Mob Rule Disguised As Democracy; Thai Opinion

[webfact]

Mob Rule Disguised as Democracy

The Pheu Thai Party won a landslide victory in the July 3 election and is currently forming the new government. This is an undeniable democratic way of the majority rule. However in a true democracy, the minority’s voice must also be heard. Also winning at the poll does not mean that the Pheu Thai Party is entitled to do whatever it pleases without any regard to what’s right or wrong.

Moreover, as the Pheu Thai is set to lead the new coalition to govern the country, its association with the red shirt movement, especially during the last year’s political unrest and the disruption of the ASEAN Summit in Pattaya in 2009 which has tarnished the country’s image, is being questioned by the public.

The link between the Pheu Thai Party and the red shirt movement has become more apparent when many of the red shirt leaders appeared as the Pheu Thai candidates in the recent election. Many of them have also been charged with terrorism.

Despite the election result and Pheu Thai Party’s attempt to set up the government, the red shirt group remains active and has continued to organize activities. The group is acting as if it has taken on the role of a security guard for the new government. Besides, it has been pressure many independent organizations and agencies to bend to their demands.

The red shirts have even audaciously announced that the country is now in their hands and openly declared war against the “aristocracy.”

What the Pheu Thai Party and the red shirt group have done is no different from a mob rule disguised as democracy. While one is in Parliament, another is intimidating and harassing its political opponents on the streets.

Therefore if the Pheu Thai Party is truly aiming to promote democracy as it has always claimed, it must clearly distinguish itself from the red shirt group. Otherwise this will be nothing more than oligarchy masquerading as democracy.

Taken from Editorial Section, Naewna Newspaper, Page 3, July 28, 2011

Translated and Rewritten by Kongkrai Maksrivorawan

Please note that the views expressed in our "Analysis" segment are translated from local newspaper articles and do not reflect the views of the Thai-ASEAN News Network.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-29

[ginjag]

The election result is the result people must move on, but how it was achieved is another story.

How on earth can you get rid of rotten apples from a large barrel?? While there are outside influences, and mob control =impossible.

In my estimation all this is NOT going to work, as the reds cannot be separated from the in coming government, if that did happen then the government would have to go, as they would have little support to keep control. The MINORITY of Thai people voted them in, not a landslide. Good luck to most of the corrupt thugs in control.

[scorecard]

The election result is the result people must move on, but how it was achieved is another story.

How on earth can you get rid of rotten apples from a large barrel?? While there are outside influences, and mob control =impossible.

In my estimation all this is NOT going to work, as the reds cannot be separated from the in coming government, if that did happen then the government would have to go, as they would have little support to keep control. The MINORITY of Thai people voted them in, not a landslide. Good luck to most of the corrupt thugs in control.

Agree.

It won't take long for this to turn into the mother of all pretty nasty chaos. No matter which way yingluck turns there will be serious obstacles many of which will bite her and thailand severely.

[Colin Yai]

The election result is the result people must move on, but how it was achieved is another story.

How on earth can you get rid of rotten apples from a large barrel?? While there are outside influences, and mob control =impossible.

In my estimation all this is NOT going to work, as the reds cannot be separated from the in coming government, if that did happen then the government would have to go, as they would have little support to keep control. The MINORITY of Thai people voted them in, not a landslide. Good luck to most of the corrupt thugs in control.

I agree with everything you Write apart from the "good luck" thing,LOL. Edited July 29, 2011 by Colin Yai

[hammered]

Mmmm actually elected governments with a majority can do what they want as long as they do it through the constitutional system and not illegally. The PTP have a very clear policy platform and a fairly clear line on reconciliation. Whether I or anyone else likes it or not is utterly irrelevant. They have been backed by the Thai people to carry those unhidden things out. If the PTP does not satisfy the people or enacts reconciliation in a way the people don't want they can vote them out at the next election or use their democratic right to demonstrate if they feel it is of more urgency. Also in the meantime there is a senate and a whole bunch of check and balance mechanisms. Democracy is doing fine in Thailand.

