Abhisit Vejjajiva Elected New Prime Minister Of Thailand

[asd]

Abhisit and his wife Pimpen at the Democrat Party head office. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva received a royal command which appointed him this evening.

"Putting People First"

[cyberak]

The big question is whether or not Aphisit will finish what he started

This is the link to the

Aphisit vs Jakrapob - Thaksin SOME Loyalty

Aphisit debated over the language used at the FCCT as in this video:

Expect to see Aphisit's government take these issues more seriously than the last government

[jdinasia]

The people (PAD) you mention is in no way representative of a measurable majority.

The PAD wouldn't have stepped down from the airport if the dissolution of the PPP hadn't delivered a ruling party that it approved of. That was part of it's demands.

The PAD's initial media message gave the game away about how some of the leaders feel inside about ill educated rural people. Very dangerous some/many would say fascist undertones.

The PAD has now issued it's wishes that it wants the new government to carry out. If as people cry "they aren't a political party" they should shut up and put up.

The inaction of the police or armed forces to follow orders was astonishing and implies obvious political bias.

Meetings were held between the Democrats and the army. Why?

Let's start from the beginning ---- who knows how many people agree with the PAD (you are correct that is isn't a majority but then again nobody has a majority)

The PAd stepped down from the airport with no new ruling party at all --- so obviously you are way off target there!

What initial media message? You mean in 2005? Very dangerous? Fascist? have you mastered hyperbole? why yes! yes you have!

Any group (and all groups should) can and should certainly push the government for good governance (did you have a specific point here?)

The police acted on October 7th at the behest of Somchai and it killed 2 and injured nearly 500. The military said "no more force against protesters" You see bias where others see neutrality. They answered such statements with saying theat they would not be drawn into a political struggle. Remember the head of state is the commander in chief of the military, not the PM, if I am not mistaken.

Meetings are always held between political parties and the military.

[Wiresok]

The whole PAD debacle is entirely of the govt making - they should have tried to govern the country rather than mess with judiciary and consitution to save Thaksin's ass.

Back in January they have been warned many many times not to provoke political confrontation.

When they first raised Const amendments in March PAD had shown up, as predicted. Still the govt didn't give up on the idea and PAD was forced to up the ante by staging "live in" rally from May on. The govt still didn't give up, so it lost Govt House in August.

After Samak lost his post Somchai had a chance to back off and negotiate, but chose to order a brutal police crackdown on Oct 7.

He promised to step down if found responsible, but didn't follow up. Instead the govt tried to sneak const amendment in secret and PAD had no other options but physically block the parliament from holding the amendment session.

When PAD went to the airport to greet Somchai I bet they didn't have any plans to hold it and were surprised how it turned out. Excited Chamlong said that if he'd known how successful airport takeove would have been, he'd have done long ago.

The govt still didn't give in, Somchai fled to Chiang Mai instead of dropping Thaksin agenda. The courts were forced to act instead and on Friday, the third day of airport blocade, it was clear that PPP would face the music. It was high time for the govt to negotiate with PAD and free the airport, the govt had nothing to lose but the face.

They have weighed their options carefully - save the face or free the airport? Face came first.

The government is solely responsible before the public for starting the war with PAD and losing it so badly, and not doing anything to protect people affected by it.

The govt was not elected to fight this war, it didn't have a public mandate for it, they had been warned that consequences would be disastrous for the country, and they still went ahead and not only started it, but led it all the way to the dead end, dead end not only for themselves but for the country as well.

Whilst i think that your post is well constructed, it does not detract from the fact that the PAD are not a political party, if the PAD had the balls to create a political party, get voted in to power, then they could ligitimately press for changes, however, the chose to blatently flout the law with their actions regarding swampy etc. Why would any government listen to what amounts to no more than a bunch of would be activists, who (allegedly) do not even have a political wing?

They could have shown their decent via the ballot box! (It's called democracy!)

FF

Its called democracy when the social midfield unite and organize themselves to demonstrate and take actions against a government who they think is trying to change laws in their benefit and not benificiary for the country as an whole. If you lived long enough in a democracy, you will know that this happend many times in every democratic country.

