Abhisit Ready For Political Debate With Yingluck

[Ricardo]

Since there was the poll saying that 60% of the people wanted the face-to-face debate, and PTP wish to be portrayed as a popular-party, Ms Yingluck will surely respect the wishes of the people, and take part ? I mean, as a true democrat who wishes to become PM, and all ?

believing poll results?

Only without whistling and only when it suits me. Mind you, member Ricardo was a bit off track. I mean Ms. Yingluck and PTP are not the Democrats, that's another party. PTP stands for 'Thaksin thinks, Pheu Thai accts', so number one on the party list of candidates for MP stands for the same one might presume, especially when there is a blood relation. Nothing to do with democrats, or double standards, or listening to what the people want. I mean we're ready but only waiting for the right time, aren't we

'democrat' with a small "d", not a big one.

But surely Pheu Thai are "true democrats", and "fighters for democracy", at least when it suits them ?

Whatever, I do believe that the voters would like to see this debate, and that it might help to better-inform their voting-decisions, so I welcome Yingluck's apparent U-turn on this, even if she can't seem to make-up-her-mind exactly when she'll actually 'come out to play'.

Edited May 31, 2011 by Ricardo

[Buchholz]

well, since Yingluck is too afraid to debate.....

[Buchholz]

Democrat, Pheu Thai spar in heated TV debate

Despite the subject - reconciliation - representatives from the Democrat Party and rival Pheu Thai Party got into a heated argument during a popular TV show.

Chamni Sakdiseth, the Democrats' Deputy Secretary-General, and Natthawut Saikua, a Pheu Thai Party-list candidate and red-shirt leader, gave contrasting views on each point posed by Sorayut Sutasanajinda, the host of Channel 3's "Joh Khao Den" talk show.

Although they agreed that an independent committee should take charge of national reconciliation after years of political conflicts had divided Thailand, Chamni said the next government should let the Truth and Reconciliation Committee led by Kanit Na Nakorn continue its work. Changing some members of the committee was acceptable.

But Natthawut said a new committee should be set up. Kanit's committee was not really independent as it was appointed under the Democrat-led government.

"No matter if it's a single-party or coalition government, the next government will have earned the people's consensus to start anew," he said. Kanit's panel should report on its progress and let all parties consider establishing a new committee. The couple also debated on whether the party that is allowed to form the government should be only the one that wins the most seats in the election.

While Natthawut asked Chamni to promise that the Democrats would not compete in forming the government if Pheu Thai chalks up the most MP seats, Chamni said any other party had the right to form a coalition government unless a single party secures more than 250 House seats.

"As long as no party wins the majority of House seats, it's for the House to decide," he said, referring to the MPs' voting to select the prime minister.

On the other hand, when Chamni asked Natthawut to promise that all sides should accept the election result and the parliamentary process to select the prime minister and there should no longer be any protests, Natthawut answered that it depended on the situation.

Natthawut said he had learned there was an attempt, with military support, to prevent Pheu Thai from forming the next government.

Asked about a proposal for a pardon for politicians serving sentences for illegal political acts, Chamni said it was an attempt to whitewash former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra while Pheu Thai always talked only about the loss of the anti-government group and ignored the loss of others in the conflicts. It is for the independent committee to consider. However, Natthawut said the Democrats have not got over issues related to Thaksin, while Pheu Thai wants the country to rise above all the conflicts.

Chamni said Thaksin is the heart of the problem and he also had conflicts with other institutions in the country. Natthawut said the process of accusing Thaksin as the problem, was the real problem.

Chamni said the "Thaksin Movement" - political party, the red shirts and the unidentified taskforce - caused the problems and tried to topple the Democrat-led government.

Natthawut said the Democrat's movement dated back to the military coup of September 19, 2006.

The Chamni-Natthawut face-off was aired over two instalments of the 20-minute programme.

-- The Nation 2011-06-03

[rubl]

"Kanit's committee was not really independent as it was appointed under the Democrat-led government.

"No matter if it's a single-party or coalition government, the next government will have earned the people's consensus to start anew," he said. Kanit's panel should report on its progress and let all parties consider establishing a new committee."

