Pm Somchai Will Not Resign

[george]

Somchai insists to stay on to carry out three important missions

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat insisted Friday that his government has to stay on to carry out three important missions.

First, his government would have to hold the royal cremation for HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana from November 14 to 19. And on November 20, there will be a ceremony for setting up a tiered umbrella to honour the late princess.

Second, his government would have to hold a grand celebration on the occasion of His Majesty the King’s birthday in December.

Somchai said the third event was important for Thailand’s image in the eyes of the International Community. He said Thais should be united to support the government in holding the Asean Summit in December. He said the entire world was watching whether Thailand could hold the event smoothly or not.

-- The Nation 2008-10-17

[roamer]

I note that theres a nastly little incident brewing up at the border with Cambodia that isn't quoted as a reason to stay on, nor the economic crisis. Oh well in light of the story below it looks like it will be a very reluctant coup.

Silent coup.

By Wassana Nanuam, Pradit Ruangdit and Nattaya Chetchotiros

Army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda has stated flatly for the first time that Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat should resign to take responsibility for the Oct 7 clashes between police and People's Alliance for Democracy demonstrators.

In an hour-long interview on Channel 3 on Thursday, Gen Anupong reiterated responsibility must be taken because of public unease over what happened on Oct 7 when police fired teargas canisters to break up the protest outside parliament.

"If the government gave the order, it has to take responsibility. If the people cannot tolerate it, there will be chaos and the matter will not be put to an end," he said.

The rally tried unsuccessfully to prevent the government from declaring its policy in parliament. At the end of the day, two people were dead and more than 400 were injured, some critically.

Since then, the prime minister has come under heavy criticism for overreacting to the protest.

Asked what he would do if he were the prime minister, Gen Anupong said: "To be honest, I would resign. Why would I stay on? The country is in ruins. It will not hold on.

"I am not saying this to pressure the government to resign, but it must take responsibility. No government can survive after the spilling of people's blood, because society can never accept this. There's no point in staying on when the country has already been damaged."

The army chief sat side by side with Supreme Commander Gen Songkitti Jakkabatr, navy chief Adm Kamthorn Phumhiran, air force leader ACM Itthaporn Supawong, and police chief Pol-Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan during the programme in a show of unity.

Gen Anupong continued to rule out a coup, saying it would not solve the political strife. The armed forces leaders and the public were not in favour of it.

He defended the army's role in the Oct 7 incident, saying it was not aware of the government's order to police to disperse the demonstrators.

He said he regretted the violence and would have opposed the police measures if he could.

A source close to Gen Anupong said the army chief wanted Mr Somchai to step down, not to dissolve the House, to end the political turmoil.

"He does not want a coup. So, the prime minister must resign," said the source.

The army chief's remarks could catch the prime minister off guard.

Earlier on Thursday Mr Somchai, also the defence minister, was greeted with a warm welcome when he officially assumed his duties at the Defence Ministry.

The armed forces leaders also followed him over to Muang Thong Thani to listen to his policy only to later appear on television and demand that he hand in his resignation.

Gen Anupong's statement prompted the People Power party to call an urgent meeting. Former deputy leader Yongyuth Tiyapairat was said to be the only one who saw Mr Somchai, a source in the party said.

Strategies that would be employed include ignoring the call from the army leader and forcing the armed forces to stage a coup so it could then be a target of criticism, or dissolving parliament, the source said.

Another source close to deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, said Mr Thaksin had recommended three candidates to succeed Mr Somchai if he decides to stand down.

They are Foreign Minister Sompong Amornvivat, Deputy House Speaker Apiwan Wiriyachai and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana leader Gen Chettha Thanajaro.

Democrat executive member Sathit Wongnongtoey said the opposition party strongly opposed a military coup or any other attempt to resolve the current political crisis unconstitutionally, including the setting up of a national government.

Source Bangkok Post www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=131470

[Crushdepth]

What a loser. Anyone want to take bets on how long the present 'government' (I use that term loosely) will last?

