Abhisit Vejjajiva Elected New Prime Minister Of Thailand

[Jingthing]

People's Power Party

There exists NO SUCH PARTY.

[animatic]

Abhisit Vejjajiva Elected New Prime Minister Of Thailand,

Elected by who? Certainly not the people

Elected by MP's, who were elected by the people.

When no Party has an absolute majority, coalitions must be formed and whatnot.

It's called a Parliamentary Zystem.

December 23, 2007

News Desk

As the nation completed the much awaited task of voting for their future, it became clear from the unofficial results that their favorite has been People's Power Party. With 80 per cent of the vote counted, the People's Power Party won 230 seats. Rival Democrat Party won 161 seats.

Guess Democracy does not matter to much to the Democrats.

PPP as noted above ceased to exist December 2nd.

Along with Chart Thai and Matchima parties.

The remaining not banned MP's became essentially free-agents.

Oddly enough more Chart Thai got banned than PPP.

They had MORE MP's as party executives.

PTP, which did NOT win the last election,

failed to create a new coalition government that contained over 50% of the house.

The Dems put together one significantly larger, that met that criteria, and it passed the vote.

End of story.

Edited December 15, 2008 by animatic

[sriracha john]

Thailand revokes Thaksin's diplomatic passport

BANGKOK: The Thai government said on Monday that it had revoked the diplomatic passport of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, shortly after the country's opposition leader was elected prime minister.

The withdrawal of the passport was the latest in a series of sanctions against the influential former premier, including his sentencing in absentia to two years in prison on corruption charges and the freezing of his assets.

"The ministry has considered the topic carefully as it is related to legal and political factors," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"The ministry has consulted with the government and decided to revoke the diplomatic passport on December 12."

It said Thailand's Council of State, the country's top legal body, would "consider the issue of rights and liberties under the constitution before the ministry decides about his ordinary passport."

Multi-millionaire Thaksin left Thailand in August but it is not clear now where he is after he was forced to leave Britain three months later when his visa was revoked.

- AFP / 2008-12-15

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*edit. Subsequent to this posting a new topic-specific thread has been started:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Foreign-Mini...-s-t229843.html

Foreign Ministry Revokes Thaksin's Diplomatic Passport

Edited December 15, 2008 by sriracha john

[Jingthing]

Of course he can always buy another passport to some silly country if they take away his regular passport as well.

[soundman]

The Sydney Morning Herald has an interesting <snip> of the election of Abhisit as PM.

Hard-hitting article - and IMO well-balanced, considering its length (i.e. before the usual suspects jump in - no, it doesn't try to list every single factor).

No reproduction / link / copy / cut and paste of that article on this board please.

[Guest Reimar]

Some result of an democratic PM election:

Three Red Shirt Protesters Injured in Acid Attacks Meant for Democrats

UPDATE : 15 December 2008

Red Shirt Protester Attacks Vehicle Carrying MPs

Matchichon online reported that 3 pro-Pheu Thai supporters suffered injuries from accidental acid attacks which were meant for Democrats MPs who were leaving Parliament earlier today.

Chao broke out in front of Parliament after Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva was voted as Thailand's 27th premier this morning. The car of a Democrat MP was a target of rock-throwing attacks by the pro-Pheu Thai protesters who gathered in front of Parliament to express their disagreement with the voting result. Democrat MP Pheeraphan Sarirattawipa suffered minor injuries to the back of his shoulder.

Witnesses have also claimed the red shirt protesters were seen throwing unidentified liquid, believed to be acid, at the passing cars carrying Democrats MPs. However instead of inflicting injuries on the intended targets, the red shirt protesters accidentally spilled the unidentified liquid and injured 3 of their fellow protesters.

Meanwhile, Democrat deputy party leader Witoon Nambutr suffered minor injuries to his elbow where he was hit by rocks thrown by the red shirt protesters.

Like the concrete stones drawn to cars of MP's the attack with acids is showing the real attitude of Red's!

[adjan jb]

Hansum man

But long time cannot. Short time only.

