PM Abhisit Denies Sticking To 9-Month House Dissolution

[webfact]

PM denies sticking to 9-month House dissolution

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has dismissed a speculation that the government is trying to buy time thanks to the proposed nine-month time frame for a House dissolution.

Speaking in an interview during his first appearance at the Government House since the anti-government mass protests, the Prime Minister elaborated that the government intended to create a climate of peace in the country and lay down concrete framework on electoral rules and regulations before the House dissolution.

He said the PM's Secretary-General Korbsak Sabhavasu, in his capacity as key coordinator with the anti-government UDD, was currently contacting with the UDD core-figures to take part in the third round of peace talks.

The government and anti-government group failed to reach a resolution in the two previous rounds of truce talks earlier this week due to disagreement on the timeframe for House dissolution.

The UDD group demanded that the prime minister dissolve the House within 15 days. PM Abhisit later responded that the government could not accept such a proposal as it was too short and would yield no benefits to the nation.

The Prime Minister has offered to dissolve the House within nine months or by the end of this year to give the government more time to settle three key issues relating to the drafting of the 2011 national budget, the charter amendment, and peaceful political climate.

-- NNT 2010-04-02

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[landofthefree]

No great surprises here, he is just doing what his Army bosses have told him to 9 months gives them enough time to reshuffle and start spending the uncapped budget that this 'Government' has given them.

[anotherpeter]

No great surprises here, he is just doing what his Army bosses have told him to 9 months gives them enough time to reshuffle and start spending the uncapped budget that this 'Government' has given them.

Do you really think that it would be that much different with Thaksin? Thaksin was trying to get his people at the head of the army. He would have made sure his people were looked after. Otherwise they wouldn't support him any more. Once Thaksin had his people at the top, HE could have control of them. That would have cemented his dictatorship.

The army are too powerful in Thailand and too involved in the politics of the country. That has been the case for 80 years, and probably for centuries before that. It's not going to change overnight. It's not going to change if Thaksin is in power. They would just be doing what he wants.

Thaksin isn't the answer. He is the problem. Without Thaksin the country would move forward.

The power of the army can not be changed overnight. It can be changed through the education of the people (all Thais, not just the farmers) about democracy. It can be changed by getting rid of the corruption at ALL levels of Thai society.

The poor farmers are protesting for a better deal, and think that Thaksin is the answer. They need to look in their own backyards first, and look at the corruption in their villages and the corruption by the RICH LOCALS. It's not the 'elite' in Bangkok that is their problem. It's the 'elite' in their villages that have been exploiting them for far too long.

[antony77]

No great surprises here, he is just doing what his Army bosses have told him to 9 months gives them enough time to reshuffle and start spending the uncapped budget that this 'Government' has given them.

Do you really think that it would be that much different with Thaksin? Thaksin was trying to get his people at the head of the army. He would have made sure his people were looked after. Otherwise they wouldn't support him any more. Once Thaksin had his people at the top, HE could have control of them. That would have cemented his dictatorship.

The army are too powerful in Thailand and too involved in the politics of the country. That has been the case for 80 years, and probably for centuries before that. It's not going to change overnight. It's not going to change if Thaksin is in power. They would just be doing what he wants.

Thaksin isn't the answer. He is the problem. Without Thaksin the country would move forward.

The power of the army can not be changed overnight. It can be changed through the education of the people (all Thais, not just the farmers) about democracy. It can be changed by getting rid of the corruption at ALL levels of Thai society.

The poor farmers are protesting for a better deal, and think that Thaksin is the answer. They need to look in their own backyards first, and look at the corruption in their villages and the corruption by the RICH LOCALS. It's not the 'elite' in Bangkok that is their problem. It's the 'elite' in their villages that have been exploiting them for far too long.

very true but you should have added that Taksin put his brother (or cousin?) in as armu chief even though he was completely incompetent. Governments in Thailand need army support whether they like it or not. Abhisit has the support of the army because he is an Honest and capable man.

[Phuket1]

Totally agree with "anotherpeter and anthony77" Now how do we get this message over to the red stage.

[mazeltov]

Abhisit has the support of the army because he is an Honest and capable man.

he got the job because he don't make much noise or mind if there is a coup and he follows political concepts of the days before yesterday.

[taurus88]

When will Thailand politics rid itself from the military influence. They are just another civil servants and should never be a factor like so many countries.

[anotherpeter]

When will Thailand politics rid itself from the military influence. They are just another civil servants and should never be a factor like so many countries.

They will get rid of it when a few more people understand democracy and when they start doing something more about corruption.

[TheLaughingMan]

When will Thailand politics rid itself from the military influence. They are just another civil servants and should never be a factor like so many countries.

