Anti-Coup Moves Designed To Help Thaksin, Democrats Say

[webfact]

Anti-coup moves designed to help Thaksin, Democrats say

The opposition Democrat Party yesterday questioned the motives of a group of legal scholars seeking the invalidation of all judicial decisions stemming from the coup of 2006.

Democrat MP and deputy spokesman Atthaporn Ponlaboot said he suspected the proposal by the group, which calls itself Nitirat (Citizens of Law), might eventually benefit fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and further attempts to win him a royal pardon.

Thaksin has been in self-imposed exile to avoid a two-year jail sentence for abuse of power handed down in 2008 by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders.

“The proposal by Nitirat to nullify any action by [the coup-makers] is just an academic smokescreen aimed at helping to whitewash Thaksin’s wrongdoings,” Atthaporn said.

He said the way to prevent future coups – the stated goal of Nitirat – would be to create a political system that was honest and benefited the Thai people as a whole.

“Just a few years before the coup of September 19, 2006, there was severe corruption on the part of evil capitalists who benefited from selling the country’s concessions and interfering with independent organisations. That was the real cause of the coup. If you can’t stop the evil capitalists, you won’t stop coups from happening,” the opposition MP said.

Sakonthi Patthiyakul, another deputy Democrat spokesman, noted that the Nitirat group focused its proposal on expunging records and judicial decisions originating from the 2006 coup, while ignoring other power seizures.

“This makes it clear that they want to whitewash Thaksin’s wrongdoings and help him with his legal problems,” the Democrat said.

Sakonthi said he suspected the group was being used to achieve political goals. He called on the legal scholars to put the national interest ahead of those of any individual.

-- The Nation 2011-09-27

[ralphlsasser]

Abhisit and the Damnacrats can't stand the fact that the were voted out, not by a little, but a landslide. They can't stand the fact that the PEOPLE do not want the "Bangkok elete" to run the country because they did nothing but talk <deleted> and help the "other" eletes.

[whybother]

Abhisit and the Damnacrats can't stand the fact that the were voted out, not by a little, but a landslide. They can't stand the fact that the PEOPLE do not want the "Bangkok elete" to run the country because they did nothing but talk <deleted> and help the "other" eletes.

Democrats - 2007 election - 165 seats. 2011 election - 159 seats. Not much change really.

[MunterHunter]

Abhisit and the Damnacrats can't stand the fact that the were voted out, not by a little, but a landslide. They can't stand the fact that the PEOPLE do not want the "Bangkok elete" to run the country because they did nothing but talk <deleted> and help the "other" eletes.

So on that basis, the Reds will be voted out next election

[reggaebkk]

oh really? Who else could it supposed to help?

[ianf]

Abhisit and the Damnacrats can't stand the fact that the were voted out, not by a little, but a landslide. They can't stand the fact that the PEOPLE do not want the "Bangkok elete" to run the country because they did nothing but talk <deleted> and help the "other" eletes.

That's certainly one view. But those who have a slightly more intelligent take on the election may think that the manipulation that went on for two years, masterminded by the exile and his international cronies, which played on the fears and prejudices of the mass (some may say 'kwais') resulted in this farce of an election in which PTP won 35% of the nation's support. Now let me see. Yes, one example of how the reds tried to deny a legitimate voice to the Dems: Thousands of Abhisit posters were defaced around the country, but very few PTP posters were touched. Dem canvassers were not allowed to canvass in villages controlled by the reds. PTP fully understood their new slogan "Thaksin orders, PTP bribes". They had no policies only bribes. The Democracy training schools in Isaan and the North were designed not to teach democratic principles but to teach hate and fear. And so on it goes. Unacceptable behaviour manipulated by the one person who thinks he owns the country, its wealth, its people and its judicial systems. Under such circumstances PTP were bound to win. As for talking 'sh..' as the OP claims, I think if we just but blind prejudice aside we'd find a raft of policies within the Dems and also many achievements whilst in power. These were in the face of terrible opposition, such as the riots which made a response to the Red (Thaksin) agenda a priority thus stopping or delaying many policies that would have been to the benefit of the people. Unlike PTP who's every policy only benefits Thaksin & his cronies. Open your eyes, OP, and see what is really happening.

