Thaksin Going For 'Psychological Impact': Abhisit

[webfact]

Thaksin going for 'psychological impact': Abhisit

By The Nation

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said a claim by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra that the Pheu Thai Party would win a clear majority in the July 3 election was intended to have a psychological impact.

Abhisit said Thaksin had said Pheu Thai would win 270-300 of the 500 seats in the House of Representatives to boost the spirits of Pheu Thai politicians and supporters and warn bureaucrats about their possible return to power.

"This is a psychological game," the prime minister said, adding that no public opinion polls supported Thaksin's claim.

Thaksin, who lives overseas to escape a prison sentence for conflict of interest, is believed to be pulling the strings behind Pheu Thai.

Abhisit said he did not regret dissolving the House to make way for an early election.

"I did not dissolve the House to win or lose the election," he said. "I just want the country to go forward and the political situation to ease. The upcoming election will benefit the country, but to what extent depends on how the people vote."

Meanwhile, Yingluck Shinawatra, who is Thaksin's sister and the Pheu Thai Party's prime-ministerial candidate, yesterday played down her brother's estimate that the party would win 270 House seats.

"There are two weeks left before voting day and I don't want to make any estimates," she said.

Yingluck also rejected Abhisit's allegation that Pheu Thai sent red shirts to protest during his recent campaign visits. She said those people acted on their own and followed their conscience.

-- The Nation 2011-06-17

[maewrocks]

Desperation & bitterness from Abhisit while Yingluck calmly goes about her business. This campaign has been run beautifully by Thaksin against the hapless Democrats.

[virtualtraveller]

Jekyll and Hyde: Thaksin and Nattawud shouting their mouths off with their usual bluster and BS, then Yingluck sounding conciliatory and poise, man these guys have reading the 'know to run a campaign' books.

Still, a rats a rat. Wolf in sheep's clothing...

Act like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it (that's Shakespeare btw Maewrocks just in case you ill informed lot were wondering)

[DocHolliday]

Desperation & bitterness from Abhisit while Yingluck calmly goes about her business. This campaign has been run beautifully by Thaksin against the hapless Democrats.

This campaign has been run beautifully by Thaksin

...finally you have admitted Yingluck is a puppet on a string. Good on ya

[samurai]

Desperation & bitterness from Abhisit while Yingluck calmly goes about her business. This campaign has been run beautifully by Thaksin against the hapless Democrats.

This campaign has been run beautifully by Thaksin

...finally you have admitted Yingluck is a puppet on a string. Good on ya

OMG. Thaksin is still involved in PT and in contact with his sister? I didn't knew that. When and how did you find that out?

[rubl]

Yingluck also rejected Abhisit's allegation that Pheu Thai sent red shirts to protest during his recent campaign visits. She said those people acted on their own and followed their conscience.

Red-shirts acting on their own? I would have thought the UDD leaders had better control over their flock. With so many UDD leaders PTP party list candidates maybe k. Natthawut should again tell them to refrain from protesting opponent's campaigns before the EC does

[geriatrickid]

C'mon now, give credit where it is due. Mme. Yingluck has run a solid campaign so far. No major gaffes, no panic, no running off at the mouth, no remarks in desparation. She's been able to hold it together and get her message out.

The Democrats have run a lacklustre campaign. The Abhisit adminstration has introduced some interesting ideas and it has tried to implement some policies to benefit the people. Yet, one wouldn't know about this aspect of the Abhisit administration because the Democrats have gone off message and been distracted by Mr. Thaksin. If Abhisit wants to keep some of the voters he needs to get back on message and stick with that message.

[animatic]

Desperation & bitterness from Abhisit while Yingluck calmly goes about her business. This campaign has been run beautifully by Thaksin against the hapless Democrats.

This campaign has been run beautifully by Thaksin

...finally you have admitted Yingluck is a puppet on a string. Good on ya

OMG. Thaksin is still involved in PT and in contact with his sister? I didn't knew that. When and how did you find that out?

And you pretend that is acceptable.

Forshame.

[rubl]

C'mon now, give credit where it is due. Mme. Yingluck has run a solid campaign so far. No major gaffes, no panic, no running off at the mouth, no remarks in desparation. She's been able to hold it together and get her message out.