Democracy?....overthrowing democratically elected governments sounds like anarchy to me.

Democracy comes from the ballot box, one person one vote, PAD are against that.

People have been known to rise up and overthrow fascist dictators ,perhaps you are getting mixed up with this.

[Koo82]

the head of state is the commander in chief of the military, not the PM, if I am not mistaken.

It was written (after they knocked Khun Thaksin) in this book (English word is the Constitution Law if I translate right, and

that was the book PPP wanted to adjust but PAD did not agree) that

the commander in chief of the military Anupong is a regular citizen (meaning PM is above him).

[Thai at Heart]

The people (PAD) you mention is in no way representative of a measurable majority.

The PAD wouldn't have stepped down from the airport if the dissolution of the PPP hadn't delivered a ruling party that it approved of. That was part of it's demands.

The PAD's initial media message gave the game away about how some of the leaders feel inside about ill educated rural people. Very dangerous some/many would say fascist undertones.

The PAD has now issued it's wishes that it wants the new government to carry out. If as people cry "they aren't a political party" they should shut up and put up.

The inaction of the police or armed forces to follow orders was astonishing and implies obvious political bias.

Meetings were held between the Democrats and the army. Why?

Let's start from the beginning ---- who knows how many people agree with the PAD (you are correct that is isn't a majority but then again nobody has a majority)

The PAd stepped down from the airport with no new ruling party at all --- so obviously you are way off target there!

What initial media message? You mean in 2005? Very dangerous? Fascist? have you mastered hyperbole? why yes! yes you have!

Any group (and all groups should) can and should certainly push the government for good governance (did you have a specific point here?)

The police acted on October 7th at the behest of Somchai and it killed 2 and injured nearly 500. The military said "no more force against protesters" You see bias where others see neutrality. They answered such statements with saying theat they would not be drawn into a political struggle. Remember the head of state is the commander in chief of the military, not the PM, if I am not mistaken.

Meetings are always held between political parties and the military.

They listed quite clearly who they would approve and disapprove of in any future government. I believe they would be back there still if they hadn't got the party into power they wanted. That is a point of opinion.

Crispin's wonderful articles. Statement such as "The middle class are my type of people" they are of a certain type of descent. The belief that a lack of sophistication in the rural areas makes them unable to vote correctly or freely.

Good governance is wonderful, however, it would have been perfectly within parliaments legal rights to change the constitution. We can thank the writers of the new constitution for missing that rather obvious caveat. So effectively breaking the law to prevent a legal act of parliament. Treason? Sedition? In a reasoned world, why should an entire party be banned for one man's wrongdoing? That is for another debate.

Inaction at the airport was astonishing considering the damage it has done and will do to the country. It is a strange situation when an army commander can state "no violence". In legal reality he has no say whatsoever, but that is one of the wonders of Thailand. Breaking laws is breaking laws plain and simple and letting the end justify the means invites anarchy. We will wait and see if proper charges are brought against the PAD. Politicisation of the police and army is one of Thailand's biggest problems.

Well, military meeting the politicians is part of the Thai way but claiming today that they are neutral when they have reportedly been consulted and laid pressure to bear on various political cliques raises an eyebrow. There is a difference between saying "hello" and getting approval. It is a rather unique situation concerning the army's relationship with the head of state and unfortunately we can't discuss.

Edited December 17, 2008 by Thai at Heart

[Wiresok]

London mayor in tribute to Thai PM-elect

The Mayor of London has paid tribute to his fellow Eton schoolmate, Abhisit Vejjajiva, who has become the new prime minister of Thailand, UK media reported Wednesday.

Abhisit, 44, who is also known as Mark, was born in Newcastle to Thai parents and attended Eton and Oxford University before becoming Thailand's premier.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said: "Mark is a man of intense integrity and high intellectual gifts."

Democrat party leader Abhisit won votes in the Parliament on Monday, becoming the fourth party leader to the position.

Source: The Nation - 17 December 2008

Loud laughter in court.

Just what Abhisit needs, an endorsement from the biggest idiot in uk politics.Tells you a lot.

