Pheu Thai Throws PM Abhisit New Challenge

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Pheu Thai throws PM new challenge

By The Nation

In Thailand nowadays, "good news" in politics is greeted with a dismissive shrug at worst and extremely cautious optimism at best.

How should we rate the unexpected peace overtures by the Pheu Thai Party to the Democrats then? Maybe it's still too early to tell, but we can in the mean time look at the circumstances surrounding this interesting development.

The opposition party lost the Bangkok local elections on Sunday, a defeat that, despite a relatively low voter turn-out, could be a good indicator of what could happen in the capital in a general election. Claims that Thaksin Shinawatra wanted to cut down or even suspend financial support for the party were made not by unnamed sources but by fugitive Jakrapob Penkair, a former red-shirt leader.

Thaksin's latest telephone interview, the first in many weeks, did not give any hint of financial reassurance to the party. And when Somchai Wongsawat, Thaksin's brother-in-law, disclosed that Thaksin called him on Sunday to wish him a happy birthday, he made it a point that Pheu Thai did not belong to just the Shinawatras. It could have been meant to be a politically correct remark, or a sugar-coated warning that the party should start thinking of ways to live on its own.

Another major blow is the defection of at least four Pheu Thai MPs, who were disowned by the party in a bulletin board announcement at its headquarters earlier this week. Rumours have it there are plenty more potential defectors weighing up their options. The party has had no real leader for a long time and staked everything on Thaksin's money and popularity.

If Thaksin's interview with Thai Rath was meant to boost the morale of Pheu Thai MPs, he did not say quite enough to rebuild their confidence. Thaksin mostly talked about himself, his family and "reconciliation", virtually omitting his connections with Pheu Thai during the interview.

"I'm alive and well", "I voluntarily quit Cambodia's advisory post because I was too busy", "I had to operate diamond mine in Africa because my kids have to eat" and "I did meet Nelson Mandela last week and posed for a photo with him" were all Thaksin conveyed. No words about the future of the red-shirted movement or the Pheu Thai Party.

Was Thaksin's interview "part" of the peace move? Or did Pheu Thai make the peace move because of the Thaksin interview? Did Thaksin meet Mandela to find a peace formula or was it just a usual political promotion? That remains to be seen, but take away the circumstances and natural urge to doubt everyone's motives, the opposition party's statement yesterday calling for peace sounded quite sincere and unconditional.

The party's statement contained five major points. It called for

- Immediate, serious efforts to resolve the political conflicts peacefully

- Mutual forgiveness

- Total avoidance of violence

- Joint demonstration of loyalty to the monarchy

- Trust that can kick-start reconciliation now without having to wait for any study or research.

The statement is not long, but it's comprehensive, goes straight to the point and addresses all key issues. The Abhisit government has yet to react to what seemed to be the Pheu Thai Party's biggest olive branch to date. The statement proposed serious talks between the opposition camp and the government, so the ball is in the latter's court now.

And the ball is "soft" now. Having been used to hard balls from left, right and centre, this one is not necessarily easy for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to handle. He will have no choice but to play it, of course. The question is how.

-- The Nation 2010-09-03

[webfact]

Pheu Thai, Thaksin seek reconciliation

By THE NATION

The opposition Pheu Thai Party and its patriarch Thaksin Shinawatra have separately offered an olive branch to the government, calling for peace and reconciliation.

The Pheu Thai yesterday issued a five-point statement seeking talks aimed at ending the political conflict peacefully, forgiveness by the feuding parties, and no more use of violence.

"The Pheu Thai Party hopes and believes this stance and promise of ours will help reduce the worries of the government and those responsible for maintaining peace. This should prompt them to start the reconciliation process immediately without wasting time waiting for any study results," said a part of the statement read out by Pheu Thai deputy leader Plodprasop Suraswadi.

He called a press conference at the party's headquarters yesterday morning to announce the party's latest stance. Plodprasop said the party's seniors had discussed measures to solve the lingering political conflict and came up with the five-point proposal.