Please explain to me the difference ?

[whybother]

On the other hand, when Chamni asked Natthawut to promise that all sides should accept the election result and the parliamentary process to select the prime minister and there should no longer be any protests, Natthawut answered that it depended on the situation.

Once again we have the PTP saying that they won't accept the result if they don't get into government.

[Thaddeus]

The Chamni-Natthawut face-off was aired over two instalments of the 20-minute programme.

-- The Nation 2011-06-03

Attention span...... ten minutes.

Were there any over dubbed sound effects to keep viewers glued to the screen and prevent the kids from putting Tom & Jerry on (intellectual stimulus very similar, and the same time length)

[koosdeboer]

I'm looking forward to see the debate, especially after I saw Ying Luck on ABC. What a clo(w)ne.

I can rule the country because I used to take care of 20 million "costumers"

Watch it on you tube;

Edited June 3, 2011 by koosdeboer

[473geo]

Be interesting to see some of the critics answer questions in their non native language........

Yingluck is to be applauded for taking the interview on....

And for those of you who feel lack of English would be a political handicap..........over 60 interpreters can be working at any one time in the European parliament.....

[rubl]

On the other hand, when Chamni asked Natthawut to promise that all sides should accept the election result and the parliamentary process to select the prime minister and there should no longer be any protests, Natthawut answered that it depended on the situation.

Once again we have the PTP saying that they won't accept the result if they don't get into government.

Just in

BREAKINGNEWS

Abhisit promises to let Pheu Thai form coalition if it wins most MPs

Democrat Part leader Abhisit Vejjaiva promised Friday that his party would allow the Pheu Thai to try forming a coalition if it wins most House seats.

But if the Pheu Thai fails to set up a coalition government, the Democrat will try to set up a coalition, Abhisit said during a live talk show on Channel 3 in the evening.

The Democrat leader said it would be fine according to the parliamentary system for the second party in term of MPs to form a coalition government if the first party failed to do it.

-- The Nation 2011-06-03

[whybother]

Just in

BREAKINGNEWS

Abhisit promises to let Pheu Thai form coalition if it wins most MPs

Democrat Part leader Abhisit Vejjaiva promised Friday that his party would allow the Pheu Thai to try forming a coalition if it wins most House seats.

But if the Pheu Thai fails to set up a coalition government, the Democrat will try to set up a coalition, Abhisit said during a live talk show on Channel 3 in the evening.

The Democrat leader said it would be fine according to the parliamentary system for the second party in term of MPs to form a coalition government if the first party failed to do it.

-- The Nation 2011-06-03

The headline: Abhisit promises to let Pheu Thai form coalition if it wins most MPs

The statement: Abhisit Vejjaiva ... would allow the Pheu Thai to try forming a coalition if it wins most House seats.

[Asa]

Of course, he's ready. To break a green horn like Yingluck would be an easy kill.

[473geo]

Just in

BREAKINGNEWS

Abhisit promises to let Pheu Thai form coalition if it wins most MPs

Democrat Part leader Abhisit Vejjaiva promised Friday that his party would allow the Pheu Thai to try forming a coalition if it wins most House seats.

But if the Pheu Thai fails to set up a coalition government, the Democrat will try to set up a coalition, Abhisit said during a live talk show on Channel 3 in the evening.

The Democrat leader said it would be fine according to the parliamentary system for the second party in term of MPs to form a coalition government if the first party failed to do it.

-- The Nation 2011-06-03

The headline: Abhisit promises to let Pheu Thai form coalition if it wins most MPs

The statement: Abhisit Vejjaiva ... would allow the Pheu Thai to try forming a coalition if it wins most House seats.

Would Abhisit 'allow' or is that the way the system works, party with the most MPs will have first attempt to form a government?

[whybother]

Would Abhisit 'allow' or is that the way the system works, party with the most MPs will have first attempt to form a government?

I suppose he could just say "We already have a majority coalition. Don't bother trying to form government."

That's they way it would work in Aus with the Lib / Nats.

[473geo]

well, since Yingluck is too afraid to debate.....

