PM Abhisit Announces Next Election Will Be Held On Nov 14

[jdinasia]

Red shirts don't know a lot of things. Red shirts also pretend to not know a lot of things...

Yellow shirts don't know a lot of things. Yellow shirts also pretend to REPRESENT a lot of things - especially RICH and MATERIALIST things

While its true that Thaksin =PTP=UDD=Red Shirts=Black Shirts it is not true in the great majority of cases that an Abhisit supporter is what you call a "Yellow". These are PAD supporters (of which I've noted very few here at TV) who have their own political party, the New Politics Party. The NPP will be the chief adversary that Abhisit will face to get his social welfare agenda passed. The Red Shirt rank and file are the chief beneficiary of that social welfare agenda and the so called "elites" are the ones that will be paying for it. At least paying more than they ever have. The middle class will probably end up paying quite a bit as well. It might make you feel better that you believe you're "sticking it to the elites", but you've got the whole lineup ass backwards.

Then don't give the foreign ministry to a yellow who was on the airport stage - and don't give your deputy the job because he's a banned MP! get REAL - not only DO but SHOW you do - and what about the 'massage palour' owner who was info minister? what a pile of ****

Apparently you have never looked into who is who amongst the Reds -- starting with Thaksin found guilty for abuse of power, found guilty in civil court for more counts (they don't get to try him for most of his crimes until he answers the charges in court!)So many more charges against Thaksin that have to wait while he hides from justice overseas.

Look at Veera's history. Weng's History, Chavalit and Jatuporn amongst PTP members (plenty of more) The TRT and PPP folks.

Really --- I mean look up the Heroes of the Red movement ---

[pornsasi]

Not really.

But tanks are useful as a last resort.

In times of war they are

Didn't the Reds announce that they declared war?

You are right . Wonder why PM Abhisit did not use tanks , instead of calling for early elections ?

A sure and definitive way of solving problems

[jcbangkok]

I'm still curious why the reds are so focused on house dissolution when the election date dictates house dissolution MUST take place within 45 to 60 days before the election. The constitution doesn't seem to allow any wiggle room on this. Also, even if and when Abhisit says which day (Between Sep. 14th and 30th) he "intends" to dissolve the house, it will provide no added confirmation to it actually happening than what he has said about having elections on the 14th.

I've always been suspicious of the reds shouting democracy but really only concerned with house dissolution and not an election when both go hand in hand. Also am a bit surprised Abhisit has not given a similar date for house dissolution, which logically would be Sep. 30th., as he has with the election date. I can see his not wanting to show any need to respond to the reds but there are other ways to make the date known (through EC or even his staff). It just makes no sense since the reds say they will go home as soon as they hear the date.

Obviously the PM can only say "Based on elections being held on the 14th, House dissolution will happen on the ___th of September" because he made clear the 14th was conditional based on the road map. I think this is very smart and fair especially given NOBODY has any clue what the reds may do from now and then to hold the country hostage despite anything they say now.

I guess in my babbling, I am wondering if there might be something going on here and the PM believes he has a way to not have dissolution happen until the day of the elections or something similar to what the UK has done. The main reason I wonder this is because of the obsession the reds have had with dissolving the house as opposed to elections ... it just seems they have a plan for something during the dissolution period. Even in there last offer (made to the air) they called for dissolution in 30 days and elections in another 60 (the longest time period allowed by law). I would think a group hel_l bent on democracy would want to see elections happen as soon as possible.

Not coming from a parliamentary background, I lack a great deal of understanding about the process and I may be reading too much into things but it just seems a few things appear a bit fishy.

[lannarebirth]

These are PAD supporters (of which I've noted very few here at TV) who have their own political party, the New Politics Party. The NPP will be the chief adversary that Abhisit will face to get his social welfare agenda passed. The Red Shirt rank and file are the chief beneficiary of that social welfare agenda and the so called "elites" are the ones that will be paying for it. At least paying more than they ever have. The middle class will probably end up paying quite a bit as well. It might make you feel better that you believe you're "sticking it to the elites", but you've got the whole lineup ass backwards.

for the bold part (sorry i could not resist) .

Yes since Abhisit is the PM now anyway ,and he deserves a chance to proove his sincerity .

No question bout that

I think people get confused because they can't seem to grasp that one can wish Abhisit to succeed and also be against the PAD agenda, like me. For those kind of people that's why color schemes are used. Most people can figure it out without a color chart however.

Understand . I wish him to succeed as well .