I didn't notice this rag attacking the threats made against the EC if they dared to seat Jatuporn.

By the way, the mandate the PTP got under the system would be considered very strong in any country even a landslide.

[DP25]

The Pheu Thai Party won a landslide victory in the July 3 election and is currently forming the new government. This is an undeniable democratic way of the majority rule. However in a true democracy, the minority’s voice must also be heard.

Less than 50% of the vote isn't a landslide and is also a minority voice. However they won and to expect them to pay attention to the losers is foolish. They have no intention to. The millions of people who stayed home, or who actively campaigned against the Democrats because of Cambodia, should have made better decisions.

[Colin Yai]

Mmmm actually elected governments with a majority can do what they want as long as they do it through the constitutional system and not illegally. The PTP have a very clear policy platformand a fairly clear line on reconcilliation. Whether I or anyone else likes it or not is utterly irrelevent. They have been backed by the Thai people to carry those unhidden things out. If the PTP does not satisfy the people or enacts reconcilliation in a way the people dont want they can vote them out at the next election or use their democratic right to demonstrate if they feel it is of more urgency. Also in the meantime there is a senate and a whole bunch of check and balance mechanisms. Democracy is doing fine in Thailand.

I didnt notice this rag attacking the threats made against the EC if they dared to seat Jatuporn.

By the way, the mandate the PTP got under the system would be consdiered very strong in any country even a landslide.

Hi H, Just how many of the PTP's promises to effect this "landslide" do you expect them to keep? ,on a % basis will do just fine.

[hammered]

Mmmm actually elected governments with a majority can do what they want as long as they do it through the constitutional system and not illegally. The PTP have a very clear policy platformand a fairly clear line on reconcilliation. Whether I or anyone else likes it or not is utterly irrelevent. They have been backed by the Thai people to carry those unhidden things out. If the PTP does not satisfy the people or enacts reconcilliation in a way the people dont want they can vote them out at the next election or use their democratic right to demonstrate if they feel it is of more urgency. Also in the meantime there is a senate and a whole bunch of check and balance mechanisms. Democracy is doing fine in Thailand.

I didnt notice this rag attacking the threats made against the EC if they dared to seat Jatuporn.

By the way, the mandate the PTP got under the system would be consdiered very strong in any country even a landslide.

Hi H, Just how many of the PTP's promises to effect this "landslide" do you expect them to keep? ,on a % basis will do just fine.

I havent a clue and it isnt me they have to keep happy. They need to keep enough to keep the electorate happy although thinking about while there is no viable alternative to vote for they dont even have to do that. 10-20% would be better than what Cameron or Obama have achieved.

From what I heard the promises were more the icing on the cake in a few urban areas and encouragment to rememeber to vote than what caused the landslide. Virtually everyone I know who voted for them would have done so if they had promised nothing. But by making the promises to the poorer elements of society PTP have cemented themselves as the party of the poor while the Democrats flail around as the party of the establishment and wealthy. Two party politics in a more class based system is coming nearer to Thailand now. I doubt that is what Thaksin originally wanted or planned but he has certainly been a catalyst in launching a lot of change that didnt seem possible a decade or so ago

[nbm47]

Democracy is doing just fine in Thailand ???? Really ???? Do they even know what Democracy means? There has never been democracy in Thailand and never will be in my lifetime whilst corrupt politicians and convicted persons are allowed to have a say in how the country is run.

[Colin Yai]

Democracy is doing just fine in Thailand ???? Really ???? Do they even know what Democracy means? There has never been democracy in Thailand and never will be in my lifetime whilst corrupt politicians and convicted persons are allowed to have a say in how the country is run.

