Thaksin's Sister Yingluck Urges Army To Honour Poll Result

[webfact]

Thaksin sister, eyeing office, urges no Thai coup

by Daniel Rook

BANGKOK, June 1, 2011 (AFP) - The sister of fugitive ex-Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra urged the army Wednesday to refrain from staging another coup as she gains momentum in her bid to become the country's first female premier.

Yingluck Shinawatra, a photogenic businesswoman and newcomer to Thailand's fractured political scene, has breathed fresh life into the opposition's struggle to sweep Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's Democrats from power.

Her appeal to respect the outcome of the July 3 election comes as surveys show her pulling ahead in the closely fought race for the first poll since Thailand's deadliest political unrest in decades last year.

In an interview with AFP, she called on the army chief to keep his promise not to repeat the 2006 coup that ousted Thaksin and ushered in a period of political instability and bloody unrest.

"I don't think that (a coup) will happen again. I hope not but we have to make sure everybody respects the people's decision," said the 43-year-old mother of one, 18 years junior to her controversial brother.

"Thailand has been backward for four or five years and people have been suffering for a long time so they need the country to move forward."

Long-standing political tensions erupted in April and May last year when 90 people died and about 1,900 were wounded in a series of street clashes between opposition protesters and armed troops in the heart of Bangkok.

Army chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha's pledge to abide by the results of the vote has done little to douse speculation about possible military intervention in a nation that has seen 18 actual or attempted coups since 1932.

Parties linked to Thaksin have won the most seats in the past four elections, but the courts reversed the results of the last two and observers say history could repeat itself if Yingluck's Puea Thai party triumphs.

"It's very unlikely that a Puea Thai government will be allowed to take office," said Thailand expert Michael Montesano at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore.

"A proxy for Thaksin who has a family resemblance and shares his name only makes that less likely."

Yingluck is politically inexperienced and her brother is still widely considered the de facto leader of Puea Thai, the main opposition party, despite living abroad to escape a jail term imposed in absentia for corruption.

The former telecoms tycoon is hailed by many rural and working-class Thais for his populist policies but loathed by the Bangkok-based elite which sees him as corrupt, authoritarian and a threat to the monarchy.

Puea Thai wants an amnesty for politicians who have been charged or convicted if it wins, potentially paving the way for Thaksin to return home, where he is also charged with terrorism in relation to last year's unrest.

The former policeman, who insists he has no ambition to lead Thailand again, describes his youngest sister as his "clone" -- a description she said underlined their similar political ideology.

"I'm working with him since I was young. So I learned how he handles business, how he's acting and the style and how he's thinking."

Yingluck, who heads a property firm, said her party was benefiting from her brother's political ideas, but insisted she had freedom to make her own decisions.

The arrival of Thaksin's sister on the Thai political scene has reinvigorated an opposition that just weeks ago appeared rudderless.

Her party scored 43 percent approval to the Democrats' 37 percent in a Suan Dusit Rajabhat University poll released Sunday, but surveys show many voters remain undecided and the election is still more than a month away.

"The biggest risk is that Yingluck fever won't last," said Montesano.

"That said, Thaksin has proved to be a political genius many times. It's clear that his appointment of Yingluck was more than just designating a proxy with the same last name."

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-06-01

[rubl]

As this is not about k. Thaksin, shouldn't the article read

"Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, first on the party list for MP candidates of the PTP urged the army Wednesday to refrain from staging another coup as she gains momentum in her bid to become the country's first female premier."

[MunterHunter]

Well by the same voice, i hope she (and her party/militant wing) also abide by the peoples decision, should they not get the sweeping victory they think they will get.

In other words, i hope the Reds and PTP will back down if they lose the election.

Cant call for the military to respect the election results, unless they are prepared to do the same!

Edited June 1, 2011 by MunterHunter

[random]

As this is not about k. Thaksin, shouldn't the article read

"Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, first on the party list for MP candidates of the PTP urged the army Wednesday to refrain from staging another coup as she gains momentum in her bid to become the country's first female premier."

maybe the journalist posts on this forum and has become brainwashed into turning all threads into threads about Thaksin, however tenuous the link is.