I tink so.

No good.

[JetsetBkk]

I think Jonathan Head summed up Abhisit nicely on BBC News tonight:

"As a self-styled champion of democracy, he can't feel good about how he got the job."

[brahmburgers]

Write it off as Fahrangs are ting tong....

I always heard it as 'ding dong' It's a 'tap sap' (Thai word lifted from another language, usually English)

....reminds me of Captain Kangaroo days (oh boy, that dates me).

[cmsally]

Some result of an democratic PM election:

Three Red Shirt Protesters Injured in Acid Attacks Meant for Democrats

UPDATE : 15 December 2008

Red Shirt Protester Attacks Vehicle Carrying MPs

Matchichon online reported that 3 pro-Pheu Thai supporters suffered injuries from accidental acid attacks which were meant for Democrats MPs who were leaving Parliament earlier today.

Chao broke out in front of Parliament after Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva was voted as Thailand's 27th premier this morning. The car of a Democrat MP was a target of rock-throwing attacks by the pro-Pheu Thai protesters who gathered in front of Parliament to express their disagreement with the voting result. Democrat MP Pheeraphan Sarirattawipa suffered minor injuries to the back of his shoulder.

Witnesses have also claimed the red shirt protesters were seen throwing unidentified liquid, believed to be acid, at the passing cars carrying Democrats MPs. However instead of inflicting injuries on the intended targets, the red shirt protesters accidentally spilled the unidentified liquid and injured 3 of their fellow protesters.

Meanwhile, Democrat deputy party leader Witoon Nambutr suffered minor injuries to his elbow where he was hit by rocks thrown by the red shirt protesters.

Like the concrete stones drawn to cars of MP's the attack with acids is showing the real attitude of Red's!

Source ?

Here it says acid thrown at the protesters from a merc.

Red army outside parliament

UPDATE: Matichon reports there were 4 injuries. One MP suffered some small injuries at the hand of the protesters and 3 protesters were injured when someone from a green mercedes Benz three some liquid believed to be acid at the protesters.

[crocodilexp]

This is a good day for the country, in my opinion. That they finally managed to put a politician in office who is educated and articulate, with a clear passion for developing education in the country, is one of the best things Thailand could hope for. I wish him nothing but success, as he has a huge and difficult job in front of him.

If you hear that banging sound, that was the final nail in Thaksin's coffin. (or was that T's head against the wall, either way...)

Abhisit is handsome and went to school, but it's questionable how effective (and ethical!) he would be. Remember, he was only elected due to defection of a crusty local lord, proudly named after Ne Win, and he is under control of PAD overlords.

I was hoping Abhisit would win the last election. Right now, however, he doesn't have much legitimacy or a strong mandate. I'm afraid he may end up being about as effective as Somchai (but may last longer).

[Johpa]

Abhisit born in newcastle_upon_Tyne will the pound go up

Do you expect the people of Newcastle to celebrate tomorrow and declare it a national holiday? Like in Kenya what the balck man make a historic win?

Maybe he will bring Watney's into the pubs in Thailand.

[henryalleman]

Here we go.... [from the Nation]

Red-shirted people became angry upon learning the result of PM voting and used metal barriers to block the gates of Parliament at 10:40 am, it was reported.

TNN Channel showed pictures of red-shirted people using metal barriers of police to block the gates.

Supporters of Thailand's ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra throw bricks at cars of some members of parliament after opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva won in a vote to become prime minister at the Parliament in Bangkok December 15, 2008. At least 200 demonstrators blocked access to Thailand's parliament and threw bricks at cars of some MPs after opposition leader Vejjajiva won a thin majority in a vote to become prime minister. The protesters barricaded all gates out of the compound and checked cars trying to leave. Some cars had windows broken with clubs or bricks.

REUTERS

This is wrong and they should be jailed. The police should have rushed in and arrested these fools.

All I take from this is that neither side (yellow or red) are capable of peaceful protests.

very clever of the police not to intervene. Let the red shirts blow of some steam, maybe we will have here and there some minor demonstrations is normal reaction of disappointed people. If handle this with caution and prudence it will be all over in less than a week.