NBM,could you please stop this line of thinking forthwith,cos to speak your mind which just happens to be"the truth" often causes "offence" from those who's heads are up the part of their anatomy were the sun doe's not shine. Edited July 29, 2011 by Colin Yai

[noahvail]

Mmmm actually elected governments with a majority can do what they want as long as they do it through the constitutional system and not illegally. The PTP have a very clear policy platformand a fairly clear line on reconcilliation. Whether I or anyone else likes it or not is utterly irrelevent. They have been backed by the Thai people to carry those unhidden things out. If the PTP does not satisfy the people or enacts reconcilliation in a way the people dont want they can vote them out at the next election or use their democratic right to demonstrate if they feel it is of more urgency. Also in the meantime there is a senate and a whole bunch of check and balance mechanisms. Democracy is doing fine in Thailand.

I didnt notice this rag attacking the threats made against the EC if they dared to seat Jatuporn.

By the way, the mandate the PTP got under the system would be consdiered very strong in any country even a landslide.

I asked a week or so ago if anyone had heard a PTP definition of the word "reconciliation" and got no positive response.

Since you said they have "a fairly clear line on reconcilliation" could you please spell out what that is? Thanks.

[DumFarang]

Who writes this stuff? Thailand has been moving away from an oligarchy (rule by a few) ever since it became a democracy. If the "mob" accusations have any validity then Thailand is moving toward an ochlocracy (rule by a mob). Given that they, the PTP, have attained this mandate from the people etc., and they are a political party in a democratic system it doesn't quite qualify as "rule by a few." That's really what a monarchy is.

Rome was mob ruled. Do I see parallels between ancient Rome and modern Thailand? Maybe some with the rise of the Red Shirts, but it's not there yet.

The Red Shirts and their affiliations with the PTP scares the hell out of me. It can lead to an ochlocracy, or mobocracy as it is sometimes known. For the time being as long as Thailand has elected officials who make decisions on the people's behalf it is, thankfully, still a democracy.

Democracies have an unfortunate tendency to become ochlocracies as soon as things get just enough out of control. If the people in this country ever dictate their will on specific issues and actions and the politicians have to do it or else, then Thailand will have devolved into a mob state--an ochlocracy. Let's hope for the best.

[SIAMBULL]

Democracy is about accepting the will of the people despite objections to process. The new government may surprise the naysayers and achieve progress. Exactly which democracy on Earth is referred to in terms of absence of corruption and self interested politicians? Red, Yellow, Black or Purple Thailand is a great land and remains amazing. Support the democratic process, accept the will of the people and hope for peace and progress. Good luck to Yingluck. May you succeed and achieve.

[Colin Yai]

Democracy is about accepting the will of the people despite objections to process. The new government may surprise the naysayers and achieve progress. Exactly which democracy on Earth is referred to in terms of absence of corruption and self interested politicians? Red, Yellow, Black or Purple Thailand is a great land and remains amazing. Support the democratic process, accept the will of the people and hope for peace and progress. Good luck to Yingluck. May you succeed and achieve.

I do hope your perception of Thai politics is better than your avatar ,cos it happens to be an African bull elephant not an Asian one!!.

[wackysleet]

The Pheu Thai Party won a landslide victory in the July 3 election and is currently forming the new government. This is an undeniable democratic way of the majority rule. However in a true democracy, the minority's voice must also be heard.

Less than 50% of the vote isn't a landslide and is also a minority voice. However they won and to expect them to pay attention to the losers is foolish. They have no intention to. The millions of people who stayed home, or who actively campaigned against the Democrats because of Cambodia, should have made better decisions.

Whether people call the victory a landslide or not is pretty irrelevant and as for winning with a minority of voters try remembering that this is a first past the post outcome, not proportional representation.

[chaoyang]

Elitist thoughts from someone who is fearful the "aristocracy" will lose its grip.

Thailand has actually had very little uninterrupted democracy -- it has almost always been interfered with -- so to call it a democracy is a misnomer.

Perhaps what the elitists call "mob rule" is what true democracies call voters. Get used to it, pal, it's here to stay.

[OzMick]

The PTP definition of reconciliation is multi-faceted:

Firstly there is complete exoneration of the red-shirts (We have done nothing wrong!) which should take pace before the end of the year according to PTP MP Mrs Arisman, who expects hubby home by Xmas, in time to take up his place as Minister of Propaganda.

