PM Abhisit Announces Next Election Will Be Held On Nov 14

[landofthefree]

a little more than 3 months, as proposed by the protesters

What solutions were the protestors offering for all Thais, or any Thais for that matter?

The protesters are not campaigning they only want ELECTIONS.

Great, so 6 more months of the Red shirts on the streets of Bangkok!

[deadsnoopy]

Can't see the red leaders getting Amnesty the PM has been firm on this he wants people charged and investigations to continue.

I think Abhisit is the one that will be looking for amnesty. Remember the Democrats face dissolution and by the time the next election comes in November, Abhisit will likely be banned from politics for 5 years for election fraud.

[noahvail]

3) The government will ensure that the media will function as a constructive tool.

By banning the opposition TV and radio channels? How can there be fair elections under such circumstances?

Perhaps you forget they were not banned - they were taken off the air for violating their charters, specifically for incitement.

All they have to do is say, oops, ok, we'll abide by the agreement we signed - which is to live by the charter, which is not onerous - they will be able to reopen their stations. Of course, after the compromise with the red shirts is finalized.

It behooves the station owners/managers to urge the red shirts to accept the compromise as soon as possible. The faster they compromise, the faster the stations will be back on the air.

[TheOldWolf]

3) The government will ensure that the media will function as a constructive tool.

By banning the opposition TV and radio channels? How can there be fair elections under such circumstances?

Sometimes I think you are stupid and sometimes I think you just write shit to make other posters upset. Do you really think that it will be an election under this conditions if the reds agree and go home?

[deadsnoopy]

THE NATION: PM: I have heard you fully. I just can't accept the 15-day House dissolution demand.

Is this guy serious? The red shirts have been offering 90 days (3 months) for over 2 weeks now. But Abhisit is still twisting it down to 15 days?

[quiksilva]

This sounds very nice and finally unlock the situation. Also it makes really govt look like the good guys willing to compromise while the other side... Reds would be crazy to refuse after the bad days they had. However, with terrorists charges threatening and no mention of amnesty in his 5 points program, they might ask to have amnesty added as a number 6 prior to give in.

Where's the compromise?

This sounds just government BS "we're here to help you"

Abhisit is going to have to get real and act like a real leader!

Do you even know what compromise means? It does not mean cave in to their requests, but it means to work out a solution that is good for everybody. It does not literally mean half way, besides he has already offered to dissolve the house half way through his remaining term, now the rerds get the lions share, plus a platform to bring about the changes that are really needed.

To take a cue from the reds themselves:-

veen_NT

TR @politics_mcot: Veera informed #redshirts about PM's election date and the crowd roared. However, reds will talk & decide tmrrw.

veen_NT

RT @jin_nation: TR @wat_dailynews: Jatuporn wants "it" to be over before May 5 so Thai people are happy.

less than 10 seconds ago via TweetDeck

veen_NT

Chaturon on PM's proposal: The proposal sounds interesting but I have to go into detials about reconciliation. via @adisaklive.

5 minutes ago via TweetDeck

veen_NT

Weng on PM's proposal: It gives good signal but we have to listen to #redshirts across the country. via @adisaklive

Edited May 3, 2010 by quiksilva

[saintofsilence]

Can't see the red leaders getting Amnesty the PM has been firm on this he wants people charged and investigations to continue.

I think Abhisit is the one that will be looking for amnesty. Remember the Democrats face dissolution and by the time the next election comes in November, Abhisit will likely be banned from politics for 5 years for election fraud.

Back in your kennel Snoopy

[monkfish]

Thai PM says ready to hold November elections under roadmap

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's prime minister said Monday he was ready to hold elections on November 14 to end a tense standoff with opposition protesters, subject to certain conditions under his reconciliation roadmap.

"If all five goals are achieved ... the election can be held on November 14," Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said in a nationally televised address.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-03

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

IF..........the biggest word in the English dictionary

Indeed the IF word i am sure it will take longer as in 9-12 months and after the Military reshuffle

He needs to make it definate otherwise just hot air!

[landofthefree]

3) The government will ensure that the media will function as a constructive tool.

By banning the opposition TV and radio channels? How can there be fair elections under such circumstances?

Try the following article written about control of the media by the Abhisit Government http://en.rsf.org/surveillance-thailand,36673.html

[deadsnoopy]

3) The government will ensure that the media will function as a constructive tool.

By banning the opposition TV and radio channels? How can there be fair elections under such circumstances?

Sometimes I think you are stupid and sometimes I think you just write shit to make other posters upset. Do you really think that it will be an election under this conditions if the reds agree and go home?

Abhisit hasn't made it clear yet if he will allow the red TV and radio stations on air again, unban their websites, etc. if the reds go home and the elections can be held. Maybe if he could clarify that, we would know? Just a thought. Because right now, all red TV, radio stations and websites are banned from Thailand. Hardly a situation under which an election can be held fairly.

