Thai Army Chief Brushes Aside Coup Rumor

[webfact]

Army Chief Brushes Aside Coup Rumor

The army chief has reassured that there will be no military coup regardless of which party leads in forming the new government.

Army chief General Prayut Chan-ocha has reassured that there will be no military coup after the July 3 election.

His statement came after a rumor that the army would stage a coup if Pheu Thai could not form the government even though the party won the majority votes in the Lower House.

Then the red-shirt group would hold a major protest to support Pheu Thai which would lead to a new round of military coup.

The army chief said it is a mere rumor as the military forces are responsible for protecting the country's sovereignty and helping those affected by the flooding in the North.

Prayut reaffirmed that the army will not interfere in politics regardless of which political party wins the poll and forms the next administration.

Asked about speculations that some Pheu Thai members have been trying to open negotiations with the army, Prayut said Pheu Thai has no need to discuss anything with the army as the army will have to take orders from the government, regardless of who forms the the administration.

Prayut added that he has ordered displinary action to be taken against any military official found involves in politics.

In a separate matter, the army chief confirmed there is no need to be concerned about the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border.

He urged the media not to speculate any information which may cause panic as the army will not invade any country and will emphasize negotiations.

However, troops are on stanby at the border should any clash takes place.

Further asked about Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's mudslinging on Thailand with foreign media, the army chief said no one can prevent him from talking as he is the leader of Cambodia.

-- Tan Network 2011-06-30

[whybother]

His statement came after a rumor that the army would stage a coup if Pheu Thai could not form the government even though the party won the majority votes in the Lower House.

Then the red-shirt group would hold a major protest to support Pheu Thai which would lead to a new round of military coup.

So someone is saying (again - it probably isn't Jatuporn this time) that if Pheu Thai can't form government, that the red shirts will protest. I find that completely believable, but there will be no need for a coup if that happens.

edit: actually, I think last time it was Nattawut that said that the red shirts would protest if Pheu Thai couldn't get enough support to form government.

Edited June 30, 2011 by whybother

[DNPBC0]

There was no coup after the last election in 2008 - the army achieved its aims by interfering in the formation of coalitions which ensured a Democrat government. Without an overall majority win, PT will be in exactly the same vulnerable position.

[noahvail]

There was no coup after the last election in 2008 - the army achieved its aims by interfering in the formation of coalitions which ensured a Democrat government. Without an overall majority win, PT will be in exactly the same vulnerable position.

I've read a couple of other people making similar statements, but without proof. Could YOU be the one to offer some proof of this?

[Thailand]

http://www.enotes.com/shakespeare-quotes/lady-doth-protest-too-much-methinks

[lungmi]

There will be no coup.

The Big Business Companies (PTP, Dem and others) with their background of BIG Money and Banks associated will stop Thaksin and his associated.

[kerm99]

There was no coup after the last election in 2008 - the army achieved its aims by interfering in the formation of coalitions which ensured a Democrat government. Without an overall majority win, PT will be in exactly the same vulnerable position.

I've read a couple of other people making similar statements, but without proof. Could YOU be the one to offer some proof of this?

Here we go again.

There is no proof of anything. But if you look at what happens, it is clear that the rise to power of the Democrats was engineer by the invisible hand (sarcasm).

By the way, this opinion does not mean I am a red/Taksin lover. It is simply a view of what happen. Stop being blind by your political affiliations. the statement be DNPBCO is bang on. History will repeat itself.

Cheers,

[noahvail]

There was no coup after the last election in 2008 - the army achieved its aims by interfering in the formation of coalitions which ensured a Democrat government. Without an overall majority win, PT will be in exactly the same vulnerable position.

I've read a couple of other people making similar statements, but without proof. Could YOU be the one to offer some proof of this?

Here we go again.

There is no proof of anything. But if you look at what happens, it is clear that the rise to power of the Democrats was engineer by the invisible hand (sarcasm).

By the way, this opinion does not mean I am a red/Taksin lover. It is simply a view of what happen. Stop being blind by your political affiliations. the statement be DNPBCO is bang on. History will repeat itself.

Cheers,

"There is no proof of anything." Yes, that certainly seems to be the case. The rest of your statements are at best platitudes.