If the justice department is clever they will order an international arrest warrant against Thaksin, but let him sit in a foreign jail for a while before they bring him back home. I'm sure every country will help them to that for diplomatic reasons.

[seri thai]

Hopefully he doesnt have too many skeletons in the closet!

No but he has the "friends of Newin" hanging on the doorknob as an air freshener.

Not an auspicious start but heres hoping

[h90]

Abhisit Vejjajiva Elected New Prime Minister Of Thailand,

Elected by who? Certainly not the people

Elected by MP's, who were elected by the people.

When no Party has an absolute majority, coalitions must be formed and whatnot.

It's called a Parliamentary Zystem.

December 23, 2007

News Desk

As the nation completed the much awaited task of voting for their future, it became clear from the unofficial results that their favorite has been People's Power Party. With 80 per cent of the vote counted, the People's Power Party won 230 seats. Rival Democrat Party won 161 seats.

Guess Democracy does not matter to much to the Democrats.

We in Austria had a coalition of the second and third strongest party in Austria. The third strongest had the PM. I can't recall that some one told that this isn't democratic.

[henryalleman]

Nothing but class from the redshirts

Several injured in rock throwing by red-shirted people

I would refer to my previous "incapable of losing gracefully" comment.

Lets see PAD shot bullets at the TV van, RED throws rocks? I wonder what one is more deadly?

PAD's dems loose, they go on a 2 year bit that includes things like overtaking government buildings, airports, seaports, trains, kidnapping police, taking news stations, and you call that "losing gracefully"?

The reds did not loose a vote by the poeple the dems did years ago.

1st) PAD and the Democratic Party are, if I'm not mistaken, two entirely different organizations with two entirely different aims and means. Just because 1 Democratic MP its a member of the PAD doesn't make them blood brothers.

2nd) Why are you arguing about the PAD to me? I think they are both idiots (red and yellow).

3rd) People on this forum really have no basic understanding of parliamentary systems? You don't vote for a leader, you vote for a person to represent your local area. Those people in turn meet and they vote on a leader. The MP's decided that 1 year and 2 inept PM's was enough for the PPP, and voted to go a different direction. That IS parliamentary democracy..... If you look at the popular vote, the DP and the PPP where virtually identical. But popular vote doesn't matter. If it did, elections would be way different.

Correct, but still I would like to make some adjustment.

Voting for a candidate is giving him a mandate to act in your behalf to take care your interests, so he represents the voters who give him their mandate , in fact not the local area as such.

[exalll]

Abhisit Vejjajiva Elected New Prime Minister Of Thailand,

Elected by who? Certainly not the people

Elected by MP's, who were elected by the people.

When no Party has an absolute majority, coalitions must be formed and whatnot.

It's called a Parliamentary Zystem.

December 23, 2007

News Desk

As the nation completed the much awaited task of voting for their future, it became clear from the unofficial results that their favorite has been People's Power Party. With 80 per cent of the vote counted, the People's Power Party won 230 seats. Rival Democrat Party won 161 seats.

Guess Democracy does not matter to much to the Democrats.

We in Austria had a coalition of the second and third strongest party in Austria. The third strongest had the PM. I can't recall that some one told that this isn't democratic.

Exactly! Imagine an election contested by one ultra-right wing party and 10 centre-left parties, with the ultra-rights winning the most seats, but still less than a minority. Would it be "good practce" democracy if they were to form the new government? No! But if a coalition of the centre-lefts were to form the government it would be much more democratic. OK, so that's not exactly the case here, but just because the party with the largest number of seats doesn't form the government doesn't make it non-democratic. In addition to the Austrian example, it nearly happened recently in Canada - no-one was complaining!

[henryalleman]

How can anyone take all this too seriously? The former Prime Minister and his wife are convicted for misappropriation of Govt Assets, abuse of privilege and so on. They appeal, they jump bail. The wife returns and walks around free. Try jumping bail in any western country and return and see what happens.

