webfact Posted September 8, 2011 Share Posted September 8, 2011 ASK THE EDITOR There's method in the government's madness By Tulsathit Taptim On Twitter: @tulsathit Why is the Yingluck government in such a hurry? That's the question we are hearing everyday and everywhere we go, and it doesn't refer to economic policies. Within days of assuming office, the prime minister is seeing the back of the national police chief without having to even criticise his performance. Moreover, a campaign to bring her big brother Thaksin home is gaining serious momentum despite initial speculation that she would save the most explosive controversy for last. Why so? Our Political Desk talked to a high-ranking source in the Pheu Thai Party and come up with the following conclusions: The police chief blitz was necessary for technical reasons. The person the government wanted to replace Wichean Potephosree with has only one year left before his mandatory retirement. This means the government had to move quickly, or Pol General Priewpan Damapong would not be legally qualified for the top police post. In other words, the government could not afford a protracted controversy that could eat into the precious little time Priewpan has left. Political factors favour the government going for broke where Thaksin is concerned. The source suggested the Yingluck government did not want to repeat the "Samak mistake". Late prime minister Samak Sundaravej waited and waited and waited until it was too late. Apparently, the current thinking among Pheu Thai strategists is that Thailand's political environment means any government's popularity is likely to be very short-lived, so any election mandate should be exercised as soon as possible. Making an early push for Thaksin's return has certainly sparked criticism, but the Yingluck government would rather face criticism now, than when its popularity has eroded. The Samak factor has been reinforced by other key factors, one being the virtual indifference of the yellow shirts. The movement has stayed true to its pre-election word - that Thaksin is now the Democrat Party's problem - and the government is apparently exploiting the situation. Most importantly, having the Democrats oppose Thaksin's return is easier to cope with than having the People's Alliance for Democracy organise months-long street protests. The weakened resolve of the yellow shirts also coincides with the split among the Thai media. During Thaksin Shinawatra's last days in power, the Thai media were in unison about his serious shortcomings. Now, newspapers are divided over whether his virtues can compensate for his flaws. Some news organisations have welcomed Yingluck Shinawatra's rise to power with open arms, while others are scrutinising her every step. The same goes for the plan to find a way to let Thaksin come home without having to go to jail. Some believe the plan constitutes exploitation of democracy, but others insist it's the only practical way to bring back political peace. Chalerm Yoobamrung is another reason the Yingluck government has to push hard. Having decided to let the deputy premier lead the campaign to get Thaksin home, the government naturally has to allow him to play his game. Chalerm is aggressive, not afraid of bad publicity and doesn't care if he creates more enemies. Once Chalerm goes down a road, it's make or break. The only thing the government has to do is create an environment conducive to his style, or at least tolerate his style. And that's why Chalerm is being allowed to bulldoze his way toward the previously lofty goal of an amnesty for Thaksin. So, the government has chosen a fast-track approach, taking advantage of a disorganised opposition and its still-fresh democratic mandate. It could be the right strategy, as criticism so far has shown no sign of transforming into organised resistance. Nor has the risk of the wheels coming off presented itself. But we rarely get advanced warning for that kind of thing, do we? -- The Nation 2011-09-09 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geriatrickid Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Whatever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hammered Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Putting into words in a newspaper what everyone knows. They have learnt from the Samak thing and the PAD are happy to let the dems fail Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buchholz Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 a previously unmentioned aspect that accounts for the Yingluck Rush.... "The police chief blitz was necessary for technical reasons. The person the government wanted to replace Wichean Potephosree with has only one year left before his mandatory retirement. This means the government had to move quickly, or Pol General Priewpan Damapong would not be legally qualified for the top police post. In other words, the government could not afford a protracted controversy that could eat into the precious little time Priewpan has left." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OzMick Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 ".......... to let Thaksin come home without having to go to jail.................... it's the only practical way to bring back political peace." Yes, it's called appeasement. Peace in our time. Followed by WWII. Appeasing thugs has not got a very good track record of success. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfbandung Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 ".......... to let Thaksin come home without having to go to jail.................... it's the only practical way to bring back political peace." Yes, it's called appeasement. Peace in our time. Followed by WWII. Appeasing thugs has not got a very good track record of success. I reckon it's a non-article. You don't think the Chamberlain comparison is a little over the top? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skywalker69 Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Not so long ago the PM said, "bring back my brother is not a top priority". Well I guess now it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogpayne Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 We are all so surprised!! Bring Thaksin back surely not!