The army performed the coup d'etat after K. Thaksin overstayed his time as caretaker PM. The next two PMs were Thaksin proxies. After them, K. Abhisit was elected to the position as per the Thai constitution, just as his two predecessors had been. I haven't seen anything that shows the army "engineered" K. Abhisit into the PM slot.

I respect that you are not taking sides. I'm not blinded by any affiliations, either - but I'd like someone to back up those statements. So far, no one has...and if I read you correctly, no one can. So, in the absence of proof, I rationally choose to reject those statements.

[kerm99]

Fair enough comments. Let's agree to disagree.

While I can respect your view, you should accord me the same respect and not call my view platitudes. I'm sure you would have a hard time saying this to my face.

Cheers,

There was no coup after the last election in 2008 - the army achieved its aims by interfering in the formation of coalitions which ensured a Democrat government. Without an overall majority win, PT will be in exactly the same vulnerable position.

I've read a couple of other people making similar statements, but without proof. Could YOU be the one to offer some proof of this?

Here we go again.

There is no proof of anything. But if you look at what happens, it is clear that the rise to power of the Democrats was engineer by the invisible hand (sarcasm).

By the way, this opinion does not mean I am a red/Taksin lover. It is simply a view of what happen. Stop being blind by your political affiliations. the statement be DNPBCO is bang on. History will repeat itself.

Cheers,

"There is no proof of anything." Yes, that certainly seems to be the case. The rest of your statements are at best platitudes.

The army performed the coup d'etat after K. Thaksin overstayed his time as caretaker PM. The next two PMs were Thaksin proxies. After them, K. Abhisit was elected to the position as per the Thai constitution, just as his two predecessors had been. I haven't seen anything that shows the army "engineered" K. Abhisit into the PM slot.

I respect that you are not taking sides. I'm not blinded by any affiliations, either - but I'd like someone to back up those statements. So far, no one has...and if I read you correctly, no one can. So, in the absence of proof, I rationally choose to reject those statements.

[Roadman]

There was no coup after the last election in 2008 - the army achieved its aims by interfering in the formation of coalitions which ensured a Democrat government. Without an overall majority win, PT will be in exactly the same vulnerable position.

I've read a couple of other people making similar statements, but without proof. Could YOU be the one to offer some proof of this?

Here we go again.

There is no proof of anything. But if you look at what happens, it is clear that the rise to power of the Democrats was engineer by the invisible hand (sarcasm).

By the way, this opinion does not mean I am a red/Taksin lover. It is simply a view of what happen. Stop being blind by your political affiliations. the statement be DNPBCO is bang on. History will repeat itself.

Cheers,

"There is no proof of anything." Yes, that certainly seems to be the case. The rest of your statements are at best platitudes.

The army performed the coup d'etat after K. Thaksin overstayed his time as caretaker PM. The next two PMs were Thaksin proxies. After them, K. Abhisit was elected to the position as per the Thai constitution, just as his two predecessors had been. I haven't seen anything that shows the army "engineered" K. Abhisit into the PM slot.

I respect that you are not taking sides. I'm not blinded by any affiliations, either - but I'd like someone to back up those statements. So far, no one has...and if I read you correctly, no one can. So, in the absence of proof, I rationally choose to reject those statements.

Seconded.

The Army during this millineum are making it very clear (dispite what poor excuse for a political party is governing) that if governance is to an acceptable democratic constitution, then they will keep their noses out.

[MrChangers]

Army chief General Prayut Chan-ocha has reassured that there will be no military coup after the July 3 election.

A man you can trust with your wallet......... When statements like this are made before the election, or the result beware. Bob Mugabe said the same in Zimbabwe and we have a rough idea how that went boys and girls. You think the Thai army is not going to interfere? Think again.

[rubl]

Army chief General Prayut Chan-ocha has reassured that there will be no military coup after the July 3 election.

A man you can trust with your wallet......... When statements like this are made before the election, or the result beware. Bob Mugabe said the same in Zimbabwe and we have a rough idea how that went boys and girls. You think the Thai army is not going to interfere? Think again.

True, true, when will the army and Gen. Prayut in particular just say that this day, that time we'll stage a coup. It would be so much easier for all conspiracy theorists who now have to come up with new theories almost every day. Definitively consumer unfriendly; no social feeling, the public is entitled to know the correct day and time of coups, even if the coming one isn't planned yet. Make up your mind, pick a date and tell us

[Roadman]

Army chief General Prayut Chan-ocha has reassured that there will be no military coup after the July 3 election.