Then we have the 'audio & visual' brain washing of the masses. Red or yellow? Who cares?

Due process has been served. The PM was ousted and done by a Thai Court. Let the law stand. The two other nepotistic PM's were also ousted. The parliament dissolved and a vote has been taken. The new PM will now have to prove his worth. Let's hope the royals get behind him and give him the 'verbal' so the crowds back off.

Having heard this man publicly speak on occasions such as Rotary in Bangkok, in perfect English, I have no doubts he has a full understanding of legalese Westminster Law and have the intelligence that could make a fine leader, so let him run. If he has the intestinal fortitude and the backbone to withstand the undermining tactics and power-broking that will flail his senses, then he will have a chance to bring stability and provide a way forward. I would doubt there is a better person to lead this country right now looking at the options of hard nosed military and corrupt party (sic) members. If the Thai's don't like him then let them 'vote' him out at the next election.

And yes, the convicted criminal in exile will still be trying to run his self serving command upon the masses who will listen. As there are always more poor people than rich (the Pareto Principle) the promises of money to the poor will always get that vote. They care nought about the politics. If an 'election' were to be held, the vote would have the masses will done.

Right now it appears PAD have won, let's hope sanity and a strong arm of law will prevail and settle the feudal aspect by incarceration of law breakers - but then again... T.I.T.

Us Farang can only sit and ride out the tempest as there is literally nothing we can do otherwise other than pack up and leave. Our call, not the Thai's.

I hope he ask some advice from the experienced Chuan how to avoid the loopholes and political booby traps in Thai politics. Because Chuan knows them all by experience.

[exalll]

Abhisit Vejjajiva Elected New Prime Minister Of Thailand,

Elected by who? Certainly not the people

Elected by MP's, who were elected by the people.

When no Party has an absolute majority, coalitions must be formed and whatnot.

It's called a Parliamentary Zystem.

December 23, 2007

News Desk

As the nation completed the much awaited task of voting for their future, it became clear from the unofficial results that their favorite has been People's Power Party. With 80 per cent of the vote counted, the People's Power Party won 230 seats. Rival Democrat Party won 161 seats.

Guess Democracy does not matter to much to the Democrats.

We in Austria had a coalition of the second and third strongest party in Austria. The third strongest had the PM. I can't recall that some one told that this isn't democratic.

Exactly! Imagine an election contested by one ultra-right wing party and 10 centre-left parties, with the ultra-rights winning the most seats, but still less than a minority. Would it be "good practce" democracy if they were to form the new government? No! But if a coalition of the centre-lefts were to form the government it would be much more democratic. OK, so that's not exactly the case here, but just because the party with the largest number of seats doesn't form the government doesn't make it non-democratic. In addition to the Austrian example, it nearly happened recently in Canada - no-one was complaining!

Sorry ... "less than a MAJORITY"!!!

[termsak]

Abhisit Vejjajiva Elected New Prime Minister Of Thailand,

Elected by who? Certainly not the people

Elected by MP's, who were elected by the people.

When no Party has an absolute majority, coalitions must be formed and whatnot.

It's called a Parliamentary Zystem.

December 23, 2007

News Desk

As the nation completed the much awaited task of voting for their future, it became clear from the unofficial results that their favorite has been People's Power Party. With 80 per cent of the vote counted, the People's Power Party won 230 seats. Rival Democrat Party won 161 seats.

Guess Democracy does not matter to much to the Democrats.

We in Austria had a coalition of the second and third strongest party in Austria. The third strongest had the PM. I can't recall that some one told that this isn't democratic.

Exactly! Imagine an election contested by one ultra-right wing party and 10 centre-left parties, with the ultra-rights winning the most seats, but still less than a minority. Would it be "good practce" democracy if they were to form the new government? No! But if a coalition of the centre-lefts were to form the government it would be much more democratic. OK, so that's not exactly the case here, but just because the party with the largest number of seats doesn't form the government doesn't make it non-democratic. In addition to the Austrian example, it nearly happened recently in Canada - no-one was complaining!

