No Plans For A Political Mediator: Suthep

[webfact]

No plans for a political mediator: Suthep

By The Nation

Published on September 26, 2009

The government does not plan to recruit a mediator to foster a settlement with ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said yesterday.

"I just don't see what there is to negotiate with Thaksin because I strongly oppose helping him elude his jail term," Suthep said, voicing scepticism whether talks could end the political animosity.

He was reacting to comments by former coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who proposed the appointment of a mediator in order to overcome the political turbulence.

Suthep said reporters should ask Sonthi additional questions like who should be the mediator and what topics the negotiations should cover.

"I wonder why the junta did not negotiate with Thaksin when it was in power," he said.

He insisted he did not hastily rule out any possibility for reconciliation, saying the circumstances just did not warrant the talks at this juncture.

-- The Nation 2009/09/26

[dre1247]

Right, who believes a megalomaniac criminal on the run who has proven to lie about everything in the past. On arrival a straight jacked and forced medication and then serf his jail term.

[hammered]

Another way of looking at this is that Suthep is a poltical operator of some talent. If those "behind the scenes" were going to do a deal a lot of people in Thailand would be upset. This statement distances the Dems from any such deal and plays to their base and a segment of the center who feel whatever happens Thaksin needs to be tried.

I like the "I wonder why the junta did not negotiate with Thaksin when it was in power,". That can be read as like them we dont do it or why are they doing it now when they didnt do it then.

Anyone who thinks the Dems and military in a loving embrace equals government do not understand Thai politics. There are a few sides playing different games now. Mmmm and everyone is meant to feel sympathy for a sick man.

[Thailand]

Sadly this is Thai politics at it's best, all smoke and mirrors.

The more I hear there will be no talks with Thaksin the more likely it is to be happening or going to happen.

TIT

[Rumfoord]

Suthep denies rumor on police chief nomination

BANGKOK, 25 September 2009 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban denied the rumor that he would nominate Police General Watcharapol Prasanratchakij as the new Police Chief.

Mr. Suthep, who was now functioning as an Acting Prime Minister, said he was unaware of how such a rumor originated. He also asserted that he could work well with police officers. In terms of the report that former chairman of the Council for National Security General, Sonthi Boonyaratglin, suggested appointing a mediator for the negotiation between the government and ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, he said he did not see who could be the best person to negotiate with Mr. Thaksin. Mr. Suthep said he would be glad if anyone could talk to Mr. Thaksin for the sake of bringing peace and happiness to the country.

In regards to the 15th ASEAN Summit which will be hosted by Thailand next month, he said the Government would launch top security measures during the meeting. He also stated that the Cambodian Prime Minister would join the summit despite speculation that the Cambodian leader might not attend the meeting in Thailand due to several disputes with the country.

-- NNT 25 September 2009

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255209250018

[Rumfoord]

Oops. douple post. edit.

the relevant lines from the news above:

In terms of the report that former chairman of the Council for National Security General, Sonthi Boonyaratglin, suggested appointing a mediator for the negotiation between the government and ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, he said he did not see who could be the best person to negotiate with Mr. Thaksin. Mr. Suthep said he would be glad if anyone could talk to Mr. Thaksin for the sake of bringing peace and happiness to the country.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255209250018

Edited September 26, 2009 by Rumfoord

[RKASA]

Wouldn't be prudent, ...not at this juncture      GH Bush

[hammered]

If anyone is openly discussing the idea of talking to Thaksin we can assume discussions have been ongoing for some time imho. Then again they have probbaly happened several times before without conclusion.

People forget that there arent just PTP, red, yellow, Dem, military, BJT lines but their are friendships, family connections, clanship, alumni etc that cross those. People will be talking all the time.

[Chunkton]

Right, who believes a megalomaniac criminal on the run who has proven to lie about everything in the past. On arrival a straight jacked and forced medication and then serf his jail term.

Thank you for bringing some new deep and thought provoking political analysis to this subject. I for one feel I have a better understanding of Thai politics now I have reflected on your insights. Keep them coming.

[Plus]

The only thing to negotiate is the outcome of the court trial.

Whichever way it goes - politically Thaksin is finished. He might get his money back and stop fighting, or lose his money and be unable to fight.

The first option - no one could guarantee that Thaksin would keep out of politics and no one could guarantee that if he reneges on his promise the opposition against him won't reach unmanageable proportions like it did last time with PAD.

Another way to look at it as his pardon petition negotiation. It can't be discussed legally, so there could be manipulation behind the scenes to enact the pardon in a peculiar way, like acquitting him in asset trial. But then again, it would rely on Thaksin's word that doesn't carry any value.

And the very first question about this alleged negotiations - what has Thaksin got to offer, and what can he threaten with. The answer to both is nothing, unless there's some final secret that he was dying to reveal all these years but was held back.

Perhaps the negotiation rumor is just an interpretation of a consolation call: "Sorry pal, you are screwed , but it's nothing personal, just business, would you like french fires with that?".