Abhisit Vejjajiva Elected New Prime Minister Of Thailand

[bunnaag]

I just hope he will try to be a PM for all the people of the country and not just his constituency. That is waht Tahiland needs right now. However, it will be a tall order and the red shirts wont make it any easier for him than the yellow dfid for Somchai.

Concerning the red shirts I think the military might offer a hand.

[Publicus]

Abhisit needs to hold a coalition government together for a least two or so years, hopefully longer. I think he has the smarts to do it and can quickly acquire the savvy required to manage the feat.

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.

Edited December 15, 2008 by Publicus

[Farfetched]

Ah, Democracy in action!

Lose an election, take over government house, blockade airports, wreck tourism, get prime ministership.

Neat!

The new PM should call fresh elections under the rule, one person, one vote, no pork barrelling of any kind (only joking ,Australia and the US never use pork barrelling tactics, yeah, right!!!) and abide by the result

And I suppose you infer that fresh elections would be democratic and without massive amounts of 500 baht notes being distributed by Thaksin to secure the election?

And I suppose you would infer that the "vote buying" for Parliamentary conversions, as reported by the Bangkok Post and The Nation are not a problem. This is the same game only at a higher level. Will the courts now have a new "vote buying" scandal to decide upon.

[MyphuketLife]

Ah, Democracy in action!

Lose an election, take over government house, blockade airports, wreck tourism, get prime ministership.

Neat!

The new PM should call fresh elections under the rule, one person, one vote, no pork barrelling of any kind (only joking ,Australia and the US never use pork barrelling tactics, yeah, right!!!) and abide by the result

And I suppose you infer that fresh elections would be democratic and without massive amounts of 500 baht notes being distributed by Thaksin to secure the election?

And I suppose you would infer that the "vote buying" for Parliamentary conversions, as reported by the Bangkok Post and The Nation are not a problem. This is the same game only at a higher level. Will the courts now have a new "vote buying" scandal to decide upon.

Its only wrong if you break the law while not wearing a yellow shirt, once you put on the yellow shirt and are doing it "for country" its ok

[Shah Jahan]

It is rare to find a politician who does gppd for the people over doing good for him/herself.

I mostly agree, however history has shown that Thais in places of power who were BORN and EDUCATED overseas have a general tendency to consider more of the greater good of the people.

I think he is a fine herald to a new era.

[konangrit]

Ah, Democracy in action!

Lose an election, take over government house, blockade airports, wreck tourism, get prime ministership.

Neat!

The new PM should call fresh elections under the rule, one person, one vote, no pork barrelling of any kind (only joking ,Australia and the US never use pork barrelling tactics, yeah, right!!!) and abide by the result

And I suppose you infer that fresh elections would be democratic and without massive amounts of 500 baht notes being distributed by Thaksin to secure the election?

And I suppose you would infer that the "vote buying" for Parliamentary conversions, as reported by the Bangkok Post and The Nation are not a problem. This is the same game only at a higher level. Will the courts now have a new "vote buying" scandal to decide upon.

I doubt it, I don't think "MP buying" is illegal in Thailand, just vote buying.

[bubba]

Ah, Democracy in action!

Lose an election, take over government house, blockade airports, wreck tourism, get prime ministership.

Neat!

The new PM should call fresh elections under the rule, one person, one vote, no pork barrelling of any kind (only joking ,Australia and the US never use pork barrelling tactics, yeah, right!!!) and abide by the result

And I suppose you infer that fresh elections would be democratic and without massive amounts of 500 baht notes being distributed by Thaksin to secure the election?

And I suppose you would infer that the "vote buying" for Parliamentary conversions, as reported by the Bangkok Post and The Nation are not a problem. This is the same game only at a higher level. Will the courts now have a new "vote buying" scandal to decide upon.

No. I made no such inference and I would not disagree with you. But it's a bit naive to suggest that dissolving parliament and calling new elections is some sort of "democratic" solution.

[hasher69]

"Abhisit proposes to fix that by amending the constitution should he assume the PM post. That could mean yet another referendum." Time magazine interview.

His thoughts from when he thought he was going to walk into power on the back of the last military set up.

Hope he has the balls to tell PAD and the generals/elite clique where to go and change the constitution back to the agreed 97(?) model. If he can achieve that and deliver his promised education and other reforms to the Isaan people then he maybe a very good solution for the present mess. I wish him the best of luck.

Yes I agree, I wish him and Thailand the very Best, Just Hope the ousted ex PM does not hold any trump cards to interfere

[JustinCredible]

Abhisit needs to hold a coalition government together for a least two or so years, hopefully longer. I think he has the smarts to do it and can quickly acquire the savvy required to manage the feat.

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.

Ahh, REAL Democracy - You can only vote if I say so type Democracy.