An embarrassment to his own party the tories.

But what do you expect , these Eton guys are all Toffs, elites,

It's always amusing to note the vehemence of the anti-toff tendency.The "biggest idiot in British politics" is certainly a card and probably too facetious for his own good, but he pulled off a stunning political coup and should not be underestimated - particularly by David Cameron.

At least Toff Boris achieved his position via democratic means.he was duly elected by the people.

However Toff Abhisit achieved his position via anti-democratic means, and a fascist organisation wanting to deny the vote to the poor.

This is what leads me so say that deep down, in his heart of hearts, Abhisit knows he is a fraud.

He knows his government is based upon anti-democratic pillars, and he knows why the international community view it as illegitemate.

This wont rest easy with him, he needs elections for legitimacy.

[Steve2UK]

The airport army-supported terrorist seige was not a protest. It was a statement to either let them put in their proxy Abhisit or let the Thai people suffer endlessly.

Personally I feel some sympathy for the army, they are damned for having a coup in 2006 to stop street-violence, and then damned again for not having done so this time round. They can't win !

Yes they can - and did.

[jdinasia]

They listed quite clearly who they would approve and disapprove of in any future government. I believe they would be back there still if they hadn't got the party into power they wanted. That is a point of opinion.

hmmmm defending the indefensible?

They left --- and they left BEFORE it was clear that the TRT/PPP/PTP group was not going to lead the next government. Since we only got a new PM today it is obvious that this is just not an honest argument you are using.

[Thai at Heart]

They listed quite clearly who they would approve and disapprove of in any future government. I believe they would be back there still if they hadn't got the party into power they wanted. That is a point of opinion.

hmmmm defending the indefensible?

They left --- and they left BEFORE it was clear that the TRT/PPP/PTP group was not going to lead the next government. Since we only got a new PM today it is obvious that this is just not an honest argument you are using.

It is an opinion.

And we will never know what they may have done if TRT/PPP/PTP had prevailed. The phrases slamdunk and done deal might be appropriate.

Anyone for a poll?

Edited December 17, 2008 by Thai at Heart

[MyphuketLife]

They listed quite clearly who they would approve and disapprove of in any future government. I believe they would be back there still if they hadn't got the party into power they wanted. That is a point of opinion.

hmmmm defending the indefensible?

They left --- and they left BEFORE it was clear that the TRT/PPP/PTP group was not going to lead the next government. Since we only got a new PM today it is obvious that this is just not an honest argument you are using.

It is an opinion.

And we will never know what they may have done if TRT/PPP/PTP had prevailed. The phrases slamdunk and done deal might be appropriate.

Anyone for a poll?

I am, but I think it may be scewed as it is my "opinion" that some on this forum are using multiple accounts.

[MyphuketLife]

The PAd stepped down from the airport with no new ruling party at all --- so obviously you are way off target there!

At the same time stating that if the new PM voted in was what the PAD believed to be a Thaksin puppet they would be back at it again .... It was not unconditional.

But please spin away........

[jdinasia]

The PAd stepped down from the airport with no new ruling party at all --- so obviously you are way off target there!

At the same time stating that if the new PM voted in was what the PAD believed to be a Thaksin puppet they would be back at it again .... It was not unconditional.

But please spin away........

Please follow what is being said (or go back to watching FOX). TaH's claim that they wouldn't have left is shown as a false argument precisely because they DID leave.

(and it is just possible that you are unaware that the court order to vacate was being appealed thus leaving them in the admirable position to NOT be violating that court order

Edited December 17, 2008 by jdinasia

[Thai at Heart]

The PAd stepped down from the airport with no new ruling party at all --- so obviously you are way off target there!

At the same time stating that if the new PM voted in was what the PAD believed to be a Thaksin puppet they would be back at it again .... It was not unconditional.

But please spin away........

Please follow what is being said (or go back to watching FOX). TaH's claim that they wouldn't have left is shown as a false argument precisely because they DID leave.

(and it is just possible that you are unaware that the court order to vacate was being appealed thus leaving them in the admirable position to NOT be violating that court order

It is an opinion and as such is not right or wrong. We all know the reality.