A man you can trust with your wallet......... When statements like this are made before the election, or the result beware. Bob Mugabe said the same in Zimbabwe and we have a rough idea how that went boys and girls. You think the Thai army is not going to interfere? Think again.

He is correct in saying there will be no coup after this weekends election. He knows there is a constitution in place that is acceptable, so no coup is needed in regard to who ever governs next, and that is what the current time "item" in Thailand is all about...the next few months as a party is elected and commences governance.

The committement to Pheu Thai to the current constitution then becomes a seperate "item" in time and yes a coup is back on the table as it should be. The only way to keep thieves and murderers in line until they conform is at the point of a gun.

[MrChangers]

Army chief General Prayut Chan-ocha has reassured that there will be no military coup after the July 3 election.

A man you can trust with your wallet......... When statements like this are made before the election, or the result beware. Bob Mugabe said the same in Zimbabwe and we have a rough idea how that went boys and girls. You think the Thai army is not going to interfere? Think again.

True, true, when will the army and Gen. Prayut in particular just say that this day, that time we'll stage a coup. It would be so much easier for all conspiracy theorists who now have to come up with new theories almost every day. Definitively consumer unfriendly; no social feeling, the public is entitled to know the correct day and time of coups, even if the coming one isn't planned yet. Make up your mind, pick a date and tell us

so you think it will not happen?

[rubl]

Army chief General Prayut Chan-ocha has reassured that there will be no military coup after the July 3 election.

A man you can trust with your wallet......... When statements like this are made before the election, or the result beware. Bob Mugabe said the same in Zimbabwe and we have a rough idea how that went boys and girls. You think the Thai army is not going to interfere? Think again.

True, true, when will the army and Gen. Prayut in particular just say that this day, that time we'll stage a coup. It would be so much easier for all conspiracy theorists who now have to come up with new theories almost every day. Definitively consumer unfriendly; no social feeling, the public is entitled to know the correct day and time of coups, even if the coming one isn't planned yet. Make up your mind, pick a date and tell us

so you think it will not happen?

Gen. Prayut said so. I'm inclined to believe there will be no coup for now. Mind you if PTP starts and follows on what the late k. Samak and k. Somchai governments were trying 'first: bring back Thaksin', ignoring the country, it's economical and social issues, I fear a coup is not impossible.

[MrChangers]

Army chief General Prayut Chan-ocha has reassured that there will be no military coup after the July 3 election.

A man you can trust with your wallet......... When statements like this are made before the election, or the result beware. Bob Mugabe said the same in Zimbabwe and we have a rough idea how that went boys and girls. You think the Thai army is not going to interfere? Think again.

True, true, when will the army and Gen. Prayut in particular just say that this day, that time we'll stage a coup. It would be so much easier for all conspiracy theorists who now have to come up with new theories almost every day. Definitively consumer unfriendly; no social feeling, the public is entitled to know the correct day and time of coups, even if the coming one isn't planned yet. Make up your mind, pick a date and tell us

so you think it will not happen?

Gen. Prayut said so. I'm inclined to believe there will be no coup for now. Mind you if PTP starts and follows on what the late k. Samak and k. Somchai governments were trying 'first: bring back Thaksin', ignoring the country, it's economical and social issues, I fear a coup is not impossible.

Well I await your replies in a month or two

[rubl]

so you think it will not happen?

Gen. Prayut said so. I'm inclined to believe there will be no coup for now. Mind you if PTP starts and follows on what the late k. Samak and k. Somchai governments were trying 'first: bring back Thaksin', ignoring the country, it's economical and social issues, I fear a coup is not impossible.

Well I await your replies in a month or two

I just bookmarked your post. We'll get together again in a month or two.

Stay cool and keep smiling.

[eezergood]

I can hear the song now - Sunday bloody sunday.....

[wolfmanjack]

There was no coup after the last election in 2008 - the army achieved its aims by interfering in the formation of coalitions which ensured a Democrat government. Without an overall majority win, PT will be in exactly the same vulnerable position.

