Abhisit Re-Elected, Turns Focus To Central Region

[Lite Beer]

Abhisit re-elected, turns focus to Central region

By The Nation On Sunday

The Democrat Party's new secretary-general, Chalermchai Sri-on, will spearhead and promote the party's popularity in the Central region, Abhisit Vejjajiva, who was re-elected the party leader, said yesterday

The Democrat Party yesterday held its general assembly at the Miracle Grand Hotel in Bangkok to select the party's new executive after Abhisit resigned to take responsibility for the party's defeat in the July 3 election.

Not surprisingly, Abhisit got 96.3 per cent votes of the 330 party members qualified to vote for choosing the executive. Abhisit's named was proposed by party adviser Marut Bunnag. No other contestant was nominated.

Abhisit thanked party members for their trust in him and said the party would set up a shadow cabinet again to support its work as opposition in Parliament.

Explaining his support for Chalermchai, Abhisit said the new secretary-general had been the party's MP for over a decade. He had worked hard in the Central region, which is considered politically competitive and important for the party's victory. Chalermchai should be able to draw more cooperation from the party's members in the region. Many Democrat constituency MP candidates in the Central lost the election by small margins, he said.

An MP from Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chalermchai, a deputy party leader and also a former labour minister, said he would do his best in everything he does. The new executive would need some time to plan the party's new strategies. However, some changes would be seen within a few months.

Apirak Kosayodhin, Chuti Krairiksh and Chamni Sakdiseth got the posts of deputy party leader in Abhisit's quota after the other three, also nominated by Abhisit, withdrew from the nomination. They were Teera Slukpetch, Witoon Nambutr and Korn Chatikavinij. Korn later got the party deputy leader's post in charge of Bangkok.

Abhisit nominated Chalermchai and Tak MP Chaiwuti Bannawat as secretary-general candidates. Chaiwuti, who ran for the deputy party leader's post in charge of the North, withdrew.

The deputy party leader post for the North went to Siriwan Prasjaksattru with 56.6 per cent of votes. Korn was voted Bangkok's deputy party leader pipping Ong-art Klampaiboon with 49.2 per cent of votes. Alongkorn Ponlaboot won the Central's quota over Sathit Pitutecha with 57.5 per cent of votes. Issara Somchai beat Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich to represent the Northeast with 51.6 per cent of votes while Thaworn Senneam will represent the South with 49.3 per cent while the other candidates were Wiruch Romyen and Jurin Laksanawisit.

Chavanond Intarakomalyasut got the party spokesman's post while Chinnaworn Boonyakiat became the party's treasurer and Anchalee Vinich Theppabutr became party registrar.

The others who won party executive posts were Tak MP Thanitpol Jayanandana, Trang MP Satit Wongnongtaey and Bangkok MP Rachada Dhnadirek respectively.

Chalermchai got about 73 per cent of votes. But Abhisit said he was not worried as former secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban had taken a large burden and Chalermchai has yet to prove himself to party members.

Abhisit said that Suthep, like other former party executive members, would still contribute to the party in different ways.

Suthep, a Surat Thani MP, was among the first to shake hands and congratulate Chalermchai. He said he did not need to hand over any task to Chalermchai except the party's Bt49 million fund.

He denied reports that he had a sour relationship with Chalermchai or there were any attempts by some groups in the party to topple him.

Through the media, Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit congratulated Abhisit on being chosen for a second term as party leader. He supported the Shadow Cabinet idea and said the Democrats should work creatively as an opposition

-- The Nation 2011-08-07

[chainarong]

Congratulations Mark ,good luck for the future and keep the barstards honest.

[geriatrickid]

Former PM Abhisit should consider obtaining some work experience. Considering the fact that his only job has ever been as a politician, it shows. Had the former PM first gained experience either in the public service domain, e.g. working for a charity, or had managed a company or had been a self employed professional, he would have a much better grasp of the needs and concerns of the general electorate. Instead of continuing on as a recycled politician, it is time Mr. Abhisit made his way in the world.

[hammered]

So the Dems central command abandons the north and Isaan as too difficult. Interesting consdiering in local politics up north the Dems have reasonable elected representation even in a few places regarded as red strongholds. The central national bosses seem to be the problem that stops them from translating these local showings into gains at national elections. It seems the Dems are not interested in shaking up the whole party apparatus that allows certain southern and bkk based actions to totally dominate proceedings without consideration for what is needed to expand into other areas.

In the central region south of BKK the Dems are already about as strong as they can be. Quite how a sec-gen from this area will gain anything from anywhere else is difficult to see especially when a relative political lightweight.

[whybother]

So the Dems central command abandons the north and Isaan as too difficult. Interesting consdiering in local politics up north the Dems have reasonable elected representation even in a few places regarded as red strongholds. The central national bosses seem to be the problem that stops them from translating these local showings into gains at national elections. It seems the Dems are not interested in shaking up the whole party apparatus that allows certain southern and bkk based actions to totally dominate proceedings without consideration for what is needed to expand into other areas.

In the central region south of BKK the Dems are already about as strong as they can be. Quite how a sec-gen from this area will gain anything from anywhere else is difficult to see especially when a relative political lightweight.

One step at a time. It's a bit hard to beat the propaganda systems already built up in the North and North East. If they work on the central regions and make some in roads their, then they have the south, most of Bangkok and the central areas. That will also help them gain some traction in the lower North.

[whybother]

Former PM Abhisit should consider obtaining some work experience. Considering the fact that his only job has ever been as a politician, it shows. Had the former PM first gained experience either in the public service domain, e.g. working for a charity, or had managed a company or had been a self employed professional, he would have a much better grasp of the needs and concerns of the general electorate. Instead of continuing on as a recycled politician, it is time Mr. Abhisit made his way in the world.