Leaving doesn't absolve them of any legal wrongdoing any more than I sit in your living room, and decide to leave whilst the cops are on the way.

They left, thank god. We are debating why they left?

Edited December 17, 2008 by Thai at Heart

[permanent_disorder]

NEW GOVERNMENT

Army will help win support from Northeast

By The Nation Published on December 18, 2008

Anupong seeks to heal regional political division

Army Chief General Anupong Paochinda said the military would help the new government win support from people in the Northeast, who are mostly avid supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. "They have done nothing wrong. I don't want to call them the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship [DAAD] or the red shirts because they are people the government needs to take care of," Anupong said."Their expression of love [for Thaksin] is not wrong… we are all Thai. Don't use the red or yellow colour to divide us. We all are under the King," he said. "I love Isaan people and have always thought about improving their living conditions. The government should give them more opportunities."

The deep divide between pro- and anti-Thaksin camps is a key challenge for the new government, because supporters of the former PM believe that the army has forced former coalition partners to defect to the ruling Democrat Party. The DAAD has threatened to call for an uprising against the new government, in much the same way the People's Alliance for Democracy rose up against the previous government. "It's over. Every country has political differences but they can all unite for the benefit of the nation," Anupong explained.

The DAAD has questioned the Army's role in politics, alleging that the military wanted a stake in the new Cabinet following reports that Anupong's predecessor, Gen Pravit Wongsuwan, might become Defence Minister.

"Gen Pravit's ties to the Army as former commander-in-chief have no political implications," army spokesperson Col Sirichan Ngathong has said.

Sirichan said she had been instructed by the Army chief to clarify that their ties were strictly based on professional courtesy, and that the Army was in no way involved in what Pravit did as an individual.

"In the future, should Pravit be appointed Defence Minister, it will involve him as an individual. His appointment should not be linked to the Army," she said, adding that Anupong will be making this clear in a meeting with Army officers.She also reminded parties not to read too much into the long-held military tradition of the incumbent Army chief sending greetings or making courtesy calls on past commanders during the New Year celebrations.

Anupong is due to convey season's greetings to his predecessors, including Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, Pravit, leader of the last military led government, Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, and soldier-turned-politician General Chaisit Shinawatra, who is related to Thaksin.

The Nation

[warfie]

on another totally unrelated note why do I find myself caring more about what happens here than I ever did in my home country?

[Wiresok]

As i recall wasn't it the AOT who went to court to have the PAD removed from the airport?

The court ruled the PAD occupation illegal, and ordered the PAD to leave the airport?.

The PAD defied the court order and continued to then illegally occupy the airport.?

As there was now a breach of the law by the PAD , hurting the thai economy, it was the duty of the police to remove them.

Why they didn't, and the subsequent refusal of the army to do so , tells its own story.

[tartempion]

Every party meets with the military ... but they certainly didn't make any effort to get rid of the PPP even though they stated their opinions.

Right, just opinions....

Army Chief General Anupong Paochinda said the military would help the new government win support from people in the Northeast, who are mostly avid supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

[henryalleman]

The 'Silent Coup'

Thailand calms, but maybe not for long.

Wall Street Journal Asia

Thailand's transition to a new government looks set to be completed within days. This is a welcome sign of normalcy in a country that's been wracked by unrest for months. But Thailand's democratic system remains deeply -- perhaps fatally -- wounded.

Yesterday Parliament elected Abhisit Vejjajiva, the leader of the Democrat Party, as the country's next prime minister. His coalition government plans to announce its cabinet appointments within six days. This will bring much-needed stability in the short term. But in the longer term, Mr. Abhisit's coalition is unlikely to resolve the fundamental conflicts that brought about this month's "silent coup" and may have trouble holding on to its tenuous grasp on power.

Mr. Abhisit's government has come to power by riding the dangerous wave of antidemocratic protest that brought the country to a standstill earlier this month. The previous government, loyal to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was ousted by a combination of violent street protesters, with whom the military and police were largely complicit, and an activist judiciary operating under laws written by the military leaders who ruled from 2006-2007.

