Rats Waiting To Jump Thaksin's Sinking Ship

[sriracha john]

Rats' waiting to jump Thaksin's sinking ship

110 MPs said to want to join new Party after Thaksin/Reds' debacle

The Pheu Thai Party has become a "sinking ship", with the red-shirt led Songkran Day mayhem backfiring on them and their big boss, the ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a source from the Party said.

The source said that not only has public sentiment turned against the red-clad protesters, but people are looking at the Pheu Thai Party - known as belonging to Thaksin - in a negative light.

It was reported that around 110 out of 187 part MPs were thinking of jumping ship and joining a different party for the next elections. Earlier, some Pheu Thai Party MPs in the Northeast decided to join Newin Chidchob's Bhum Jai Thai Party.

Another reason for jumping ship was that the MPs are uncertain about political direction Thaksin will take.

"We have to listen to the voice of the public, gain the upper hand and build voters' support. We don't know how far the boss will go or what the consequences will be," the source, who asked not to be named, said referring to a recent discussion among Pheu Thai Party MPs.

As far as they are concerned, Thaksin has a negative public image and they need to move away and look for ways to cope with the situation, the source said.

"In the past, Thaksin did not seem to care about us. The only thing he wanted was victory, without any thought of the consequences. That put us in trouble," another MP lamented.

The trouble within the Party forced Thaksin to turn to his ex-wife Pojaman Damapong, another source said.

Pojaman reportedly asked MP Chaiya Sasomsap to help unify the MPs and make peace with some senior figures in the Democrat-led government under the guise of bringing about reconciliation.

Chaiya is said to have close connections with Newin.

Meanwhile, former executive of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, Prommin Lertsuridej, said he had never been asked to lead the red shirts because he was not involved or interested in the movement and had no political motives even though he had been granted amnesty to enter politics.

Earlier, there were reports that Thaksin had tried to start a new strategy by using his inner-circle, consisting of "October People" like Prommin, Poomtham Vejjayachai, Chaturon Chaisaeng, and Kriangkamol Laohapairoj, to create a second-generation of red-shirt leaders.

Thaksin wanted them to bring back the mass support he lost during the Songran riots and rebuild his support base. The "October People" are believed to be talented in mass politics thanks to the experience they gathered during the student uprising in October 1973.

-- The Nation 2009-04-29

Edited May 1, 2009 by sabaijai

[mc2]

the nation newspaper is horribly biased, we have seen "reports" from them in the past which have fizzled out to be rumors intended to cast Thaksin in a bad light. Actually both sides have been guilty of spreading false rumours to manipulate public sentiment. perhaps this is all part of the governments grand scheme to have a media war against thaksin.

[sriracha john]

the nation newspaper is horribly biased, we have seen "reports" from them in the past which have fizzled out to be rumors intended to cast Thaksin in a bad light. Actually both sides have been guilty of spreading false rumours to manipulate public sentiment. perhaps this is all part of the governments grand scheme to have a media war against thaksin.

Do you have a specific point that you wish to contend as a rumor from the article?

[mc2]

the nation newspaper is horribly biased, we have seen "reports" from them in the past which have fizzled out to be rumors intended to cast Thaksin in a bad light. Actually both sides have been guilty of spreading false rumours to manipulate public sentiment. perhaps this is all part of the governments grand scheme to have a media war against thaksin.

Do you have a specific point that you wish to contend as a rumor from the article?

yes, the unidentified "source" for the party in the first few lines, could be anyone making up a rumor out to discredit, or taking something way out of context in order to provide sensational stories for their employer, excuse my cynicism ,but like i have said before, reports like this too often end up being rumor bordering into anti thaksin propaganda , which is what the unobjective nation newspaper is known for.

Edited April 29, 2009 by mc2

[PhilHarries]

Thai politicians are loyal to one thing and that's their bank balance. They will suck up to whoever gets them the biggest payback and up to now they've all believed it was Thaksin that filled the boots. Now there are seeds of doubt in the ranks and they are desperately seeking a new ticket to the feeding trough. Anyone, or anything wll do just as long as they get there and most of these people would sell their mother's soul to the devil to achieve their aims and pad out their pockets.