The Democrats have run a lacklustre campaign. The Abhisit adminstration has introduced some interesting ideas and it has tried to implement some policies to benefit the people. Yet, one wouldn't know about this aspect of the Abhisit administration because the Democrats have gone off message and been distracted by Mr. Thaksin. If Abhisit wants to keep some of the voters he needs to get back on message and stick with that message.

Personally I think her brother and other advisors have run a solid campaign so far, perfectly orchestrated, must have cost some solid money

[geriatrickid]

C'mon now, give credit where it is due. Mme. Yingluck has run a solid campaign so far. No major gaffes, no panic, no running off at the mouth, no remarks in desparation. She's been able to hold it together and get her message out.

The Democrats have run a lacklustre campaign. The Abhisit adminstration has introduced some interesting ideas and it has tried to implement some policies to benefit the people. Yet, one wouldn't know about this aspect of the Abhisit administration because the Democrats have gone off message and been distracted by Mr. Thaksin. If Abhisit wants to keep some of the voters he needs to get back on message and stick with that message.

Personally I think her brother and other advisors have run a solid campaign so far, perfectly orchestrated, must have cost some solid money

Common sense, and a calm demeanor are a character trait. It is not a quality that can be purchased.

It's rather facile to dismiss the discipline Mme. Yingluck has shown as being the product of campaign donations. PM Abhisit benefits from the support of some very wealthy people that include some of the largest land owners and corporate bosses in Thailand. He too has had the benefit of money. Yet, he has not managed to stay on message and to focus. Mr. Abhisit is described as a man of intellect and superior education, while Mme. Yingluck has been dismissed as a dumb uneducated stooge. He should have been able to knock her off message and put her on the defensive. Instead she stayed cool while PM Abhisit is providing the public a display of worried despair.

Edited June 17, 2011 by geriatrickid

[rubl]

C'mon now, give credit where it is due. Mme. Yingluck has run a solid campaign so far. No major gaffes, no panic, no running off at the mouth, no remarks in desparation. She's been able to hold it together and get her message out.

The Democrats have run a lacklustre campaign. The Abhisit adminstration has introduced some interesting ideas and it has tried to implement some policies to benefit the people. Yet, one wouldn't know about this aspect of the Abhisit administration because the Democrats have gone off message and been distracted by Mr. Thaksin. If Abhisit wants to keep some of the voters he needs to get back on message and stick with that message.

Personally I think her brother and other advisors have run a solid campaign so far, perfectly orchestrated, must have cost some solid money

Common sense, and a calm demeanor are a character trait. It is not a quality that can be purchased.

It's rather facile to dismiss the discipline Mme. Yingluck has shown as being the product of campaign donations. PM Abhisit benefits from the support of some very wealthy people that include some of the largest land owners and corporate bosses in Thailand. He too has had the benefit of money. Yet, he has not managed to stay on message and to focus. Mr. Abhisit is described as a man of intellect and superior education, while Mme. Yingluck has been dismissed as a dumb uneducated stooge. He should have been able to knock her off message and put her on the defensive. Instead she stayed cool while PM Abhisit is providing the public a display of worried despair.

The discipline of Ms. Yingluck is hidden behind a very tight smile which seems to lack warmth at times. On the other hand the keepers of Sarah Palin may want to have a word with Ms. Yingluck's team, exchange notes on how to keep your candidate on track. Perfect orchestration. Only those other PTP busybodies should refrain from making contradictory remarks

K. Abhisit shows a bit too much of his western education in this Thai campaign, too much restrained. Mind you with a few protesters (clad in red shirts for some reason) where ever he campaigns it's difficult to keep smiling even for a politician

Edited June 17, 2011 by rubl

[maewrocks]

At least PT have the guts to name their de facto leader

[whybother]

At least PT have the guts to name their de facto leader

But Yingluck denies that she's a puppet. If she's not a puppet, then she must be the leader. So that would be a denial that Thaksin is their leader.

Edited June 17, 2011 by whybother

[AleG]

C'mon now, give credit where it is due. Mme. Yingluck has run a solid campaign so far. No major gaffes, no panic, no running off at the mouth, no remarks in desparation. She's been able to hold it together and get her message out.