To get here, Mr. Abhisit's party has done what some describe as a "deal with the devil," luring away pro-Thaksin MPs by offering them important cabinet portfolios and undermining the Democrats' ability to steer policy. This fragile coalition appears to be united only by its desire to be in power. Its not so much the desire of power but mainly to save the country from the influence of an convicted criminal with dictatorial ambitions who control a bunch of cronies who act in his behalf.

On top of that, the coalition has a slender parliamentary majority -- Mr. Abhisit was elected by a margin of 237-198 -- and by-elections next month will make that majority even slimmer.

The immediate task of the new government will be to help Thailand weather effects of the global financial crisis. Thai officials forecast GDP growth of 2% or less next year, and Thailand's tourism sector, which comprises around 6% of GDP, has been hurt by the recent airport occupations that stranded thousands of travelers. Mr. Abhisit, an Oxford-educated economist, says he will lead his economic team himself, and previously suggested that Thailand needs a large-scale stimulus package.

In the long term, however, the government must consider how to restore the power of elected officials and make Thailand a real democracy again. Elected politicians' roles have been undermined both by the 2006 coup, and by the military-imposed constitution, which mandates that only half the Senate is elected. Mr. Abhisit and his party have in the past said they would support constitutional amendments that would give more power to elected politicians. But given the fragile state of their coalition and the threat that anti-Thaksin protesters, who oppose such amendments, would return, they're unlikely to pursue this agenda.

Mr. Abhisit is Thailand's third prime minister in as many months. While he has the support of the military and the Bangkok elite, it will be difficult for him to win over pro-Thaksin rural voters, who remain angry at ouster of the duly elected government. Thailand's recent turmoil has been a battle between those who benefit from democracy, and those who don't. For now, the latter group is winning. Mr. Abhisit, despite his best intentions, may not be able to do much about that.

Wall Street Journal , DECEMBER 15, 2008.

[henryalleman]

hmmm flame away

but I read that and didn't see anything about a "silent coupe" (sic) --- so please answer the question you have been avoiding this whole time

the dam_n title says Silent Coup, and the context of the article explains the silent coupe... you can't read

I asked the question before, but I never get an answer, so I will ask it again

To all the expatriates who seems to be in favour of Thaksin

WOULD YOU LIKE IF A GUY LIKE THAKSIN WAS PM IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY?

If not to personal you can always tell us what is your home country.

[LaoPo]

The 'Silent Coup'

Thailand calms, but maybe not for long.

Wall Street Journal Asia

While he has the support of the military and the Bangkok elite, it will be difficult for him to win over pro-Thaksin rural voters, who remain angry at ouster of the duly elected government. Thailand's recent turmoil has been a battle between those who benefit from democracy, and those who don't. For now, the latter group is winning. Mr. Abhisit, despite his best intentions, may not be able to do much about that.

Wall Street Journal , DECEMBER 15, 2008.

The last part of the article is the most important.

The greatest danger for Thailand -and Abhisit- is the slumbering and silent majority of the population, not taking it any longer.

The danger that that's going to happen is increasing every single day with the upcoming decrease in tourism (3 million tourists less ?) and the fast approaching world crisis.

The latter is definitely a greater danger to unemployment than the first.

Warnings have been given out already that the country will face up to a million unemployed people next year -2009- but I fear that that number will be a LOT higher.

The UK, with a population of 61 million and a workforce of 30 million is (people wise) smaller than Thailand with 65 million people and 38 million in workforce, of which some 50% work in agriculture with an income of less than Baht 3,500/month. We are talking more than 18 million people here !!!

But the UK is facing some 3 million unemployed workers next year.....and Thailand would do with 1 million ? I don't think so.

THAT is where the danger lies.

PAD, the elite, the military are in control now of Abhisit's very fragile majority (bought majority....)...the big question is how long the rural poor are willing to accept that the country is run -again- by a small group of privileged and rich/wealthy elite people in far away Bangkok.... and Gen. Anupong is talking he will help the government (read: elite) to win the support of the rural poor in the Northeast ?

