Army Chief Urged To Stage Coup

[HYENA]

more than 50% from supposedly democratic countries are voting for a coup. Why not an emergency election since it was a coup to start with and have none of the current players of any coup or non democtratic process be eliminated from eligibility...asking UN and other country's to help...with force if neccesary. Somethign has to end this ridiculous coup crap claiming it's democratic. They should gather with some third party nations, decelop a constitution that cannot be changed and back it with some military might...something drastic needs to be done because Thailand is a complete mess and another coup will breed another coup...minority parties can protest and steal the government, etc.

Call China, US, Aus, UK, India and big players out there to straighten this crap out. BUT it will never happen and the country will always be known for it's lack of intelligence....coup and democratically elected same people...What a joke! Something horrible happened to the gene pool at some point over there. They constantly screw up HUGE wealth and success if they could knock the crap off but personal gain is more important than the country's success.

Geez, why doesn't Australia or the US come in and perform a coup...everybody's doing it (then they can pilfer the country's coffers like every other coup winner in the past). Pitiful nation, really....

[Levanter]

As long as the rural majority can be bought off for 500 Baht a vote it will be unacceptable to PAD.

It's much easier to buy a few million people's votes for 500 Baht a pop than say a few thousand Bangkokians vote for several million each... You cannot have a government elected on the back of bribery. That is not democracy.

What does it mean when a person's vote can be bought for a measly 500 baht?

It means that 500 baht is more important than their "vote". It means they'll vote for anyone who'll give them 500 baht. Their choice says something about their needs. It says they want the first (and only) person and party who ever gave them a time of the day, who saw them as important enough a demographic to court their vote and draft national policies for their sake. Let's not get into the question of whether such policies were even sound or sincere -- the point is Thaksin and his party showed through words, actions and money that the rural poor are as important to Thailand as the urban middle class.

Bribery may be illegal, but when all pretenses are shed, people vote for those whose promised policies will help them most. Tax cuts, changes to commercial and financial laws and regulations, zoning laws, mass transit systems, healthcare plans -- these are all considerations that the savvy voter will consider, but they too are promises of material gain. A 500 baht windfall is unsophisticated in comparison, but refreshingly straightforward and undemanding in its own way.

By voting for someone who took a few minutes to think of them and go through the effort to buy their vote, they are saying that they want to be heard; they are saying they want to be considered when Bangkok big wigs draft fiscal policy; they want a share of Thailand's development that they contribute to with backbreaking labour. For Thailand, that is more "democracy" than it has ever had.

To break the vicious cycle of Thaksin and co's return to power with each election, the answer is not to strip these people of their voices, ignore them, declare that their elected government is illegitimate, or brag about being more educated and knowing what's good for the country. The answer is showing that other parties can care more, can draft well-thoughtout policies promoting increased opportunities for the rural poor that are sustainable, practical, transparently monitored and most importantly, a sincere attempt to improve their wellbeing and not just a political tool for power. The answer is acknowledging their importance to the Thai economy, their indispensible contribution to Thailand's development, and their voice as a critical consideration for the country to move forward into the ranks for the developed world.

[Samuian]

They should immediately cancel the pension of this chap. HE is co responsible for what is going on, he is a PAD supporter, Both he and Prem should be brought to trial. If Thaksin gets a prison term, Chamlong and Sondhi and the mountain goat impersonator should be given the bullet. Especially given the fact that they demand sympathy from everybody and cause sorrow for hundreds of thousands of people. Sick, dying, children, elderly travellers. And if this work, the UDD should apply the very sam tactic to any new government that is formed. Unfortunately in this backward country, the leaders are all in their late 70's and 80's. They live a life from back in the 70's. People who are over 70 should resign and ask younger people to rule. We need an kind of Obama here, a young guy who lives now and not in the past. What the PAD is doing is nothing less than trying to keep the clock from going forward. they have had a cozy live in which they could misuse the boys as virtual slaves in their factories, the girls as entertainers from the worst kind, and they held the elderly hostage by denying them healthcare and schooling for their children and grandchildren. Take all the money that these people hold, and confiscate it, they have caused considerable more damage to Thailand than Thaksin could do in 7 lives.

