Democrat, Pheu Thai To Win 400 Seats: Abhisit

[webfact]

Democrat, Pheu Thai to win 400 seats: Abhisit

By Kittipong Thavevong

The Nation

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said he expected the two largest political parties - Democrat and Pheu Thai - to win a combined 400 out of the 500 House seats for grabs.

He foresaw a close contest between Democrat and Pheu Thai and did not expect either of them to win the election with a wide margin.

"I am confident the Democrat Party will win more MPs and this upcoming election will be very close," Abhisit said in an interview during the evening news programme on Channel 3.

In the previous general election on December 23, 2007, the Democrat Party won 164 out of the 480 seats in the House of Representatives, compared to 233 for Pheu Thai's former life People Power Party. Democrat and PPP together took more than 80 per cent of the House seats, leaving the remainder to five smaller parties.

Abhisit said he believed a post-election government would be a coalition adminidtration as no single party would win the majority to form a government alone.

The prime minister said that if Pheu Thai wins the highest number of House seats, the Democrats would allow it to try to gather support to form the next coalition. However, if Pheu Thai fails to collect the majority, it would be the Democrats' right to do so. He said this has been a practice in any democratic country, including Thailand.

He denied there was outside influence to help the Democrats form a new coalition government. The PM said he had a good intention in dissolving the Lower House to make way for an early election and "return the power to the people" to decide for the country's future.

He said it was undemocratic for any political party to threaten violence if it fails to form a government despite winning more House seats than the other parties.

Abhisit said that in the general election of 1975, the Democrat Party won the highest number of seats but failed to gather enough support to form a coalition government. The party ended up in the opposition. "We did not encourage our supporters to take to the streets or create violence," he said.

The Democrat leader yesterday urged the voters to decide whether they wanted to live in a country where people are afraid of the law or afraid of bullies.

-- The Nation 2011-06-04

[timekeeper]

i would like to live in a country where people respect the law and condemn bullys

[virtualtraveller]

I respect the fact that Abhisit comes out and says realistic and sensible things like this, while the other camps bamboozle us with wildly inflated figure and then insist that though they want democracy to be followed they also say things like, 'its our right to form the next govt and all minor parties should respect our coalition proposal' or 'neither of the two main parties will get the primp ministers seat'.

[caribbeanman]

i would like to live in a country where people respect the law and condemn bullys

then you better move to america or europe

[timekeeper]

i would like to live in a country where people respect the law and condemn bullys

then you better move to america or europe

been there, done that.......

[caribbeanman]

i would like to live in a country where people respect the law and condemn bullys

then you better move to america or europe

been there, done that.......

in ths part of the world my friend, it is almost impossible to find what you want, the most of the thai people that i know don't even know what democracy is so you can imagine the rest

[lanna2011]

it's a fair assessment - Dems will probably form next government with 'help' - PT will get most single party seats and if I were them I'd be lobbying BJT. I have spoken to many Thai friends and many say the Dems would get increased vote if they dumped Suthep - especially from the DPM role - he is universally disliked apart from his own province.

[rixalex]

it's a fair assessment - Dems will probably form next government with 'help' - PT will get most single party seats and if I were them I'd be lobbying BJT. I have spoken to many Thai friends and many say the Dems would get increased vote if they dumped Suthep - especially from the DPM role - he is universally disliked apart from his own province.

Completely agree. If they dropped Suthep and for that matter, Kasit, they would be much more electable for a good proportion of the electorate. Sadly though, i think with coalition forming highly highly likely, the Dems need Suthep's power and his old-boy connections to stand any chance with the horse-trading.

Of course PT party is also in a position whereby if it dropped certain individuals from its line up, it too would have much broader appeal. Again, not going to happen.

[animatic]

He said it was undemocratic for any political party to threaten violence if it fails to form a government despite winning more House seats than the other parties.

Abhisit said that in the general election of 1975, the Democrat Party won the highest number of seats but failed to gather enough support to form a coalition government. The party ended up in the opposition. "We did not encourage our supporters to take to the streets or create violence," he said.

He says such correct and calm things and promises things that are feasible to implement realistically.

How can that compete with 'pie in the sky' profoundly unrealistic promises, that tweak the heartstrings, but few clear and informed thinkers believe will be possible in reality... Reality takes a far rear seat to wishful thinking here.

Edited June 4, 2011 by animatic

[webfact]

we close the Bean chapter and return to the topic at hand...

thx

[caribbeanman]

He said it was undemocratic for any political party to threaten violence if it fails to form a government despite winning more House seats than the other parties.

Abhisit said that in the general election of 1975, the Democrat Party won the highest number of seats but failed to gather enough support to form a coalition government. The party ended up in the opposition. "We did not encourage our supporters to take to the streets or create violence," he said.