I've read a couple of other people making similar statements, but without proof. Could YOU be the one to offer some proof of this?

Here we go again.

There is no proof of anything. But if you look at what happens, it is clear that the rise to power of the Democrats was engineer by the invisible hand (sarcasm).

By the way, this opinion does not mean I am a red/Taksin lover. It is simply a view of what happen. Stop being blind by your political affiliations. the statement be DNPBCO is bang on. History will repeat itself.

Cheers,

"There is no proof of anything." Yes, that certainly seems to be the case. The rest of your statements are at best platitudes.

The army performed the coup d'etat after K. Thaksin overstayed his time as caretaker PM. The next two PMs were Thaksin proxies. After them, K. Abhisit was elected to the position as per the Thai constitution, just as his two predecessors had been. I haven't seen anything that shows the army "engineered" K. Abhisit into the PM slot.

I respect that you are not taking sides. I'm not blinded by any affiliations, either - but I'd like someone to back up those statements. So far, no one has...and if I read you correctly, no one can. So, in the absence of proof, I rationally choose to reject those statements.

Wasn't the bickering between thaksin and newin which caused newins mp's to side with the dems the reason the dems formed the government?

[unanimosity]

Army chief General Prayut Chan-ocha has reassured that there will be no military coup after the July 3 election.

A man you can trust with your wallet......... When statements like this are made before the election, or the result beware. Bob Mugabe said the same in Zimbabwe and we have a rough idea how that went boys and girls. You think the Thai army is not going to interfere? Think again.

Could this be a highly politicized statement despite any military official being involved in politicking facing disciplinary action? What better way to get out the vote from the Dem/Pad/elite base than to promise that if they don't do their part on 3 July their fate is sealed, the military will not bail them out.

Edited July 1, 2011 by unanimosity

[arrowsdawdle]

It may be prudent to dispel the rumor and when PT is in power lay the list of "needs" and concomitant budget required on the PT table and hand YL a pen to approve new blimps, subs, bomb detectors, et. al.

After the budget is in place............. .

[relidiousenut]

Army chief General Prayut Chan-ocha has reassured that there will be no military coup after the July 3 election.

A man you can trust with your wallet......... When statements like this are made before the election, or the result beware. Bob Mugabe said the same in Zimbabwe and we have a rough idea how that went boys and girls. You think the Thai army is not going to interfere? Think again.

He is correct in saying there will be no coup after this weekends election. He knows there is a constitution in place that is acceptable, so no coup is needed in regard to who ever governs next, and that is what the current time "item" in Thailand is all about...the next few months as a party is elected and commences governance.

The committement to Pheu Thai to the current constitution then becomes a seperate "item" in time and yes a coup is back on the table as it should be. The only way to keep thieves and murderers in line until they conform is at the point of a gun.

It's a joke right? your joking yes? (quote) The only way to keep thieves and murderers in line until they conform is at the point of a gun.

Good idea to have a Military coup in the USA then, the prisons are full of all such vagabonds. Imagine tanks and military walking around New York Vagas, San Francisco, the whole dam_n place

[Thai at Heart]

"There is no proof of anything." Yes, that certainly seems to be the case. The rest of your statements are at best platitudes.

The army performed the coup d'etat after K. Thaksin overstayed his time as caretaker PM. The next two PMs were Thaksin proxies. After them, K. Abhisit was elected to the position as per the Thai constitution, just as his two predecessors had been. I haven't seen anything that shows the army "engineered" K. Abhisit into the PM slot.

I respect that you are not taking sides. I'm not blinded by any affiliations, either - but I'd like someone to back up those statements. So far, no one has...and if I read you correctly, no one can. So, in the absence of proof, I rationally choose to reject those statements.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/Democrat-govt-a-shotgun-wedding--30090626.html

On the evening of December 5, Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban and MP Niphon Promphan met with key leaders of former coalition parties. The leaders included Sanan Kachornprasart and Somsak Prissanananthakul from the disbanded Chart Thai party, Pradit Pattaraprasit and Suwat Liptapanlop from the Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana Party, Pinij Jarusombat and Preecha Laohapongchana from the Puea Pandin Party, Newin Chidchob and the now defunct People Power Party's Sora-at Klinprathum.

In the initial stages of this meeting, the Democrats promised that the three parties and Newin's faction would be given the same ministerial quota they had under the previous government.

