy returns to Thailand, Thailand will prosper again and I will go back to contribute to the country as a normal citizen."

Thaksin, who now lives in London, may face trial on charges of corruption, one of the justifications given for the coup.

Thailand's cabinet agreed on Tuesday to let political parties resume activities, but Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said last week that his government had no plan to propose early amnesties for Thaksin and his party leaders.

Thaksin said last week that he accepted the decision banning him from politics, but urged his supporters to stay involved.

Analysts said they expected a stepped-up campaign to rebuild his image and popularity among urban voters.

Thaksin declined to answer questions about politics at the news conference, which was held to announce his appointment as an occasional guest lecturer at Tokyo's Takushoku University, and said he wants to concentrate on education in the future.

He hoped that his lectures, the first of which is set for July 5, could eventually lead to the establishment of a research institute on Asian economies based in Japan.

"I don't want my accumulated knowledge and experience to die with me, I want to share it with young people," he said.

"I would like to spend the rest of my life in education and charitable activities."

- Reuters

Edited June 7, 2007 by sriracha john

[ColPyat]

Then we sadly have Weng Tojirakarn.

The reason Dr. Weng is to be found protesting against the Junta is to be rooted in the '76 events. Personally - i believe he has a far wider view than the narrow discussion here circles around, which for the sake of i hate Thaksin diatribes leaves many more than uncomfortable events, actions and decisions out.

Even recent events, such attributing the drugwar killings and the other human rights violations only to Thaksin is a simplification of history, which may be comfortable to suit ones position, but does not stand up to closer scrutiny.

All this goes in a Thai tradition of whitewashing uncomfortable events seen necessary by the powerful to keep a facade. Shift all that blame and personalize it so that the many in the powerful circles can still benefit from a system that has been dysfunctional long before Thaksin has entered politics or even business.

I would suggest to look beyond the obvious - you will see that basic mechanisms that made the '70s - such as large Militias and paramilitary organizations not answerable to anyone but primarily the military and bureaucratic establishment - so instable and horrid are maybe slightly transformed and adapted, but essentially the same today. And from the backside, behind all the talk about law and purging Thaksin style corruption an overseeing panel outside parliamentary scrutiny - the revamped ISOC - has been smuggled in, and will stay beyond the next elections.

The question here is not just pro or anti-Thaksin even if the public debate, and the debate here on the forum, is limited to by the majority. The events have to be seen in a larger context of a decades old social struggle in Thailand, in which the Thaksin era was important, though just one of many others.

That is why you see many respected people protesting against the junta. There are clear similarities to the PAD, in which you saw people joining others whose political and social aims they did not share, but who felt that it was the smaller of two evils.

Dr. Weng briefly was part of the PAD, before he distanced himself from Sondhi L. and the PAD. Many others less publicized were part of the PAD for some time. The military coup though has changed a lot. The top leadership of the PAD may have sided with the coup leaders, and with it the majority of the supporters. Many others though saw the military coup as the worse of two evils and are now part of the anti junta protests.

As an outside observer, i feel that there is a pressing and urgent need for compromise, and not devilizing the anti junta protests, ridiculing them as Thaksin's lackeys, using the courts applying the letter of the law to some, while completely ignoring others misdeeds by not even bringing them to trial in the first place.

Even many of the TRT former MPs are not one-dimensionally pro Thaksin either as their public speeches suggest.

This is not going away. It may be suppressed for a few years at most, but in the end it will reappear because it is part of a much larger context.

Thai politics is in the process of radicalization, and increasingly moves to the streets, again. This is a very dangerous situation very possibly leading to a sort of dictatorship against which both Thaksin and the Junta are angels.

And you have an under-reported escalating war in the South that will blow up into our faces soon. We need stability based on a compromise, and not the enforced pseudo stability we have now.

Edited June 7, 2007 by ColPyat