The Democrats have run a lacklustre campaign. The Abhisit adminstration has introduced some interesting ideas and it has tried to implement some policies to benefit the people. Yet, one wouldn't know about this aspect of the Abhisit administration because the Democrats have gone off message and been distracted by Mr. Thaksin. If Abhisit wants to keep some of the voters he needs to get back on message and stick with that message.

Do you really believe Yingluck is running the campaign?

From what I read in an article about interviewing her she is tightly controlled by the PTP/Thaksin's PR handlers, what she can be asked on interviews and when the interview its over. It's a carefully orchestrated charade, nothing more.

Yingluck it's only a name and a face, there's nothing on her that says she is PM material.

[renaissanc]

I think that it is an obvious fact that Thai society desperately needs to undergo great social change. I feel that the kind of change we'll get from Thaksin / UDD / Red Shirts / etc. will just benefit Thaksin and his family dynasty. He will surely maintain the age-old patriarchic elements that will benefit him and solidify his dynasty while removing the anti-Thaksin old pillars of Thai society and their figure-heads, much to their anger. Then when his corruption becomes intolerable again, which it will, and/or when he becomes too much like a dictator, getting rid of him next time will result in so many more deaths. 90 or so dead may be a tiny number in comparison because Thaksin will mobilize huge numbers of people to fight the old pillars.

Thaksin isn't the right person to bring about the required and very much needed social changes gently. He does not want to return just to help his "brother and sister" Thais as he says. In my opinion, for what it's worth, by voting in Thaksin the Thais are opening Pandora's Box.Change will come through him, though, but it might not be as we would like it to happen.

Edited June 17, 2011 by renaissanc

[samurai]

Desperation & bitterness from Abhisit while Yingluck calmly goes about her business.

"We will play in accordance with the rules. We don't have a plan to block Yingluck [shinawatra]. Only Yingluck's associates want to block Prime Minister Abhisit," he said.

"We will win the election in the normal way," Suthep said.

[RogueExpat]

Simply put, Thaksin & Pheua Thai are trying to intimidate un-decideds to jump on the bandwagon.

It is a blatant breach of EC rules and the party should be disqualified before the election.

[anotheruser]

I don't know what is the best for Thailand and I don't really care, but Abhisit is coming off as desperate.

[samurai]

This campaign has been run beautifully by Thaksin

...finally you have admitted Yingluck is a puppet on a string. Good on ya

OMG. Thaksin is still involved in PT and in contact with his sister? I didn't knew that. When and how did you find that out?

And you pretend that is acceptable.

Forshame.

FYI. It is up to the electorate, the Thai people, to decide if it is acceptable or not.

Guess what they think?

[Phuket Stan]

I think that it is an obvious fact that Thai society desperately needs to undergo great social change. I feel that the kind of change we'll get from Thaksin / UDD / Red Shirts / etc. will just benefit Thaksin and his family dynasty. He will surely maintain the age-old patriarchic elements that will benefit him and solidify his dynasty while removing the anti-Thaksin old pillars of Thai society and their figure-heads, much to their anger. Then when his corruption becomes intolerable again, which it will, and/or when he becomes too much like a dictator, getting rid of him next time will result in so many more deaths. 90 or so dead may be a tiny number in comparison because Thaksin will mobilize huge numbers of people to fight the old pillars.

Thaksin isn't the right person to bring about the required and very much needed social changes gently. He does not want to return just to help his "brother and sister" Thais as he says. In my opinion, for what it's worth, by voting in Thaksin the Thais are opening Pandora's Box.Change will come through him, though, but it might not be as we would like it to happen.

The best post on this topic for weeks...just take a step back and u all will realise it is all so true...Change will come to Thailand and it will come sooner than a lot of people realise...but Thaksin and his clan are certainly not the the new Messiahs

[samurai]

Simply put, Thaksin & Pheua Thai are trying to intimidate un-decideds to jump on the bandwagon.

It is a blatant breach of EC rules and the party should be disqualified before the election.

What rules were broken here?

Thaksin going for 'psychological impact': Abhisit

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said a claim by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra that the Pheu Thai Party would win a clear majority in the July 3 election was intended to have a psychological impact.

Abhisit said Thaksin had said Pheu Thai would win 270-300 of the 500 seats in the House of Representatives to boost the spirits of Pheu Thai politicians and supporters and warn bureaucrats about their possible return to power.