However, the decision-making had to be hastened when the ex-wife of fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, Pojaman Damapong, suddenly jetted in to Bangkok later that night.

The Democrats called for a press conference at 5pm the very next day.

But before they met the press, key Democrat leaders namely Suthep and Niphon, along with their supporters namely Pradit, Somsak, Suchat Tanchareon from Puea Pandin, Somsak Thepsuthin from the disbanded Matchima Thipataya, and some MPs from Newin's group met Army Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda at his residence. The only parties not invited were Pheu Thai and Pracharaj.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democrat_Party_(Thailand)

General Anupong Paochinda, coerced former PPP MPs, mainly those of the Friends of Newin Group, to endorse a Democrat Party-led coalition, which would secure enough parliamentary votes to allow Abhisit to be elected Prime Minister. These MPs, along with MPs of 4 other former PPP-coalition parties, crossed the aisle to endorse a Democrat-led coalition government

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/JL16Ae01.html

Abhisit's rise also comes under the cloud of allegations that the military played a hidden role in building a new ruling coalition. Several coalition party executives were reported to have held private meetings with army commander General Anupong Paochinda in the lead-up to Monday's vote. Anupong told the local press that he had "advised" politicians how to solve the country's grinding conflict, but did not overtly interfere in the political process.

I don't subscribe to the idea that if enough people say something it must be true, but, in a situation where you are going to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the army got involved, denying it because no one snapped a photo from the meeting itself is hardly a reasonable defence. Fair enough if they did do it, it is legal under the constitution, but to deny that the army was in any way involved is to be in complete denial. Strewth, it is even discussed openly in the Nation.

Edited July 1, 2011 by Thai at Heart

[animatic]

'DNPBC0' timestamp='1309431992' post='4523724'

There was no coup after the last election in 2008 - the army achieved its aims by interfering in the formation of coalitions which ensured a Democrat government. Without an overall majority win, PT will be in exactly the same vulnerable position.

I've read a couple of other people making similar statements, but without proof. Could YOU be the one to offer some proof of this?

Here we go again.

There is no proof of anything. But if you look at what happens, it is clear that the rise to power of the Democrats was engineer by the invisible hand (sarcasm).

By the way, this opinion does not mean I am a red/Taksin lover. It is simply a view of what happen. Stop being blind by your political affiliations. the statement be DNPBCO is bang on. History will repeat itself.

Cheers,

"There is no proof of anything." Yes, that certainly seems to be the case. The rest of your statements are at best platitudes.

The army performed the coup d'etat after K. Thaksin overstayed his time as caretaker PM. The next two PMs were Thaksin proxies. After them, K. Abhisit was elected to the position as per the Thai constitution, just as his two predecessors had been. I haven't seen anything that shows the army "engineered" K. Abhisit into the PM slot.

I respect that you are not taking sides. I'm not blinded by any affiliations, either - but I'd like someone to back up those statements. So far, no one has...and if I read you correctly, no one can. So, in the absence of proof, I rationally choose to reject those statements.

Wasn't the bickering between thaksin and newin which caused newins mp's to side with the dems the reason the dems formed the government?

More specifically it was the meeting in Hong Kong where Thaksin and Potjamin announced their divorce, because she had had enough of politics,and didn't want to lose ALL her holdings to back Thaksins power plays. She wasn't completely uninvolved, but the old days of her twisting arms was significantly back burnered. Aside bar to this drastic announcement was that Thaksin ALSO dissed Newin big time and favored Chalerm instead, causing Newin to lose face, and so he returned home and looked for a better deal for his voting block. Eventually this was offered and he grabbed it up.

It took no arm twisting to get him to leave Thaksin's 3rd string party for the Dems. Contrary to the PPP / Red SHirts whining he was long before looking to go.

Of course the Dems invited everyone BUT PTP to join, and got a few, but the main swing vote was Newins group. No doubt the army did let it's feelings be known, but the general direction was set anyway. Sideline Thaksins political machine to move the country forward.

It took awhile, but Newin knew Thaksin was gonna screw him if he needed to, so he screwed Thaksin first. A pretty good move on his part, since his stock has gone way up. Thaksin has no loyalty while demanding total loyalty and obedience in the kow tow feudal way, but that doesn't always work. He was an arrgogant autocrat with Newin, and it came back to bie him in the political ass. Som nom na!