People need to get used to the idea that she will win, the dems were unfaily given a shot at power and they have fecked it up on a grand scale, now the army need to respect the election results and accept the will of the people, the whole country, not a select few. Hopefully when PTP get into power they can also prosecute certain individuals for the slaughter of unarmed people last year, then the country can really move forwards (the dems should be accepting her amnesty policy as that might be the only thing that saves some of them).

sadly though i think we all know what will happen, PTP will win, the courts will find fault, disband them while ignoring the dmes for doing the same things, the dems will get back in power on a parliamentary vote, the people will come back on the streets, the army will conduct another wholesale slaughter, other countries will ignore this while criticizing certain middle eastern/north african countries for the wholesale slaughter on the streets, and thailand will be no furtehr on than it was the day after the previous coup.

[whybother]

maybe the journalist posts on this forum and has become brainwashed into turning all threads into threads about Thaksin, however tenuous the link is.

I'd hardly call it a tenuous link.

People need to get used to the idea that she will win, the dems were unfaily given a shot at power and they have fecked it up on a grand scale, now the army need to respect the election results and accept the will of the people, the whole country, not a select few. Hopefully when PTP get into power they can also prosecute certain individuals for the slaughter of unarmed people last year, then the country can really move forwards (the dems should be accepting her amnesty policy as that might be the only thing that saves some of them).

What have the Dems "fecked" up? The economy is going great. Foreign investment is high. And that's even with them having to deal with the GFC.

sadly though i think we all know what will happen, PTP will win, the courts will find fault, disband them while ignoring the dmes for doing the same things, the dems will get back in power on a parliamentary vote, the people will come back on the streets, the army will conduct another wholesale slaughter, other countries will ignore this while criticizing certain middle eastern/north african countries for the wholesale slaughter on the streets, and thailand will be no furtehr on than it was the day after the previous coup.

You seem to forget that everyone gets into power on a parliamentary vote. That's how parliamentary systems work.

The reds are already promising to get back out on the streets if they can't get enough support to form government. Yay for Red Democracy.

[Buchholz]

As this is not about k. Thaksin, shouldn't the article read

"Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, first on the party list for MP candidates of the PTP urged the army Wednesday to refrain from staging another coup as she gains momentum in her bid to become the country's first female premier."

Just recognizing the reality that

1. He runs things.

2. Without him, she wouldn't be in the position she's in.

[Buchholz]

"The biggest risk is that Yingluck fever won't last,"

Much like Yellow Fever where, once it's contracted, no effective treatment exists, the best course is a preventive vaccination which pre-emptively stops it from occurring in the first place.

[webfact]

Yingluck against coup

BANGKOK, 1 June 2011 (NNT) – Pheu Thai Party prime minister candidate Yingluck Shinawatra has expressed her standpoint against all types of coup d’état in response to another wave of silent coup rumour if her party wins majority seats.

Responding to the coup rumour, the Pheu Thai number one party-listed candidate stated that she does not want to see any kinds of coup d’état since she wants all sides to abide by regulations and respect the voice of the public.

Her brother former Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinawatra earlier announced that a silent coup d’état will be orchestrated if the Pheu Thai Party wins the upcoming 3 July general election and form a new government.

As for the party’s election campaigns in the provinces, Ms Yingluck elaborated that the overall situation must be firstly assessed so that policies will be formed to match the location, including the southern region. She believed that her party’s policy will be able to win people’s hearts.

Regarding the readiness expressed by the Bhumjaithai Party to work with the Pheu Thai Party as a coalition partner, Ms Yingluck responded that it is too soon to talk about the matter. She noted that any parties wanting to work with her party should share the same political ideology.

-- NNT 2011-06-01

[whybother]

Pheu Thai Party prime minister candidate Yingluck Shinawatra has expressed her standpoint against all types of coup d’état in response to another wave of silent coup rumour if her party wins majority seats.

Responding to the coup rumour, the Pheu Thai number one party-listed candidate stated that she does not want to see any kinds of coup d’état since she wants all sides to abide by regulations and respect the voice of the public.