Don't bother explaining this to them, it's the Thaksin camp crying...they cant seem to find another thing to whine about...just like the convict they worship. Again, this is a sad day for them. Let them blow off some silly steam. One day they might realize that things were not as bad as they thought.

Pammy, I think it is a bit embarrassing to post year old news today...especially when it's about a party that does not even exist. Just doesn't prove any points.

Edited December 15, 2008 by termsak

[Richard W]

For rather obscure reasons, despite being disqualified the ex PPP party members were permitted to change parties and still qualify as MP's. STRANGE!!

If you view MPs as being chosen as representatives of their constituencies (the original view), parties are purely incidental - indeed it seem odd to require that they belong to a party.

I even think the party list MPs remain valid, even though the party is dissolved. These MPs may be seen as being chosen as partisan representatives of their region, but the party's views at the time of election remain valid even though the party be dissolved.

Abhisit Vejjajiva Elected New Prime Minister Of Thailand,

Elected by who? Certainly not the people

As the Democratic Party got more party list votes than any other party, surely if the popular vote should be regarded as electing anyone as prime minister, it elected Abhisit.

[Wiresok]

Fantastic...

We dont want a proxy government, we want a proxy government.

Same as, just the proxy has changed.

[animatic]

Nothing but class from the redshirts

Several injured in rock throwing by red-shirted people

I would refer to my previous "incapable of losing gracefully" comment.

Lets see PAD shot bullets at the TV van, RED throws rocks? I wonder what one is more deadly?

PAD's dems loose, they go on a 2 year bit that includes things like overtaking government buildings, airports, seaports, trains, kidnapping police, taking news stations, and you call that "losing gracefully"?

The reds did not loose a vote by the poeple the dems did years ago.

1st) PAD and the Democratic Party are, if I'm not mistaken, two entirely different organizations with two entirely different aims and means. Just because 1 Democratic MP its a member of the PAD doesn't make them blood brothers.

2nd) Why are you arguing about the PAD to me? I think they are both idiots (red and yellow).

3rd) People on this forum really have no basic understanding of parliamentary systems? You don't vote for a leader, you vote for a person to represent your local area. Those people in turn meet and they vote on a leader. The MP's decided that 1 year and 2 inept PM's was enough for the PPP, and voted to go a different direction. That IS parliamentary democracy..... If you look at the popular vote, the DP and the PPP where virtually identical. But popular vote doesn't matter. If it did, elections would be way different.

Correct, but still I would like to make some adjustment.

Voting for a candidate is giving him a mandate to act in your behalf to take care your interests, so he represents the voters who give him their mandate , in fact not the local area as such.

Ah but MOST of these little parties in the new coalition originaly campaigned and won their seats with a

'We won't join with PPP' as one of their MAIN political platform planks,

and then just promptly ignored that when they saw they would be out in the weeds if they didn't.

Now they are actual back to keeping that original electoral promise,

Rather ironic and drole isn't it?

[Bangyai]

The Guardians comment :

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/1...hisit-vejjajiva

It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming byelections. Will the voters endorse Aphisit for the sake of peace or will the 29 new MP's further weaken his fragile position in the driving seat.

By all accounts he is going to have a tough time pleasing everybody. As several people have noted the ' silent majority ' are probably prepared to accept just about anyone rather than watch the country slide further into economic decline.

[Thai at Heart]

The Guardians comment :

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/1...hisit-vejjajiva

It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming byelections. Will the voters endorse Aphisit for the sake of peace or will the 29 new MP's further weaken his fragile position in the driving seat.

By all accounts he is going to have a tough time pleasing everybody. As several people have noted the ' silent majority ' are probably prepared to accept just about anyone rather than watch the country slide further into economic decline.

He is going to have to prove to the people outside Bangkok and the South that he cares. Pure and simple. He is going to have to be brave, get in his wagon and go out there and show the people that he is for the whole of Thailand.