[noahvail]

Can't see the red leaders getting Amnesty the PM has been firm on this he wants people charged and investigations to continue.

I think Abhisit is the one that will be looking for amnesty. Remember the Democrats face dissolution and by the time the next election comes in November, Abhisit will likely be banned from politics for 5 years for election fraud.

Well, we will all just have to sit and wait to see what the ruling is, won't we. Nothing wrong with hoping for what one hopes for, eh...

You're really trying hard, it's a pleasure to watch.

[frodo]

I also think before any election can happen, other parties must be able to campaign in any area without threats, violence and intimidation. That just may be to much to handle for some.

[deadsnoopy]

Thai PM says ready to hold November elections under roadmap

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's prime minister said Monday he was ready to hold elections on November 14 to end a tense standoff with opposition protesters, subject to certain conditions under his reconciliation roadmap.

"If all five goals are achieved ... the election can be held on November 14," Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said in a nationally televised address.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-03

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

IF..........the biggest word in the English dictionary

Indeed the IF word i am sure it will take longer as in 9-12 months and after the Military reshuffle

He needs to make it definate otherwise just hot air!

Very well observed. So if the army drags their feet on the reshuffle ...or the investigators don't come up with results of the April 10 clashes, etc ...that will be enough reason for no elections to be held.

[Insight]

THE NATION: PM: I have heard you fully. I just can't accept the 15-day House dissolution demand.

Is this guy serious? The red shirts have been offering 90 days (3 months) for over 2 weeks now. But Abhisit is still twisting it down to 15 days?

No they haven't. The last decisive period they gave was 30 days after April 22nd by Veera. There hasn't been any official offer from the reds made since.

[deadsnoopy]

Can't see the red leaders getting Amnesty the PM has been firm on this he wants people charged and investigations to continue.

I think Abhisit is the one that will be looking for amnesty. Remember the Democrats face dissolution and by the time the next election comes in November, Abhisit will likely be banned from politics for 5 years for election fraud.

Well, we will all just have to sit and wait to see what the ruling is, won't we. Nothing wrong with hoping for what one hopes for, eh...

You're really trying hard, it's a pleasure to watch.

It's sometime that will happen sooner or later. There are 2 scenarios, if the Democrats are indeed dissolved:

1. The Democrats are dissolved before the elections. What will happen to the election date? Will the Democrats participate in the elections with a new party?

2. The Democrats are dissolved after the elections. If they win, we'll be at the same point again. They can't rule if they're dissolved. What then? New elections again?

I'm just saying, as long as the case against the Democrats isn't resolved, the elections will just create even more problems, either way. So the Constitution Court should really pick up their feet and resolve it before the elections.

[dobadoy]

veen_NT

Weng on PM's proposal: It gives good signal but we have to listen to #redshirts across the country. via @adisaklive

Doesn't Weng mean "listen to #redshirts OUTSIDE OF the country". We all know there's only ONE redshirt's opinion that will count.

Guess he's "just getting on a plane" again and they can't get his answer yet.

[whybother]

Where's the compromise?

This sounds just government BS "we're here to help you"

Abhisit is going to have to get real and act like a real leader!

You don't really understand what compromise means, do you?

[deadsnoopy]

veen_NT

Weng on PM's proposal: It gives good signal but we have to listen to #redshirts across the country. via @adisaklive

Doesn't Weng mean "listen to #redshirts OUTSIDE OF the country". We all know there's only ONE redshirt's opinion that will count.

Guess he's "just getting on a plane" again and they can't get his answer yet.

The PM has taken over a month to come up with this "roadmap" full of "IFs". Why are the red shirts supposed to answer immediately?

[jdinasia]

This sounds very nice and finally unlock the situation. Also it makes really govt look like the good guys willing to compromise while the other side... Reds would be crazy to refuse after the bad days they had. However, with terrorists charges threatening and no mention of amnesty in his 5 points program, they might ask to have amnesty added as a number 6 prior to give in.

Where's the compromise?

This sounds just government BS "we're here to help you"

Abhisit is going to have to get real and act like a real leader!

Elections are due in 18 months --- Abhisit is offering 6 months and doing so publicly. That is over a year EARLY. If he acted the way MANY people wanted him to there would be a lot of blood .... (The Reds want blood and so do many of the locals in BKK and then there is the more extreme in the PAD that want it. --- Thankfully the PAD is a minority as are the reds ... and while Abhisit may lose a little support in BKK he will likely gain support upcountry.)

[LuckyLew]

3) The government will ensure that the media will function as a constructive tool.

By banning the opposition TV and radio channels? How can there be fair elections under such circumstances?

If mobs chase people in train station and airports in Khon Kaen

How can there be fair elections.