Her brother former Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinawatra earlier announced that a silent coup d’état will be orchestrated if the Pheu Thai Party wins the upcoming 3 July general election and form a new government.

I wonder who is starting all these rumours???

But it shouldn't be an issue anyway, since Peau Thai are unlikely to win a majority of seats.

[kalbo123]

Pheu Thai Party prime minister candidate Yingluck Shinawatra has expressed her standpoint against all types of coup d'état in response to another wave of silent coup rumour if her party wins majority seats.

Responding to the coup rumour, the Pheu Thai number one party-listed candidate stated that she does not want to see any kinds of coup d'état since she wants all sides to abide by regulations and respect the voice of the public.

Her brother former Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinawatra earlier announced that a silent coup d'état will be orchestrated if the Pheu Thai Party wins the upcoming 3 July general election and form a new government.

I wonder who is starting all these rumours???

But it shouldn't be an issue anyway, since Peau Thai are unlikely to win a majority of seats.

Would not put my money on that..

Edited June 1, 2011 by kalbo123

[Pi Sek]

I find it quite ironic, hypocritical and disheartening that Yinglak is urging the army to honour the poll result, whilst big brother (and boss?) Thaksin and #8 party list MP Nattawut are saying that, in the event that they attract more votes than any other singular party but remain in the minority, they will not accept the poll result if they are not handed power.

If I were a PTP supporter, this would worry me.

[rubl]

I find it quite ironic, hypocritical and disheartening that Yinglak is urging the army to honour the poll result, whilst big brother (and boss?) Thaksin and #8 party list MP Nattawut are saying that, in the event that they attract more votes than any other singular party but remain in the minority, they will not accept the poll result if they are not handed power.

If I were a PTP supporter, this would worry me.

Me too. 'all rich in six months' down the drain

[janverbeem]

Pheu Thai Party prime minister candidate Yingluck Shinawatra has expressed her standpoint against all types of coup d'état in response to another wave of silent coup rumour if her party wins majority seats.

Responding to the coup rumour, the Pheu Thai number one party-listed candidate stated that she does not want to see any kinds of coup d'état since she wants all sides to abide by regulations and respect the voice of the public.

Her brother former Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinawatra earlier announced that a silent coup d'état will be orchestrated if the Pheu Thai Party wins the upcoming 3 July general election and form a new government.

I wonder who is starting all these rumours???

But it shouldn't be an issue anyway, since Peau Thai are unlikely to win a majority of seats.

I'm not a supporter from PTP,far from actually, but I'm afraid they will get the most votes from all party's participating.That doesn't mean they can form a government but post elections will not be a very good time for this country as there are a few scenario's of outcome for the elections and each of them points to a disaster.

[lanna2011]

Hope everyone honors it - even the 'experts' here

[rubl]

It seems that the UDD will ask the Election Commission tomorrow whether it can send observers to all polling stations on July 3. UDD chairwoman Thida Thavornseth seems to have said so said today.

This request may just be to ensure the 'correct' election result by voter intimidation. The UDD is too close to PTP to honor this request I would say. Even 17 UDD leaders (7 candidates, 8 members of PTP) will ask for postponement of hearing LM charges tomorrow. Bit of irony there

[Buchholz]

Pheu Thai Party prime minister candidate Yingluck Shinawatra has expressed her standpoint against all types of coup d’état in response to another wave of silent coup rumour if her party wins majority seats.

Responding to the coup rumour, the Pheu Thai number one party-listed candidate stated that she does not want to see any kinds of coup d’état since she wants all sides to abide by regulations and respect the voice of the public.

Her brother former Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinawatra earlier announced that a silent coup d’état will be orchestrated if the Pheu Thai Party wins the upcoming 3 July general election and form a new government.

I wonder who is starting all these rumours???

It used to be Jatuporn, but since he's been sent to the cooler to cool off, a stand-in red shirt has taken up the call to murmur, "coup, coup"

.

Edited June 1, 2011 by Buchholz

[spacemand]

No matter if its red or yellow that wins the election we are in for turbulent times.

Red wins we have a coup, Yellow wins we have mass demonstrations. its a lose/lose scenario. until the people of Thailand comes together and unite for the better of Thailand this will be a never ending story.