The pandering that Thaksin did to Isaan at the expense of the South was obvious,awful and still runs deep. At least for this he is being held effectively to ransom by Newin, (I don't think I could ever believe that the long term hopes of the country could be in his hands). Newin is absolutely right when he says he needs to spoil Isaan and I might add all rural areas. It is his only hope of stealing Thaksin's thunder.

If the plans and development are curtailed to Isaan and the North, he is probably politically dead in the water and the country may be split asunder. Education is great, mega projects make good TV, corporate taxes make nice headlines, but when farmers are living hand to mouth they need help instantly. They won't and can't wait for trickle down economics to work.

There are about to be hundreds of thousands of people out of jobs in tourism and export manufacturing in the next 6 months and a large amount of them will be returning to the rural villages. He needs to act and act fast to get the economy of the country moving asap as best it can in this crappy world situation. There is a global meltdown going on meanwhile the the PAD is issuing edicts about what he needs to do to keep them happy. He needs to tell Sondhi to shut the hel_l up and let him get on with running the country. All bets are off now. Thailand has to get through the next 2 years without massive unemployment and a defacto recession probably worse than 1997.

I don't like how he has got the job one bit, but if he is brave enough to go to Isaan in the next month I will shout it out from the tree tops that he is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Politically I am not sure he has the cojones to tell his "backers" that at this moment he needs to show his face to everyone in all parts of the country. The only hope he has of calming the country down is to show that he cares about all regions of the country, not just his strongholds either geographically or economically. Right now, virtually none of the Northern and NEastern rural population believe he will be allowed to give two hoots about them. He has to show these people that he has a plan and he cares enough to tell the "yellow" shirts to put up and shut up.

He is the last roll of the dice when it comes to politicians who may have a plan for the country. He has gone through a rigorous grooming exercise to give him all the tools needed to run the country. The plan has come to fruition and now he needs to step above the dire political situation and lead the country.

If he can't pull the country together and go about implementing some long needed changes in the system, tackle the economic problems faced by the poor and rich of the country, who is left?

[henryalleman]

Thailand needs to keep those voters in the North away from the polls for a good period of time so Thaksin can't buy another election. Thaksin will flail for sure but likely finally fade. Only then could there be some regrouping of Thai society and some desperately needed peace.

You'd make a fine dictator... Of course, I'd rather not have a small percentage of people dictate what everyone else should do. It's all a moot point though, now its the reds time to buy protesters and camp them out in strategic locations that will help hurt the nations economy even further.

By saying "keep those voters away from the polls" I think he mean that by good governance avoid an election and not take away their voting rights.

[henryalleman]

For the first time in several years, one feels optimistic for the future of Thailand.

Very pleased to note PM Abhisit will be supervising the economic affairs portfolio personally (would expect no less). With his first-class honours and a master's degree in economics at Oxford, PM Abhisit (or Mark as is his nick-name) should be a breath of long-awaited fresh air. Not to mention his articulate and respectful nature (contrast to PM Samak or heaven forbid Chalerm...)

May PM 'Mark' get right down to work, starting with boosting the economy, tourism and investor confidence. It won't be easy but like President-elect Obama, just by offering an as yet unsubstantiated but potentially positive change, this will have a knock-on positive effect at least in outlook.

Also pleased to note Mr Abhisit abstained for voting for himself (unlike his rival) as this is indicative of 'doing the right thing' and shows solid character from minute one. This is a welcome change which bodes well for the future and hopefully eventually all Thailand will get behind the new PM.

As for Mr Thaksin and his new PR man Sam Moon's 23 years of experience with 'The Economist' group (among others) hopefully this platform may be used to foster unity rather than divisiveness or negative/deflective PR from afar.

Meanwhile, Mr Abhisit will likely take on President-elect Obama's message in the same spirit: "To those whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your (Prime Minister) too"

Last, as a former-expat of sorts himself (and a highly educated one at that), a PM Abhisit should bode well for expats in Thailand, along with foreign investment, Co Ltd issues and possibly free-hold, leasehold issues. Let's hope so.

FIRST though, getting Thailand moving forward again is priority one.