Is just that the party he represents is not particularly famous for helping the poor .

But who knows , only idiots never change after all

It's true the Democrats are not very good historically about reaching the poor, but their agenda is. The much lauded "30 Baht Health Scheme" and "OTOP" were actually developed uder the Chuan Leekpai govt under different names but they didn't know how to market it and fund it. Thaksin did know how to market it, even if he couldn't fund or manage it. Now Abhisit has refined it further and made it sustainable. Now he wants to transform Thai society further to a central govt based welfare state vs provincial feudalism. That's what this fight is all about as you probably know. Monumental task with few early allies. I hope he is successful but that is by no means assured.

[hextac]

I'm still curious why the reds are so focused on house dissolution when the election date dictates house dissolution MUST take place within 45 to 60 days before the election. The constitution doesn't seem to allow any wiggle room on this. Also, even if and when Abhisit says which day (Between Sep. 14th and 30th) he "intends" to dissolve the house, it will provide no added confirmation to it actually happening than what he has said about having elections on the 14th.

I've always been suspicious of the reds shouting democracy but really only concerned with house dissolution and not an election when both go hand in hand. Also am a bit surprised Abhisit has not given a similar date for house dissolution, which logically would be Sep. 30th., as he has with the election date. I can see his not wanting to show any need to respond to the reds but there are other ways to make the date known (through EC or even his staff). It just makes no sense since the reds say they will go home as soon as they hear the date.

Obviously the PM can only say "Based on elections being held on the 14th, House dissolution will happen on the ___th of September" because he made clear the 14th was conditional based on the road map. I think this is very smart and fair especially given NOBODY has any clue what the reds may do from now and then to hold the country hostage despite anything they say now.

I guess in my babbling, I am wondering if there might be something going on here and the PM believes he has a way to not have dissolution happen until the day of the elections or something similar to what the UK has done. The main reason I wonder this is because of the obsession the reds have had with dissolving the house as opposed to elections ... it just seems they have a plan for something during the dissolution period. Even in there last offer (made to the air) they called for dissolution in 30 days and elections in another 60 (the longest time period allowed by law). I would think a group hel_l bent on democracy would want to see elections happen as soon as possible.

Not coming from a parliamentary background, I lack a great deal of understanding about the process and I may be reading too much into things but it just seems a few things appear a bit fishy.

What happens after parliament is dissolved, does the PM and "government" still have the same powers?

[lannarebirth]

Red shirts don't know a lot of things. Red shirts also pretend to not know a lot of things...

Yellow shirts don't know a lot of things. Yellow shirts also pretend to REPRESENT a lot of things - especially RICH and MATERIALIST things

While its true that Thaksin =PTP=UDD=Red Shirts=Black Shirts it is not true in the great majority of cases that an Abhisit supporter is what you call a "Yellow". These are PAD supporters (of which I've noted very few here at TV) who have their own political party, the New Politics Party. The NPP will be the chief adversary that Abhisit will face to get his social welfare agenda passed. The Red Shirt rank and file are the chief beneficiary of that social welfare agenda and the so called "elites" are the ones that will be paying for it. At least paying more than they ever have. The middle class will probably end up paying quite a bit as well. It might make you feel better that you believe you're "sticking it to the elites", but you've got the whole lineup ass backwards.

Then don't give the foreign ministry to a yellow who was on the airport stage - and don't give your deputy the job because he's a banned MP! get REAL - not only DO but SHOW you do - and what about the 'massage palour' owner who was info minister? what a pile of ****

Such is the nature of coalition governments in a corrupt society. Give me some names for the PTP cabinet if you would please.

[pornsasi]

But if you support the reds, then you must be a Thaksin supporter.

That seems to be the logic that most reds use in calling anyone that isn't a red supporter, a yellow supporter.

I did not imply that not supporting the reds means supporting the yellows . i only said

quite a few yellows here

What about the silent majority who dont support any colour , majority to which i belong .

I am a peacefull chap really

[jcbangkok]

Not really.

But tanks are useful as a last resort.

In times of war they are

Didn't the Reds announce that they declared war?

You are right . Wonder why PM Abhisit did not use tanks , instead of calling for early elections ?

A sure and definitive way of solving problems

He has now paved the way for the use of tanks if needed to uphold the law and give Thailand back to the people. This is why the reds appear to be taking the deal that is pretty dam_n near the one offered to them before all the bloodshed. Even if the reds refuse to go home now, there will only be the hardcore lawless mob left which Abhsit has said for some time was needed to happen before they could move in to uphold the law. After a day or two of final warnings to vacate, there will not only be very few people in the world against his calling on authorities to disperse the crowd but it would probably also help his popularity here in Thailand and take away any rumblings that he is too soft on lawlessness and terrorism within the country.