You are insulting a great number of intelligent, wealthy people with such a loose comment "voters in the North".

[jbowman1993]

Anyone care to speculate as to how the PAD will react? Will this be enough to keep them from causing any more disruptions?

I wouldn't be concerned with PAD reaction, but rather with the Red Team's. I'm afraid they are capable as yellow one, to cause havoc and disruptions.

As I hope society in general will do - Perhaps its time for TV red shirts and yellow shirts to put the shirts back in the closet for a while, and try to work for the good of the country. A new party in power with a new elected PM deserve time to announce their policies and implement them.

so as soon as yellow wins the game should end for best of country?

Every side has their good days and bad days. The political pendulum does not stand still. One party cannot hope to stay in power forever (this isn't singapore lol). The Democrats last held office in 1997. Its nice that the pendulum can swing back. Abhisit will have a small grace period, and has large tasks before him Lets see how he performs, and how the PTP performs as the opposition party.

What would be a success?

Passing the ASEAN policies and holding the ASEAN summit in February would be a great start.

Putting education as a priority, as well as enacting new business policies that will help lift a struggling economy.

As a person familiar with expats (having been one himself), I would look for more progressive policies on foreigners in Thailand, as well as more progressive policies in other areas as well.

Finally, creating a Constitution Amendment Panel that encompasses all strata of society, to make amendments to the existing constitution in a transparent and society-involved way.

I'll put my money on Abhisit to do these things, and do them quickly.

PTP will have to find out how to get along with Thaksin, for he will surely see his passport revoked, and extradition proceedings against him commence. Look for Khunying Pokemon to do a quick runner out of Thailand for good, in the next 2 weeks, as well.

There will be political gamesmanship and power brokering, surely. But first and foremost, this election will help Thailand's image, which is a strong key to economic recovery.

[konangrit]

Abhsit becomes new PM

BANGKOK: -- Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, aged 44, has become the 27th and youngest prime minister of Thailand after receiving 235 votes from 431 MPs at the extraordinary parliamentary session on Monday.

Another candidate nominated by the Puea Thai party, Puea Pandin leader Pracha Promnok, obtained 198 votes.

The votes from many MPs of the former coalition parties, especially the Puea Pandin party, were divided.

Only a few MPs from the Northeast voted for Pol Gen Pracha.

During the session, Pol Gen Pracha voted for himself while Mr Abhisit refrained from voting.

There were three abstained votes -- Mr Abhisit himself, House Speaker Chai Chidchob and another MP.

All Puea Thai MPs voted for the Puea Pandin leader, while most of the members from Friends of Newin group, who vowed to back Democrat party, voted for Mr Abhisit.

Meanwhile, more than hundred of pro-Thaksin Shinawatra group called United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) surrounded the Parliament after they learned that Mr Abhisit is elected.

They placed iron barricades to block the entrance of the Parliament, and threw water bottles into the compound.

Riot police were deployed around the site to prevent chaos.

-- Bangkok Post 2008-12-15

[jbowman1993]

This is probably why the 2,000 odd police don't appear terribly concerned. How a hundred people can hope to "Surround" parliament would be fun to witness. One spaced every 15 meters or so? lol

[animatic]

Abhisit needs to hold a coalition government together for a least two or so years, hopefully longer. I think he has the smarts to do it and can quickly acquire the savvy required to manage the feat.

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.

I think this does make sense also.

Get the PM some Viagra, he needs last long time.

[hammered]

Abhisit needs to hold a coalition government together for a least two or so years, hopefully longer. I think he has the smarts to do it and can quickly acquire the savvy required to manage the feat.

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.

The length of his government may well depend on tomorrows(?) court decision on the status of party list MPs elected for now defunct parties. If they are ruled as losing MP status that will advantage the Dems to ba able to stay a long time. If they are voted as being able to reatin MP status then after the upcoming elections the Dems will have little or no majority and as cabinet members cannot vote in a no-confidence motion the Dem governmenmt would be lucky to survive until Songkhran.

[permanent_disorder]

International recognition

• One of 100 Global Leaders for Tomorrow, by World Economic Forum 1992

• One of 20 Leaders for the Millennium Politics & Power, by Asiaweek magazine 5 November 1999

• One of 6 up and coming leaders for Asia, Time magazine 6 October 1997, New Voices for New Asia

Nice CV, but distinctly lacking in real jobs*. He's managed to get to age 44 without any hard graft and early mornings, beyond the greasy pole of politics.

*Apart from his spell as a teacher of course.

I notice that his Mother and Father and wife all have the same surname. A little aristocratic cousin-ly inbreeding perhaps like the Roosevelts ? ....just a coincidence? Or something more??

jobless, during the camouflage government years, he went to laos and tried his luck as travelling buffoon & escapologist.

that should be added to his CV under Professional Experience and International Recognition.