Edited July 1, 2011 by animatic

[Thai at Heart]

More specifically it was the meeting in Hong Kong where Thaksin and Potjamin announced their divorce, because she had had enough of politics,and didn't want to lose ALL her holdings to back TRhaksins power plays. Aside bar to this drastic announcement was that Thaksin ALSO dissed Newin big time and favored Chalerm instead, causing Newin to lose face, and so he returned home and looked for a better deal for his voting block. Eventually this was offered and he grabbed it up.

It took no arm twisting to get him to leave Thaksin's 3rd string party for the Dems.

Contrary to the PPP / Red SHirts whining he was long before looking to go.

It took awhile, but Newin knew Thaksin was gonna screw him if he needed to, so he screwed Thaksin first. A pretty good move on his part, since his stock has gone way up. Thaksin has no loyalty while demanding total loyalty and obedience in the kow tow feudal way, but that doesn't always work. He was an arrgogant autocrat with Newin, and it came back to bie him in the political ass. Som nom na!

All very true, he wasn't getting what he wanted from Thaksin. However, do you think that Abhisit would have taken him into the coalition on the terms that he got, without a little bit of cajoling from the army? Newin and the Dems. Hardly a marriage made in heaven I would suggest.

[animatic]

More specifically it was the meeting in Hong Kong where Thaksin and Potjamin announced their divorce, because she had had enough of politics,and didn't want to lose ALL her holdings to back TRhaksins power plays. Aside bar to this drastic announcement was that Thaksin ALSO dissed Newin big time and favored Chalerm instead, causing Newin to lose face, and so he returned home and looked for a better deal for his voting block. Eventually this was offered and he grabbed it up.

It took no arm twisting to get him to leave Thaksin's 3rd string party for the Dems.

Contrary to the PPP / Red SHirts whining he was long before looking to go.

It took awhile, but Newin knew Thaksin was gonna screw him if he needed to, so he screwed Thaksin first. A pretty good move on his part, since his stock has gone way up. Thaksin has no loyalty while demanding total loyalty and obedience in the kow tow feudal way, but that doesn't always work. He was an arrgogant autocrat with Newin, and it came back to bie him in the political ass. Som nom na!

All very true, he wasn't getting what he wanted from Thaksin. However, do you think that Abhisit would have taken him into the coalition on the terms that he got, without a little bit of cajoling from the army? Newin and the Dems. Hardly a marriage made in heaven I would suggest.

I agree with you there. But I think Abhisit needed Korn in control of fincance immediately to stave off the world economic crash, and that seemed more important than needing to keep Newin in line down the line. I have to agree with that too. PPP had utterly dropped the ball watching the international financial picture. Abhisit had 20+ years in Thai politics; a win is a win even if it is from a sacrifice bunt and not a grand slam.

Edited July 1, 2011 by animatic

[Thai at Heart]

More specifically it was the meeting in Hong Kong where Thaksin and Potjamin announced their divorce, because she had had enough of politics,and didn't want to lose ALL her holdings to back TRhaksins power plays. Aside bar to this drastic announcement was that Thaksin ALSO dissed Newin big time and favored Chalerm instead, causing Newin to lose face, and so he returned home and looked for a better deal for his voting block. Eventually this was offered and he grabbed it up.

It took no arm twisting to get him to leave Thaksin's 3rd string party for the Dems.

Contrary to the PPP / Red SHirts whining he was long before looking to go.

It took awhile, but Newin knew Thaksin was gonna screw him if he needed to, so he screwed Thaksin first. A pretty good move on his part, since his stock has gone way up. Thaksin has no loyalty while demanding total loyalty and obedience in the kow tow feudal way, but that doesn't always work. He was an arrgogant autocrat with Newin, and it came back to bie him in the political ass. Som nom na!

All very true, he wasn't getting what he wanted from Thaksin. However, do you think that Abhisit would have taken him into the coalition on the terms that he got, without a little bit of cajoling from the army? Newin and the Dems. Hardly a marriage made in heaven I would suggest.