"This is a psychological game," the prime minister said, adding that no public opinion polls supported Thaksin's claim.

Compared it with this claim:

Thai PM 'very optimistic' about winning election

JAKARTA, June 13, 2011 (AFP) - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said in Jakarta on Monday that he was "very optimistic" about winning next month's general election.

"We've had very good responses... and I think the Thai people want to move the country forward. They want to see stability and they want to see their problems addressed," he told a news conference at the World Economic Forum on East Asia in the Indonesian capital.

...

Isn't that a psychological game game too? Or already a mental case? Maybe soon someone must go for psychological help.

[JurgenG]

C'mon now, give credit where it is due. Mme. Yingluck has run a solid campaign so far. No major gaffes, no panic, no running off at the mouth, no remarks in desparation. She's been able to hold it together and get her message out.

The Democrats have run a lacklustre campaign. The Abhisit adminstration has introduced some interesting ideas and it has tried to implement some policies to benefit the people. Yet, one wouldn't know about this aspect of the Abhisit administration because the Democrats have gone off message and been distracted by Mr. Thaksin. If Abhisit wants to keep some of the voters he needs to get back on message and stick with that message.

The democrats never learned how to run a campaign. They have their captive electorate in Bangkok, then buy (literally speaking) the support of smaller factions to form a coalition.

Thaksin is the first, and so far the only one, to be able to unite a clear majority of voters, nation wide, around his name. One can argue that Thaksin is the first "modern" politician in Thailand and will probably remembered as the father of modern democracy in Thailand

[Who, me ?]

C'mon now, give credit where it is due. Mme. Yingluck has run a solid campaign so far. No major gaffes, no panic, no running off at the mouth, no remarks in desparation. She's been able to hold it together and get her message out.

The Democrats have run a lacklustre campaign. The Abhisit adminstration has introduced some interesting ideas and it has tried to implement some policies to benefit the people. Yet, one wouldn't know about this aspect of the Abhisit administration because the Democrats have gone off message and been distracted by Mr. Thaksin. If Abhisit wants to keep some of the voters he needs to get back on message and stick with that message.

The democrats never learned how to run a campaign. They have their captive electorate in Bangkok, then buy (literally speaking) the support of smaller factions to form a coalition.

Thaksin is the first, and so far the only one, to be able to unite a clear majority of voters, nation wide, around his name. One can argue that Thaksin is the first "modern" politician in Thailand and will probably remembered as the father of modern democracy in Thailand

the father of modern democracy in Thailand?? If the topic was not that serious, I would be laughing!

[Deez]

C'mon now, give credit where it is due. Mme. Yingluck has run a solid campaign so far. No major gaffes, no panic, no running off at the mouth, no remarks in desparation. She's been able to hold it together and get her message out.

The Democrats have run a lacklustre campaign. The Abhisit adminstration has introduced some interesting ideas and it has tried to implement some policies to benefit the people. Yet, one wouldn't know about this aspect of the Abhisit administration because the Democrats have gone off message and been distracted by Mr. Thaksin. If Abhisit wants to keep some of the voters he needs to get back on message and stick with that message.

Personally I think her brother and other advisors have run a solid campaign so far, perfectly orchestrated, must have cost some solid money

Common sense, and a calm demeanor are a character trait. It is not a quality that can be purchased.

It's rather facile to dismiss the discipline Mme. Yingluck has shown as being the product of campaign donations. PM Abhisit benefits from the support of some very wealthy people that include some of the largest land owners and corporate bosses in Thailand. He too has had the benefit of money. Yet, he has not managed to stay on message and to focus. Mr. Abhisit is described as a man of intellect and superior education, while Mme. Yingluck has been dismissed as a dumb uneducated stooge. He should have been able to knock her off message and put her on the defensive. Instead she stayed cool while PM Abhisit is providing the public a display of worried despair.

"

Yingluck has been dismissed as a dumb uneducated stooge"

She has a Masters degree in Business Admin. I doubt anyone considers her uneducated. Lacking experience yes, but unecucated, no way

[animatic]

C'mon now, give credit where it is due. Mme. Yingluck has run a solid campaign so far. No major gaffes, no panic, no running off at the mouth, no remarks in desparation. She's been able to hold it together and get her message out.