[tig28]

That's certainly one view. But those who have a slightly more intelligent take on the election may think that the manipulation that went on for two years, masterminded by the exile and his international cronies, which played on the fears and prejudices of the mass (some may say 'kwais') resulted in this farce of an election in which PTP won 35% of the nation's support. Now let me see. Yes, one example of how the reds tried to deny a legitimate voice to the Dems: Thousands of Abhisit posters were defaced around the country, but very few PTP posters were touched. Dem canvassers were not allowed to canvass in villages controlled by the reds. PTP fully understood their new slogan "Thaksin orders, PTP bribes". They had no policies only bribes. The Democracy training schools in Isaan and the North were designed not to teach democratic principles but to teach hate and fear. And so on it goes. Unacceptable behaviour manipulated by the one person who thinks he owns the country, its wealth, its people and its judicial systems. Under such circumstances PTP were bound to win. As for talking 'sh..' as the OP claims, I think if we just but blind prejudice aside we'd find a raft of policies within the Dems and also many achievements whilst in power. These were in the face of terrible opposition, such as the riots which made a response to the Red (Thaksin) agenda a priority thus stopping or delaying many policies that would have been to the benefit of the people. Unlike PTP who's every policy only benefits Thaksin & his cronies. Open your eyes, OP, and see what is really happening.

It is so edifying to have a self declared "more intelligent take".

The problem is this "take" ignores what the "kwais" have declared in election after election after election ----- They do not want the Democrats!!

whybother

Democrats - 2007 election - 165 seats. 2011 election - 159 seats. Not much change really.

Actually this recent election is the second best ever result achieved by the Democrats this century. Go the Dems!!

As for your comments re defaced Abhisit posters -- If you cannot understand the immense indignation felt by many for a PM and party who achieved power -- not through the electoral process -- but by barrack room deals and the purchase of the grubbiest of MPs --- then I wish you well.

It is amazing the Democrat apologists simply ignore repeated election results.

[hammered]

Abhisit and the Damnacrats can't stand the fact that the were voted out, not by a little, but a landslide. They can't stand the fact that the PEOPLE do not want the "Bangkok elete" to run the country because they did nothing but talk <deleted> and help the "other" eletes.

The Dems held many of their Bangkok seats by reduced majorities in the thousands, and only won the Bangkok popular vote by a percent or two. The Bangkok electorate look like they are becoming increasingly divided rather than completely behind the Dems.

The unmentionable one has a good article on the fight over ISOC that mentions how the Dems used its networks to try and suppress PTP canvassers, propagandize Isaan and Northern villagers and win votes. Obviously that was a total failure but it does make one wonder how badly the Dems and their mates would have done without the use of such networks.

[hammered]

That's certainly one view. But those who have a slightly more intelligent take on the election may think that the manipulation that went on for two years, masterminded by the exile and his international cronies, which played on the fears and prejudices of the mass (some may say 'kwais') resulted in this farce of an election in which PTP won 35% of the nation's support. Now let me see. Yes, one example of how the reds tried to deny a legitimate voice to the Dems: Thousands of Abhisit posters were defaced around the country, but very few PTP posters were touched. Dem canvassers were not allowed to canvass in villages controlled by the reds. PTP fully understood their new slogan "Thaksin orders, PTP bribes". They had no policies only bribes. The Democracy training schools in Isaan and the North were designed not to teach democratic principles but to teach hate and fear. And so on it goes. Unacceptable behaviour manipulated by the one person who thinks he owns the country, its wealth, its people and its judicial systems. Under such circumstances PTP were bound to win. As for talking 'sh..' as the OP claims, I think if we just but blind prejudice aside we'd find a raft of policies within the Dems and also many achievements whilst in power. These were in the face of terrible opposition, such as the riots which made a response to the Red (Thaksin) agenda a priority thus stopping or delaying many policies that would have been to the benefit of the people. Unlike PTP who's every policy only benefits Thaksin & his cronies. Open your eyes, OP, and see what is really happening.

It is so edifying to have a self declared "more intelligent take".

The problem is this "take" ignores what the "kwais" have declared in election after election after election ----- They do not want the Democrats!!

whybother

Democrats - 2007 election - 165 seats. 2011 election - 159 seats. Not much change really.