Second is the complete absolution of anybody related to the Shinawatra clan for all crimes past, present, currently being planned, or yet to be conceived. k.Thaksin will return as Yingluk's special adviser (for this term) and will sit in parliament slightly behind and to her left, his right arm out of sight. A special law will be passed making it treasonous to claim that you can see his lips moving while she speaks.

Third is the prosecution of all MPs of the Democrat and BJT parties for crimes against humanity the Red Shirt movement whilst carrying out their legitimate duties of office. This is not considered to be an excuse as the legitimate duties of office are seen by PTP as mere inconveniences whilst carrying out their more venal aspirations. A law will be passed re-instating capital punishment - hung, drawn and quartered is being considered, but considered by the Red Shirts to be too mild.

Fourth is removal from office and public denigration of all Army and DSI officers, public servants and journalists who assisted or supported the Democrat coalition while in office; very similar to the treatment of Nazi collaborators after the liberation of European countries. I believe this has already started.

Fifth (but not least, and particularly apt) the Red Shirts will become the semi-autonomous, semi-official Political Police with the duties of suppressing dissent and non-Shinawatra thought, and the harassment of those opposing PTP and Red-shirt policies.

[hellodolly]

Mmmm actually elected governments with a majority can do what they want as long as they do it through the constitutional system and not illegally. The PTP have a very clear policy platformand a fairly clear line on reconcilliation. Whether I or anyone else likes it or not is utterly irrelevent. They have been backed by the Thai people to carry those unhidden things out. If the PTP does not satisfy the people or enacts reconcilliation in a way the people dont want they can vote them out at the next election or use their democratic right to demonstrate if they feel it is of more urgency. Also in the meantime there is a senate and a whole bunch of check and balance mechanisms. Democracy is doing fine in Thailand.

I didnt notice this rag attacking the threats made against the EC if they dared to seat Jatuporn.

By the way, the mandate the PTP got under the system would be consdiered very strong in any country even a landslide.

You seem to have a problem with separating the number of people who voted PT from the number of seats they won. They won the majority of seats but they were elected by a minority of the people.

Also how many of the votes they received were for them and not just against the Dems.

They may have the vote in the house but it is not the slam dunk you seem to think it is.

You talk of a mandate they got. That is what is yet to be seen already they are backing down on their promises. These promises were a lot of the reason they got elected. It remains to be seen how that will work out.

How long do you think they would hold together if Yingluck was to refuse to do as her brother wishes and reign the red shirts in? It is not a easy task ahead of her far from a slam dunk much as you would like it to be.

[scorecard]

Mmmm actually elected governments with a majority can do what they want as long as they do it through the constitutional system and not illegally. The PTP have a very clear policy platformand a fairly clear line on reconcilliation. Whether I or anyone else likes it or not is utterly irrelevent. They have been backed by the Thai people to carry those unhidden things out. If the PTP does not satisfy the people or enacts reconcilliation in a way the people dont want they can vote them out at the next election or use their democratic right to demonstrate if they feel it is of more urgency. Also in the meantime there is a senate and a whole bunch of check and balance mechanisms. Democracy is doing fine in Thailand.

I didnt notice this rag attacking the threats made against the EC if they dared to seat Jatuporn.

By the way, the mandate the PTP got under the system would be consdiered very strong in any country even a landslide.

I asked a week or so ago if anyone had heard a PTP definition of the word "reconciliation" and got no positive response.

Since you said they have "a fairly clear line on reconcilliation" could you please spell out what that is? Thanks.

Totally agree: What, in detail is the ptp / red thugs reconciliation process, who is involved, how is it structured, what will it's activities involve?

Love to see some answers, are there any clear answers?

Or is 'reconciliation' just a smokescreen word for amnesty for a convicted criminal who has no hesitation to use his sister as his puppet, reragdless of how she gets damaged.