The fugitive Thaksin, in an interview with Thai Rath newspaper published yesterday, also called for national reconciliation.

"I want reconciliation to happen," he said when asked why he had stopped posting his Twitter messages about Thai politics. He also admitted he wanted to return to Thailand "but it's not as important as the country becoming peaceful and its people reconciled".

In its statement, Pheu Thai also said the party "would like to humbly offer blessings to Their Majesties the King and Queen and to call on all groups of Thais to honour them highly".

The statement also said it was time for talks between groups with conflicting views to try to end their dispute peacefully, according to Plodprasop.

"The Pheu Thai Party believes that the country's peace and unity can be restored through forgiveness and agreement of peaceful coexistence in a just and fair manner," the statement said. "Pheu Thai urges all groups of people to refrain from using violence, through words, actions or excessive enforcement of laws."

Plodprasop said the statement was "a gesture of goodwill as well as an ultimatum". He denied the move was "any kind of political game", saying it resulted from widespread calls and a growing conflict.

"If this proposal is not welcomed by people in the government, what I can say is that both sides should go their separate ways. Our tolerance is running out," Plodprasop said.

When asked who should take part in such talks, Plodprasop said they included the yellow shirts, the red shirts, the government, Pheu Thai, the ruling Democrat Party, and the military. "All the parties must think of the country first," he added.

Answering a question on how he could explain the efforts to the red shirts and others who had suffered losses in the recent political unrest, Plodprasop said: "That's a matter for the future." He added that given similar conflicts of the past, amnesty to all concerned was often an acceptable solution.

"Mutual forgiveness must be started along with proper compensation," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-09-03

[Robby nz]

Answering a question on how he could explain the efforts to the red shirts and others who had suffered losses in the recent political unrest, Plodprasop said: "That's a matter for the future." He added that given similar conflicts of the past, amnesty to all concerned was often an acceptable solution.

"Mutual forgiveness must be started along with proper compensation," he said.

Wondering just what the above means?

Amnasty to all: Does that include Thaksin?

They have said before that all parties should have amnasty including all red and yellow leaders and Thaksin.

Proper compensation:

Does that mean that the reds should pay for all the damage they did during their"peaceful protests"?

And the yellows for costs incured by the country during the airport and Govt house occupations?

Or do they have some sort of payment to them in mind as compensation?

Whatever it looks like they have seen the writing on the wall for their election chances.

[rubl]

In all of my innocence one question, please. Does the PTP statement mean they will finally start to participate in the road-map the PM's formulated a few months ago and which is in progress through various committees? Or is this 'my own, better plan', or just a way to derail what's already in progress? Where the election results last Sunday really that bad that drastic measures are necessary?

[asiawatcher]

It seems the brazen puppets of Thaksin have whimpered and are licking their wounds, no trying to smooth the troubled waters but at least, if there can be some form of reconcilliation and support for this government, Thailand may just have a chance to pull itself of the political mire. Let the PM run his term, if there is reality to the 'talks' then open a few seats and mix the parties and get things back on track. But trust a snake or Thaksin? I back the snake. It's not over yet.

[animatic]

Well as I see it.

The redshirts failure to crash the government has backfired

in more ways than just that. They've hobbled their masters.

Two election drubbings in a row show that:

The red base is not what they imagined it was

the people of Bangkok which includes many, many, from up country,

or with up country connections, did NOT back their backing of red candidates and general lack of any contriteness for backing ' the group that opted for destroying across large sections of Bangkok' and putting many, of all social strata, out of work for long periods. Not to mention striking fear through out many by their randomness and violence.

Politically regardless of rain or cold or vacations 'the people' did NOT back PT in their Red Backing mode.

So now we see the political change of tack that they SHOULD have tried while Bangkok was still burning, but now only can be seen to try it, once they have had their hat handed to them by the electorate.

And their emperor has no clothes, and the little tyke has spoken thus the veils have fallen from peoples eyes.