Have you been to any of her meetings and aired your well publicised forum views?............thought not........

[rubl]

Of course, he's ready. To break a green horn like Yingluck would be an easy kill.

Ms. Yingluck has indicated to be ready as well, only waiting for the right moment. you may interpret this as 'no fear, I can do', or 'wait till it's too late to do'. Which you choose will probably depend on your current leanings

[jdinasia]

Just in

BREAKINGNEWS

Abhisit promises to let Pheu Thai form coalition if it wins most MPs

Democrat Part leader Abhisit Vejjaiva promised Friday that his party would allow the Pheu Thai to try forming a coalition if it wins most House seats.

But if the Pheu Thai fails to set up a coalition government, the Democrat will try to set up a coalition, Abhisit said during a live talk show on Channel 3 in the evening.

The Democrat leader said it would be fine according to the parliamentary system for the second party in term of MPs to form a coalition government if the first party failed to do it.

-- The Nation 2011-06-03

The headline: Abhisit promises to let Pheu Thai form coalition if it wins most MPs

The statement: Abhisit Vejjaiva ... would allow the Pheu Thai to try forming a coalition if it wins most House seats.

It could be political bluster --- but It appears that Abhisit thinks 2 things ------

1) PTP will not get a flat majority of 50%+1

and

2) With his current discussions with the leaders (and sadly de-facto leaders) of other parties, that he thinks he has the numbers to take form the coalition. If he does I would not expect a Dem PM and DPM --- (one or the other? possibly --- but not both)

[Puccini]

I can already see the Phuea Thai Party offering a public debate with Thaksin via video link, instead of a debate with Yingluck.

[Buchholz]

Be interesting to see some of the critics answer questions in their non native language........

Yingluck is to be applauded for taking the interview on....

To draw a factual and not an apologetic comparison, it would be interesting to see some of the critics, who obtained a Masters degree utilizing the Thai language, answer questions in their non native language.

Yingluck is to be applauded for taking the interview on and can be equally derided for mangling the same language that she supposedly has a Masters degree in.

Yingluck is to be applauded, with no reservations, if she accepts the public's will and agrees to the P-Net debate.

.

[Buchholz]

I can already see the Phuea Thai Party offering a public debate with Thaksin via video link, instead of a debate with Yingluck.

While that would certainly be a worthwhile proposition, Thaksin has never agreed to any debate, even when he was the incumbent.

[Buchholz]

Abhisit to join P-NET’s debates

BANGKOK, 14 June 2011 (NNT) – Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has accepted an invitation from the Open Forum for Democracy Foundation or the People Network for Election in Thailand (P-NET) to join a debate of political party leaders.

Democrat Party executive and Prime Minister’s Office Minister Satit Wonghnongtaey confirmed with the press that Mr Abhisit has already responded to the invitation that he will participate in the P-NET debate scheduled on 23 June 2011.

Mr Satit believed that the debate, which will be participated by leaders of six major political parties, will be a crucial factor for the formation of a new government as the participants will be contesting their visions and policies in public.

The Democrat key figure added that Mr Abhisit has also accepted a P-NET invitation to engage in a particular debate with Pheu Thai Party prime minister candidate Yingluck Shinawatra on 24 June 2011.

No response has been heard from Ms Yingluck and the Pheu Thai Party so far.

The P-NET will wait for the answers only until 17 June 2011.

-- NNT 2011-06-14

[metisdead]

Off topic and bickering posts have been removed.

[jdinasia]

Yingluck (or her political handlers) are to date, obviously afraid of a televised debate open for the entire country to see. She has 3 days apparently to accept the PNET invitation and after that it would appear that Abhisit will get to state the Democrat's platform and attack PTP's platform, or lack thereof, unchallenged. Extremely risky for PTP to let that happen as they will be seen as fearing the open discussion (even with PNET's controlled format).

Without her there, he gets to attack the words of her brother, her position as a mere proxy for him, "Thaksin thinks PTP does". the words of Nattuwut and Jatuporn and the rest of the reds that are now running for MP slots (not on their merit in a constituency vote --- but on a party-list.) If the debate allows the use of visual aids there are likely to be far fewer 'undecided' voters in Thailand.