Very best wishes for both Thailand and PM Abhisit.

What is evenso important and maybe even more that he have an degree in philosophy, because this give him a very broad view on thing's. Also he got his education in the UK who has the oldest parliamentery tradition in the world. Also an education in Eton and Oxford is regarded as the best education you can get in the world. Bust most important is, that he escaped the Thai root learning system. So maybe he is Thai but he is influenced and formed by open minded European culture.

I realy do hope he can succeed, it could change a lot of thinghs in Thailand. Maybe he can brake the selfcentred Thai way to look at thinghs. His task his uge and he deserve all support he can get.

We can only hope that the Thai public will give him that change. They can only benefit from it.

[henryalleman]

How exactly is that not a flame? But for the record I am not a drunk, don't drink maybe once every couple of months, not in Thailand for the hookers either.... Sorry I am not that "awful expat" you want me to be.

But as stated several times RED is bad just like PAD is bad.... Both are violent.

But if you look at the context of the post HE stated PAD was never violent first, so again show proof... I am not saying PAD was violent first, and I am not saying RED was violent first, just that are both violent and should be jailed.

As far as who was violent first show proof if you want... As far as bombs in the PAD crowds, show proof... I have not seen proof that the REDs threw bombs...

Does that mean they did not do it? No

Could they have? Yes

Could the PAD done some of it themselves? yes

Is their proof the PAD did some of it? no....

anything is possible.... But we are arguing the wrong point.

both are violent and have commented actions that are horrible. I say the PAD is violent and their actions are wrong and I get "they bombed us, so us shooting guns at TV vans is ok".

Yet on the flip side I say the RED actions of throwing rocks in at the cars is wrong and they should be jailed…. Not one Thaksin supporter has argued that their actions were ok… It seems to me the PAD supporters blur the line of right and wrong when it fits them

Hi.

Alright, please accept my apology for that "booze" thing, i am just sometimes getting the feeling that a number of posters here exist only between bar visits ... if that doesn't apply to you, i apologize

Now i myself mentioned in an earlier post that i am NOT supporting actions such as shooting bullets, regardless from which side and who is starting it, HOWEVER saying that the reds never attacked the yellows is no more but a plain lie and i stand against it, even without searching for the evidence (there are number of long-ish threads covering those events).

We all know that either side can be violent, just by looking over the news and images (which have been posted before) it appears that, to get the yellows to resort to violence, a rather large "input" from the other side is needed - while for the reds something like an election is enough.

Or did anyone see the yellows smashing up cars after Somchai was elected? Hmm not that i'm aware of.....

I also stated in my earlier post that, if i were Abhisit, my first (or at least one of the first) activities would be to take the PAD leaders to the law and let them stand for their actions, violent or not. Do the crime, go do the time, as simple as that - for both sides.

Regarding the grenades or bombs that have been thrown at the PAD crowds, of course there's no video evidence - as it almost always happened at night and rather surprisingly. There was no letter stating "we are going to lob a grenade at you tonight, have your cameras ready". Nope, those were coward attacks, plain and simple. And i don't believe that PAD would have done it by themselves - they would at least tell their people to get out of the way and have some glass shatter in a publicity-drawing way (and probably a "security camera" recording it conveniently, again, publicity is what they needed after all), but no - people got hurt, some seriously. Still it is possible, but again - i just don't think so.

As for me supporting PAD - yes, i do. But only the NON-VIOLENT part of the PAD, which does include blocking a couple of airports or a government building for any length of time, as long as nobody gets hurt! Them shutting down the airports for a MONTH wouldn't do as much damage to the country than Toxin would if he was in power.

I support *who and whatever* required to root out Toxin and his whole gang from politics, NOW and FOR GOOD.

Best regards....

Thanh

In a democracy its not the duty of an PM to take people to justice. The only thing he can do is distancing himself from them, try to minimize their political influence or show them the correct path.

He can show some of this when he form his new government.

