A major political suspense is materializing following Wednesday’s Constitutional Court decision to suspend Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha from duty. But it will also a period when everyone is restless, has to be extremely careful, and can never really trust anybody else, be it friends or foes.

 

Can Prayut fully trust Prawit Wongsuwan, the deputy prime minister who is now assuming the caretaking prime ministerial role? What should street protesters do and how should they do it? Is it wise and necessary for every political party to get a good election campaign head start immediately? How should opposition MPs behave, now that the matter is in the court’s hands? What should be the strategy of Prayut’s opponents _ upping the ante or applying the brake to prevent him from getting too much sympathy from the fickle section of the populace? Also, how should they view Wednesday’s development? Is it something to celebrate, or must they be very wary?

 

These are the questions that will keep everyone on a tightrope and fully alert to the possibility of backstabbing and reversal of fortune. Prawit will have considerable administrative powers and his preferred “projects” or “appointments” now get a good or better chance. He also will have a great opportunity to prove that he “can do it at the highest level without Prayut”, who has become a weak link of the coalition in many people’s eyes. Prawit, after all, is a political party leader and, despite being a big target of the parliamentary opposition and protesters himself, does not have a constitutional problem.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/weeks-of-tension-tightropes-and-looking-over-shoulders/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-25

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

As far as this regime is concerned, public opinion is of little account. They basically ignore it, unless or until it becomes disruptive, in which case they suppress it ruthlessly, something we know does not the Watchman. 

 

As for other parties, nothing changes really. If an election is scheduled expect the usual array of court cases, party bannings and charges against political opponents.

13 minutes ago, herfiehandbag said:

As far as this regime is concerned, public opinion is of little account. They basically ignore it, unless or until it becomes disruptive, in which case they suppress it ruthlessly, something we know does not the Watchman. 

 

As for other parties, nothing changes really. If an election is scheduled expect the usual array of court cases, party bannings and charges against political opponents.

But for  many Thais a change in government is a  difference between poverty and extreme  poverty, life and death. Young Thais are leaving if they can. We all know  this is the most incompetent,  ineffective government  in the  history  of modern Thailand. The most hated. Life was better under Thaksin. Life was better under other generals. If the current  junta does not  improve the then major institution will be questioned and the Lao, Vietnam, Cambodia  option might happen or the Burma/China option.

 

2 hours ago, The Hammer2021 said:

But for  many Thais a change in government is a  difference between poverty and extreme  poverty, life and death. Young Thais are leaving if they can. We all know  this is the most incompetent,  ineffective government  in the  history  of modern Thailand. The most hated. Life was better under Thaksin. Life was better under other generals. If the current  junta does not  improve the then major institution will be questioned and the Lao, Vietnam, Cambodia  option might happen or the Burma/China option.

 

I agree with you. The regime (with or without Prayut ) takes no notice. They think that even if there is a storm they can ride it out. I think they could not.

changes nothing, they just just moved the seating around, Thai people don't get a say who is in the driving seat or passenger seat - they are both in the same appointed undemocratic vehicle

12 hours ago, webfact said:

But it will also a period when everyone is restless, has to be extremely careful, and can never really trust anybody else, be it friends or foes.

So, what's changed? ????

Swapping an idiot for a bumbling incoherent one is not progress is it ????

17 hours ago, webfact said:

What should street protesters do and how should they do it?

That solely depends on the courts verdict... but this decision is going to be the hardest one they've ever had to make.

Kick him out and it will be an embarrassment for Prayut, keep him in it will be proof the system is rigged and the court is meaningless.

7 hours ago, sammieuk1 said:

Swapping an idiot for a bumbling incoherent one is not progress is it ????

Ask the American people.