[whybother]

Mmmm actually elected governments with a majority can do what they want as long as they do it through the constitutional system and not illegally. The PTP have a very clear policy platformand a fairly clear line on reconcilliation. Whether I or anyone else likes it or not is utterly irrelevent. They have been backed by the Thai people to carry those unhidden things out. If the PTP does not satisfy the people or enacts reconcilliation in a way the people dont want they can vote them out at the next election or use their democratic right to demonstrate if they feel it is of more urgency. Also in the meantime there is a senate and a whole bunch of check and balance mechanisms. Democracy is doing fine in Thailand.

I didnt notice this rag attacking the threats made against the EC if they dared to seat Jatuporn.

By the way, the mandate the PTP got under the system would be consdiered very strong in any country even a landslide.

The OP isn't so much about what the PTP can or can not do in government. It's more about their attack dog hassling the PTP's opponents.

[scorecard]

Mmmm actually elected governments with a majority can do what they want as long as they do it through the constitutional system and not illegally. The PTP have a very clear policy platformand a fairly clear line on reconcilliation. Whether I or anyone else likes it or not is utterly irrelevent. They have been backed by the Thai people to carry those unhidden things out. If the PTP does not satisfy the people or enacts reconcilliation in a way the people dont want they can vote them out at the next election or use their democratic right to demonstrate if they feel it is of more urgency. Also in the meantime there is a senate and a whole bunch of check and balance mechanisms. Democracy is doing fine in Thailand.

I didnt notice this rag attacking the threats made against the EC if they dared to seat Jatuporn.

By the way, the mandate the PTP got under the system would be consdiered very strong in any country even a landslide.

You seem to have a problem with separating the number of people who voted PT from the number of seats they won. They won the majority of seats but they were elected by a minority of the people.

Also how many of the votes they received were for them and not just against the Dems.

They may have the vote in the house but it is not the slam dunk you seem to think it is.

You talk of a mandate they got. That is what is yet to be seen already they are backing down on their promises. These promises were a lot of the reason they got elected. It remains to be seen how that will work out.

How long do you think they would hold together if Yingluck was to refuse to do as her brother wishes and reign the red shirts in? It is not a easy task ahead of her far from a slam dunk much as you would like it to be.

Well said.

Further on the word 'mandate'. Their mandate is not much more than low pork prices and lots of 'make em happy giveaways' (which will probably bankrupt Thailand) with very little said about long term planning with policies to, as fast as possible, get a large percentage of Thais into a situation whereby they can have a good quality of life through their own productivity.

In the bigger picture - All of this proves very strongly that the Thai electorate at large is desperately lacking in knowledge of what a manifesto should look like, and on what factors to make your choice. It also shows the values and morals of thaksin and his cronies who are taking full advantage of this situation with zero conscience.

[Crushdepth]

Democracy is about accepting the will of the people despite objections to process. The new government may surprise the naysayers and achieve progress. Exactly which democracy on Earth is referred to in terms of absence of corruption and self interested politicians? Red, Yellow, Black or Purple Thailand is a great land and remains amazing. Support the democratic process, accept the will of the people and hope for peace and progress. Good luck to Yingluck. May you succeed and achieve.

"The will of the people"? Did PTP get 100% of the vote? How about 50%? The "will of the people" line is cheap political rhetoric. People are entitled to hold dissenting views in a democracy. Suggesting that people should not express dissenting views just because they are not in line with "the will of the people" - is anti-democratic.

[philw]

The PTP definition of reconciliation is multi-faceted:

Firstly there is complete exoneration of the red-shirts (We have done nothing wrong!) which should take pace before the end of the year according to PTP MP Mrs Arisman, who expects hubby home by Xmas, in time to take up his place as Minister of Propaganda.

Second is the complete absolution of anybody related to the Shinawatra clan for all crimes past, present, currently being planned, or yet to be conceived. k.Thaksin will return as Yingluk's special adviser (for this term) and will sit in parliament slightly behind and to her left, his right arm out of sight. A special law will be passed making it treasonous to claim that you can see his lips moving while she speaks.