I agree with you there. But I think Abhisit needed Korn in control of fincance immediately to stave off the world economic crash, and that seemed more important than needing to keep Newin in line down the line. I have to agree with that too. PPP had utterly dropped the ball watching the international financial picture. Abhisit had 20+ years in Thai politics; a win is a win even if it is from a sacrifice bunt and not a grand slam.

True, Korn has done a pretty good job. However, Thailand was largely unexposed to the credit default swaps, since the Banks here have basically decided to make their money by charging 20 baht to move your money around the country, and have a 3% margin of interest. It is obvious to me that the coalition was cobbled together with the approval of the army. It doesn't really matter how it was done, since it is legal under the constitution, but to deny that the army is involved in politics in Thailand goes against all the history.

What is a shame, is that the Dems have been so utterly usless at clearly articulating their ideas to the population. They really are a weird combination of two quite talented young guys Korn and Abhisit, with some regional overlords in Suthep for example, and an aging bloke with some respect, Chuan. If they could find a way to get some more youth into the mix and get away from the older generation of the party who aren't exactly spotless themselves, they really could differrentiate themselves from the rest. Unfortunately, even Mother Teresa would struggle to sell the idea that the party is going to stop corruption and modernise the country when they have someone like Suthep in their ranks.

I really can't see any other outcome than a coup within the next 6 months, maybe earlier, if the PTP don't get to be in government, it could come next week, should the reds start burning stuff.

[jayboy]

I agree with you there. But I think Abhisit needed Korn in control of fincance immediately to stave off the world economic crash, and that seemed more important than needing to keep Newin in line down the line. I have to agree with that too. PPP had utterly dropped the ball watching the international financial picture. Abhisit had 20+ years in Thai politics; a win is a win even if it is from a sacrifice bunt and not a grand slam.

A complete misreading of the Thai position in relation to the last financial crisis, specifically because after the 1997 crisis steps were taken to improve the capitalisation, governance and lending of the Thai banks.No Thai banks were exposed to the US housing market, dodgy deriviatives and frankly the sheer greed that was the downfall of Western banks, and the trigger for the crisis.Asia including Thailand was and remains in a strong position.As a point of detail it is inaccurate to blame any Thai government since 1997 for economic mismanagement.All have performed quite well and though Korn has a good record, no knowledgeable person would suggest PPP dropped the ball in relation to the international financial picture.It's not only silly and politically motivated, but betrays a lack of understanding how the Ministry of Finance and Bank of Thailand provide solid continuity and competence whatever government is in power.

It's typical of how much of the talk before the election is based on misrepresentation and partisan rehashing of events.

Occasionally one comes across an intelligent analysis of the deep deep changes in Thai society which are actually more significant than the electioneering squabbling of all sides, which will seem very dated in a few months time.The New York Times article below is a good example.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/01/world/asia/01thailand.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&src=tptw

[LindsayBKK]

Please can we wait till next week, Army chief General Prayut Chan-ocha needs to know the results before making a decision.

But if I was Yingluck I would be afraid, be very afraid.

Anand Panyarachun (ex Prime Minister of Thailand) was asked on BBC Hard Talk if the Military would stage another coup if Pheu Thai won.

He said "he didn't think so".

Edited July 1, 2011 by LindsayBKK

[jayboy]

Anand Panyarachun (ex Prime Minister of Thailand) was asked on BBC Hard Talk if the Military would stage another coup if Pheu Thai won.

He said "he didn't think so".

True, but in answering the question twice by Hardtalk's Stephen Sackur, he said he was "hopeful" the army wouldn't and was "confident" the army wouldn't.Well which is it asked Sackur, "confident" and "hopeful" have different meanings.Clearly Anand was not used to being asked difficult questions by reporters and put on a generally lacklustre performance,far outshone by Abhisit and Sulak who were also interviewed in the BBC Hardtalk series.Disappointing because in some ways Anand is a great man and has long been one of my heroes.He also tried to be patronising and dismissive of Sackur's understanding of Thailand's uniqueness, always an indicator of a Thai being on the losing side of an argument.It doesn't really work when dealing with a well briefed and highly intelligent journalist like Sackur.And yet one can't help liking and admiring Anand.His heart is in the right place: I know for a fact that when the BBC's Jonathan Head was being persecuted by military cheerleaders Anand was one of the very few prominent Thais who defended him openly.