Will they listen ?

You tell me after you've asked them and tell me in the second half of 2009...if it comes that far.

LaoPo

[Roadman]

The last part of the article is the most important.

The greatest danger for Thailand -and Abhisit- is the slumbering and silent majority of the population, not taking it any longer.

The danger that that's going to happen is increasing every single day with the upcoming decrease in tourism (3 million tourists less ?) and the fast approaching world crisis.

The latter is definitely a greater danger to unemployment than the first.

Warnings have been given out already that the country will face up to a million unemployed people next year -2009- but I fear that that number will be a LOT higher.

The UK, with a population of 61 million and a workforce of 30 million is (people wise) smaller than Thailand with 65 million people and 38 million in workforce, of which some 50% work in agriculture with an income of less than Baht 3,500/month. We are talking more than 18 million people here !!!

But the UK is facing some 3 million unemployed workers next year.....and Thailand would do with 1 million ? I don't think so.

THAT is where the danger lies.

PAD, the elite, the military are in control now of Abhisit's very fragile majority (bought majority....)...the big question is how long the rural poor are willing to accept that the country is run -again- by a small group of privileged and rich/wealthy elite people in far away Bangkok.... and Gen. Anupong is talking he will help the government (read: elite) to win the support of the rural poor in the Northeast ?

Will they listen ?

You tell me after you've asked them and tell me in the second half of 2009...if it comes that far.

LaoPo

While there will be unemployed it is the direction that government gives that will mitigate the effects. I see some real opportunity here for the Dems to get it right and kill a few birds with the one stone. The fall back for survival will be agricultural based products which is the staple the world needs and which Thailand can product efficently more than any other country and comparison of numbers to the propped up British agricultural base is not valid. One also has to remeber that western expectatios of survival levels are far higher than 2nd or 3rd world farming communities. (As my wife says often as long as we have rice, fish sauce and water we can survive - in her case I would add papaya, tomatoes, and chillies for the somtam). One only has to think back a few months to the food resourse crisis that bio fuels was creating to remember that food stockpiles were at an all time low. As long as the Dems target agricultural areas as a key one above other industry or manufacturing type projects for aiding towards recovery then they are assisting not only the Thailand economy but also the Isaan farming communities to lessen the blow. The question is whether the farmers understand the world plight and there is pain to be absorbed. Other countries with new leaders coming to power are giving their new leaders grace knowing that there are tough times to survive. The Dems need to get out there into the rural sectors and make the farmers aware of that and put aid recovery their way. If the farmers understand and co-operate then the Dems might get the power swing they need from Isaan. If the Dems can get that then they can start moving away from the elites and PAD control. It is an opportunity staring them in the face.

Like others I do not like the elite power broking that went on behind the scenes to get this lot to power, but do accept that there are very few options left behind the bunch of virginic angels and corrupt scum that form this coalition. This mix in itself will make for intriguing politics in the coming months.

[LaoPo]

While there will be unemployed it is the direction that government gives that will mitigate the effects. I see some real opportunity here for the Dems to get it right and kill a few birds with the one stone. The fall back for survival will be agricultural based products which is the staple the world needs and which Thailand can product efficently more than any other country and comparison of numbers to the propped up British agricultural base is not valid.

One also has to remeber that western expectatios of survival levels are far higher than 2nd or 3rd world farming communities. (As my wife says often as long as we have rice, fish sauce and water we can survive - in her case I would add papaya, tomatoes, and chillies for the somtam). One only has to think back a few months to the food resourse crisis that bio fuels was creating to remember that food stockpiles were at an all time low. As long as the Dems target agricultural areas as a key one above other industry or manufacturing type projects for aiding towards recovery then they are assisting not only the Thailand economy but also the Isaan farming communities to lessen the blow.

The question is whether the farmers understand the world plight and there is pain to be absorbed. Other countries with new leaders coming to power are giving their new leaders grace knowing that there are tough times to survive. The Dems need to get out there into the rural sectors and make the farmers aware of that and put aid recovery their way. If the farmers understand and co-operate then the Dems might get the power swing they need from Isaan. If the Dems can get that then they can start moving away from the elites and PAD control. It is an opportunity staring them in the face.