Edited June 1, 2011 by spacemand

[EarthAlien]

Seems that Yingluck is confident of a PTP win as she forges ahead in the polls.

Therefore my interpretation on this is "When we (PTP) win the election please respect that and let's not have any military coup!"

"But if the Dems win then hell yeah,... a coup would be just fine thanks! "

[Siripon]

Seems that Yingluck is confident of a PTP win as she forges ahead in the polls.

Therefore my interpretation on this is "When we (PTP) win the election please respect that and let's not have any military coup!"

"But if the Dems win then hell yeah,... a coup would be just fine thanks! "

Many Thais like to support a winning side,(ie Manchester United, though perhaps they should switch to Barcelona!),which explains the stance of the parties-' We'll win at least ..... seats' They have to look look like winners to secure votes.

[jdinasia]

As this is not about k. Thaksin, shouldn't the article read

"Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, first on the party list for MP candidates of the PTP urged the army Wednesday to refrain from staging another coup as she gains momentum in her bid to become the country's first female premier."

maybe the journalist posts on this forum and has become brainwashed into turning all threads into threads about Thaksin, however tenuous the link is.

People need to get used to the idea that she will win, the dems were unfaily given a shot at power and they have fecked it up on a grand scale, now the army need to respect the election results and accept the will of the people, the whole country, not a select few. Hopefully when PTP get into power they can also prosecute certain individuals for the slaughter of unarmed people last year, then the country can really move forwards (the dems should be accepting her amnesty policy as that might be the only thing that saves some of them).

sadly though i think we all know what will happen, PTP will win, the courts will find fault, disband them while ignoring the dmes for doing the same things, the dems will get back in power on a parliamentary vote, the people will come back on the streets, the army will conduct another wholesale slaughter, other countries will ignore this while criticizing certain middle eastern/north african countries for the wholesale slaughter on the streets, and thailand will be no furtehr on than it was the day after the previous coup.

Do you really think that PTP will prosecute the people responsible for :the slaughter of unarmed people last year", when that would mean prosecuting Thaksin, Jatuporn, Arisaman, Nattuwut, and all of their militant redshirts and blackshirts for those deaths? naaaaah! won't happen ... We saw how Jatuporn dealt with his responsibility already, he hid behind parliamentary immunity .. and now the rest are lining up on the PTP party-list to try and use the same thing to protect themselves from the terrorism they participated in!

[jdinasia]

Pheu Thai Party prime minister candidate Yingluck Shinawatra has expressed her standpoint against all types of coup d'état in response to another wave of silent coup rumour if her party wins majority seats.

Responding to the coup rumour, the Pheu Thai number one party-listed candidate stated that she does not want to see any kinds of coup d'état since she wants all sides to abide by regulations and respect the voice of the public.

Her brother former Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinawatra earlier announced that a silent coup d'état will be orchestrated if the Pheu Thai Party wins the upcoming 3 July general election and form a new government.

I wonder who is starting all these rumours???

But it shouldn't be an issue anyway, since Peau Thai are unlikely to win a majority of seats.

Nattuwut is standing in I think ....

[brianb1944]

As this is not about k. Thaksin, shouldn't the article read

"Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, first on the party list for MP candidates of the PTP urged the army Wednesday to refrain from staging another coup as she gains momentum in her bid to become the country's first female premier."

maybe the journalist posts on this forum and has become brainwashed into turning all threads into threads about Thaksin, however tenuous the link is.

People need to get used to the idea that she will win, the dems were unfaily given a shot at power and they have fecked it up on a grand scale, now the army need to respect the election results and accept the will of the people, the whole country, not a select few. Hopefully when PTP get into power they can also prosecute certain individuals for the slaughter of unarmed people last year, then the country can really move forwards (the dems should be accepting her amnesty policy as that might be the only thing that saves some of them).

sadly though i think we all know what will happen, PTP will win, the courts will find fault, disband them while ignoring the dmes for doing the same things, the dems will get back in power on a parliamentary vote, the people will come back on the streets, the army will conduct another wholesale slaughter, other countries will ignore this while criticizing certain middle eastern/north african countries for the wholesale slaughter on the streets, and thailand will be no furtehr on than it was the day after the previous coup.