[HagenvonTronje]

the nation newspaper is horribly biased, we have seen "reports" from them in the past which have fizzled out to be rumors intended to cast Thaksin in a bad light. Actually both sides have been guilty of spreading false rumours to manipulate public sentiment. perhaps this is all part of the governments grand scheme to have a media war against thaksin.

i am so bored by this "the source said", it's not even "a source told The Nation" or something similar.

and in addition to this, they now got linked to Commies and Leftist aka the enemy of the King. that put them under heavy pressure. and what is reported from now on - total propaganda. the media war on the next level.

and all sport a shirt of the same colour makes them vulnerable that anybody dressed as red can do staged attacks.

let's see what happen. with the MPs in the parliament and the people on the street. i hope the MPs don't do the newin.

[sriracha john]

the nation newspaper is horribly biased, we have seen "reports" from them in the past which have fizzled out to be rumors intended to cast Thaksin in a bad light. Actually both sides have been guilty of spreading false rumours to manipulate public sentiment. perhaps this is all part of the governments grand scheme to have a media war against thaksin.

Do you have a specific point that you wish to contend as a rumor from the article?

yes, the unidentified "source" for the party in the first few lines, could be anyone making up a rumor out to discredit, or taking something way out of context in order to provide sensational stories for their employer, excuse my cynicism ,but like i have said before, reports like this too often end up being rumor bordering into anti thaksin propaganda , which is what the unobjective nation newspaper is known for.

So your contention is that the Songkran Day mayhem was successful for the Pheu Thai Party?

and that public sentiment for the Pheu Thai Party is more positive now after the Songkran Day mayhem?

and that PTP MP's are happy to be associated with the Party and its association with the Songkran Day mayhem?

Are there any other points in the article you wish to contend?

Edited April 29, 2009 by sriracha john

[webfact]

Very "funny". No so long ago I used in one of the threads the term "rats and sinking ship" in connection with the NATION article that Thaksins relatives have left the bulding... and we will see more to come.

I was heavily criticized and almost insulted by some of the red posters on TV for my hideous crime to use such words in connection with the Dear Leaders family.

Now I wonder what all this critics will have to say. The whole fleet is sinking not only a ship!

[LawnGnome]

I have told you all before. Puea Thai is dead. The only reason most haven't left is because they can't, until an general election is called. I thought it would be at least 60 leaving, but 100+ sounds about right, after the Songkran fiasco.

Newin's Bhum Jai Party will pick up the majority, to become the 2nd biggest party. Dems will pick up a handful, Puea Pandin will pick up the rest. Dems will be the largest party contesting the next election, but the Newin group will have more power and say in the decision process. (if they decided to work together, and I believe they will, because after Peau Thai's horrible showing as an "opposition" party, it is clear that most MP's don't want to serve in opposition)

Abhisit is going to be PM for the forseeable future- my prognostication. (And Im usually right, not always, but usually lol) He is the first THai PM that actually looks good on TV, and can help bring back tourists and investment faster than any other choice.

[Cayenne]

If I were in the PTP I'd jump ship too. The Truth today (no pun intended) is that many of those MPs are not hard core supporters of Thaksin; they just want to be on the winning side. Did anyone notice that in the Roi-Et by-election last Sunday a Pue Pandin candidate won over the PTP candidate? They are slowly losing their voting base.

[geriatrickid]

Very "funny". No so long ago I used in one of the threads the term "rats and sinking ship" in connection with the NATION article that Thaksins relatives have left the bulding... and we will see more to come.

I was heavily criticized and almost insulted by some of the red posters on TV for my hideous crime to use such words in connection with the Dear Leaders family.

Now I wonder what all this critics will have to say. The whole fleet is sinking not only a ship!

Wishful thinking. The people in question really have nowwhere else to go. Corner them and it won't be pretty. I would like to know what this source is. A PAD plant isn't really a source is it? An imaginary source isn't reliable either. No doubt there is dissent in the ranks. However, there seems to also have been dissent within PAD judging from the recent assassination attempt by a group described as "gestapo".

