Thai senators come under pressure over PM vote

[snoop1130]

 

Military-appointed senators have been coming under pressure from civil society groups after some vowed not to vote for Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party, to become the next prime minister of Thailand.

 

The senators in question have said that their stance against Pita is because of his anti-establishment position, declared publicly before the election.

 

Pita is in the process of forming a coalition government with Pheu Thai and some smaller parties, which could amass a voting bloc of 310 votes in parliament. Pita needs 376 members of a joint sitting to vote for him to become prime minister, meaning that he would need 66 military-appointed senators to vote for him.

 

The Rural Doctor Society, a non-governmental organisation, issued a statement on Monday calling for MPs and senators to respect the voters’ choice, demonstrated in the May 14th general election.

 

Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-senators-come-under-pressure-over-pm-vote/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-05-16

 

- 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.

 

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[Tropicalevo]

Quote

Selecting Pita as the new prime minister would be an important step in moving beyond long standing conflicts in the country and voting for him would be a display of respect for the intention and hopes of the voters,

Unfortunately, those in power, who were not voted for by the people, continue to show that they have no respect at all for the voters and the people of Thailand.

They only respect the man who put them in power and who also fills their pockets.

[ikke1959]

If the senators really expect and claim they protect the democracy they are obliged to do the will of the people. The victory of both parties are overwhelming and a new PM should be appointed. That some don't agree I can imagine, but if 250 senators block it, they don't protect anything, as they show they have no values than themselves

[Enoon]

If the Senate is now determined to neutralise the elected representatives of the people, the Senate must itself be neutralised, by excision from the political process.

 

There is no political process that can do that.

 

This is the turning point.

 

The storm has arrived.

 

 

Edited May 16, 2023 by Enoon

[dinsdale]

"Pita is in the process of forming a coalition government with Pheu Thai and some smaller parties, which could amass a voting bloc of 310 votes in parliament. Pita needs 376 members of a joint sitting to vote for him to become prime minister, meaning that he would need 66 military-appointed senators to vote for him."

Not if BJT join the coalition. Then it's done. They have BJT's 70 (?) seats giving the coalition 379 (?) seats. No need for the military buffoons votes. 

[stoner]

3 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The senators in question have said that their stance against Pita is because of his anti-establishment position, declared publicly before the election.

may i suggest the senators partake in a movie at cineplex.....they will see a stance clear as day.

 

 

[whatsupdoc]

I hope BJT and the Democrats have the decency to vote for Pita even if they do not join the coalition.

[Pink Mist]

Troll posts steering the OP off topic have been removed.

[Flory]

Unfortunately, the powers that be have these cards remaining to be played:
- Two months of dealmaking and subterfuge to prevent Move Forward from getting the votes needed to elect a PM (Senate is a done deal, BJT will be bought off -- it's what they exist for)
- Judicial intervention, including disqualification of their preferred candidate or even entire parties
- Stirring disarray and rolling the tanks (certainly the last resort but would still happen before allowing their prerogatives to be eroded)

They'll have to be patient too due to the size of the victory and the blowback caused by any of these actions, but none of it will be taken lying down. They are very good at this, and we have already seen these games play out so many times before. A majority of Thais want to be able elect their government, and this has been true for a long time now, but a majority is still not ready to lay their lives down to have the right to do so.

The main silver lining here is the growing group of people who have finally had the wool removed from their eyes (mostly Democrat to Move Forward converts) 

[kwilco]

This election, whatever the final outcome has shown the stranglehold that the =military and their "allies" have on power. 

 

the whole thing now is just a breeding ground for corruption.

Edited May 16, 2023 by kwilco

[englishoak]

 Nothing new about what will likely happen now, we've seen it before. 

 

MF didnt get a landslide only 151, nor did PT with 148 unlike previous elections there is no landslide here and  even  with the most likely  coalition partners im hearing 310 falls far short of 376 minimum. 

 

Sadly BJT are still the most likely to come out on top with 100% senate support and the other pro military parties in coalition, actually surpassing 376 to form a government is much easier. 

 

And we havnt even started the election dispute process or upheld rigging complaints and the inevitable judicial disqualifications yet. Most likely scenario i think will be the same old song and dance with patience and using the courts EC etc 

 

 

 

 

[mania]

7 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Pita is in the process of forming a coalition government with Pheu Thai and some smaller parties, which could amass a voting bloc of 310 votes in parliament. Pita needs 376 members of a joint sitting to vote for him to become prime minister, meaning that he would need 66 military-appointed senators to vote for him.

Actually isn't there is another way?

Pita should concentrate on turning those 190 votes in the lower house towards his party

 

Everyone assumes this all depends on the 250 illegitimate military senators but remember

the lower house has 500 of which this coalition has 310 combined.

 

They need to also work on turning some of those missed 190 their way

 

Or is this election now totally in the hands of the 250 illegitimate? Meaning is the lower house now not allowed in the final? If so it truly is a rigged system

Edited May 16, 2023 by mania

[Laughing Gravy]

This clearly represents what many of us have always known "Thai Democracy" is a joke. The amount of times people have said 'You don't understand Thai Politics'. Yes we do. We just don't agree with the farce and this clearly is shown here.

[kwilco]

Prayuth finally may have to justify why he is still PM.

 

This won't go down well nationally or internationally.

In the end the military are going to have to explain the constitution they installed that basically quashes any attempt at true democracy.

I imagine this will being people out onto the streets again.