What an incredibly ill informed crock of manure

[yoshiwara]

As this is not about k. Thaksin, shouldn't the article read

"Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, first on the party list for MP candidates of the PTP urged the army Wednesday to refrain from staging another coup as she gains momentum in her bid to become the country's first female premier."

maybe the journalist posts on this forum and has become brainwashed into turning all threads into threads about Thaksin, however tenuous the link is.

People need to get used to the idea that she will win, the dems were unfaily given a shot at power and they have fecked it up on a grand scale, now the army need to respect the election results and accept the will of the people, the whole country, not a select few. Hopefully when PTP get into power they can also prosecute certain individuals for the slaughter of unarmed people last year, then the country can really move forwards (the dems should be accepting her amnesty policy as that might be the only thing that saves some of them).

sadly though i think we all know what will happen, PTP will win, the courts will find fault, disband them while ignoring the dmes for doing the same things, the dems will get back in power on a parliamentary vote, the people will come back on the streets, the army will conduct another wholesale slaughter, other countries will ignore this while criticizing certain middle eastern/north african countries for the wholesale slaughter on the streets, and thailand will be no furtehr on than it was the day after the previous coup.

What an incredibly ill informed crock of manure

As the rather long election campaign approaches the finishing post, Thaksin's forum clones will get more and more hysterical. They are already giving advance notice that Thaksin's troops will not honour the election result. Would I care to substantiate that? I would indeed. Thaksin's supporters will refuse to accept any result won by a majority coalition with the PTP being the biggest party. In fact they are already demanding that if they are the biggest party, they should form the next government. No ifs and no buts. Do they understand democracy? No they don't and don't for one minute allow them to peddle their nonsense without challenge.

[pastitche]

As this is not about k. Thaksin, shouldn't the article read

"Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, first on the party list for MP candidates of the PTP urged the army Wednesday to refrain from staging another coup as she gains momentum in her bid to become the country's first female premier."

maybe the journalist posts on this forum and has become brainwashed into turning all threads into threads about Thaksin, however tenuous the link is.

People need to get used to the idea that she will win, the dems were unfaily given a shot at power and they have fecked it up on a grand scale, now the army need to respect the election results and accept the will of the people, the whole country, not a select few. Hopefully when PTP get into power they can also prosecute certain individuals for the slaughter of unarmed people last year, then the country can really move forwards (the dems should be accepting her amnesty policy as that might be the only thing that saves some of them).

sadly though i think we all know what will happen, PTP will win, the courts will find fault, disband them while ignoring the dmes for doing the same things, the dems will get back in power on a parliamentary vote, the people will come back on the streets, the army will conduct another wholesale slaughter, other countries will ignore this while criticizing certain middle eastern/north african countries for the wholesale slaughter on the streets, and thailand will be no furtehr on than it was the day after the previous coup.

What an incredibly ill informed crock of manure

As the rather long election campaign approaches the finishing post, Thaksin's forum clones will get more and more hysterical. They are already giving advance notice that Thaksin's troops will not honour the election result. Would I care to substantiate that? I would indeed. Thaksin's supporters will refuse to accept any result won by a majority coalition with the PTP being the biggest party. In fact they are already demanding that if they are the biggest party, they should form the next government. No ifs and no buts. Do they understand democracy? No they don't and don't for one minute allow them to peddle their nonsense without challenge.

Do you understand parliamentary democracy? It is acceptable for a party with the largest number of MPs to form a government; they may fail to carry through their legislative programme and perhaps fall as a result of a vote of no confidence but there is no requirement to form a coalition.

[rubl]

Do you understand parliamentary democracy? It is acceptable for a party with the largest number of MPs to form a government; they may fail to carry through their legislative programme and perhaps fall as a result of a vote of no confidence but there is no requirement to form a coalition.

That may be true, but only AFTER any of the parties fail to form a majority coalition government. It's certainly NOT the first choice.