Actually this recent election is the second best ever result achieved by the Democrats this century. Go the Dems!!

As for your comments re defaced Abhisit posters -- If you cannot understand the immense indignation felt by many for a PM and party who achieved power -- not through the electoral process -- but by barrack room deals and the purchase of the grubbiest of MPs --- then I wish you well.

It is amazing the Democrat apologists simply ignore repeated election results.

The recent ABAC poll comparing Yingluck and Abhisit's popularity during their PM tenures makes interesting reading. Neither comes out top but Abhisit fails to break the 20% mark in any catagory or location and mostly hovers below 15% iirc while Yingluck bounces around in the 30s and breaks into the 40s on occasion. Abhisit's unpopularity is the story of that poll. It also begs the question of why would a party want such an unpopular person leading it

[rubl]

The Dems held many of their Bangkok seats by reduced majorities in the thousands, and only won the Bangkok popular vote by a percent or two. The Bangkok electorate look like they are becoming increasingly divided rather than completely behind the Dems.

The unmentionable one has a good article on the fight over ISOC that mentions how the Dems used its networks to try and suppress PTP canvassers, propagandize Isaan and Northern villagers and win votes. Obviously that was a total failure but it does make one wonder how badly the Dems and their mates would have done without the use of such networks.

You mean to say the Dem's could have done even worse in Isaan ?

Edited September 27, 2011 by rubl

[hammered]

The Dems held many of their Bangkok seats by reduced majorities in the thousands, and only won the Bangkok popular vote by a percent or two. The Bangkok electorate look like they are becoming increasingly divided rather than completely behind the Dems.

The unmentionable one has a good article on the fight over ISOC that mentions how the Dems used its networks to try and suppress PTP canvassers, propagandize Isaan and Northern villagers and win votes. Obviously that was a total failure but it does make one wonder how badly the Dems and their mates would have done without the use of such networks.

You mean to say the Dem's could have done even worse in Isaan ?

Interestingly there were some whole villages that didnt vote in the Isaan. the suggestion was they were discouraged form voting. Who knows. I know voters in the lower north kept their intentions pretty quiet in public and never had the red community radio on when strangers were around.

Personally I think the election outcome reflected the genuine will of the people but as ever in Thailand with the sitting government slightly overperforming compared to the sitting opposition.

[tragickingdom]

In am matter of fact the scholars should study the role of the Democrat party too in the coup and they should prosecute them for raping democracy. Only very long sentences will prevent any new coup. What did the Democrat party think? Setting up a rubber stamping parliament that was unelected could grant amnesty to a bunch of criminals? Even when the decisions are not turned back this time, eventually the likes of Abhisit and his coup making friends will be put behind bars. t took a few decades in Latin America but one country after another are revoking amnesty laws.

[DP25]

Abhisit and the Damnacrats can't stand the fact that the were voted out, not by a little, but a landslide. They can't stand the fact that the PEOPLE do not want the "Bangkok elete" to run the country because they did nothing but talk <deleted> and help the "other" eletes.

The Dems held many of their Bangkok seats by reduced majorities in the thousands, and only won the Bangkok popular vote by a percent or two. The Bangkok electorate look like they are becoming increasingly divided rather than completely behind the Dems.

PTP also won many seats in Isaan with a narrow victory and under 50% of the vote. Good for them their opponents couldn't figure out not to compete against each other

PTP is not really more or less popular than it was in the 2007 election. The main reason they did better was because 6 million fewer people voted.

[whybother]

...

The unmentionable one has a good article on the fight over ISOC that mentions how the Dems used its networks to try and suppress PTP canvassers, propagandize Isaan and Northern villagers and win votes. Obviously that was a total failure but it does make one wonder how badly the Dems and their mates would have done without the use of such networks.

It's interesting how it mentions the Democrats' use of ISOC - "Democrats reportedly exploited" and "It was reported that [the economic solution project] was actually aimed at convincing people ... not to support the Pheu Thai Party".