Like others I do not like the elite power broking that went on behind the scenes to get this lot to power, but do accept that there are very few options left behind the bunch of virginic angels and corrupt scum that form this coalition. This mix in itself will make for intriguing politics in the coming months.

Oh, but I fully agree that one cannot compare the unemployment, UK versus Thailand; I was merely talking the number of possibly 1 million being too low, published earlier by the government.

It remains to be seen whether the Abhisit government will be able to control and comfort the rural poor; if not.....

Let's wait and see.

I give Abhisit the benefit of the doubt but I wouldn't want to be in his shoes.

LaoPo

[Plus]

The people (PAD) you mention is in no way representative of a measurable majority.

The PAD wouldn't have stepped down from the airport if the dissolution of the PPP hadn't delivered a ruling party that it approved of. That was part of it's demands.

The PAD's initial media message gave the game away about how some of the leaders feel inside about ill educated rural people. Very dangerous some/many would say fascist undertones.

The PAD has now issued it's wishes that it wants the new government to carry out. If as people cry "they aren't a political party" they should shut up and put up.

The inaction of the police or armed forces to follow orders was astonishing and implies obvious political bias.

Meetings were held between the Democrats and the army. Why?

PAD's goal of removing Thaksin from politics has clear majority support, and even if it's a minority, the goal is a right and just one, any government should heed this demand without reminding and street protests.

PAD has cleared the airports BEFORE the new coalition was formed. It's not an opinion, it's a fact.

PAD's demands for the new government fall entirely within the scope of govt consitutional duties anyway.

There were no orders to clear airport with force so there was no insubordination. It's not an opinion, it's a fact.

What meetings between Democrats and the military you refer to? The new ruling coalition was basically a done deal before they went to see Anupong.

On that subject - it was clear that PPP must go down the day Somchai came back from South America and fled to Chiang Mai, when he talked about medals and Peruvian pottery instead of negotiating with PAD.

The first to react was the court, when they re-scheduled the final hearing, there was no sign of military pressuring the courts, they are not in the position to do so, the courts do not answer to them, and there was no need anyway, EVERYONE knew what had to be done, there was no need for a mastermind. New coalition was a surprise, but a very logical outcome once Newin switched camps. There's no sign of Newin being pressured by the military, they detained and strip searched him after the coup, he's not their puppet.

I repeat this again - there was a widespread support for a political change, the courts, the military, politicians, bureaucrats, businesses - every one had enough of PPP's nonsense, but only courts had power to legally remove it so no one else had made a move.

Was the court decision justified? The day Yongyudh was caught bribing village heads it was clear that the offence was punishable by party dissolution. I don't by into party punished for one man offence argument. He was bribing state officials for the benefit of the whole party, there was absolutely nothing in it for him. And he wasn't jsut "one man", he was a top executive who got position of the House Speaker, AFTER the offence, and every MP voted for him, they didn't see anything wrong about it. That's for their proclaimed innocence.

[MyphuketLife]

hmmm flame away

but I read that and didn't see anything about a "silent coupe" (sic) --- so please answer the question you have been avoiding this whole time

the dam_n title says Silent Coup, and the context of the article explains the silent coupe... you can't read

I asked the question before, but I never get an answer, so I will ask it again

To all the expatriates who seems to be in favour of Thaksin

WOULD YOU LIKE IF A GUY LIKE THAKSIN WAS PM IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY?

If not to personal you can always tell us what is your home country.

Why are you quoting me? I have never ever said I liked Thaksin. I don't like Thaksin I think he is scum.

Just because one does not agree with the PAD actions does not mean one is pro-Thaksin .... Is that really a hard concept to grasp?

Was what the PAD's stated intentions of wanting to get Thaksin and his cronies out of power a good idea? YES

Where the actions they took to achieve their stated intentions good or even democratic? NO

You have the bush mentality "If you are not for the war in IRAQ, your don't support our troops"....