[ballpoint]

Here's what will happen. The BJT will look at how many votes the PTP and Democrats get. If an alignment with the Democrats gives 50.1% or more of the total seats then they will do just that. They may be "polite", and wait a week or so, just to make it clear that the PTP cannot form a majority coalition, or they may not. An example of this would be say the PTP get 40% of the seats, the Democrats 35%, the BJT 16% and all other parties 9%. Should this happen then, despite the screeching from the PTP and their supporters, there couldn't be a single legal thing they could do about it. If, on the other hand, an alignment with the Democrats won't produce the magical 50% number then they (the BJT) will wheel and deal with the PTP. I'd say high on the wheeling and dealing agenda will be who will be PM, and any amnesty details, which probably won't make Thaksin very happy. Indeed, it would be very amusing to see the dealing broadcast live, just to see how many SMS's are sent to the PTP delegates from an "unknown" source. If said wheeling and dealing comes to nothing, then, and only then, could the PTP broach the idea of a minority government.

Edited June 1, 2011 by ballpoint

[khaowong1]

Seems that Yingluck is confident of a PTP win as she forges ahead in the polls.

Therefore my interpretation on this is "When we (PTP) win the election please respect that and let's not have any military coup!"

"But if the Dems win then hell yeah,... a coup would be just fine thanks! "

Many Thais like to support a winning side,(ie Manchester United, though perhaps they should switch to Barcelona!),which explains the stance of the parties-' We'll win at least ..... seats' They have to look look like winners to secure votes.

ha ha ha ... that's pretty funny, as I'm already seeing a lot of Thai's now cheering for Barcelona..

[chainarong]

Guess this message also includes all parties concerned, including red , yellow and various other coloured shirts and also from the big political loser in the elections , wounder who that will be?

[janverbeem]

Here's what will happen. The BJT will look at how many votes the PTP and Democrats get. If an alignment with the Democrats gives 50.1% or more of the total seats then they will do just that. They may be "polite", and wait a week or so, just to make it clear that the PTP cannot form a majority coalition, or they may not. An example of this would be say the PTP get 40% of the seats, the Democrats 35%, the BJT 16% and all other parties 9%. Should this happen then, despite the screeching from the PTP and their supporters, there couldn't be a single legal thing they could do about it. If, on the other hand, an alignment with the Democrats won't produce the magical 50% number then they (the BJT) will wheel and deal with the PTP. I'd say high on the wheeling and dealing agenda will be who will be PM, and any amnesty details, which probably won't make Thaksin very happy. Indeed, it would be very amusing to see the dealing broadcast live, just to see how many SMS's are sent to the PTP delegates from an "unknown" source. If said wheeling and dealing comes to nothing, then, and only then, could the PTP broach the idea of a minority government.

If PTP is not stripped of their rights to exist a a political party, because of the involvement of a fugitive banned politician, right after the election then they will form a coalition.Expect some bank accounts from the needed coalition partner to be very well topped up.

[MILT]

As this is not about k. Thaksin, shouldn't the article read

"Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, first on the party list for MP candidates of the PTP urged the army Wednesday to refrain from staging another coup as she gains momentum in her bid to become the country's first female premier."

maybe the journalist posts on this forum and has become brainwashed into turning all threads into threads about Thaksin, however tenuous the link is.

People need to get used to the idea that she will win, the dems were unfaily given a shot at power and they have fecked it up on a grand scale, now the army need to respect the election results and accept the will of the people, the whole country, not a select few. Hopefully when PTP get into power they can also prosecute certain individuals for the slaughter of unarmed people last year, then the country can really move forwards (the dems should be accepting her amnesty policy as that might be the only thing that saves some of them).

sadly though i think we all know what will happen, PTP will win, the courts will find fault, disband them while ignoring the dmes for doing the same things, the dems will get back in power on a parliamentary vote, the people will come back on the streets, the army will conduct another wholesale slaughter, other countries will ignore this while criticizing certain middle eastern/north african countries for the wholesale slaughter on the streets, and thailand will be no furtehr on than it was the day after the previous coup.

Well I disagree. Thaskins sister is a distraction at best. Thaskin has many more moves yet to make. The courts will get involved but not for the reasons you stated. Thaskin and the PTP have violated the law already just by Thaskins non-involvement... involvement.