[whybother]

In am matter of fact the scholars should study the role of the Democrat party too in the coup and they should prosecute them for raping democracy. Only very long sentences will prevent any new coup. What did the Democrat party think? Setting up a rubber stamping parliament that was unelected could grant amnesty to a bunch of criminals? Even when the decisions are not turned back this time, eventually the likes of Abhisit and his coup making friends will be put behind bars. t took a few decades in Latin America but one country after another are revoking amnesty laws.

What WAS the Democrats role in the coup? What did Abhisit do, in relation to the coup, that should put him in jail?

[rubl]

In am matter of fact the scholars should study the role of the Democrat party too in the coup and they should prosecute them for raping democracy. Only very long sentences will prevent any new coup. What did the Democrat party think? Setting up a rubber stamping parliament that was unelected could grant amnesty to a bunch of criminals? Even when the decisions are not turned back this time, eventually the likes of Abhisit and his coup making friends will be put behind bars. t took a few decades in Latin America but one country after another are revoking amnesty laws.

I missed something it seems. 'rubber stamping, unelected government'? That must be the PM Surayut government appointed by the junta. Since then we're onto our four elected government. You don't have to like any of those, but they were selected by elected MPs.

Edited September 27, 2011 by rubl

[MILT]

That's certainly one view. But those who have a slightly more intelligent take on the election may think that the manipulation that went on for two years, masterminded by the exile and his international cronies, which played on the fears and prejudices of the mass (some may say 'kwais') resulted in this farce of an election in which PTP won 35% of the nation's support. Now let me see. Yes, one example of how the reds tried to deny a legitimate voice to the Dems: Thousands of Abhisit posters were defaced around the country, but very few PTP posters were touched. Dem canvassers were not allowed to canvass in villages controlled by the reds. PTP fully understood their new slogan "Thaksin orders, PTP bribes". They had no policies only bribes. The Democracy training schools in Isaan and the North were designed not to teach democratic principles but to teach hate and fear. And so on it goes. Unacceptable behaviour manipulated by the one person who thinks he owns the country, its wealth, its people and its judicial systems. Under such circumstances PTP were bound to win. As for talking 'sh..' as the OP claims, I think if we just but blind prejudice aside we'd find a raft of policies within the Dems and also many achievements whilst in power. These were in the face of terrible opposition, such as the riots which made a response to the Red (Thaksin) agenda a priority thus stopping or delaying many policies that would have been to the benefit of the people. Unlike PTP who's every policy only benefits Thaksin & his cronies. Open your eyes, OP, and see what is really happening.

It is so edifying to have a self declared "more intelligent take".

The problem is this "take" ignores what the "kwais" have declared in election after election after election ----- They do not want the Democrats!!

whybother

Democrats - 2007 election - 165 seats. 2011 election - 159 seats. Not much change really.

Actually this recent election is the second best ever result achieved by the Democrats this century. Go the Dems!!

As for your comments re defaced Abhisit posters -- If you cannot understand the immense indignation felt by many for a PM and party who achieved power -- not through the electoral process -- but by barrack room deals and the purchase of the grubbiest of MPs --- then I wish you well.

It is amazing the Democrat apologists simply ignore repeated election results.

Okay all you Fish, I am calling you Pro Thaksin Poster's (PTP) Fish because you always take the bait when it comes to this Govenment. Turn a blind eye to how this Government is positioning itself for one person. Their are way more qualified (lunatics on the grass) that could have been voted for the prime minister's seat but no they voted in Thaksin's sister with 0 experience and still no experience. This election was not based on the poor record of the democrats but rather for one man to get his money and power back. Thaksin has had a major loss of face and money which he will do anything and at all cost to get back. I'm way smarter than all of you, just ask me

Edited September 28, 2011 by metisdead
Corrected misspelling of Thaksin's name.

[DP25]

You mean to say the Dem's could have done even worse in Isaan ?

They do well in Ubon Ratchatani and even got more votes province wide in Amnat Chareon than PTP. Parts of Isaan do vote for them.

[diehard60]

Abhisit and the Damnacrats can't stand the fact that the were voted out, not by a little, but a landslide. They can't stand the fact that the PEOPLE do not want the "Bangkok elete" to run the country because they did nothing but talk <deleted> and help the "other" eletes.

Democrats - 2007 election - 165 seats. 2011 election - 159 seats. Not much change really.