But you go ahead and keep on taking a famous play from the Bush book, just keep on spinning .

And last but not least I am an American (this may come as a shock to you, I fully support our troops, but I think the war in IRAQ is outright wrong, and I think Mr. Bush. is a douche bag...)

Edited December 18, 2008 by MyphuketLife

[tig28]

The airport army-supported terrorist seige was not a protest. It was a statement to either let them put in their proxy Abhisit or let the Thai people suffer endlessly.

Personally I feel some sympathy for the army, they are damned for having a coup in 2006 to stop street-violence, and then damned again for not having done so this time round. They can't win !

Yes they can - and did.

succinct and accurate!!

[samgrowth]

CNN interview Mark V. As usual Dan Rivers give Mark a hard time. But with his diplomatic charm and good English, Mark managed to pull through all right. Unlike Samak.

[MyphuketLife]

I repeat this again - there was a widespread support for a political change, the courts, the military, politicians, bureaucrats, businesses - every one had enough of PPP's nonsense, but only courts had power to legally remove it so no one else had made a move.

I believe that they had allot of support, and at the end of the day it was happening, just not as fast as PAD wanted.

But if there support was so overwhelming why take over TV stations that reported them in a negative light? It’s ok for them to publicly oppose Thaksin but it’s not ok for others to publicly oppose them(N.Korea, China operate like that)? why take the airports? why be forceful.

Why not let the democratic process work? It was working and working in their favor, I mean it’s not like the courts were working against the PAD, it’s got to be the first time in any countries history that the head guy gets canned for being on a TV cooking show.

[henryalleman]

hmmm flame away

but I read that and didn't see anything about a "silent coupe" (sic) --- so please answer the question you have been avoiding this whole time

the dam_n title says Silent Coup, and the context of the article explains the silent coupe... you can't read

I asked the question before, but I never get an answer, so I will ask it again

To all the expatriates who seems to be in favour of Thaksin

WOULD YOU LIKE IF A GUY LIKE THAKSIN WAS PM IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY?

If not to personal you can always tell us what is your home country.

Why are you quoting me? I have never ever said I liked Thaksin. I don't like Thaksin I think he is scum.

Just because one does not agree with the PAD actions does not mean one is pro-Thaksin .... Is that really a hard concept to grasp?

Was what the PAD's stated intentions of wanting to get Thaksin and his cronies out of power a good idea? YES

Where the actions they took to get their good actions or even democratic? NO

You have the bush mentality "If you are not for the war in IRAQ, your don't support our troops"....

But keep on spinning .

read again please I wrote

I asked the question before, but I never get an answer, so I will ask it again

To all the expatriates who seems to be in favour of Thaksin

WOULD YOU LIKE IF A GUY LIKE THAKSIN WAS PM IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY?

If not to personal you can always tell us what is your home country.

emphasize

TO ALL EXPATRIATES This is clearly not a personal question to you. That this question is asked in your topic is purely accidental.

You wrote that in your opinion Thaksin is scum. In my opinion this is meaning you are happy that Thaksin and his party is out of the game.

So now my questions:

do you think that Thaksin and his party was out of the game without the actions of the PAD?

do you really think that leaving the former government 2 or 3 years longer in power controlled by Thaksin was beneficiary for the country?

I'm a defender of democracy, and I presume so are you.

So we only have an disagreement about what is allowed as tools in a democracy to bring a government down. I don't know your nationality, but as an continental European I think the PAD actions where legitimate, because they where used many times in continental Europe for the same reasons, and I presume you could be agreed with me that Europe is a democracy.

And you can't deny that besides a few regrettable incidents they have been very peaceful and without violence or burning and damaging shops, cars and public infrastructure.

So make up your mind and be honest with yourself, and share us your opinion about who is better for the future of the country Abhisit or Thaksin or one of his cronies.

I think its a very simply question to answer.

btw I never called Thaksin scum, even I don't like him at all.

[Koo82]

It remains to be seen whether the Abhisit government will be able to control and comfort the rural poor; if not.....

I only know that people in Ubon threw sh!te to his car when the handsome Ab- when up there.