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blazes Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Whatever. Your avatar looks remarkably like Dominique Strauss-Kahn. Being escorted by a Playboy "nurse" and a barbie-doll "wife". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elgato Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 ".......... to let Thaksin come home without having to go to jail.................... it's the only practical way to bring back political peace." Yes, it's called appeasement. Peace in our time. Followed by WWII. Appeasing thugs has not got a very good track record of success. I reckon it's a non-article. You don't think the Chamberlain comparison is a little over the top? I didn't see Yingluck waving a sheet of A4 to the cheers of the onlookers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OzMick Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Whatever. Your avatar looks remarkably like Dominique Strauss-Kahn. Being escorted by a Playboy "nurse" and a barbie-doll "wife". I believe it's "young Mr. Grace" from an inane british comedy "Are you being served?" from the 1970's. Apt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OzMick Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 ".......... to let Thaksin come home without having to go to jail.................... it's the only practical way to bring back political peace." Yes, it's called appeasement. Peace in our time. Followed by WWII. Appeasing thugs has not got a very good track record of success. I reckon it's a non-article. You don't think the Chamberlain comparison is a little over the top? Only in scale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geriatrickid Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Whatever. Your avatar looks remarkably like Dominique Strauss-Kahn. Being escorted by a Playboy "nurse" and a barbie-doll "wife". No resemblance to DSK. Young Mr. Grace is a role model for Pattaya's elderly gents. Just as the author of the OP was confused, so too are you. Please see Captain Peacock to sort this out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tlansford Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 ".......... to let Thaksin come home without having to go to jail.................... it's the only practical way to bring back political peace." Yes, it's called appeasement. Peace in our time. Followed by WWII. Appeasing thugs has not got a very good track record of success. Ozmick, a fan of hyperbole, are you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harrry Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 (edited) oops posted in wrong thread.....sorry this one just leaves me speechless. Edited September 9, 2011 by harrry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SICHONSTEVE Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Not so long ago the PM said, "bring back my brother is not a top priority". Well I guess now it is. No!!! She was lieing through her teeth - something she is very good at it seems!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ES1 Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 lol....whatever. Fast track to another gov't overthrow. Does not matter if they try bring Thoxin back tomorrow or next year. One way or another they will try bring him back and give him a full pardon. And one way or another it will once again boil over and create another crisis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeOboe57 Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Not so long ago the PM said, "bring back my brother is not a top priority". Well I guess now it is. What she meant was "it is not just a top priority, it is the top priority..." And Thaksin has to come home quickly, because Yingluck is already running out of ideas how to do her job. (Visiting neighbouring countries in alphabetical order is just one indication for that.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
looping Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 So they realize that they have to bring him back quickly before the smokescreen clears. Before Thailand comes to it's senses. Chilling stuff! Still can't believe T thinks he will live happily ever after even if he comes back successfully; he'll always be looking over his back, must be more than a few Thais who want to take the justice system into their own hands. Can't say I blame them, what a curse he's turned out to be! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skywalker69 Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Not so long ago the PM said, "bring back my brother is not a top priority". Well I guess now it is. What she meant was "it is not just a top priority, it is the top priority..." And Thaksin has to come home quickly, because Yingluck is already running out of ideas how to do her job. (Visiting neighbouring countries in alphabetical order is just one indication for that.) Then she has to start with Greece, right? Gaa Gai, and then Kazakstan, Gaa Kai. The last Country will be Holland Hanok Hoo.She has a lot of tavelling ahead of her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blazes Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Whatever. Your avatar looks remarkably like Dominique Strauss-Kahn. Being escorted by a Playboy "nurse" and a barbie-doll "wife". No resemblance to DSK. Young Mr. Grace is a role model for Pattaya's elderly gents. Just as the author of the OP was confused, so too are you. Please see Captain Peacock to sort this out. You're not Mrs Slocum's ex-husband by any chance? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blazes Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Not so long ago the PM said, "bring back my brother is not a top priority". Well I guess now it is. No!!! She was lieing through her teeth - something she is very good at it seems!! Who's her dentist? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAJIC Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Not so long ago the PM said, "bring back my brother is not a top priority". Well I guess now it is. It always was the top priority, the only difference is: now they unable to hide the lies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moe666 Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 I must go and pet my pussy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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