The last to grasp their screw up is PTP itself. A self deluding group of butt kissers, money grubbers, and face accumulators. The fact that they are so far behind the curve in any kind of competent and functional governmental leadership organization is lost on them, they make noises about it, but never actual do more than 'hatch a plan', follow through is beyond them it seems.

Edited September 3, 2010 by animatic

[SamritT]

And their emperor has no clothes? Who cares, emperor is seriously ill at best, if not dead already.

[rubl]

And their emperor has no clothes? Who cares, emperor is seriously ill at best, if not dead already.

Can you stop posting somewhat less intelligent remarks and go back to sleep, my dear ?

[animatic]

And their emperor has no clothes? Who cares, emperor is seriously ill at best, if not dead already.

Can you stop posting somewhat less intelligent remarks and go back to sleep, my dear ?

It seems metaphor and irony are lost on some.

Let's call Thaksin and his minions as

stripped naked to their pretensions and incompetency.

[hyperdimension]

It looks like they have realized that they have been weakened and as a last resort are now looking for forgiveness for all the violence, damage and loss of lives that they themselves caused. Let's hope that their supporters and former supporters don't fall for it and end up voting them back into power.

I wonder what Jatuporn will say now... "I apologize for all the bad things that I said about Abhisit and the government"? I'd spit in his face.

[craigt3365]

Probably this is just like the "peace" negotiations held during the protests. PT comes to the table with crazy demands. I can see Jatuporn now...we want peace! Let Thaksin come back, let us out of jail, forgive every red shirt for all their misdeeds, and let's just kiss and make up. Right...oops, gotta get that PM from my boss...I'll be right back...

[rubl]

The need for change the PTP feels may be of their own doing. Remember this OP:

Posted 2010-08-08 06:43

Many red shirts 'abandoned' by their leaders: human rights activist

By Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation on Sunday

UDD leaders are offered all kind of legal assistance, one even dressed up as candidate in recent elections. The simple 'red shirts' abandoned. What a way to tread your loyal voters even if you only bought them.

Edited September 3, 2010 by rubl

[Buchholz]

The comings and goings at the Pheu Thai Party Departure Lounge is getting busy.

Another Pheu Thai MP Invited to Join Bhum Jai Thai

The Bhum Jai Thai Party's attempt to persuade another MP from the Pheu Thai Party to join its camp has failed, as the MP has refused the invitation.

Deputy Interior Minister and a senior Bhum Jai Thai executive, Boonjong Wongtrairat, disclosed that his party is in the process of persuading another Pheu Thai MP in Samut Prakarn, Pracha Prasopdee, to join his party.

Earlier, two MPs from the opposition Pheu Thai Party, Natee Suthinphuak, a former veteran actor widely known as Krung Sriwilai, and Jiraphan Limsakulsirirat, who both represent Samut Prakan province, had agreed to transfer to Bhum Jai Thai.

As for an allegation made by some Pheu Thai MPs that the Bum Jai Thai Party has lured the MPs away the party with offers of a large budget to their respective constituency, Boonjong said the opposition party has the right to investigate the matter.

In the meantime, a Pheu Thai MP in Nonthaburi, Apiwan Wiriyachai, said he has yet to talk to Pracha about the rumor of his possible transfer, but he believes all MPs have the right to decide on the matter.

Apiwan also noted that he will not be surprised if Pracha decides to defect, as it is not unusual in the political field.

He also insisted that the transfer of several MPs during this period has not been prompted by the rumors about health problems of ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Meanwhile, Pracha responded that he will definitely stay with his party, and that he has no plan to join the Bhum Jai Thai Party.

He also disclosed that Thaksin has called him to ask about the report of the transfer of the two Pheu Thai MPs. He said he told Thaksin that the two have already joined the coalition party, but that it is possible the two may later return.