The Democrats have run a lacklustre campaign. The Abhisit adminstration has introduced some interesting ideas and it has tried to implement some policies to benefit the people. Yet, one wouldn't know about this aspect of the Abhisit administration because the Democrats have gone off message and been distracted by Mr. Thaksin. If Abhisit wants to keep some of the voters he needs to get back on message and stick with that message.

Personally I think her brother and other advisors have run a solid campaign so far, perfectly orchestrated, must have cost some solid money

Common sense, and a calm demeanor are a character trait. It is not a quality that can be purchased.

It's rather facile to dismiss the discipline Mme. Yingluck has shown as being the product of campaign donations. PM Abhisit benefits from the support of some very wealthy people that include some of the largest land owners and corporate bosses in Thailand. He too has had the benefit of money. Yet, he has not managed to stay on message and to focus. Mr. Abhisit is described as a man of intellect and superior education, while Mme. Yingluck has been dismissed as a dumb uneducated stooge. He should have been able to knock her off message and put her on the defensive. Instead she stayed cool while PM Abhisit is providing the public a display of worried despair.

"

Yingluck has been dismissed as a dumb uneducated stooge"

She has a Masters degree in Business Admin. I doubt anyone considers her uneducated. Lacking experience yes, but unecucated, no way

Though it's easy to wonder how she got that, even at a marginal USA Uni, with the marginal english language skills she has shown during the Reuters interview.... just saying, US unis expect solid language skills. I don't pretend to be an English Major, and some times write in the vernacular, but I do recognize poor English skills when I hear them.

Not stooge, but puppet for her brother.

Not dumb, but quite inexperienced.

Not silent, but her words are scripted by committee.

(most campaigns are scripted, but a candidate MUST be able to think on their feet too, off script.)

Educated, but at what level and skill sets in regards to the position she seeks?

Edited June 17, 2011 by animatic

[Chupup]

Be careful what you wish for .................you just might get it :jap:

[whybother]

The democrats never learned how to run a campaign. They have their captive electorate in Bangkok, then buy (literally speaking) the support of smaller factions to form a coalition.

Thaksin is the first, and so far the only one, to be able to unite a clear majority of voters, nation wide, around his name. One can argue that Thaksin is the first "modern" politician in Thailand and will probably remembered as the father of modern democracy in Thailand

You don't think Thaksin did any of his own buying of smaller parties? Particularly prior to the election that he got a majority.

[animatic]

C'mon now, give credit where it is due. Mme. Yingluck has run a solid campaign so far. No major gaffes, no panic, no running off at the mouth, no remarks in desparation. She's been able to hold it together and get her message out.

The Democrats have run a lacklustre campaign. The Abhisit adminstration has introduced some interesting ideas and it has tried to implement some policies to benefit the people. Yet, one wouldn't know about this aspect of the Abhisit administration because the Democrats have gone off message and been distracted by Mr. Thaksin. If Abhisit wants to keep some of the voters he needs to get back on message and stick with that message.

The democrats never learned how to run a campaign. They have their captive electorate in Bangkok, then buy (literally speaking) the support of smaller factions to form a coalition.

Thaksin is the first, and so far the only one, to be able to unite a clear majority of voters, nation wide, around his name. One can argue that Thaksin is the first "modern" politician in Thailand and will probably remembered as the father of modern democracy in Thailand

the father of modern democracy in Thailand?? If the topic was not that serious, I would be laughing!

Black humor to be sure.....

[gleeglee]

And what message would that be? not once have i heard her talk about any policy that she would introduce on behalf of her brother

C'mon now, give credit where it is due. Mme. Yingluck has run a solid campaign so far. No major gaffes, no panic, no running off at the mouth, no remarks in desparation. She's been able to hold it together and get her message out.

The Democrats have run a lacklustre campaign. The Abhisit adminstration has introduced some interesting ideas and it has tried to implement some policies to benefit the people. Yet, one wouldn't know about this aspect of the Abhisit administration because the Democrats have gone off message and been distracted by Mr. Thaksin. If Abhisit wants to keep some of the voters he needs to get back on message and stick with that message.

[ToffeEFCpower]

Pheu Thai Party = Sinn Fein

UDD = IRA