[jbowman1993]

Big Yellow Banner headline on CNN International website - Breaking News: Thailand's parliament chooses opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva as the country's new prime minister Monday. Details soon

[john b good]

I think this is very good news for the country.

The man looks clean and also looks that he might have a brain (which is more than one could say of the past 4-5 in the chair, Surayod excepted)

Providing he is given the good will of the majority of the realm's citizens Thailand now has a chance to turn the corner.

The very best of good luck to him.

[animatic]

It is rare to find a politician who does gppd for the people over doing good for him/herself.

I mostly agree, however history has shown that Thais in places of power who were BORN and EDUCATED overseas have a general tendency to consider more of the greater good of the people.

I think he is a fine herald to a new era.

There is a certain person born and educated abroad

who his highly thought of here for taking

the THAI PEOPLE as consideration #1.

[Thailand]

Good luck to Thailand- it desperately needs it!

Sorry to hear of some people loosing jobs- tip of the iceberg I fear.

โชคดี

[Dario]

Congratulations to Abhisit Vejjajiva! May your premiership be longlived and may you gather more strength and wisdom every coming day to weather this storm.

Edited December 15, 2008 by Dario

[bangkapiboy]

Thank god Abhasit got the PM position. He really deserves it.

[TAWP]

Nice CV, but distinctly lacking in real jobs*. He's managed to get to age 44 without any hard graft and early mornings, beyond the greasy pole of politics.

*Apart from his spell as a teacher of course.

I notice that his Mother and Father and wife all have the same surname. A little aristocratic cousin-ly inbreeding perhaps like the Roosevelts ? ....just a coincidence? Or something more??

Uh, I think you will find that most people here has parents with same last name as well as with their partner...the effect of marriage.

[Plus]

The length of his government may well depend on tomorrows(?) court decision on the status of party list MPs elected for now defunct parties.

I think this is a mistake. The court will rule only on the status of caretaker PM, which is irrelevant now.

Party list MP question was dropped because it's not Senate's business to ask, the court said.

Someone else has to petition the courts on that matter, but it will be a little mine field for Abhisit together with by-elections.

[OZEMADE]

These politicians were not voted in by the Thai people and neither was the new Prime Minister, there should be new elections called for. This would also inject billions of bart into the country as the corrupt officials would have to spend some of their stolen money by trying to buy votes again. I would bet that UDD would win by a landslide again.

[hammered]

The length of his government may well depend on tomorrows(?) court decision on the status of party list MPs elected for now defunct parties.

I think this is a mistake. The court will rule only on the status of caretaker PM, which is irrelevant now.

Party list MP question was dropped because it's not Senate's business to ask, the court said.

Someone else has to petition the courts on that matter, but it will be a little mine field for Abhisit together with by-elections.

Thanks for the update I wasnt sure on how things were developing. I would guess someone will ask the question formally at a later date.

[Publicus]

If I'm not mistaken, the parliament that voted today is comprised of the same MPs who had previously elected two PMs clearly considered to be proxies of Dr. T.

If so, then this vote today would indicate a clear and resounding reversal of the miserable and hopeless situation Thailand has been experiencing during the past 2+ years. It would mean a substantial and significant number of MPs would have completely changed their loyalty. That would be great news indeed.

The red shirts would now oppose the government. However, with such a fresh start as this, how long could the red shirts try to disrupt the new government? Has Thailand FINALLY had enuff of Dr. T?

[hammered]

These politicians were not voted in by the Thai people and neither was the new Prime Minister, there should be new elections called for. This would also inject billions of bart into the country as the corrupt officials would have to spend some of their stolen money by trying to buy votes again. I would bet that UDD would win by a landslide again.

Actually th eparliament was elected by the people. The parlaiment then selects the PM who chooses the cabinet. that is how parliamentary systems like the one in Thailand work. There is no direct election for PM or cabinet. Parliament is the highest elected body and makes the decisions.

[lazygourmet]

Congratulation... This is making my day.

Just hope now that Khun Korn will be (at least) Finance Minister.

[Samuian]

Hope he has the balls to tell PAD and the generals/elite clique where to go and change the constitution back to the agreed 97(?) model.

Hear, hear. That was a fine piece of work and accepted across society. Thaksin showed up its weaknesses but with the necessary amendments it can work.

By a peoples referendum!

Immediately after taking office Taxins Crew started to "amend" the constitution.... all the way to being able and sell Shin.Sat to Themasek TAX free!

And these actions brought the PAD on to the streets until the protests climaxed in the occupation of government house, don muang, suvannabhum and several domestic airports...

Hope this country can soon manage to escape the steel grip and go ahead with business. and daily life.

[DogNo1]

Pronunciation of Name?

Can anyone say how his name is pronounced? Is it perhaps "Wegajiwa?"