Do you really think that Yingluck "grasp of the needs and concerns of the general electorate" by being appointed to high positions in her brother's companies? I would think that Abhisit's many years as a politician would give him a better grasp of the general electorate than Yingluck has as "President" or "Chairman" of Thaksin's companies.

The government is NOT a business. Some areas should be run that way, but there is more to it than that.

[wlcart]

One step at a time. It's a bit hard to beat the propaganda systems already built up in the North and North East. If they work on the central regions and make some in roads their, then they have the south, most of Bangkok and the central areas. That will also help them gain some traction in the lower North.

Your one step at the time logic makes much sense, and nothing wrong with the Dems wanting to progress, I like Abhisit just fine, but I see a lot more than just "propaganda" as the Issan issue.

Old establishments and lack of equality rage in Thailand, there are some real disparities in wealth and justice, and the words advantage and disadvantage actually mean something here.

I will admit obviously the "red" movement is often silly and destructive, and most the times upper management takes advantage of their followers, but to blame the disconnect from Bangkok and the North as a result of propaganda, vote buying, evil Thaksin, or whatever ignores some difficult issues that need facing, namely, the history of inequality.

Just my opinion of course.

[whybother]

One step at a time. It's a bit hard to beat the propaganda systems already built up in the North and North East. If they work on the central regions and make some in roads their, then they have the south, most of Bangkok and the central areas. That will also help them gain some traction in the lower North.

Your one step at the time logic makes much sense, and nothing wrong with the Dems wanting to progress, I like Abhisit just fine, but I see a lot more than just "propaganda" as the Issan issue.

Old establishments and lack of equality rage in Thailand, there are some real disparities in wealth and justice, and the words advantage and disadvantage actually mean something here.

I will admit obviously the "red" movement is often silly and destructive, and most the times upper management takes advantage of their followers, but to blame the disconnect from Bangkok and the North as a result of propaganda, vote buying, evil Thaksin, or whatever ignores some difficult issues that need facing, namely, the history of inequality.

Just my opinion of course.

So, does the south also face these difficult issues? Why is it that the north/north east votes for Thaksin's parties, and the south votes for the Democrats?

[Moruya]

I'm afraid the dems in opposition need a figurehead with some real dog about him to deal with the shrinking promises and divide the PTP and red shirt factions.

Having a gentleman at the helm won't cut it. Especially someone as despised by the ill informed.

The best they can do now is find a number 2 with some mongrel and get him in the press as often as possible.

[anterian]

Many Thais, including the grass roots supporters of the Dems, see Abhisit as ineffectual and controlled by others. Thai politics is a rough and often dangerous game. Abhisit lacks the balls for the job. You could argue that Yingluck literally has the same problem, so lets not prejudge the issue and see how they match up to each other across the floor.

[hammered]

So the Dems central command abandons the north and Isaan as too difficult. Interesting consdiering in local politics up north the Dems have reasonable elected representation even in a few places regarded as red strongholds. The central national bosses seem to be the problem that stops them from translating these local showings into gains at national elections. It seems the Dems are not interested in shaking up the whole party apparatus that allows certain southern and bkk based actions to totally dominate proceedings without consideration for what is needed to expand into other areas.

In the central region south of BKK the Dems are already about as strong as they can be. Quite how a sec-gen from this area will gain anything from anywhere else is difficult to see especially when a relative political lightweight.

One step at a time. It's a bit hard to beat the propaganda systems already built up in the North and North East. If they work on the central regions and make some in roads their, then they have the south, most of Bangkok and the central areas. That will also help them gain some traction in the lower North.

The point is that the Dems have some elected local admin control even in red areas of the North. It isnt that Dems per se are despised up there as some are winning local elections on where a national Dem candidate is getting slaughtered. The Dems if they want to build need to encourage and nurture these local reps and in fact listen to them. Abandoning them and concentrating on areas where they are already as strong as they are going to be is an idiotic strategy.

The reality is the Dems expecting to lose the next election are playing defence. Many of their BKK seats are very close to with PTP. They have also lost a number of central region seats. Right now reelecting Abhisit goes down well in the south and Bangkok and with Dem voters in the central region. Choosing a lightweight sec-gen from the central region south of BKK brings nothing in other areas of the center. It just firms up support in the areas of the center south of BKK where PTP could make inroads. An entirely defensive strategy and one that denies and abandons other areas.

On the other hand the Dems dodged the bullet of replacing Abhisit as unelectable as he is, and any replacement election could see droves leave the party over Korn. The party is in such a horrible mess that they may prefer being a relatively big party of constant opposition than see a huge split. This problem also means reforming the party will remain off the agenda. Right now the Dems are just not a dynamic entity and until they become so, and that will involve a leap of faith and belief in people, they will continue to struggle and be rejected.

[random]

fantastic news, re electing this loser, PTP must be rubbing their hands in glee at this news, couldn't win the previous election, then couldn't win this one even though he was handed control and had the chance to make a difference. he failed, and will fail again come the next election

[Crushdepth]

fantastic news, re electing this loser, PTP must be rubbing their hands in glee at this news, couldn't win the previous election, then couldn't win this one even though he was handed control and had the chance to make a difference. he failed, and will fail again come the next election

Excellent news, comrade. Democracy is so much more efficient when there is no credible opposition, don't you agree?

[hammered]

fantastic news, re electing this loser, PTP must be rubbing their hands in glee at this news, couldn't win the previous election, then couldn't win this one even though he was handed control and had the chance to make a difference. he failed, and will fail again come the next election

Excellent news, comrade. Democracy is so much more efficient when there is no credible opposition, don't you agree?

Which is why the Dems need to get their act together and start making change and getting with the times. Old Suttichai Yoon has a good long piece re this in his blog by the way