Even with her apparent fear of the debates, I think she will have no option but to accept PNET's invitation.

[jayboy]

Yingluck (or her political handlers) are to date, obviously afraid of a televised debate open for the entire country to see. She has 3 days apparently to accept the PNET invitation and after that it would appear that Abhisit will get to state the Democrat's platform and attack PTP's platform, or lack thereof, unchallenged. Extremely risky for PTP to let that happen as they will be seen as fearing the open discussion (even with PNET's controlled format).

Without her there, he gets to attack the words of her brother, her position as a mere proxy for him, "Thaksin thinks PTP does". the words of Nattuwut and Jatuporn and the rest of the reds that are now running for MP slots (not on their merit in a constituency vote --- but on a party-list.) If the debate allows the use of visual aids there are likely to be far fewer 'undecided' voters in Thailand.

Even with her apparent fear of the debates, I think she will have no option but to accept PNET's invitation.

Yup that's the impression I get Yingluck is really afraid, depressed at the poor reception she's had in the country and bracing herself for defeat.Dream on.

[Buchholz]

.

She won't debate domestically; how is she going to debate internationally???

Indonesia's Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, and Chief Executive Officer of Essar Group Prashant Ruia before debate session at the World Economic Forum on East Asia, in Jakarta June 13, 2011

REUTERS

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//110613/ids_photos_wl/r50199649.jpg/#photoViewer=/110613/ids_photos_wl/r3674959862.jpg

Edited June 14, 2011 by Buchholz

[whybother]

Abhisit to join P-NET's debates

BANGKOK, 14 June 2011 (NNT) – Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has accepted an invitation from the Open Forum for Democracy Foundation or the People Network for Election in Thailand (P-NET) to join a debate of political party leaders.

...

No response has been heard from Ms Yingluck and the Pheu Thai Party so far.

The P-NET will wait for the answers only until 17 June 2011.

How silly will she look if all the other party leaders turn up except her?

[rubl]

Abhisit to join P-NET's debates

BANGKOK, 14 June 2011 (NNT) – Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has accepted an invitation from the Open Forum for Democracy Foundation or the People Network for Election in Thailand (P-NET) to join a debate of political party leaders.

...

No response has been heard from Ms Yingluck and the Pheu Thai Party so far.

The P-NET will wait for the answers only until 17 June 2011.

How silly will she look if all the other party leaders turn up except her?

How silly might she look if she turns up ?

[whybother]

How silly will she look if all the other party leaders turn up except her?

How silly might she look if she turns up ?

[samurai]

Abhisit to join P-NET's debates

BANGKOK, 14 June 2011 (NNT) – Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has accepted an invitation from the Open Forum for Democracy Foundation or the People Network for Election in Thailand (P-NET) to join a debate of political party leaders.

...

No response has been heard from Ms Yingluck and the Pheu Thai Party so far.

The P-NET will wait for the answers only until 17 June 2011.

How silly will she look if all the other party leaders turn up except her?

Would anyone take notice and watch that event if she don't have the time for it?

[rubl]

Abhisit to join P-NET's debates

BANGKOK, 14 June 2011 (NNT) – Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has accepted an invitation from the Open Forum for Democracy Foundation or the People Network for Election in Thailand (P-NET) to join a debate of political party leaders.

...

No response has been heard from Ms Yingluck and the Pheu Thai Party so far.

The P-NET will wait for the answers only until 17 June 2011.

How silly will she look if all the other party leaders turn up except her?

Would anyone take notice and watch that event if she don't have the time for it?

People would watch the event with or without Ms. Yingluck. Mind you with her present there would probably be more viewers, both to see 'miss beautiful' and to see how she fared against the others. Without her lots of people would probably be confirmed in their beliefs against and another group stressing 'no need to', 'not the right time', 'wait till after the elections'.

18 more days and counting

[whybother]

Would anyone take notice and watch that event if she don't have the time for it?

Maybe you're right. No one would notice if she's not there. It's not like she'll say anything insightful.

But then again, why wouldn't she make time for it? Is she scared to discuss her policies?