Maybe not much but more than enough! Hahahhahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tlansford]

wasn't it just yesterday that the Nitirat had to issue a statement to clarify again that their work was not about Thaksin?

So today a Dem MP starts the ball rolling again, saying that it is...

Take that for what it is....

@whybother, PTP vs Dems before / after. The Dems lost "only" 14 seats. The real story was PTP gaining 76 seats.

PTP seats, first column, Dem seats second column

Seats before 189 173

Seats won 265 159

Seat change 76 14

Regardless of the Nitirat motives, the Democrats' strategy is apparently to talk about Thaksin as much as possible.

[rubl]

Regardless of the Nitirat motives, the Democrats' strategy is apparently to talk about Thaksin as much as possible.

Well, about the anti-coup move, k. Thaksin paid-for lawyer Robert A. is also upping the ant. Check his latest fabric of English words put together in a 'logical order'

"They called it a “bloodless” coup at the time, as if an act of such violence could ever be without blood. Nobody was injured or killed on the night of 19 September 2006, when the army’s tanks rolled into Bangkok, and rolled over a democracy that had been built piece by piece over decades of tragedies and triumphs. “Blood” is not just violence, but rather represented in this case by the tearing down of a popularly elected government and the shredding of the 1997 People’s Constitution by a minority using thousands of soldiers and the weapons of war – one of the most violent, uncivil acts imaginable.

The equipment that the soldiers rode and carried into the capital city told a different story. For it is only thanks to a stunned population’s lack of resistance that there was no blood on the pavement that night. As we saw some time later, the troops were ready to fire, should anybody dare to resist the act of unqualified brutality committed by their commanders."

http://robertamsterdam.com/thailand/?p=943

[Emptyset]

Interestingly, BP breaking news just reported that Squadron Leader Prasong Soonsiri has warned that the actions of the Nitirat group may lead to another coup, whilst Gen. Prayuth has promised to keep an eye on the group, especially with regard to their opposition to the lese majeste law.

[hammered]

Abhisit and the Damnacrats can't stand the fact that the were voted out, not by a little, but a landslide. They can't stand the fact that the PEOPLE do not want the "Bangkok elete" to run the country because they did nothing but talk <deleted> and help the "other" eletes.

The Dems held many of their Bangkok seats by reduced majorities in the thousands, and only won the Bangkok popular vote by a percent or two. The Bangkok electorate look like they are becoming increasingly divided rather than completely behind the Dems.

PTP also won many seats in Isaan with a narrow victory and under 50% of the vote. Good for them their opponents couldn't figure out not to compete against each other

PTP is not really more or less popular than it was in the 2007 election. The main reason they did better was because 6 million fewer people voted.

PTP increased its party vote from 14 million in 2007 to 15.7 million in 2011

Dems decreased the party vote from 14 million in 2007 to 11.4 million in 2011

according to wikipedia although the 85% turnout claimed in 2007 seems a little on the high side and some sources claium it was a 74.5% turnout in 2007 which seems more realistic

Anyway the point is that even if wikipedia is right on its 2007 numbers, 2011 saw PTP increase its total votes on a shrinking turnout which suggests they are more popular than in 2007.

[rubl]

Interestingly, BP breaking news just reported that Squadron Leader Prasong Soonsiri has warned that the actions of the Nitirat group may lead to another coup, whilst Gen. Prayuth has promised to keep an eye on the group, especially with regard to their opposition to the lese majeste law.

Two newsflashes. One with the Squadron Leader, chairman of the committee which drafted the current constitution, promulgated in 2007. He might be a bit touchy because of that. No reason to mention the possibility of another coup though. Depending on when and where he said so an official warning from his direct boss might be in order.

The second newsflash has Gen. Prayuth who sees no reason to amend section 112 of the criminal code (regarding LM) and therefor will keep an eye on the work of the Nitirat group.

Edited September 27, 2011 by rubl

[hammered]

Interestingly, BP breaking news just reported that Squadron Leader Prasong Soonsiri has warned that the actions of the Nitirat group may lead to another coup, whilst Gen. Prayuth has promised to keep an eye on the group, especially with regard to their opposition to the lese majeste law.