[george]

Top brass say his tenure is over; Thai PM resists pressure to resign

BANGKOK: -- Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat reasserted his intention to continue serving Thailand after the Army chief and the commanders of all the country's armed services, including the police, told him clearly and unequivocably that his time is up, that he should resign to take responsibility for the October 7 clash.

Mr. Somchai convened a meeting with leaders of the government's coalition parties at Don Mueang airport, which is serving as temporary government offices, Friday afternoon.

Speaking to a press conference about the October 7 clash between the police and People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters at parliament which claimed two lives and injured nearly 500, the prime minister said his government set up a fact-finding committee to investigate the incident and it will accept the result of the investigation no matter how the result will come out.

The result is expected to be revealed in 15 days.

Asked about pressure by Army chief Gen. Anupong Paojinda, who urged the prime minister to resign to take responsibility for the October 7 clash, Mr. Somchai only said he also listen to opinions of all sides.

The premier affirmed that his government would continue their duties and responsibility to ensure that three tasks would be carried out.

The three tasks are imminent events, which are the royal funeral of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana on October 14-19, the celebration of His Majesty the King's birthday which falls on December 5, and the hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in December.

Speaking about resolution of the current political stalemate, he said the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) agreed by all sides in parliament is the legitimate and suitable method to end the turmoil.

-- TNA 2008-10-17

[hammered]

Not willing to accept responsibility for his actions. No surprise there. After all his own brother-in-law never bothered to face up to his mass slaughter

[GungaDin]

Another source close to deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, said Mr Thaksin had recommended three candidates to succeed Mr Somchai if he decides to stand down.

They are Foreign Minister Sompong Amornvivat, Deputy House Speaker Apiwan Wiriyachai and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana leader Gen Chettha Thanajaro.

Still pulling the strings from London, I see.

[anon467367354]

I'm almost tempted to say "is it possible this can happen again?" To have another Toxinite get in the hot seat and have the country continue on whatever path it is they are on. But then again, this is the amazing Thailand where gall turns into a

#_(&-up, and the response is a grin. Is it possible this can happen again? I'm wondering if I shouldn't wonder about this.

[jackyseymour]

I'm almost tempted to say "is it possible this can happen again?" To have another Toxinite get in the hot seat and have the country continue on whatever path it is they are on. But then again, this is the amazing Thailand where gall turns into a

#_(&-up, and the response is a grin. Is it possible this can happen again? I'm wondering if I shouldn't wonder about this.

No.

[NanLaew]

And Thaksin said....

Boo!

[jasreeve17]

Top brass say his tenure is over; Thai PM resists pressure to resign

BANGKOK: -- Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat reasserted his intention to continue serving Thailand after the Army chief and the commanders of all the country's armed services, including the police, told him clearly and unequivocably that his time is up, that he should resign to take responsibility for the October 7 clash.

Mr. Somchai convened a meeting with leaders of the government's coalition parties at Don Mueang airport, which is serving as temporary government offices, Friday afternoon.

Speaking to a press conference about the October 7 clash between the police and People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters at parliament which claimed two lives and injured nearly 500, the prime minister said his government set up a fact-finding committee to investigate the incident and it will accept the result of the investigation no matter how the result will come out.

The result is expected to be revealed in 15 days.

Asked about pressure by Army chief Gen. Anupong Paojinda, who urged the prime minister to resign to take responsibility for the October 7 clash, Mr. Somchai only said he also listen to opinions of all sides.

The premier affirmed that his government would continue their duties and responsibility to ensure that three tasks would be carried out.

The three tasks are imminent events, which are the royal funeral of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana on October 14-19, the celebration of His Majesty the King's birthday which falls on December 5, and the hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in December.

Speaking about resolution of the current political stalemate, he said the Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) agreed by all sides in parliament is the legitimate and suitable method to end the turmoil.