Thai politics stinks no matter which side of the great divide one is on. With the looming flu problem, people need to stop the bickering and focus on the economy and health issues.

[JR Texas]

Thai politicians are loyal to one thing and that's their bank balance. They will suck up to whoever gets them the biggest payback and up to now they've all believed it was Thaksin that filled the boots. Now there are seeds of doubt in the ranks and they are desperately seeking a new ticket to the feeding trough. Anyone, or anything wll do just as long as they get there and most of these people would sell their mother's soul to the devil to achieve their aims and pad out their pockets.

Right on target.

[Ricardo]

the nation newspaper is horribly biased, we have seen "reports" from them in the past which have fizzled out to be rumors intended to cast Thaksin in a bad light. Actually both sides have been guilty of spreading false rumours to manipulate public sentiment. perhaps this is all part of the governments grand scheme to have a media war against thaksin.

Do you have a specific point that you wish to contend as a rumor from the article?

yes, the unidentified "source" for the party in the first few lines, could be anyone making up a rumor out to discredit, or taking something way out of context in order to provide sensational stories for their employer, excuse my cynicism ,but like i have said before, reports like this too often end up being rumor bordering into anti thaksin propaganda , which is what the unobjective nation newspaper is known for.

Perhaps someone will respond by hitting the Nation, with its supposed propoganda story, with a Billion-Baht law-suit, in good old TRT-style ?

Personally I must say that I think it sounds all-too-likely, that PTP's remaining MPs are looking for the next band-wagon, one possibly not fueled by Thaksin's cash, and are uneasy at being so-closely-linked to the recent Red-Shirt riots.

[animatic]

No surprise here at all.

PTP MP's are another batch of victims of Thaksin and his desire to control everything.

There are his leadership cadres and there are the rank and file former PPP.

But leadership has been steadily driving a wedge between relative moderates

and the hardcore do anything to get our way clique.

They THOUGHT they were joining a continuation of TRT / PPP by another name,

yet what they got was Chalerm railing ineffectually, their spokesmen in debate

totally useless, a few, ineloquent, puyai daughters doing daddy's business,

that he is banned from, and all are now sidelined by events and the machinations

of the Jakrapperpob/Jutaporno leadership axis of evil.

The Red Shirt coalition are the street arm of the Thaksin directed leadership of PTP,

and now ALL PTP MP's are labled as directors of Red Shirt Street Rable.

I easily imagine a large percentage with no say in the Red Shirt tactics,

are now scared as hel_l their constituencies will give them the bums rush.

The Red Shirt coalition is made from many smaller groups, the only real consensus

is to bring down the democratic government in some way, after that all bets are off.

Newin showed the PTP mp's the way, but the situation still looked like PTP still was PPP

at that time, so most didn't follow. It is clear post censure and other debates and post Songkran

that PTP is utterly ineffectual, and worse, labeled as instigators of rioting seen world wide and a SoE.

Which was handled with finesse by Abhisit and his team, and the world saw that clearly.

So yeah the PTP mp's watched Thaksin and their leadership make Abhisit STRONGER

and grossly embarrassed all PTP mp's in the process. Add Post Songkran lies being caught.

Great strategic work boys!

Yeah I am not surprised 100 want out now, but can't make the move quite yet.

And equally not surprised this 'SOURCE FROM THE PARTY' doesn't, at this time,

want to go on the record. We KNOW how vindictive this leadership crew can be,

and he/she is stating the truth but covering his ass for the short term too.

Don't blame him a bit.

Edited April 29, 2009 by animatic

[BigSnake]

Sorry to say these MPs were terrible in the brainstorming session with the PM last week, did nothing but show a self serving side of themselves, it was a long and SAD day for Thais in the Kindgom and around the global looking at their homeland from abroad.

[connel707]

I have told you all before. Puea Thai is dead. The only reason most haven't left is because they can't, until an general election is called. I thought it would be at least 60 leaving, but 100+ sounds about right, after the Songkran fiasco.