And to be clear, I don't think sending in the troops or tanks will be the first line of offense but will almost certainly be needed to protect the lives of those appointed to uphold the law. The reds have made very clear they will fight to the death any attempts to enforce the law or end their illegal seizure of the area.

But it hopefully will not come to this and ALL the reds will go home and those who are suspected of committing serious crimes will be arrested at a time and place authorities decide ... if they don't turn themselves in as promised.

[pornsasi]

It's true the Democrats are not very good historically about reaching the poor, but their agenda is. The much lauded "30 Baht Health Scheme" and "OTOP" were actually developed uder the Chuan Leekpai govt under different names but they didn't know how to market it and fund it. Thaksin did know how to market it, even if he couldn't fund or manage it. Now Abhisit has refined it further and made it sustainable. Now he wants to transform Thai society further to a central govt based welfare state vs provincial feudalism. That's what this fight is all about as you probably know. Monumental task with few early allies. I hope he is successful but that is by no means assured.

I will believe that he has succeeded when i see Isaan people cheering him . They will be the final judge .

we are just onlookers

IMHO in politics its not what you do thats important but what you are perceived to be doing . Sadly.

PR is really important .

Good night

[pornsasi]

He has now paved the way for the use of tanks if needed to uphold the law and give Thailand back to the people. This is why the reds appear to be taking the deal that is pretty dam_n near the one offered to them before all the bloodshed. Even if the reds refuse to go home now, there will only be the hardcore lawless mob left which Abhsit has said for some time was needed to happen before they could move in to uphold the law. After a day or two of final warnings to vacate, there will not only be very few people in the world against his calling on authorities to disperse the crowd but it would probably also help his popularity here in Thailand and take away any rumblings that he is too soft on lawlessness and terrorism within the country.

And to be clear, I don't think sending in the troops or tanks will be the first line of offense but will almost certainly be needed to protect the lives of those appointed to uphold the law. The reds have made very clear they will fight to the death any attempts to enforce the law or end their illegal seizure of the area.

But it hopefully will not come to this and ALL the reds will go home and those who are suspected of committing serious crimes will be arrested at a time and place authorities decide ... if they don't turn themselves in as promised.

Up to him . But it looks as almost over ...

Lets relax and have a beer

[jdinasia]

Not really.

But tanks are useful as a last resort.

In times of war they are

Didn't the Reds announce that they declared war?

You are right . Wonder why PM Abhisit did not use tanks , instead of calling for early elections ?

A sure and definitive way of solving problems

and you claim not to be Red

Why not? He's a smart, patient, and worthy man that doesn't WANT to kill Thais (unlike the Red leadership apparently!)

[jcbangkok]

I'm still curious why the reds are so focused on house dissolution when the election date dictates house dissolution MUST take place within 45 to 60 days before the election. The constitution doesn't seem to allow any wiggle room on this. Also, even if and when Abhisit says which day (Between Sep. 14th and 30th) he "intends" to dissolve the house, it will provide no added confirmation to it actually happening than what he has said about having elections on the 14th.

I've always been suspicious of the reds shouting democracy but really only concerned with house dissolution and not an election when both go hand in hand. Also am a bit surprised Abhisit has not given a similar date for house dissolution, which logically would be Sep. 30th., as he has with the election date. I can see his not wanting to show any need to respond to the reds but there are other ways to make the date known (through EC or even his staff). It just makes no sense since the reds say they will go home as soon as they hear the date.

Obviously the PM can only say "Based on elections being held on the 14th, House dissolution will happen on the ___th of September" because he made clear the 14th was conditional based on the road map. I think this is very smart and fair especially given NOBODY has any clue what the reds may do from now and then to hold the country hostage despite anything they say now.

I guess in my babbling, I am wondering if there might be something going on here and the PM believes he has a way to not have dissolution happen until the day of the elections or something similar to what the UK has done. The main reason I wonder this is because of the obsession the reds have had with dissolving the house as opposed to elections ... it just seems they have a plan for something during the dissolution period. Even in there last offer (made to the air) they called for dissolution in 30 days and elections in another 60 (the longest time period allowed by law). I would think a group hel_l bent on democracy would want to see elections happen as soon as possible.