-- TNA 2008-10-17

I'll put the words together for you:-

commander of the police told him that he should resign to take responsibility for the October 7th clash

Shouldn't it read: The PM has told the police commander that he should resign to take responsibility for the policing during the October 7th clash.

or

The Police commanders have imprisoned without bail (pending trial) the PAD leaders following the October 7th clash.

or

PM has told the army commanders that they should resign to take responsibility for their inflamatory comments following the October 7th clash.

I know this is amazing Thailand, and there is an unusual political situation in play, but the posters that claim to be supporters of democracy and still support these army cronies comments might want to reconsider what role army / small elite groups should play in a democracy.

[anon467367354]

Jack says "no". any predictions out there? Does anyone think the PAD is going to lay low and kick back for the festivities, and see khun brother in law leave with his box of belongings on the TV? I don't think so. I think they'll try it again, there hasn't been a consequence yet, why should there be the next time? I do kinda think that a change now would disrupt the official activities coming up. But then again since these activities are so official, I can't see how they can't not happen. Could you imagine George Bush taking responsibility for his actions? Dumb ass McCain said in the debate the other night, "we had to go into Iraq to secure our oil supply" Now that's a good reason to kill over 1 million people.

[sriracha john]

Another source close to deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, said Thaksin had recommended three candidates to succeed Somchai if he decides to stand down.

They are .......and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana leader Gen Chettha Thanajaro.

by all means lets let the perpetrator of fraudulent charade become Prime Minister...

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Southern-Ins...28.html&hl=

Southern Insurgents Announce Ceasefire, Chetta claims insurgents will end operations

He could re-hire his bad actors to become Cabinet ministers

It is both sad and potentially dangerous that this type of hoax is allowed to occur. Some high ranking folks should lose their heads for this sort of stuff. There are a lot of people who just might decide to venture 'back in the water' when the sharks are still swimming.

I think we have a volunteer wildly raising his outstretched hand while chanting "Pick Me!" Pick ME!!"....

Chettha Thanajaro claimed credit for the so-called breakthrough.

"There's no political hidden agenda behind the plan," Gen. Chettha said. "I will take responsibility. This is considered a good sign and I'm confident the situation will improve compared to before."

"The outcome should be known within the next 30 days," *or an hour and a half* Gen. Chettha said, adding that he would solely take the responsibility if anything happens.

He said he himself would take responsibility if the announcement happened to be a hoax.

[Former Science and Technology Minister in the Thaksin administration, former Defense Minister in the Thaksin administration and current Leader of Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana Party and] Former Army Chief Gen Chettha Thanajaro

*edit... btw, it was a hoax and he didn't take responsibility.

Edited October 17, 2008 by sriracha john

[Pierrot]

Asked what he would do if he were the prime minister, Gen Anupong said: "To be honest, I would resign. Why would I stay on? The country is in ruins. It will not hold on.

First, he's not prime minister.

Then who's responsible for the state in the country? Don't the people who occupy the government house share some of the responsibility?

This government represses free speech? As far as everybody is concerned, people who oppose this government have the right to express their view, actually they occupy the government house for the past month.

But the most important is some people say the government should listen to people who oppose this government. Right. But what about the people who support this government? people who went to vote, expecting it means something, and elected this government?

[jdinasia]

Asked what he would do if he were the prime minister, Gen Anupong said: "To be honest, I would resign. Why would I stay on? The country is in ruins. It will not hold on.

First, he's not prime minister.

Then who's responsible for the state in the country? Don't the people who occupy the government house share some of the responsibility?

This government represses free speech? As far as everybody is concerned, people who oppose this government have the right to express their view, actually they occupy the government house for the past month.

But the most important is some people say the government should listen to people who oppose this government. Right. But what about the people who support this government? people who went to vote, expecting it means something, and elected this government?

Read what he said. He didn't say dissolve parliament, and the people didn't vote for Somchai as PM

Somchai is now PM in name only, with his second post as Minister of Defense just a joke since the military will not listen to him. The current gov't MIGHT be able to survive a few months until their party is dissolved IF they placed someone other than a Thaksin Crony in the PM's slot.