Newin's Bhum Jai Party will pick up the majority, to become the 2nd biggest party. Dems will pick up a handful, Puea Pandin will pick up the rest. Dems will be the largest party contesting the next election, but the Newin group will have more power and say in the decision process. (if they decided to work together, and I believe they will, because after Peau Thai's horrible showing as an "opposition" party, it is clear that most MP's don't want to serve in opposition)

Abhisit is going to be PM for the forseeable future- my prognostication. (And Im usually right, not always, but usually lol) He is the first THai PM that actually looks good on TV, and can help bring back tourists and investment faster than any other choice.

Good Thread...And you have Hit the Nail right on the Head....Abhsit is, and will be a great PM for Thailand, he is so well liked overseas, he looks good, speaks very well and after the Songkran affair, we all know that even with his lack of help from some security chiefs, he was the Master Planner.... Go on Abhsit , make Thailand the world leader it should be......there are many things in Thailand to be worked on, but by working together with the right political processes , this can be done, it needs a smooth runway to land this BIG aeroplane... not one full of bomb craters and rifts........Where is John Lennon when you need him..??????

[hagler]

The Nation lost all credibilty as an impartial news reporting medium so long ago now. It really is just a propaganda tool for the powerful elite clique who really run Thailand behind the public face of "politics" in the Kingdom. As for those who continue to "cut and paste" the diatribes from it and pass it off as news; well.... nah wont waste my time.

[coconutmonkey]

The Nation lost all credibilty as an impartial news reporting medium so long ago now. It really is just a propaganda tool for the powerful elite clique who really run Thailand behind the public face of "politics" in the Kingdom. As for those who continue to "cut and paste" the diatribes from it and pass it off as news; well.... nah wont waste my time.

Maybe so..... but that's not going to change. The country moves forward with those powerful elite clique at the reins again as they have for the last god knows how long, and nothing changes. This is as good as it is bad. In the event that Taksin may have had a 'good side' (nope), he may have offered some hope for change of that. However, he's a blubbering fool now, and a selfish, evil man, at best.

These powerful elite that you speak of may be responsible for the modern day socio-economic status of Thailand, and that includes all things about Thailand we love, hate and don't know.

Just a thought.

[bkkdawg]

Thai politicians are loyal to one thing and that's their bank balance. They will suck up to whoever gets them the biggest payback and up to now they've all believed it was Thaksin that filled the boots. Now there are seeds of doubt in the ranks and they are desperately seeking a new ticket to the feeding trough. Anyone, or anything wll do just as long as they get there and most of these people would sell their mother's soul to the devil to achieve their aims and pad out their pockets.

Right on target.

Bang on ! nice post

[LivinginKata]

A number of sarcastic posts have been removed. I remind every one that flaming other members is against Forum Rules, than you.

[Samuian]

Pojamarn: "Where are the Cheque-Books, where are the cheque books...?????? Quick, quie...ck!

The imminent changes to the former "loyalists" of Doc's latest political enterprises will be very interesting!

What will be the next follow up parties name be?

Suggestions are welcome!

Will Newin welcome the dissidents?

If so, will there be another power reshuffle on the books?

Will he then try to take advantage of this and go for the Premiership?

I wah, wah, wah, wah wo- on-der...!

Edited April 29, 2009 by Samuian

[webfact]

Pojamarn: "Where are the Cheque-Books, where are the cheque books...?????? Quick, quie...ck!

The imminent changes to the former "loyalists" of Doc's latest political enterprises will be very interesting!

What will be the next follow up parties name be?

Suggestions are welcome!

Will Newin welcome the dissidents?

If so, will there be another power reshuffle on the books?

Will then try to take advantage of this and go for the Premiership?

I wah, wah, wah, wah wo- on-der...!

TFT = Tit For Tat ?

[stumonster]

It really is just a propaganda tool for the powerful elite clique who really run Thailand behind the public face of "politics" in the Kingdom.

so - in what countries does this not happen ?