Two newsflashes. One with the Squadron Leader, chairman of the committee which drafted the current constitution, promulgated in 2007. He might be a bit touchy because of that. No reason to mention the possibility of another coup though. Depending on when and where he said so an official warning from his direct boss might be in order.

The second newsflash has Gen. Prayuth who sees no reason to amend section 112 of the criminal code (regarding LM) and therefor will keep an eye on the work of the Nitirat group.

Indeed it really is not good to once again hear coup threats bandied around. I dont think he has a boss but more sees himself as a guardian of what he believes Thailand is, and isnt alone in his views.

[YellowFeverCAD]

It is so edifying to have a self declared "more intelligent take".

The problem is this "take" ignores what the "kwais" have declared in election after election after election ----- They do not want the Democrats!!

None are so blind as those that CHOOSE not to see. They have not in fact declared in election after election they don't want the Dems they have declared in election after election they don't know or care about politics only where the next "free payment" is coming from and for how long they can milk it. I will be happy to check back in with you right here in one or two or three years time and we can see exactly how many of the PTP election "promises" were kept. I would venture to say less than 10% But as long as they talk a good game and keep people in the dark about the reality of what is going on and of course pay for their votes they will always appear to be on the side of the little guy. Sadly you and I both know they are on their OWN side and nobody else.

We can also check back in three years and see how many of the rank and file redshirts are then part of a new wealthier middle class and how much more educated they are etc..etc... the change will be staggering in its small % of improvement. But you can be darn sure all the Red Shirt bosses and their Dear Leader will be much much better off financially... yup really looking for the poor and downtrodden those PTP people. Makes me want to vomit.

As for your comments re defaced Abhisit posters -- If you cannot understand the immense indignation felt by many for a PM and party who achieved power -- not through the electoral process -- but by barrack room deals and the purchase of the grubbiest of MPs --- then I wish you well.

It is amazing the Democrat apologists simply ignore repeated election results.

It's amazing to me that people like you can't see that the two PM's prior to Abhisit came to power in the exact same way.. so why weren't they indignant about those two? Oh right right they were from the party they supported so they are only angry because their guy was not installed again for a third time.. funny how the Red apologists seem to always ignore that fact. Never once did I hear about the those two PMs not being elected by the people...

Carry on, amazing thailand indeed.. banana republic mixed with the ultimate cluster fuc_k... heaven on earth.

[phiphidon]

Abhisit and the Damnacrats can't stand the fact that the were voted out, not by a little, but a landslide. They can't stand the fact that the PEOPLE do not want the "Bangkok elete" to run the country because they did nothing but talk <deleted> and help the "other" eletes.

The Dems held many of their Bangkok seats by reduced majorities in the thousands, and only won the Bangkok popular vote by a percent or two. The Bangkok electorate look like they are becoming increasingly divided rather than completely behind the Dems.

PTP also won many seats in Isaan with a narrow victory and under 50% of the vote. Good for them their opponents couldn't figure out not to compete against each other

PTP is not really more or less popular than it was in the 2007 election. The main reason they did better was because 6 million fewer people voted.

"The main reason they did better was because 6 million fewer people voted" - mmm, that's a new excuse. By the way the PTP didn't come into existence until 2008.

[Bakseedaa]

Abhisit and the Damnacrats can't stand the fact that the were voted out, not by a little, but a landslide. They can't stand the fact that the PEOPLE do not want the "Bangkok elete" to run the country because they did nothing but talk <deleted> and help the "other" eletes.

What is an "elete" and the Democrats were Never voted out, The PTP was voted in... and not by a landslide, the floods caused the landslides..... and very sadly for Thailand , most of the voters believed PTP and their promises, 300bahts per day minimum pay...Tablets for all the kids... (valium) tablets she meant.. Ending the fuel levy, graduates pay, rice guarantee scheme... that was talking <deleted>...!! real <deleted>...!!!!

[thaikahuna]

He said the way to prevent future coups – the stated goal of Nitirat – would be to create a political system that was honest and benefited the Thai people as a whole.

Yea right! Not in our lifetime and beyond!

[somo]

The Democrat supporters above seem to be suffering from severe case of sour grapes.

Both sides contested the election vigorously.

Elections the world over are dirty and promises made by all sides but in the end the voters decide.

The PTP won.

Get over it.