He says such correct and calm things and promises things that are feasible to implement realistically.

How can that compete with 'pie in the sky' profoundly unrealistic promises, that tweak the heartstrings, but few clear and informed thinkers believe will be possible in reality... Reality takes a far rear seat to wishful thinking here.

i think that the policies of the dems sound very realistic, but they should make some changes, like for example getting rid of Suthep, almost all the people that i know hate him, why i don't know but if they get rid of K Suthep they will look better.

[rixalex]

i think that the policies of the dems sound very realistic, but they should make some changes, like for example getting rid of Suthep, almost all the people that i know hate him, why i don't know but if they get rid of K Suthep they will look better.

Agreed but Suthep is a power-broker that can bring factions together, something the Dems are going to need. Without him they would get a few more votes i think, but still probably not enough for a majority, and then they would struggle to form a coalition.

[NALAK]

live in a country afraid of law or bullies and he has Suthep as his number 2 one of the biggest bullies going, were it not for the armys bullies he would not be the prime minsister anyway. still my monies on him remaining one way or another.

[jdinasia]

it's a fair assessment - Dems will probably form next government with 'help' - PT will get most single party seats and if I were them I'd be lobbying BJT. I have spoken to many Thai friends and many say the Dems would get increased vote if they dumped Suthep - especially from the DPM role - he is universally disliked apart from his own province.

Completely agree. If they dropped Suthep and for that matter, Kasit, they would be much more electable for a good proportion of the electorate. Sadly though, i think with coalition forming highly highly likely, the Dems need Suthep's power and his old-boy connections to stand any chance with the horse-trading.

Of course PT party is also in a position whereby if it dropped certain individuals from its line up, it too would have much broader appeal. Again, not going to happen.

Suthep is another Newin, Sanan, S'noh,Barnharn Thaksin etc ---- and for that matter no better and no worse than those others .... I'd like to see ALL of them gone

[animatic]

it's a fair assessment - Dems will probably form next government with 'help' - PT will get most single party seats and if I were them I'd be lobbying BJT. I have spoken to many Thai friends and many say the Dems would get increased vote if they dumped Suthep - especially from the DPM role - he is universally disliked apart from his own province.

Completely agree. If they dropped Suthep and for that matter, Kasit, they would be much more electable for a good proportion of the electorate. Sadly though, i think with coalition forming highly highly likely, the Dems need Suthep's power and his old-boy connections to stand any chance with the horse-trading.

Of course PT party is also in a position whereby if it dropped certain individuals from its line up, it too would have much broader appeal. Again, not going to happen.

Suthep is another Newin, Sanan, S'noh,Barnharn Thaksin etc ---- and for that matter no better and no worse than those others .... I'd like to see ALL of them gone

In the old school local puyai / powerbroker / godfather of an area mold, Suthep is typical, he plays hardball and IS good at making deals and getting things done, that's why he is there. Like Teddy Roosevelt said " Talk softly, but carry a big stick." Suthep is the big stick. In the rough and tumble of the still absurdist Thai politics, you can not expect a nice and diplomatic guy to have the necessary fists and rudeness, to get things done. Nor should the diplomate be expected to be other than the rational negotiating diplomate, not the infighter. Sutheps job has nothing to do with being liked, it's to make the deals and twist the arms, of those who DO NOT RESPECT anything less...and take the heat for it. He expects to not be liked, just feared and respected, which is the job at hand. Proper delegation of jobs to appropriate persons.

It would be preferable than this type was not needed, but only time and age will remove these dinos and replace them with those who have grown into a more modern world view thanks to their being raisied in the communications age. Till then we get those who can function, like them or their methods or not.

Edited June 4, 2011 by animatic

[jdinasia]

Ani ---

I agree --- It is hypocritical to whine about Suthep being with the Dems if you are not also whining about S'noh, etc ....

It is like the people that object to Newin's BJT being in the Dem coalition because Newin is banned ---- but didn't mind it when there was the "friends of Newin" faction in PPP (while Newin was still banned)

[yeeowww]

i would like to live in a country where people respect the law and condemn bullys

then you better move to america or europe

Ummm... exqueeze me but, which america and europe are you referring to? Obviously you've not lived in either or you'd know better than to say such things. I think Bush vs. Gore comes immediately to mind. There are countless other examples. The USA is one of the worst offenders, hence one of the reasons why so many now consider it their ex-country.

And so, regardless of who does "win" the majority, it doesn't mean that's what will be. It's all about who can pull the strings for whom... but I do hope the Dems win it. They're the closest thing to a real political party in this country. The fact that it would be even close shows the ignorance of epic proportion that exists here.