You dont know anything about Thailand and its history if you have to ask that question.Since they took away the royal power they have controlled this country for about 85 years.

[moresomekl]

Abhisit has the support of the army because he is an Honest and capable man.

he got the job because he don't make much noise or mind if there is a coup and he follows political concepts of the days before yesterday.

Abhisit was critical (in speech) of the coup in sept 2006 , lets be fair to the man . There's not much more he could have done .

He sounds honest , the rest hard to judge , future will tell .

[Jimi007]

When will Thailand politics rid itself from the military influence. They are just another civil servants and should never be a factor like so many countries.

You dont know anything about Thailand and its history if you have to ask that question.Since they took away the royal power they have controlled this country for about 85 years.

Who is the head of The Royal Thai Armed Forces then? Need a hint?

[lensta]

When will Thailand politics rid itself from the military influence. They are just another civil servants and should never be a factor like so many countries.

They will get rid of it when a few more people understand democracy and when they start doing something more about corruption.

Anotherpeter, there is no corruption in Thailand, unfortunately it is a way of life and will never be stamped out.

One of the reasons is that the wages are so low here that people will take any opportunity to make a better life

for themselves. The people that are already rich, are greedy and just want to become richer by any means available.

If these people get caught the penalties are very light, basically just a slap on the wrist.

[anotherpeter]

When will Thailand politics rid itself from the military influence. They are just another civil servants and should never be a factor like so many countries.

They will get rid of it when a few more people understand democracy and when they start doing something more about corruption.

Anotherpeter, there is no corruption in Thailand, unfortunately it is a way of life and will never be stamped out.

One of the reasons is that the wages are so low here that people will take any opportunity to make a better life

for themselves. The people that are already rich, are greedy and just want to become richer by any means available.

If these people get caught the penalties are very light, basically just a slap on the wrist.

I assume you mean "there IS corruption in Thailand".

It is a way of life, but it can be stamped out. But it would take a concerted effort by a lot of people. There would be a lot of obstacles. In the long run it would be worthwhile.

People want a better opportunity, but they don't realize that it is corruption that is actually holding them back.

There are many places they could start in reducing it. But for the country to move forward, it needs to be done.

[lensta]

When will Thailand politics rid itself from the military influence. They are just another civil servants and should never be a factor like so many countries.

They will get rid of it when a few more people understand democracy and when they start doing something more about corruption.

Anotherpeter, there is no corruption in Thailand, unfortunately it is a way of life and will never be stamped out.

One of the reasons is that the wages are so low here that people will take any opportunity to make a better life

for themselves. The people that are already rich, are greedy and just want to become richer by any means available.

If these people get caught the penalties are very light, basically just a slap on the wrist.

I assume you mean "there IS corruption in Thailand".

It is a way of life, but it can be stamped out. But it would take a concerted effort by a lot of people. There would be a lot of obstacles. In the long run it would be worthwhile.

People want a better opportunity, but they don't realize that it is corruption that is actually holding them back.

There are many places they could start in reducing it. But for the country to move forward, it needs to be done.

It's not corruption anymore, it is a way of life. I really don't think it can can be removed from Thai society, it has been

around too long.

[monkfish]

Its a pity that the Military play such an important role in Thai politics.

Until this concept ends Thailand will have the same problem over and over...............again.

Abhisit really needs to cut a deal with the reds before the next election and the reds know it.

[Siripon]

Its a pity that the Military play such an important role in Thai politics.

Until this concept ends Thailand will have the same problem over and over...............again.

Abhisit really needs to cut a deal with the reds before the next election and the reds know it.

They were relegated to the barracks from 1992 to 2006 but Thaksin's meglomania forced them to come out again.

If politicians behaved themselves there would be no need and no justification for military intervention.

[rainman]

So, now its 9 months until the House is dissolved ...and then what ...another 12 months until elections are held? Or are they actually holding elections in 9-10 months?

[Chaimai]

So, now its 9 months until the House is dissolved ...and then what ...another 12 months until elections are held? Or are they actually holding elections in 9-10 months?

The intention seems quite unequivocal to me. Which part of the following did you fail to understand:-

The Prime Minister has offered to dissolve the House within nine months or by the end of this year

[rainman]

I did understand that, but how long after the House is dissolved will elections be held?

[lannarebirth]

So, now its 9 months until the House is dissolved ...and then what ...another 12 months until elections are held? Or are they actually holding elections in 9-10 months?

My understanding is, that Abhisit's offer to dissolve the government and call new election (whiich was turned down BTW) was conditional on his getting some constitutional reform measures agreed upon, then a referendum on said reform, then Parliamentary implementation of that reform. Also there had to be some agreement as to access by all candidates to all areas and voters who form the electorate. also he expected that emotions might cool in that time frame. as I said, it was turned down so it is unknown if that is still the current roadmap toward new elections.