[Publicus]

Thailand needs to keep those voters in the North away from the polls for a good period of time so Thaksin can't buy another election. Thaksin will flail for sure but likely finally fade. Only then could there be some regrouping of Thai society and some desperately needed peace.

You'd make a fine dictator... Of course, I'd rather not have a small percentage of people dictate what everyone else should do. It's all a moot point though, now its the reds time to buy protesters and camp them out in strategic locations that will help hurt the nations economy even further.

By saying "keep those voters away from the polls" I think he mean that by good governance avoid an election and not take away their voting rights.

The further discussion of my statement to keep voters in the North away from the polls for a while, which is an explanation which shouldn't be neccessary, clearly appears to be necessary to some so it is welcome. The current parliament, as with any parliament, has a defined term of office.

My aspiration for Thailand is that the new coalition Abhisit is now voted to manage and to lead can, during its remaining life, remain intact to its term. If it can accomplish being in government for that period of time, perhaps Thai society, its politics and its government can have some measure of the requisite time to bring some stability and calm to the country.

The red shirts' initial reaction is indeed predictable and, perhaps for them, necessary. The PAD drew sympathy, however reluctant, from many Bangkokians and predicably vehement opposition from people in remote provinces. Now the situation seems reversed. Bangkokians seem to welcome the new coalition-led government, which is in certain respects a return to the usual pre-TRT style of coalition led governance but occurring not in the normal circumstances of the past but, rather, in the present crisis mode.

So it seems many in the metropolis welcome a return to coalition politics and governance as a clear and definite relief to the absolute one party rule of TRT and its successors which so many now see as a negative model.

Thaksin's statement after a while as PM that "democracy is not my goal" was reflected in his almost every action, decision, policy. Many Thais sensed this decrepit attitude and became increasing distressed by it as it runs counter to their vision of an increasingly democratic Thailand.

[henryalleman]

Congratulations to Democrats in Thailand and i would like God keep his eyes on this people.

This was the last moment for ANY positive change.

But...Let's have a look: is this some reasons for any celebration? I don't think so and Mr.Abhisit knows that, as well.

In politic life in any country, to vote in proportion 233:197 is not some victory and would not keep anybody calmed.Too close.

Long time ago, i had a feeling Mr. Abhisit will be a PM very soon. I read about Democrats history here.

In my opinion, it was not about the right time for Mr.Abhisit and i would not be in his shoes, at all. Too many hard and complicated, unsolved situations are waiting him. Some of them are extremely dangerous for the country.

I just know he will do the best to reform this country,as much as he can and it's out of the question.

He is well educated, he is coming from higher class of Thai society and he will not be primitive and interested to swim in money.He is born to be a leader and with very clear vision what this country needs.

Personal values he has, might be exactly be what will makes him voulnerable and to fall in trouble.

This is Thailand and we all knows what way things works here.

Majority of people, established on power(one way or another) will not be able to deal with so clean face as Abhisit has. That's for sure. So what he can do? To give up and to betray hope of milions of people in Thailand? Or to attack?

In case he don't give up to fight against all evil things here(or to look for some freaky compromise) he has to face with corupted structures in this society and he will ruin their interest. He is dangerous for their way they used so they will not stay calm.

As i can see, the only way he has is to make some kind of EXPERTS TEAM, to make some PROJECT to develop Thailand. That would be just repeating of 1990 or 1992 time, when Democrats saved country from absolute colaps.

Posters asked here what the yellow shirts will do now. In my opinion - nothing. "Dead end street" for them but the chances are for the red shirts. I'm affraid Abhisit will be forced to buy some time by making compromise with Mr.T. Making some PROJECT for to save the country would be an excellent gateway for Mr.Abhisit. Democrats made it once and i think they are going to do it again.

However, this country need to be reformed and all turtles MUST to be cleaned from their positions soon as possible, because they are devastating public image of this country.

God help to Thais! Good luck from the bottom of my heart...

A majorty of 233:197 is not bad at all, many stable European governments have a much lower majority in the parliament. A small majority has benefits also because its keeps them on their allert to make balanced decisions.