Not coming from a parliamentary background, I lack a great deal of understanding about the process and I may be reading too much into things but it just seems a few things appear a bit fishy.

What happens after parliament is dissolved, does the PM and "government" still have the same powers?

Bare with me on this because I am learning too but from my understanding of looking through the constitution and other links related to this form of government ... they no longer hold their positions BUT they still are responsible for their particular office in terms of getting done the every day business of government. They can't pass any new laws or do anything significant since they no longer hold the position but they are still responsible for making sure the gov't runs and I believe also in sticking around a bit to pull in any possible person taking over their position from the election.

Maybe one of the folks from the UK, Australia or other place with similar gov't can enlighten us more. I personally wonder what the heck would happen if Cambodia decided to invade Thailand during house dissolution (i think called "pre-election period). A lot of the constitution puts a lot of power in the monarchy but a lot of this stuff is really just rubber stamped since His Majesty is above politics but I am guessing there is something in there that would allow dissolution to be recalled if events such as an invasion took place ... but I am really clueless on this subject in any more depth ...and might even be getting stuff wrong now but I think I am starting to get it.

[jcbangkok]

He has now paved the way for the use of tanks if needed to uphold the law and give Thailand back to the people. This is why the reds appear to be taking the deal that is pretty dam_n near the one offered to them before all the bloodshed. Even if the reds refuse to go home now, there will only be the hardcore lawless mob left which Abhsit has said for some time was needed to happen before they could move in to uphold the law. After a day or two of final warnings to vacate, there will not only be very few people in the world against his calling on authorities to disperse the crowd but it would probably also help his popularity here in Thailand and take away any rumblings that he is too soft on lawlessness and terrorism within the country.

And to be clear, I don't think sending in the troops or tanks will be the first line of offense but will almost certainly be needed to protect the lives of those appointed to uphold the law. The reds have made very clear they will fight to the death any attempts to enforce the law or end their illegal seizure of the area.

But it hopefully will not come to this and ALL the reds will go home and those who are suspected of committing serious crimes will be arrested at a time and place authorities decide ... if they don't turn themselves in as promised.

Up to him . But it looks as almost over ...

Lets relax and have a beer

All I know is you cannot apply normal expectations when it comes to these types of things in Thailand. While it looked liked this would either end in bloodshed or a coup, it now certainly does appear this may end with a whimper but now that we are believing that ... I wouldn't be surprised to see all hel_l break loose in the coming days.

[jdinasia]

It's true the Democrats are not very good historically about reaching the poor, but their agenda is. The much lauded "30 Baht Health Scheme" and "OTOP" were actually developed uder the Chuan Leekpai govt under different names but they didn't know how to market it and fund it. Thaksin did know how to market it, even if he couldn't fund or manage it. Now Abhisit has refined it further and made it sustainable. Now he wants to transform Thai society further to a central govt based welfare state vs provincial feudalism. That's what this fight is all about as you probably know. Monumental task with few early allies. I hope he is successful but that is by no means assured.

I will believe that he has succeeded when i see Isaan people cheering him . They will be the final judge .

we are just onlookers

IMHO in politics its not what you do thats important but what you are perceived to be doing . Sadly.

PR is really important .

Good night

So -- We have Thaksin commiting abuse of power (convicted of it) and then there are all the charges against him that can't move forward while he hides overseas.

We have PPP --- did nothing as the governent

We have PTP -- did nothing as the opposition (we won't blame them for Jatuporn even though PTP is more closely tied to the reds than the Dems ever were to the PAD.)

We have the Dems --- funded healthcare (and made it free), funded education and made it free, provided real debt relief to farmers and DID NOT try to tie it to loyalty to one man or party. Yes the Dems have an image problem, but when you have a convicted felon on the run from the law funding people in isaan with cash .... well ....

[hextac]

I'm still curious why the reds are so focused on house dissolution when the election date dictates house dissolution MUST take place within 45 to 60 days before the election. The constitution doesn't seem to allow any wiggle room on this. Also, even if and when Abhisit says which day (Between Sep. 14th and 30th) he "intends" to dissolve the house, it will provide no added confirmation to it actually happening than what he has said about having elections on the 14th.

I've always been suspicious of the reds shouting democracy but really only concerned with house dissolution and not an election when both go hand in hand. Also am a bit surprised Abhisit has not given a similar date for house dissolution, which logically would be Sep. 30th., as he has with the election date. I can see his not wanting to show any need to respond to the reds but there are other ways to make the date known (through EC or even his staff). It just makes no sense since the reds say they will go home as soon as they hear the date.