Where is the police how cme the generals are not purged? Where are the sharpshooters who take out all armed civilians disobeying orders to disperse? Where are the courts that jumped over Thaksin and his cronies whenever they could and that are held in contempt by the PAD over and over. Thaksin has a case, the system is rotten, the elite is rotten, the generals are rotten. If anyone give the PAD what they want you better emigrate to Zimbabwe Mugabe is more decent than Sondhi and Chamlong.

Agreed and Thaksin, Newin and Co are rotten too. If he gets back he'll be locking doors behind him. El Presidente for life. No I dont have a quick solution or a slow one but I know evil when I smell it so I bark like a soi dog..

On point I can wholeheartedly agree on!

If so lock 'em ALL away - forever!

And let's get back to serious business as drinking beer and taking shower!

[jitagon]

Is coup needed? how much would it take for the army to round up the trouble makers and restore law and order??????????

If there's a coup the red shirts will come out in force and be the new trouble makers.

no they wont. they will have nothing to protest against.

The leaders have already said they will come out and fight against the army that takes out their elected government.

Oh don't be silly!

[rsamui]

Is coup needed? how much would it take for the army to round up the trouble makers and restore law and order??????????

which trouble makers? you mean the somchai cabinet?

get rid of somchai and the PAD disperses and there is no more problem.

much easier to move one man than 50,000

If there will be a new election the PPP will win again,simply because they represent the majority of the Thais !!! Tha Pad leaders should understand that they really damage the tourist industry with stupid actions like these!!! Just before the peak season and for many so much needed

[AsiaCheese]

It is unfortunate that such an option is now considered so easily acceptable and highly favoured.

The bloodless coup of 2006 has seemingly turned the military coup into the solution du jour for political problems that people cannot or will not solve through peaceful, open-minded negotiation and democratic mechanisms. Like the aftermath of May 1992, the 2006 coup has left behind a generation of Thais patiently waiting for someone to swoop in to save the country from its political woes through extrajudicial means. What are we to do with a country that cannot walk on its own two feet? That always has to be carried like a toddler over uneven terrain? What are we to do with a country that does not have the institutionalized mechanisms to solve such problems? Or worst of all, a people too used to completely ignoring or trampling over such mechanisms when they actually do exist?

While I am neither pro-PAD nor pro-Thaksin, I am as uncomfortable with the idea of a coup as much as the idea of the government caving into PAD demands -- such acts set dangerous precedents (or have set already), a slope gradually becoming more slippery and more steep as Thailand and her people slowly lose their faith and reliance on democracy.

Well said, my thoughts exactly.

Then there's the second problem: IF there were to be a military coup, what would follow it eventually? Democratic elections, you guessed it. And what will happen there? I guess you'll guess that one as well -- another load of bribe votes, and back to the status quo for the 3rd (nth?) time. Nothing gained but a lot lost (in visitor/business confidence in the stability of the country -- meaning lots of $$$ pretty immediately). At that point, PAD, or some form of descendent, would be roaming the streets again. Pretty hopeless, and not really any plan B in sight.

Yes, police -- possibly in combination with the army -- should be firm and do a clean-up. But that would potentially be to throw oil into an already sizzling fire and make things escalate into real civil unrest (not just localized stuff like we've seen so far).

[seri thai]

PAD and PPP are sounding like both sides of the same coin right now arn't they?

They both want governance, and they are both blaming each other of acting selfishly.

Think. Does Thailand really want to sink into a ex-soviet style rule where only large organised social groups have the right to influence governance?

Has anyone pondered the possiblity that this chaos was engineered (on the concept of dualism) to render a future national socialist regeme? The media would be more than happy to support such a regime right?.

Anyone remember the 1930's? Who are the victims? Who stands to benefit?

---------

Who?What?Why?Where?When?How?

The only bad question is the one not asked.

The 1930's are alive and well here if you hadn't noticed. Thats why so many expats like it here. It even has village policemen, sweat shops, and peasants who know their place.

as the British used to say, as is "only large organised social groups have the right to influence governance"

If only they could make the trains run on time.....

[moo9]

A coup is a Banana Republic solution.

Which other solution do you suggest for a Monkey Government?

One coup, everybody will step back and then there is time to think about how to continue? Or do you still believe that PAD and PPP will find an acceptable solution in an acceptable time frame?

[hammered]

ASTV reports troops are moving to important locations to secure them and prevent violence by mobilised government supporters.

[jitagon]

Civil war - thats the best option!

Machete's and elephants at dawn. Spectators welcome.Seeing as the PAD has both airport why not have both sides fighting on the runways - you already have the stands for viewing.