Third is the prosecution of all MPs of the Democrat and BJT parties for crimes against humanity the Red Shirt movement whilst carrying out their legitimate duties of office. This is not considered to be an excuse as the legitimate duties of office are seen by PTP as mere inconveniences whilst carrying out their more venal aspirations. A law will be passed re-instating capital punishment - hung, drawn and quartered is being considered, but considered by the Red Shirts to be too mild.

Fourth is removal from office and public denigration of all Army and DSI officers, public servants and journalists who assisted or supported the Democrat coalition while in office; very similar to the treatment of Nazi collaborators after the liberation of European countries. I believe this has already started.

Fifth (but not least, and particularly apt) the Red Shirts will become the semi-autonomous, semi-official Political Police with the duties of suppressing dissent and non-Shinawatra thought, and the harassment of those opposing PTP and Red-shirt policies.

Love it !!!

when are you leaving ???

[Jingthing]

Democracy is about accepting the will of the people despite objections to process. The new government may surprise the naysayers and achieve progress. Exactly which democracy on Earth is referred to in terms of absence of corruption and self interested politicians? Red, Yellow, Black or Purple Thailand is a great land and remains amazing. Support the democratic process, accept the will of the people and hope for peace and progress. Good luck to Yingluck. May you succeed and achieve.

"The will of the people"? Did PTP get 100% of the vote? How about 50%? The "will of the people" line is cheap political rhetoric. People are entitled to hold dissenting views in a democracy. Suggesting that people should not express dissenting views just because they are not in line with "the will of the people" - is anti-democratic.

Thaksin's last regime he clearly said, if you oppose his government, you oppose Thailand. That's the PTP version of democracy.

[hammered]

Mmmm actually elected governments with a majority can do what they want as long as they do it through the constitutional system and not illegally. The PTP have a very clear policy platformand a fairly clear line on reconcilliation. Whether I or anyone else likes it or not is utterly irrelevent. They have been backed by the Thai people to carry those unhidden things out. If the PTP does not satisfy the people or enacts reconcilliation in a way the people dont want they can vote them out at the next election or use their democratic right to demonstrate if they feel it is of more urgency. Also in the meantime there is a senate and a whole bunch of check and balance mechanisms. Democracy is doing fine in Thailand.

I didnt notice this rag attacking the threats made against the EC if they dared to seat Jatuporn.

By the way, the mandate the PTP got under the system would be consdiered very strong in any country even a landslide.

I asked a week or so ago if anyone had heard a PTP definition of the word "reconciliation" and got no positive response.

Since you said they have "a fairly clear line on reconcilliation" could you please spell out what that is? Thanks.

Everyone gets an amnestied. Some of the reds dont agree with it but you get dissention a poltical party.

[DumFarang]

The PTP definition of reconciliation is multi-faceted:

Firstly there is complete exoneration of the red-shirts (We have done nothing wrong!) which should take pace before the end of the year according to PTP MP Mrs Arisman, who expects hubby home by Xmas, in time to take up his place as Minister of Propaganda.

Second is the complete absolution of anybody related to the Shinawatra clan for all crimes past, present, currently being planned, or yet to be conceived. k.Thaksin will return as Yingluk's special adviser (for this term) and will sit in parliament slightly behind and to her left, his right arm out of sight. A special law will be passed making it treasonous to claim that you can see his lips moving while she speaks.

Third is the prosecution of all MPs of the Democrat and BJT parties for crimes against humanity the Red Shirt movement whilst carrying out their legitimate duties of office. This is not considered to be an excuse as the legitimate duties of office are seen by PTP as mere inconveniences whilst carrying out their more venal aspirations. A law will be passed re-instating capital punishment - hung, drawn and quartered is being considered, but considered by the Red Shirts to be too mild.

Fourth is removal from office and public denigration of all Army and DSI officers, public servants and journalists who assisted or supported the Democrat coalition while in office; very similar to the treatment of Nazi collaborators after the liberation of European countries. I believe this has already started.