Obviously the PM can only say "Based on elections being held on the 14th, House dissolution will happen on the ___th of September" because he made clear the 14th was conditional based on the road map. I think this is very smart and fair especially given NOBODY has any clue what the reds may do from now and then to hold the country hostage despite anything they say now.

I guess in my babbling, I am wondering if there might be something going on here and the PM believes he has a way to not have dissolution happen until the day of the elections or something similar to what the UK has done. The main reason I wonder this is because of the obsession the reds have had with dissolving the house as opposed to elections ... it just seems they have a plan for something during the dissolution period. Even in there last offer (made to the air) they called for dissolution in 30 days and elections in another 60 (the longest time period allowed by law). I would think a group hel_l bent on democracy would want to see elections happen as soon as possible.

Not coming from a parliamentary background, I lack a great deal of understanding about the process and I may be reading too much into things but it just seems a few things appear a bit fishy.

What happens after parliament is dissolved, does the PM and "government" still have the same powers?

Bare with me on this because I am learning too but from my understanding of looking through the constitution and other links related to this form of government ... they no longer hold their positions BUT they still are responsible for their particular office in terms of getting done the every day business of government. They can't pass any new laws or do anything significant since they no longer hold the position but they are still responsible for making sure the gov't runs and I believe also in sticking around a bit to pull in any possible person taking over their position from the election.

Maybe one of the folks from the UK, Australia or other place with similar gov't can enlighten us more. I personally wonder what the heck would happen if Cambodia decided to invade Thailand during house dissolution (i think called "pre-election period). A lot of the constitution puts a lot of power in the monarchy but a lot of this stuff is really just rubber stamped since His Majesty is above politics but I am guessing there is something in there that would allow dissolution to be recalled if events such as an invasion took place ... but I am really clueless on this subject in any more depth ...and might even be getting stuff wrong now but I think I am starting to get it.

Thanks for the honest reply.

[pornsasi]

He has now paved the way for the use of tanks if needed to uphold the law and give Thailand back to the people. This is why the reds appear to be taking the deal that is pretty dam_n near the one offered to them before all the bloodshed. Even if the reds refuse to go home now, there will only be the hardcore lawless mob left which Abhsit has said for some time was needed to happen before they could move in to uphold the law. After a day or two of final warnings to vacate, there will not only be very few people in the world against his calling on authorities to disperse the crowd but it would probably also help his popularity here in Thailand and take away any rumblings that he is too soft on lawlessness and terrorism within the country.

And to be clear, I don't think sending in the troops or tanks will be the first line of offense but will almost certainly be needed to protect the lives of those appointed to uphold the law. The reds have made very clear they will fight to the death any attempts to enforce the law or end their illegal seizure of the area.

But it hopefully will not come to this and ALL the reds will go home and those who are suspected of committing serious crimes will be arrested at a time and place authorities decide ... if they don't turn themselves in as promised.

Up to him . But it looks as almost over ...

Lets relax and have a beer

All I know is you cannot apply normal expectations when it comes to these types of things in Thailand. While it looked liked this would either end in bloodshed or a coup, it now certainly does appear this may end with a whimper but now that we are believing that ... I wouldn't be surprised to see all hel_l break loose in the coming days.

Nah , not if that comes from PM Abhisit . He has played it very cool till now (except on 10th April) , do you think he would risk it all

now that its almost over ?

The armed violent types can be arrested later , long after this is over .

[cheguevara]

All I know is you cannot apply normal expectations when it comes to these types of things in Thailand. While it looked liked this would either end in bloodshed or a coup, it now certainly does appear this may end with a whimper but now that we are believing that ... I wouldn't be surprised to see all hel_l break loose in the coming days.

Nah , not if that comes from PM Abhisit . He has played it very cool till now (except on 10th April) , do you think he would risk it all

now that its almost over ?

The armed violent types can be arrested later , long after this is over .

Some people have been calling for bloodshed for weeks now. Now that an agreement has been made, they have nothing better to do than wish for bloodshed one last desperate time. Sad.

[jcbangkok]

Nah , not if that comes from PM Abhisit . He has played it very cool till now (except on 10th April) , do you think he would risk it all

now that its almost over ?

The armed violent types can be arrested later , long after this is over .