[mhatami]

Regardless of what all of us philosophers and politics experts think. I hope the Articles is correct and we can see some normalcy in LOS for all of us visitors and most importantly for the Thai people

[hammered]

Potjaman is back. She usually shows up to bankroll something or try a poltical fix. She is a powerful woman in her own right.

This story could be:

1. True. I dont doubt some PTP MPs are worried abouth the direction of things. The red riot isnt popular even with the biggest Thaksin fans I know, add in that most MPs are business men and instability and revolution are the last thing they want to see and Thaksin is verging on a furhter step towards both.

2. A leak from within PTP to ensure more favours or largesse from team Thaksin to keep them onside.

3. A nation plant story to put the idea of of 2 in their heads.

Something is going on as Thaksin is suddenly Mr. Peace in denial of how Al Jazeera called him on inciting violence a few days ago and sending the esteranged wife back

[animatic]

The Nation lost all credibilty as an impartial news reporting medium so long ago now. It really is just a propaganda tool for the powerful elite clique who really run Thailand behind the public face of "politics" in the Kingdom. As for those who continue to "cut and paste" the diatribes from it and pass it off as news; well.... nah wont waste my time.

Well if you mean the Nation was the only major paper to stand up to

Thaksin's intimidation and blatent attempts to shut down all dissenting views

then yes the Nation is NOT impartial to Thaksin and company.

The Bangkok Post got chewed up because they didn't have the where-with-all to stand up

to the Thaksin machine's the national economic attacks and frivolous legal attacks.

Withdrawel of several major advertising revenue contracts and HUGE lawsuits, most all proven baseless.

The Post caved, causing one editor to resign and several reporters to lose life savings

defending their true words printed in the paper.

The Nation didn't cave in. Even as The Caravan Of The Poor attacked their offices

and tried intimidation of their reporters and others as they went about their business.

So I for one are MORE THAN HAPPY The Nation is not impartial on the Thaksin issues.

When your livelyhood and veracity are attacked there is no being impartial against your agressive attackers.

They are now another source of info to be taken with a grain of salt as ANY and ALL jourals should be.

But not written off as too biased, because they come by this particular bias honestly.

And another mirror image to Thaksin's aggressive actions.

On other subjects they are much more even handed.

[webfact]

Pheu Thai threatens to boycott tripartite reconciliation panel

The Pheu Thai Party Wednesday threatened to boycott the tripartite committee to bring about political reconciliation and study charter amendments.

Witthaya Buranasiri, chief opposition whip, said the Pheu Thai would not send it representatives to join the panel if the Parliament does not set up a panel to review the political violence during the Songkran holidays.

The tripartite panel is supposed to have representatives from the government, opposition and Senate.

- The Nation - 2009/04/29

[animatic]

It really is just a propaganda tool for the powerful elite clique who really run Thailand behind the public face of "politics" in the Kingdom.

so - in what countries does this not happen ?

Two words:

Rupert Murdock

Edited April 29, 2009 by animatic

[hammered]

Pheu Thai threatens to boycott tripartite reconciliation panel

The Pheu Thai Party Wednesday threatened to boycott the tripartite committee to bring about political reconciliation and study charter amendments.

Witthaya Buranasiri, chief opposition whip, said the Pheu Thai would not send it representatives to join the panel if the Parliament does not set up a panel to review the political violence during the Songkran holidays.

The tripartite panel is supposed to have representatives from the government, opposition and Senate.

- The Nation - 2009/04/29

Why would PTP want a panel to review the hours of live footage of their guys rioting and threatening to burn places down? Why would PTP want a panel to review their leaders inciting riots on TV? Or is this panel not meant to look at those things but to discuss disappeared bodies?

Hopefully if a panel is set up it will be impartial, it will look at what all sides did, it will stick to corraborated evidence and not inuendo and rumour and preferably it wont be a panel of polticians.

Be interesting to see in the coming days if those who control team PTP really are interested in talking or thwey just want more instability.

[xminator]

I stamp this "news" part of the governments PR war with the red. As announced a couple of days back...