Thailand poilitics are so so laughable that its only inevitable that this is happening. It's to do with the nations childish psyche,the lack of accountability,men being over pampered by Mummy and Grandma.The superficial smile,man I don't trust no one who smiles all the time.

After living in Thailand for 15yrs,I know I made the right decision taking my wife,2 kids back to England - how can you build a future on sand!

Good luck to you all,get you kevlar jackets ready..............Thailand is DOOMED!

lb1

And you STILL know sod all about Thailand?

[MartinEMS]

I can't provide credibal source names, I do however have reliable colleauges who has seen these vehicles moving at pace in Bangkok. And as I stated 8pm but the undisclosed 'official' time.

[moo9]

If there will be a new election the PPP will win again,simply because they represent the majority of the Thais !!!

The majority of votes come from the people which are easy to buy. Please do not misunderstand. I sympathize with the rural and poor population and am of the opinion, that they were neglected by the elite much too long. But the people in power are ruthless. The play with the poor, win their votes by handing out peanuts to continue their high scale corruption.

Unfortunately the rural population does not understand this and after all they are not interested in the stuff, because they struggle with their own daily life and are more than happy to accept every single Baht.

If a new elections come, it should be very closely monitored.

[jitagon]

No more coups in Thailand. For the love of God. NO pain NO gain. Again and again, what 22 so far? Let them sort themselves out in their own way and not you're particular eurocentric view of what's best for 'em huh?

Now. Just back away from your computer, put down that mouse, that's right, now off you pop with you're teerak to the nearest beach/park/restaurant. And chill.

[stub]

this whole buying vote argument is so childish; explain this to me;

I take 1000 baht from 1 party, take 1000 baht from the second party, but actually vote for a third party ... how do you know, how do you stop it?

You give a big wad of cash to the biggest chief in the electorate and a bigger wad of cash if you win the electorate. You then just let him work out the details. Sure, locals don't have to vote for who they are told too but would they rather have a genuine vote and a pissed off village head or whatever tangible the local chief promised?

[LTGTR]

Why can't the army restore the law without taking over the government? Isn't that what would happen in any other country? I guess a coup was what the PAD has been looking for since the beginning. The next thing to question would be who is behind the PAD and why do they want a military dictatorship? Do they want it to be permanent? Are they staging a military dictatorship as a transition to something else? If so, what transition? Questions, questions and no answers to post on a public forum I suppose. Sad times for Thailand.

Why you ask?Because this place is Third World and ALWAYS will be.Is there a Fourth World we could be downgraded to? LOL

[jitagon]

If there will be a new election the PPP will win again,simply because they represent the majority of the Thais !!!

The majority of votes come from the people which are easy to buy. Please do not misunderstand. I sympathize with the rural and poor population and am of the opinion, that they were neglected by the elite much too long. But the people in power are ruthless. The play with the poor, win their votes by handing out peanuts to continue their high scale corruption.

Unfortunately the rural population does not understand this and after all they are not interested in the stuff, because they struggle with their own daily life and are more than happy to accept every single Baht.

If a new elections come, it should be very closely monitored.

Now here's a reasoned, thought out, and intelligent post.

[bobzillauk]

If there is a coup, I've heard that there is going to be a civil war against the red and yellows, and according to a radio speech in northern thailand, there saying the army will have to shoot us down.

The yellow team are killing Thailands international rep, making the country turn into bankruptcy.

When there is another election, they will win again, causing the yellow team to come out and play again, so this is going to happen till someone destroys the PAD.

In any other countries, people can protest in peace, but when they start running around damaging things, and think they own the joint, then the police riot squad will disperce tear gas etc. This type of mutany is classed as treason, penalty by severe prison sentences or death in some countries.

All investers have pulled out of Thailand, and the busy christmas season, is now more of a ghost town, every where is dead.

And it will take several years to repair.

[MKAsok]

Channel 3 reporting Army spokesman saying tanks in Bangkok are nothing to do with a coup attempt, but are vehicles on their way back from a 'training exercise.'

[hansnl]

Why can't the army restore the law without taking over the government? Isn't that what would happen in any other country? I guess a coup was what the PAD has been looking for since the beginning. The next thing to question would be who is behind the PAD and why do they want a military dictatorship? Do they want it to be permanent? Are they staging a military dictatorship as a transition to something else? If so, what transition? Questions, questions and no answers to post on a public forum I suppose. Sad times for Thailand.