[h90]

Asked what he would do if he were the prime minister, Gen Anupong said: "To be honest, I would resign. Why would I stay on? The country is in ruins. It will not hold on.

First, he's not prime minister.

Then who's responsible for the state in the country? Don't the people who occupy the government house share some of the responsibility?

This government represses free speech? As far as everybody is concerned, people who oppose this government have the right to express their view, actually they occupy the government house for the past month.

But the most important is some people say the government should listen to people who oppose this government. Right. But what about the people who support this government? people who went to vote, expecting it means something, and elected this government?

No worry, they got paid already, and they are happy to get money again.

[jasreeve17]

Asked what he would do if he were the prime minister, Gen Anupong said: "To be honest, I would resign. Why would I stay on? The country is in ruins. It will not hold on.

First, he's not prime minister.

Then who's responsible for the state in the country? Don't the people who occupy the government house share some of the responsibility?

This government represses free speech? As far as everybody is concerned, people who oppose this government have the right to express their view, actually they occupy the government house for the past month.

But the most important is some people say the government should listen to people who oppose this government. Right. But what about the people who support this government? people who went to vote, expecting it means something, and elected this government?

Totally agree.

If there was a new election the same result would occur. Then guess what - the same minority group would come back and do the same thing again, and again and again.

A small minority has decided they will not stop public disorder until they (or a group that they personally sanction) get power. They are ridiculous and they are stopping the development of democracy in Thailand (a slow painful process anywhere). The PPP are a corrupt bunch of @$##$@, but if PAD get their way it'll be a major step backwards from democracy.

[animatic]

Phi Krasu Shinawatra, come to steel the babies souls...

His ghost never stops,

just dragging the entrails around from the neck, till eternity ends.

Patient:

Nurse Nurse where is Dr Thaksin?

Will he be back sonn?

Nurse:

Oh he won't be back for a loooong time.

He's out on one of those eternity cases.

rimshot

[jasreeve17]

Phi Krasu Shinawatra, come to steel the babies souls...

His ghost never stops,

just dragging the entrails around from the neck, till eternity ends.

Patient:

Nurse Nurse where is Dr Thaksin?

Will he be back sonn?

Nurse:

Oh he won't be back for a loooong time.

He's out on one of those eternity cases.

rimshot

Can you communicate normally? This is not a poetry board (however, of course you have the right to communicate in any way you desire...)

Edited October 17, 2008 by jasreeve17

[bangkokrick]

How can he refuse to stand down if he has benn found guilty of breaking the law. Does anyone understand this? Did Samak have the same option?

Cheers, Rick

[Sparkles]

Somchai insists to stay on to carry out three important missions

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat insisted Friday that his government has to stay on to carry out three important missions.

First, his government would have to hold the royal cremation for HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana from November 14 to 19. And on November 20, there will be a ceremony for setting up a tiered umbrella to honour the late princess.

Second, his government would have to hold a grand celebration on the occasion of His Majesty the King’s birthday in December.

Somchai said the third event was important for Thailand’s image in the eyes of the International Community. He said Thais should be united to support the government in holding the Asean Summit in December. He said the entire world was watching whether Thailand could hold the event smoothly or not.

-- The Nation 2008-10-17

How the Thai baht can remain so strong against other currencies is one of the most amazing wonders of the modern world.

The country is a shambles with the Gov paralysed for how long now ? I am going to email Oz Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, tonight and tell him the secret to a strong currency is chaos. Maybe Aus can attack New Guinea or NZ. Does the curent PM really believe the rest of the world looks upon Thailand as a country to be admired.

[animatic]

Asked what he would do if he were the prime minister, Gen Anupong said: "To be honest, I would resign. Why would I stay on? The country is in ruins. It will not hold on.

First, he's not prime minister.

Then who's responsible for the state in the country? Don't the people who occupy the government house share some of the responsibility?