Edited June 4, 2011 by yeeowww

[Insight]

[The fact that it would be even close shows the ignorance of epic proportion that exists here.

Amen to that with many bells on.

[themockrat]

Ani ---

I agree --- It is hypocritical to whine about Suthep being with the Dems if you are not also whining about S'noh, etc ....

It is like the people that object to Newin's BJT being in the Dem coalition because Newin is banned ---- but didn't mind it when there was the "friends of Newin" faction in PPP (while Newin was still banned)

What's making me sick is reading people whine about Thaksin running Puea Thai when it's clear that Bhumjaithai is clearly ran by Newin. So how can a banned politician be part of a coalition government without the case ever going to the EC or the Constitution Court?

[caribbeanman]

i would like to live in a country where people respect the law and condemn bullys

then you better move to america or europe

Ummm... exqueeze me but, which america and europe are you referring to? Obviously you've not lived in either or you'd know better than to say such things. I think Bush vs. Gore comes immediately to mind. There are countless other examples. The USA is one of the worst offenders, hence one of the reasons why so many now consider it their ex-country.

And so, regardless of who does "win" the majority, it doesn't mean that's what will be. It's all about who can pull the strings for whom... but I do hope the Dems win it. They're the closest thing to a real political party in this country. The fact that it would be even close shows the ignorance of epic proportion that exists here.

it's funny when you most hear people like you(obviously with some special ability)...... i'm american(from Tampas) and i has been in Europe many times(spain,italy,netherland,germany, andorra etc) and i have lots of friends there, and i will not waste my time with you cuz since the moment in which you put america(us and canada) and europe( eu) at the same level that Thailand u r showin' ur level of understanding of our beautiful world. i just don't care who is gonne win cuz is more or less tha same(for me, a farang workin' here). you said the dems(accordin' to you) are the closest thin' to a political party here

can u explain to us(accordin' to u) what is a political party?

[Gerryasia]

i would like to live in a country where people respect the law and condemn bullys

then you better move to america or europe

THAT is the funniest thing I've heard all day.........

[pisico]

<br />

<br />Ani ---<br /><br />I agree --- It is hypocritical to whine about Suthep being with the Dems if you are not also whining about S'noh, etc ....<br /><br />It is like the people that object to Newin's BJT being in the Dem coalition because Newin is banned ---- but didn't mind it when there was the "friends of Newin" faction in PPP (while Newin was still banned) <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /><br />

<br /><br />What's making me sick is reading people whine about Thaksin running Puea Thai when it's clear that Bhumjaithai is clearly ran by Newin. So how can a banned politician be part of a coalition government without the case ever going to the EC or the Constitution Court?<br /><br /><img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/whistling.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /><br />

<br /><br /><br />

Indeed!!!

[pisico]

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />i would like to live in a country where people respect the law and condemn bullys<br />

<br />then you better move to america or europe <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='<img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />' /><br />

<br /><br />Ummm... exqueeze me but, which america and europe are you referring to? Obviously you've not lived in either or you'd know better than to say such things. I think Bush vs. Gore comes immediately to mind. There are countless other examples. The USA is one of the worst offenders, hence one of the reasons why so many now consider it their ex-country.<br /><br />And so, regardless of who does &quot;win&quot; the majority, it doesn't mean that's what will be. It's all about who can pull the strings for whom... but I do hope the Dems win it. They're the closest thing to a real political party in this country. The fact that it would be even close shows the ignorance of epic proportion that exists here.<br />

<br />it's funny when you most  hear people like you(obviously with some special ability)...... i'm american(from Tampas) and i has been in Europe many times(spain,italy,netherland,germany, andorra etc) and i have lots of friends there, and i will not waste my time with you cuz since the moment in which you put  america(us and canada) and europe( eu) at the same level that Thailand  u r showin' ur level of understanding of our beautiful world. i just don't care who is gonne win cuz  is more or less tha same(for me, a farang workin' here). you said the dems(accordin' to you) are the closest thin' to a political party here<br />can u explain to us(accordin' to u) what is a political party?<br />

<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Democracy: a system of government in which a majority (50% plus 1) is in power. Traditionally this majority overpowers and subjects the minority (49%) to their dictates.<br />Republic: a system of government in which the rights of the individual are protected and emphasized regardless of their political affiliations or proportion to the electorate.<br />In the USA there is not a Democracy determined by popular vote. The system of Electoral Votes (representing districts and constituents) is the one that decides who is the president in an election. <br />The Bush vs. Gore example is a false analogy since, even after manual count of thousands of ballots (the famous and ludicrous hanging chads) and a convoluted legal appeal following the manual count by Al Gore before the Supreme Court, the popular and electoral votes gave Bush the victory. Whether one is a liberal-democrat-progressive or a conservative-republican, the information contained herein is a historical fact, not opinion, belief or feeling. Edited June 5, 2011 by pisico

[AleG]

it's a fair assessment - Dems will probably form next government with 'help' - PT will get most single party seats and if I were them I'd be lobbying BJT. I have spoken to many Thai friends and many say the Dems would get increased vote if they dumped Suthep - especially from the DPM role - he is universally disliked apart from his own province.