In any given democratic country the army is there for defending the country from attacks from outside.

Inside the country the government of the day can order the police to restore order.

However, what if the police is not really in the mood?

What if the police agrees with the protesters?

What if the police and army have a kind of standoffish thing going on?

What if the army agrees with PPP or PAD?

Problems, problems, problems.....

Everybody seems to know for certain that the Government was chosen by the people.

Wrong!

The Government was formed by parties that had a kind of majority in the last poll.

That is, they did not get most votes!

So, maybe the PAD is right in protesting this Government.

Or maybe the PPP is right?

[frodo]

Govt pleads solders to remain in barracks

Chiang Mai - The Cabinet did not consider about purging the military top brass, Government Spokesman Natthawut Saikua announced urgently, pleading with soldiers to remain in barracks..

He said he came out from the Cabinet meeting to make the announcement when the meeting was still going on because there were high speculations about coup.

Natthawut said the government would like to call on the military not to mobilise the troops because the military leaders would not be purged.

The Nation

If he government is actually pleading, maybe something is amiss.

source: http://nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/r...newsid=30089574

[bkkbaz]

this whole buying vote argument is so childish; explain this to me;

I take 1000 baht from 1 party, take 1000 baht from the second party, but actually vote for a third party ... how do you know, how do you stop it?

you're whole vote-buying argument has no value what so ever !

all it means is that you're really bad in finding excuses ...

My friend's wife saw officials photocopying completed ballot papers and writing names on them when she went to vote in the last election.

Her parents' village's votes were sold wholesale to the PPP - after her parents voted Democrat instead (without telling anyone), the village officials told them not to expect any support in the future.

Very simple, and pretty much proven in the courts. I'm surprised that people are still questioning this.

[rainman]

I saw the police today, about 10 of them busy pulling out drivers on the highway collecting tips.

[werbs]

people talk about vote buying as though it decided the election, who is to say that these voters were not going to vote PPP anyway.

mp- "Hi I am your local PPP candidate, can I rely on your vote?"

voter- (thinks) i am voting PPP but sinceI know you are paying I will play ignorant.

"I am not sure"

mp- "we will pay you"

voter- "ok"

ok very simplified but i wonder what percentage would vote PPP anyway

[rainman]

The government is not in control anymore. They haven't been for the past 3 months or they would have removed the PAD monkeys when they first occupied the government building.

[tatt2dude]

No more coups in Thailand. For the love of God. NO pain NO gain. Again and again, what 22 so far? Let them sort themselves out in their own way and not you're particular eurocentric view of what's best for 'em huh?

Coup please!.... Not so much worried about "em" as you put it, but I for one would like to see a plane full of tourists and food on the table Friday

[rainman]

ASTV reports troops are moving to important locations to secure them and prevent violence by mobilised government supporters.

The Gold Shop, the KFC and the Guess store? How about go and free the airport?

[onethailand]

Channel 3 reporting Army spokesman saying tanks in Bangkok are nothing to do with a coup attempt, but are vehicles on their way back from a 'training exercise.'

LOL, that's funny... until one takes into account how many tanks are actually BASED in Bangkok...

[hansnl]

If there is a coup, I've heard that there is going to be a civil war against the red and yellows, and according to a radio speech in northern thailand, there saying the army will have to shoot us down.

The yellow team are killing Thailands international rep, making the country turn into bankruptcy.

When there is another election, they will win again, causing the yellow team to come out and play again, so this is going to happen till someone destroys the PAD.

In any other countries, people can protest in peace, but when they start running around damaging things, and think they own the joint, then the police riot squad will disperce tear gas etc. This type of mutany is classed as treason, penalty by severe prison sentences or death in some countries.

All investers have pulled out of Thailand, and the busy christmas season, is now more of a ghost town, every where is dead.

And it will take several years to repair.

The yellow team is killing Thailands reputation?

Really?

[turbopinda]

Channel 3 reporting Army spokesman saying tanks in Bangkok are nothing to do with a coup attempt, but are vehicles on their way back from a 'training exercise.'

Yeah sure a training....

Do you think he is telling the truth???????

[frodo]

Ogilvy & Matter sends staff home following coup rumours

Education Ministry officials rushed home following coup rumours

sources: http://nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/r...newsid=30089577 and http://nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/r...newsid=30089576