-- Tan Network 2010-09-03

[mccw]

Probably this is just like the "peace" negotiations held during the protests. PT comes to the table with crazy demands. I can see Jatuporn now...we want peace! Let Thaksin come back, let us out of jail, forgive every red shirt for all their misdeeds, and let's just kiss and make up. Right...oops, gotta get that PM from my boss...I'll be right back...

spot on what I was thinking.

Fact the reds are organising amass rally in cm at same time as asking for peace talks doesn't exactly show sinserrity does it

[ballpoint]

He also disclosed that Thaksin has called him to ask about the report of the transfer of the two Pheu Thai MPs. He said he told Thaksin that the two have already joined the coalition party, but that it is possible the two may later return.

Yet in his recent interview, Thaksin said

"I don't have a future in politics. My political future is just being a people's man. That's all and nothing else."

It must be hard for him to keep track of all the lies he tells. Unless he's genuinely schizophrenic.

Edited September 3, 2010 by ballpoint

[webfact]

UPDATE

PM to Pheu Thai: Match words and deeds

By THE NATION

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday welcomed a move by the opposition Pheu Thai Party to seek reconciliation but he asked it to prove its good intentions by working with the government in preventing violence.

"If Pheu Thai is ready to help prevent violence and get our system going ahead, I see that as a good intention. This government also wants to see the same thing," the prime minister said at Government House in the afternoon.

Pheu Thai on Thursday issued a five-point proposal seeking talks aimed at ending the political conflict peacefully, forgiveness by the feuding parties, and no more use of violence.

"We have to work together to help prevent violence and moves that go against the law," Abhisit said, adding that despite denial, there were connections between unnamed political parties and the perpetrators of violent incidents.

"These ties must be cut off," he said.

When asked whether "working together" meant Abhisit's ruling Democrat Party and Pheu Thai would form a coalition government, he said there would be no such political changes.

"What we want to see these days is confidence that the country is progressing democratically. And the next election must be free and fair, as well as peaceful and orderly. I think people want to see political parties return to fight within the parliamentary system and create an environment that is good for a parliamentary system."

The prime minister said the political parties involved in the political conflict, both those with and without seats in Parliament, should work together to help solve the political problems.

He also rejected a rumour that Yingluck Shinawatra, sister of Pheu Thai's patriarch Thaksin Shinawatra, had approached the Democrat Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij to discuss forming a coalition government. "I haven't heard about it," Abhisit said.

The ruling Democrat Party is hopeful it can win at least 20 parliamentary seats from the Northeast in the next general election, thanks to the opposition Pheu Thai Party's weakening popularity in the region.

Social Development and Human Security Minister Issara Somchai, a Democrat leader for the Northeast, said the party expected to win elections in Ubon Ratchathani and its neighbouring provinces, including Nakhon Ratchasima.

"The party's popularity in Isaan is a lot better now," Issara said. He added that many red-shirt supporters in the region had abandoned Pheu Thai because they found the violence during the recent political unrest, in which government buildings in some northeastern provinces were burned down, unacceptable.

In the previous general election in 2007, the Democrats won only four House seats from the northeastern provinces of Ubon Ratchathani and Amnat Charoen. Most of the seats in the region were won by Pheu Thai's precursor, the People Power Party, which was dissolved by a court order in 2008 for electoral fraud.

Issara saud the matter was discussed when Democrat ministers met with the party's secretary-general, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, during lunch at Government House around noon yesterday.

Other key Democrat figures present included Education Minister Chinnaworn Boonyakiat, Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey, Deputy Interior Minister Thaworn Senneam, and Science Minister Virachai Virameteekul.

According to Issara, Suthep suggested that the party set up more branches and find more members so as to expand its support base. The party secretary-general also suggested that the Democrat ministers seek financial support from donors to fund the party's election campaign.

Suthep also noted that the Democrat-led government had only one year and three months left before its term ends late next year, and therefore the party's politicians should prepare themselves early for the next election.

-- The Nation 2010-09-04

[hammered]

Its a poltical gambit to try and spin things to its advantage. PTP is in a bit of a mess right now and the powerful ones behind it are trying to sort this out on a number of fronts.