[TheOldWolf]

veen_NT

Weng on PM's proposal: It gives good signal but we have to listen to #redshirts across the country. via @adisaklive

Doesn't Weng mean "listen to #redshirts OUTSIDE OF the country". We all know there's only ONE redshirt's opinion that will count.

Guess he's "just getting on a plane" again and they can't get his answer yet.

The PM has taken over a month to come up with this "roadmap" full of "IFs". Why are the red shirts supposed to answer immediately?

Have they been giving a deadline?

[warfie]

a little more than 3 months, as proposed by the protesters

What solutions were the protestors offering for all Thais, or any Thais for that matter?

My thoughts exactly!

[LuckyLew]

veen_NT

Weng on PM's proposal: It gives good signal but we have to listen to #redshirts across the country. via @adisaklive

Doesn't Weng mean "listen to #redshirts OUTSIDE OF the country". We all know there's only ONE redshirt's opinion that will count.

Guess he's "just getting on a plane" again and they can't get his answer yet.

The PM has taken over a month to come up with this "roadmap" full of "IFs". Why are the red shirts supposed to answer immediately?

Reds can either accept or get crushed

Take it or leave it

I fully support the crush

[dobadoy]

veen_NT

Weng on PM's proposal: It gives good signal but we have to listen to #redshirts across the country. via @adisaklive

Doesn't Weng mean "listen to #redshirts OUTSIDE OF the country". We all know there's only ONE redshirt's opinion that will count.

Guess he's "just getting on a plane" again and they can't get his answer yet.

The PM has taken over a month to come up with this "roadmap" full of "IFs". Why are the red shirts supposed to answer immediately?

Maybe because they said "all we want is democracy".

Now they've got it.

What's to think about?

[Old Man River]

a little more than 3 months, as proposed by the protesters

Or a little closer to 9 months as proposed by Abhisit earlier. Looks like a 1/2 way point.

Actually, he hasn't given them anything that he wasn't prepared to give in the past, but this allows the Reds leaders to save face. The issue has always been after the military reshuffle in October (the prevailing government submits the names). After that, the date doesn't matter.

BTW, I highly doubt the November 14th date will be adhered to. It takes months to prepare for an election and that is in a normal time. I can't see the elections happening until January earliest.

No amnesty will be attached to this offer. It has never been on the table. It wasn't for the PAD either.

My view is that the Reds leaders won't accept this proposal, simply because I don't think this was ever about the poor upcountry.

[bangkokrick]

veen_NT

Weng on PM's proposal: It gives good signal but we have to listen to #redshirts across the country. via @adisaklive

Doesn't Weng mean "listen to #redshirts OUTSIDE OF the country". We all know there's only ONE redshirt's opinion that will count.

Guess he's "just getting on a plane" again and they can't get his answer yet.

The PM has taken over a month to come up with this "roadmap" full of "IFs". Why are the red shirts supposed to answer immediately?

I agree it's impossible to give an answer until they are told what the answer is going to be.

Cheers, Rick

[saintofsilence]

a little more than 3 months, as proposed by the protesters

Or a little closer to 9 months as proposed by Abhisit earlier. Looks like a 1/2 way point.

Actually, he hasn't given them anything that he wasn't prepared to give in the past, but this allows the Reds leaders to save face. The issue has always been after the military reshuffle in October (the prevailing government submits the names). After that, the date doesn't matter.

BTW, I highly doubt the November 14th date will be adhered to. It takes months to prepare for an election and that is in a normal time. I can't see the elections happening until January earliest.

No amnesty will be attached to this offer. It has never been on the table. It wasn't for the PAD either.

My view is that the Reds leaders won't accept this proposal, simply because I don't think this was ever about the poor upcountry.

I Agree with you

[whybother]

The protesters are not campaigning they only want ELECTIONS.

They have their elections. Does that mean they are going to go home now?

They're not going to be able to campaign for elections very well if they don't go home.

I suppose they won't actually need to campaign. They'll just send out their people to hand out money again.

And when they get a minority of votes AGAIN, and don't get into government, they'll be back on the streets making some other stupid excuse for not understanding how a parliamentary system works.

[pedro01]

Some people think that Suthep/CRES and Abhisit are somehow out of synch.

This is not the case.

Abhisit - carrot

Suthep/CRES - stick

Now it's up to the reds which they prefer.

[lannarebirth]

TR @politics_mcot: Veera informed #redshirts about PM's election date and the crowd roared. However, reds will talk & decide tmrrw.

Now if the red shirts refuse this IMHO we'll have yet further confirmation of who exactly they're acting on behalf of, and it's not their followers.

/edit - Maybe he's flying right now...

If the Red Shirts agree it will mean they worked out a deal with him prior to him giving the speech. If they refuse they will be seen as the pariah they are and those crowds that cheered the announcement tonight will just disappear.