[webfact]

63 ‘Pro-Democracy’ Senators Urged To Help With Pita’s Bid For PM
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

 

SIXTY-THREE SENATORS who had earlier endorsed a fruitless bid to rescind the senatorial power to vote for prime minister were today (May 16) advised to help land Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat the elected premiership.

 

Move Forward MP-designate Parit Wacharasindhu called on the 63 senators who had supported the aborted motions at parliament over the last few years to revoke the prime minister-picking power of their colleagues for help by joining hands with a majority of the elected MPs to make Pita head of a post-election government in a joint House/Senate session which is to be held in foreseeable future.

 

Though Section 272 of the military-designed constitution empowers the senators to cast votes alongside the MPs for prime minister, Parit contended that none of the unelected lawmakers should be involved in the voting for head of a post-election government as far as democratic rule is concerned.

 

Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/05/17/63-pro-democracy-senators-urged-to-help-with-pitas-bid-for-pm/

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-17

 

- 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.

 

The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

[Bim Smith]

I think it fair to say that people want Prayut gone. If it doesn't happen then the instability after the euphoria in this country is unfathomable. They don't care if it brings the country to its knees as long as they remain in power. It's a sad situation. Mass demonstrations will ensue about changing the constitution then what. Another coup? 

[spermwhale]

We all knew this would happen. I hope things don't end badly when they try to hang on to their power. That constitution that Prayut rammed through ensures the military can retain control. Thailand is lucky the junta isn't as sick and violent as the military government in Myanmar. The carnage would be shocking. 

[Robert Tyrrell]

Good morning , 

Below is an excerpt of a news article, Anti establishment position ??? Seems more like the Senators stance are more about Pita pointing out establishment corruption !!!!

 

 

The senators in question have said that their stance against Pita is because of his anti-establishment position, declared publicly before the election. ??????????

Edited May 16, 2023 by Robert Tyrrell

[PeachCH]

I'm sure that the senators will listen what the falangs have to say here????????

[h90]

9 hours ago, whatsupdoc said:

I hope BJT and the Democrats have the decency to vote for Pita even if they do not join the coalition.

If you take BJT in, than you can take Pita out, make PTP premier, have the senators vote for them and get a bigger slice of the cake. I am sure BJT and PTP knows that as well

[sammieuk1]

This is the bit where the least popular man who nobody voted for becomes the next PM.. taxi back for Prayut ????

[Laughing Gravy]

28 minutes ago, PeachCH said:

I'm sure that the senators will listen what the falangs have to say here????????

Whilst you jest and yes you are right, they won't listen. At least them 'falangs' as you grossly put it have the gonads to point it out. I know wonder will Thais who this affects will grow a pair and finally do something about it.

 

My thoughts are that they won't.

[fdimike]

I personally don't think it a very good idea to constantly comment on the politics of the country we are GUESTS in.  We expats/foreigners cannot vote so why not just let things play out in their country as our comments really mean nothing at all?

[hotchilli]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The Rural Doctor Society, a non-governmental organisation, issued a statement on Monday calling for MPs and senators to respect the voters’ choice, demonstrated in the May 14th general election

The hand picked senators have no respect for the people... end of.

[hotchilli]

On 5/16/2023 at 6:57 PM, dinsdale said:

"Pita is in the process of forming a coalition government with Pheu Thai and some smaller parties, which could amass a voting bloc of 310 votes in parliament. Pita needs 376 members of a joint sitting to vote for him to become prime minister, meaning that he would need 66 military-appointed senators to vote for him."

Not if BJT join the coalition. Then it's done. They have BJT's 70 (?) seats giving the coalition 379 (?) seats. No need for the military buffoons votes. 

If BJT party join the coalition... how hungry is Anutin to stay in politics?

[soalbundy]

12 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

If the senators really expect and claim they protect the democracy they are obliged to do the will of the people. The victory of both parties are overwhelming and a new PM should be appointed. That some don't agree I can imagine, but if 250 senators block it, they don't protect anything, as they show they have no values than themselves

Arrogant, rich, self entitled men who have drunk from the well of power, difficult to move men like that. They are the old guard who feel exonerated by  traditions that are no longer valid in today's world. Traditions are a two edged sword, they bring stability but if written in stone they are a brake on progress. Their mode of thinking is so steeped in historical precedence that there is no room for introspection, confused old men being swept away by events they are incapable of understanding. This election was a harbinger of the end of an era which they cling to in desperation.

[kwilco]

lot of posters here hiding their ignorance behind cynicism.and cliche.

 

e.g.

"heard it all before"

"nothing ever changes"

Edited May 16, 2023 by kwilco

[wombat]

13 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

Unfortunately, those in power, who were not voted for by the people, continue to show that they have no respect at all for the voters and the people of Thailand.

They only respect the man who put them in power and who also fills their pockets.

Am I going to see a you can have anyone you like so long as it's who we want scenario?

[AustinRacing]

Not surprising. Biting the hand that fed them? The show begins. Unfortunately a lot of innocent people may get hurt. 

[Sharp]

On 5/16/2023 at 6:57 PM, dinsdale said:

"Pita is in the process of forming a coalition government with Pheu Thai and some smaller parties, which could amass a voting bloc of 310 votes in parliament. Pita needs 376 members of a joint sitting to vote for him to become prime minister, meaning that he would need 66 military-appointed senators to vote for him."

Not if BJT join the coalition. Then it's done. They have BJT's 70 (?) seats giving the coalition 379 (?) seats. No need for the military buffoons votes. 

Yep lesser of 2 evils at least weed would be safe