This government represses free speech? As far as everybody is concerned, people who oppose this government have the right to express their view, actually they occupy the government house for the past month.

But the most important is some people say the government should listen to people who oppose this government. Right. But what about the people who support this government? people who went to vote, expecting it means something, and elected this government?

Totally agree.

If there was a new election the same result would occur. Then guess what - the same minority group would come back and do the same thing again, and again and again.

A small minority has decided they will not stop public disorder until they (or a group that they personally sanction) get power. They are ridiculous and they are stopping the development of democracy in Thailand (a slow painful process anywhere). The PPP are a corrupt bunch of @$##$@, but if PAD get their way it'll be a major step backwards from democracy.

That is a debatable point since I don't consider the present government properly elected.

They are so close to being disolved it is moot if there was an election.

They have been so inept it is solving nothing if they stay.

With Thaksin openly pulling the strings for a THIRD time,

in advance of Somchai's departure, it is NOT a properly elected government.

It is a Thaksin paid for and controled government.

And that is something NOT ONE average Thai person voted for.

Democracy will be advanced after a dissolution of parlement ,

and other election WITH international observers numbering in the thousands,

and not sooner.

By constantly crying 'democracy will be lost',

you are undermining the democracy

by aiding and abetting Thaksin's paid kleptocracy.

With Thaksin is calling the shots from London,

this is NOT a democracy we would be losing.

It is a financially controled dictatorship;

Thaksin is DICTATING TO THE GOVERNMENT...

What part of that don't you get?

[Pierrot]

That is a debatable point since I don't consider the present government properly elected.

...

What part of that don't you get?

What I get is "you don't consider".

Then the next question is : ballot vote or baseball bat?

If you're against the former, I hope you're comfortable with the latter

[jasreeve17]

I've added colour for ease - I hope you don't mind (if you can be a poet maybe I can attempt some art, of sorts).

That is a debatable point since I don't consider the present government properly elected.

You consider? - the majority of Thais and the election commission (I teach a PhD course with a senior EC lady) disagree with you.

They are so close to being disolved it is moot if there was an election.

They have been so inept it is solving nothing if they stay.

I agree - they are a bunch of (elected) corrupt, self serving @$%#@, but being inept doesn't mean they can't democratically rule. How many examples Worldwide do you want...

With Thaksin openly pulling the strings for a THIRD time, (openly?)

in advance of Somchai's departure, it is NOT a properly elected government.

You know very well that the TRT / PPP / Taksin party will easily win the next election too because he is the Thai people's choice.

It is a Thaksin paid for and controled government. (more conjecture)

And that is something NOT ONE average Thai person voted for.

If MrT came back tomorrow the majority of Thais would vote for him. I'd disagree with them for doing so, but they would, you know it.

Democracy will be advanced after a dissolution of parlement ,

Forced by a minority group and the army - again. Against the wishes of the majority of Thais who want Somchai to be given a chance to run the county.

and other election WITH international observers numbering in the thousands,

and not sooner.

Which MrT will win again, and the minority group will come back and attempt to cause social chaos again.

By constantly crying 'democracy will be lost',

you are undermining the democracy

by aiding and abetting Thaksin's paid kleptocracy.

No logic in that paragraph I'm afraid. I support the vote of the majority - only.

With Thaksin is calling the shots from London,

this is NOT a democracy we would be losing.

It is a financially controled dictatorship;

Thaksin is DICTATING TO THE GOVERNMENT...

What part of that don't you get?

I agree that MrT is a controlling factor that is not interested in democracy, but I believe the PAD and army sorts are hellbent against democracy at all costs. The only reason they hate MrT has nothing to do with his perceived lack of democracy or 'controled dictatorship' - it's solely because their power was waining with him taking their share of the trough.

Oieeee, my back hurts slumped over the pc on this pointless quest of trying to logically communicate with Taksin haters. I really feel that too many board members are believing the lies spread by the PAD bosses (not many Thais outside Bkk do). Of course the PPP kick out non-stop lies too, but they're the elected liars!