Fifth (but not least, and particularly apt) the Red Shirts will become the semi-autonomous, semi-official Political Police with the duties of suppressing dissent and non-Shinawatra thought, and the harassment of those opposing PTP and Red-shirt policies.

I think you forgot to put SATIRE here as people might find it confusing.

Edited July 29, 2011 by DumFarang

[hammered]

Mmmm actually elected governments with a majority can do what they want as long as they do it through the constitutional system and not illegally. The PTP have a very clear policy platformand a fairly clear line on reconcilliation. Whether I or anyone else likes it or not is utterly irrelevent. They have been backed by the Thai people to carry those unhidden things out. If the PTP does not satisfy the people or enacts reconcilliation in a way the people dont want they can vote them out at the next election or use their democratic right to demonstrate if they feel it is of more urgency. Also in the meantime there is a senate and a whole bunch of check and balance mechanisms. Democracy is doing fine in Thailand.

I didnt notice this rag attacking the threats made against the EC if they dared to seat Jatuporn.

By the way, the mandate the PTP got under the system would be consdiered very strong in any country even a landslide.

You seem to have a problem with separating the number of people who voted PT from the number of seats they won. They won the majority of seats but they were elected by a minority of the people.

Also how many of the votes they received were for them and not just against the Dems.

They may have the vote in the house but it is not the slam dunk you seem to think it is.

You talk of a mandate they got. That is what is yet to be seen already they are backing down on their promises. These promises were a lot of the reason they got elected. It remains to be seen how that will work out.

How long do you think they would hold together if Yingluck was to refuse to do as her brother wishes and reign the red shirts in? It is not a easy task ahead of her far from a slam dunk much as you would like it to be.

So in virtually no country does anyone have a mandate to govern according to your thinking. Plkuralistic democracy is about seats. They have over half and about 48% of the vote. That is huge by any standard. The guys in the us congreess currently having a mandate to not raise tax were electded on a turnout of under 50%. Does that mean they have no right to do waht they do? Blair and Thatcher never got anywhere near 48% and they both governed in a way they wanted and were always seen as hhaving a huge mandate. real world poltics

[rixalex]

I asked a week or so ago if anyone had heard a PTP definition of the word "reconciliation" and got no positive response.

Since you said they have "a fairly clear line on reconcilliation" could you please spell out what that is? Thanks.

Everyone gets an amnestied. Some of the reds dont agree with it but you get dissention a poltical party.

On the amnesty thing, the PTP have jumped from one contradicting statement to the next, from one week to the next. What you see as a fairly clear line, i see as being very blurry. Pass me your glasses.

[Crushdepth]

Mmmm actually elected governments with a majority can do what they want as long as they do it through the constitutional system and not illegally. The PTP have a very clear policy platformand a fairly clear line on reconcilliation. Whether I or anyone else likes it or not is utterly irrelevent. They have been backed by the Thai people to carry those unhidden things out. If the PTP does not satisfy the people or enacts reconcilliation in a way the people dont want they can vote them out at the next election or use their democratic right to demonstrate if they feel it is of more urgency. Also in the meantime there is a senate and a whole bunch of check and balance mechanisms. Democracy is doing fine in Thailand.

I didnt notice this rag attacking the threats made against the EC if they dared to seat Jatuporn.

By the way, the mandate the PTP got under the system would be consdiered very strong in any country even a landslide.

I asked a week or so ago if anyone had heard a PTP definition of the word "reconciliation" and got no positive response.

Since you said they have "a fairly clear line on reconcilliation" could you please spell out what that is? Thanks.

Everyone gets an amnestied. Some of the reds dont agree with it but you get dissention a poltical party.

Have they officially given up on the alternative 'injustice' panels idea now? That suggestion to have carefully selected panels 'review' the cases of individuals who had suffered 'injustices' at the hands of the judicial system or who maybe were in need of some?

[richard_smith237]

“A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.” Thomas Jefferson

“Democracy is the worst form of government, apart from all other forms that have been tried.” Sir Winston Churchill