BJT allying with PTP is not going to happen; lest we forget the BJT was the target of a failed bombing by Red Shirt members, I don't think they will forget and forgive that by sheer luck a massacre among them was prevented and who were behind the attempt.

PS. I'd like to post a link to the story, but TV seems to be broken at the moment...

[jdinasia]

In the USA there is not a Democracy determined by popular vote. The system of Electoral Votes (representing districts and constituents) is the one that decides who is the president in an election. <br />The Bush vs. Gore example is a false analogy since, even after manual count of thousands of ballots (the famous and ludicrous hanging chads) and a convoluted legal appeal following the manual count by Al Gore before the Supreme Court, the popular and electoral votes gave Bush the victory. Whether one is a liberal-democrat-progressive or a conservative-republican, the information contained herein is a historical fact, not opinion, belief or feeling.

Incorrect--- Bush won the electoral College #'s but lost the popular vote in 2000. Gore got about 500,000 more votes than Bush.

[jdinasia]

it's a fair assessment - Dems will probably form next government with 'help' - PT will get most single party seats and if I were them I'd be lobbying BJT. I have spoken to many Thai friends and many say the Dems would get increased vote if they dumped Suthep - especially from the DPM role - he is universally disliked apart from his own province.

BJT allying with PTP is not going to happen; lest we forget the BJT was the target of a failed bombing by Red Shirt members, I don't think they will forget and forgive that by sheer luck a massacre among them was prevented and who were behind the attempt.

PS. I'd like to post a link to the story, but TV seems to be broken at the moment...

BJT has stated publicly that the ONLY thing they want is to be in the next government and that they would side with PTP to achieve that .... PTP publicly rejected the offer. Of course, the only thing PTP wants is to form the next government, so that public rejection will be overlooked (in other words-- PTP lied) if they must have BJT to form the government they will most certainly accept them as a coalition party (imho).

[pisico]

In the USA there is not a Democracy determined by popular vote. The system of Electoral Votes (representing districts and constituents) is the one that decides who is the president in an election. <br />The Bush vs. Gore example is a false analogy since, even after manual count of thousands of ballots (the famous and ludicrous hanging chads) and a convoluted legal appeal following the manual count by Al Gore before the Supreme Court, the popular and electoral votes gave Bush the victory. Whether one is a liberal-democrat-progressive or a conservative-republican, the information contained herein is a historical fact, not opinion, belief or feeling.

Incorrect--- Bush won the electoral College #'s but lost the popular vote in 2000. Gore got about 500,000 more votes than Bush.

Prove it!

[whybother]

Incorrect--- Bush won the electoral College #'s but lost the popular vote in 2000. Gore got about 500,000 more votes than Bush.

Prove it!

http://en.wikipedia....ational_results

Presidential candidate 	Party 		Home state 	Popular vote 		Electoral vote
						Count 		Pct
George W. Bush 		Republican 	Texas 		50,456,002 	47.87% 		271
Al Gore 		Democratic 	Tennessee 	50,999,897 	48.38% 		266

Edited June 5, 2011 by whybother

[noahvail]

543,895

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0876793.html

[animatic]

In the USA there is not a Democracy determined by popular vote. The system of Electoral Votes (representing districts and constituents) is the one that decides who is the president in an election. <br />The Bush vs. Gore example is a false analogy since, even after manual count of thousands of ballots (the famous and ludicrous hanging chads) and a convoluted legal appeal following the manual count by Al Gore before the Supreme Court, the popular and electoral votes gave Bush the victory. Whether one is a liberal-democrat-progressive or a conservative-republican, the information contained herein is a historical fact, not opinion, belief or feeling.

Incorrect--- Bush won the electoral College #'s but lost the popular vote in 2000. Gore got about 500,000 more votes than Bush.

Prove it!

It is common knowledge, try a search on your own.

Just because you are not informed on the matter,

doesn't mean he needs to inform you.

Move on.

It is a parallel to the Thai rules where, first coalition to win the vote for 251 or more MPs forms the government. Not necessarily the one that won the most popular vote on it's own, but did NOT a 251 MP majority.

Tough luck you didn't get the majority of MP votes to form a government. Which IS what matters and would represent a MAJORITY COALITION,

that WOULD REPRESENT

a MAJORITY of VOTERS.

Edited June 5, 2011 by animatic