Edited October 17, 2008 by jasreeve17

[wensiensheng]

I share the amazement over the strength of the baht. I can only think that international investors have become immune to the chaos which is Thai politics and economic policies (if there are any) and are just treating them as SNAFU.

[fidelio]

Jasreeve17 ,

Thank you, thank you and thank you.

And like Bob Marley used to sing : " Don't let them fool you "

[h90]

Asked what he would do if he were the prime minister, Gen Anupong said: "To be honest, I would resign. Why would I stay on? The country is in ruins. It will not hold on.

First, he's not prime minister.

Then who's responsible for the state in the country? Don't the people who occupy the government house share some of the responsibility?

This government represses free speech? As far as everybody is concerned, people who oppose this government have the right to express their view, actually they occupy the government house for the past month.

But the most important is some people say the government should listen to people who oppose this government. Right. But what about the people who support this government? people who went to vote, expecting it means something, and elected this government?

Totally agree.

If there was a new election the same result would occur. Then guess what - the same minority group would come back and do the same thing again, and again and again.

A small minority has decided they will not stop public disorder until they (or a group that they personally sanction) get power. They are ridiculous and they are stopping the development of democracy in Thailand (a slow painful process anywhere). The PPP are a corrupt bunch of @$##$@, but if PAD get their way it'll be a major step backwards from democracy.

PPP was not elected, they bought their way into power. To to develop democracy the parties must learn to make elections without fraud. To let them stay in power is a step back in democracy.

[wrecker]

Luckily it is the people who decide. Not the top brass, not the PAD (noticed the lovely report of Human rights watch about the PAD) and it is also not Prem who decide. Any government will be damned by a handful of people. This is a country in which bomb makers and people who shoot cops are protected and an PM must go for making 6500 baht as a guest cook. Maybe it is time to check the tax statements of Sonthi cs.

But never mind, nothing will change in this country till the old power base have literally died out. Thailand is the Congo on the Chaya Praya

[PeaceBlondie]

God bless Taksin, and Samak, and their buddies, and their enemies, the Khmer Rouge, the Viet Cong, G W Bush, Castro, and Hugo Chavez. We are only commanded to love our enemies, not to agree with their policies or their actions.

[Pierrot]

PPP was not elected, they bought their way into power. To to develop democracy the parties must learn to make elections without fraud. To let them stay in power is a step back in democracy.

Were the people who support the PAD elected ? No, they were born into power. I agree with you, "to let them stay in power is a step back in democracy"

[jasreeve17]

Asked what he would do if he were the prime minister, Gen Anupong said: "To be honest, I would resign. Why would I stay on? The country is in ruins. It will not hold on.

First, he's not prime minister.

Then who's responsible for the state in the country? Don't the people who occupy the government house share some of the responsibility?

This government represses free speech? As far as everybody is concerned, people who oppose this government have the right to express their view, actually they occupy the government house for the past month.

But the most important is some people say the government should listen to people who oppose this government. Right. But what about the people who support this government? people who went to vote, expecting it means something, and elected this government?

Totally agree.

If there was a new election the same result would occur. Then guess what - the same minority group would come back and do the same thing again, and again and again.

A small minority has decided they will not stop public disorder until they (or a group that they personally sanction) get power. They are ridiculous and they are stopping the development of democracy in Thailand (a slow painful process anywhere). The PPP are a corrupt bunch of @$##$@, but if PAD get their way it'll be a major step backwards from democracy.

PPP was not elected, they bought their way into power. To to develop democracy the parties must learn to make elections without fraud. To let them stay in power is a step back in democracy.

I've spoken substantially to a senior election commission official (who hates Taksin by the way) and this election was fair. Claim otherwise all you want, but the EC (certainly not TRT / PPP supporters or dogsbodies) have the information and the strengh to say it how it was - fair.

H90, just spouting on and on and on an ubsubstatiated (and clearly incorrect according to respected authorities) opinion carries no weight - quite the reverse.