[Chaimai]

I did understand that, but how long after the House is dissolved will elections be held?

Ahh ! Good point.

I imagine that the elections would happen quite swiftly after dissolution. Afterall, in this case, it is not exactly coming as a surprise.

[hammered]

I did understand that, but how long after the House is dissolved will elections be held?

Isnt the rule 45 days? Not 100% on this

[hammered]

So, now its 9 months until the House is dissolved ...and then what ...another 12 months until elections are held? Or are they actually holding elections in 9-10 months?

My understanding is, that Abhisit's offer to dissolve the government and call new election (whiich was turned down BTW) was conditional on his getting some constitutional reform measures agreed upon, then a referendum on said reform, then Parliamentary implementation of that reform. Also there had to be some agreement as to access by all candidates to all areas and voters who form the electorate. also he expected that emotions might cool in that time frame. as I said, it was turned down so it is unknown if that is still the current roadmap toward new elections.

Some major coaoliton allies have said if the reds dont take the 9 months Abhisit should serve out his time. For the coalitoon it is likley they want no shorter time than 9 months. Abhisit may well be up for 9 months. The economist in a recent article even theorised that TRT had been in decline since 2005 and there was arguement that would continue to the Dems advantage even in a snap election. There is a lot of speculation that PTP MPs dont really want an election too.

[anotherpeter]

I did understand that, but how long after the House is dissolved will elections be held?

My understanding was that the house would be dissolved in time to have elections in 9 months. ie elections in December ... house dissolution enough time prior to that.

[dobadoy]

One of the reasons why I fail to be impressed with the UDD and Thaksin-allied movement in general is their track record of never keeping promises.

In contrast, after the coup of 2006, the next day the General Sondhi declared they would return power to the civilian legislature within 12 months. This they did, even in the full knowledge that Thaksin's proxies would be voted in.

Abhisit does not have to call elections till the end of 2011,but has offered to call them early by the end of the year. I don't think anyone doubts for a second that he will hold to his word. I really don't see why the red shirts can't accept this. It is a victory in itself, and gives them time to come up with some kind of actual policies by which the nation can judge their competence to lead the country.

Possible stumbling block: will Thaksin's money run out by then?

[moresomekl]

One of the reasons why I fail to be impressed with the UDD and Thaksin-allied movement in general is their track record of never keeping promises.

In contrast, after the coup of 2006, the next day the General Sondhi declared they would return power to the civilian legislature within 12 months. This they did, even in the full knowledge that Thaksin's proxies would be voted in.

Abhisit does not have to call elections till the end of 2011,but has offered to call them early by the end of the year. I don't think anyone doubts for a second that he will hold to his word. I really don't see why the red shirts can't accept this. It is a victory in itself, and gives them time to come up with some kind of actual policies by which the nation can judge their competence to lead the country.

Possible stumbling block: will Thaksin's money run out by then?

Abhisit is reasonable indeed .

But yes its about $$ , of course , at the end it always is with Thaksin .

Thaksin knows he/PTP wont be abble to buy votes DURING elections ,

without facing the same impeachment as TRT and PPP before

So if the election is held soon , the 500THB he gives to every red shirt rank and file

daily will be fresh is all memories and count as vote buying , except this time its paiement

in advance if you prefer .

Thaksin uses as he always has the fact that the red rank and file is poor and need

the money .

[termad]

When will Thailand politics rid itself from the military influence. They are just another civil servants and should never be a factor like so many countries.

They will get rid of it when a few more people understand democracy and when they start doing something more about corruption.

Excuse me! They will get rid of Army influence when people understand democracy? Silly me I thought it would be the other way around.

[moresomekl]

Anyway personal opinion , i think Abhisit should stick to

9 months else he wont have time to do properly his job

as simple as that .

If the red shirts want to stay in BKK another 9 months

never mind mai pen rai , let em . Guess the boss will run out

of cash before that

[termad]

Anyway personal opinion , i think Abhisit should stick to

9 months else he wont have time to do properly his job

as simple as that .

If the red shirts want to stay in BKK another 9 months

never mind mai pen rai , let em . Guess the boss will run out

of cash before that

It's not a question of what Abhisit wants or doesn't want it's a question of what his Military/Amataya masters tell him to do. General Anupong retires in September and according to articles in the other English Language daily Abhisit has been contacted by both Anupong and Prem and told that he can't disolve the house until Anupong's selected man is installed as replacement, it's as easy as that.

Edited April 2, 2010 by termad

[yoshiwara]

You can rest assured that Thaksin apologists only practical objection to the military is that Thaksin is not controlling it.

It is unlikely however that this objective will ever be the next election campaign slogans.