Hopefully you are right but I am not banking on the hardcore members giving up the area. I'm sure there are some stall tactics going on here to see if they have any cards left to play but the red leaders saying the will vacate "when we have a firm date for house dissolution" (I'm paraphrasing) indicates to me they are not going to be leaving soon. According the PM's road map, there is no "concrete" date for elections which means there can be no concrete date for house dissolution.

I have full confidence that the PM will keep this date if at all possible but the reds have made clear they don't trust his word even in the slightest.

So, if this is not just a stall tactic, I don't see how they can go home yet unless they come up with a new line of talk which of course is completely possible.

[hextac]

I'm still wondering about why the reds are holding out for a definite date for dissolution of parliament and why the PM will not give them one? There must be something that makes this date important...

[Insight]

I'm still wondering about why the reds are holding out for a definite date for dissolution of parliament and why the PM will not give them one? There must be something that makes this date important...

Been a bit of a busy day for some today, but clearly for reasons over the heads of others.

[enginerevision]

The latest article stating Gen Anupong isn't listening to Abhisit's orders, show's once again that Thailand is a Junta led country. They have always pulled the strings, using ( a name I can't put here ) as a tool.

[Insight]

The latest article stating Gen Anupong isn't listening to Abhisit's orders, show's once again that Thailand is a Junta led country. They have always pulled the strings, using ( a name I can't put here ) as a tool.

Article or opinion?

[Insight]

The latest article stating Gen Anupong isn't listening to Abhisit's orders, show's once again that Thailand is a Junta led country. They have always pulled the strings, using ( a name I can't put here ) as a tool.

Article or opinion?

....

Opinion (Analysis).

[hextac]

The latest article stating Gen Anupong isn't listening to Abhisit's orders, show's once again that Thailand is a Junta led country. They have always pulled the strings, using ( a name I can't put here ) as a tool.

But in that article Anupong was advocating house dissolution on the 12th April and then the PM made him head of the CRES on the 17th. My head hurts...

[cheguevara]

Anupong is Abhisit's puppetmaster. Nothing else needs to be said.

[Rinrada]

Anupong is Abhisit's puppetmaster. Nothing else needs to be said.

Anupong

...who is in turn is the puppet of...............O No we have no bananas

[hextac]

Anupong is Abhisit's puppetmaster. Nothing else needs to be said.

Let's hope that he's not secretly friends with Thaksin...

[Roadman]

The latest article stating Gen Anupong isn't listening to Abhisit's orders, show's once again that Thailand is a Junta led country. They have always pulled the strings, using ( a name I can't put here ) as a tool.

When I think of a Junta led country I look next door at Burma (Mynamar but Burma reflects the primative stance) and am thankful that Thailand is far more advanced in most aspects including politically. In Thailand the attempt is at least made to try and run a democratic political process. OK it does turn into a real circus at times. When the preforming baboons, buff headed buffaloes and assorted clowns arrive preaching their "80 and early 90's" Burmese border learnt rule then it is time for the Army to step in and act. Thailand a junta led country? No its a Constitutional Monarchy with an Army that is making very good decisions under General Anupong to protect all Thai citizens, the country and the Monarchy.

General Anupong and PM Ashibit are in this together but with different tasks to preform. I would be very disappointed if they did not debate and disagree at times given the current position. Correct if I missed something, but Thailand seems to be working through this mess with Anupong and Abhisit at the helms and whether they agree or disagree with each others stance they are finding common ground where they can work with each other.

IMHO right now in Thailand an Army with a social awareness is trying its best to present a stable platform from which democracy can culture. The problem for Anupong and his successor as General is that there is only one "democratic understanding" party standing up for the two key position of governing party and opposition. Until the circus that presented itself on the streets of Bangkok matures itself into a "democratically understanding" party then Thailand will need the Army as the final control.

Simply put as a comparison would anyone as a parent allow their immature angry children to run around settling things with force?

[enginerevision]

I want to say something but it's not allowed to say here, because it's not a Democracy, where freedom of speech is allowed. I do want to say, that Thailand is half way in Democracy. And yes, offcourse it's better than Burma. When the absolute Monarchy stopped, it benefitted al Thais.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

I'm still wondering about why the reds are holding out for a definite date for dissolution of parliament and why the PM will not give them one? There must be something that makes this date important...

Been a bit of a busy day for some today, but clearly for reasons over the heads of others.

Because hectic negotiations on the details are taking place as we speak. There has been preciously little information from the UDD leadership the last couple days. They're clearly all very busy.

Either way, someone in the government has given a date of the second half of September. That probably clarifies that point.