Abhisit And Most People Voice Opposition To Coup: Thailand

[webfact]

Abhisit and the people voice opposition to coup

The Nation

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday expressed his opposition to the idea of the military seizing power in Thailand while an opinion survey found that most people are also against a coup.

Attending a party seminar in Ubon Ratchathani, Opposition leader Abhisit said he disagreed with any call for the military to topple the Pheu Thai Party government. The call was made last week by the People's Alliance for Democracy.

"A political change should not happen through non-systemic means. We should help support the political system to proceed, and political problems should be handled by the mechanisms of the system," Abhisit said.

"If we see that the government has done what is not right, we must use the Constitution to address [the problem] or should base our actions on the charter."

Meanwhile, the Abac Poll of Assumption University revealed yesterday that its latest opinion survey found 81.7 per cent of respondents were opposed to the idea of a coup.

The survey was conducted among 2,153 respondents in 17 provinces.

Abac Poll found that the percentage of people who supported the idea of power seizure by the military in January this year increased from 5.4 per cent in January last year to 18.3 per cent - but close to 82 per cent are still opposed to a coup.

The survey found that 53 per cent of the respondents said they would do nothing if a coup was staged while 21 per cent said they would campaign against the coup-maker and 26 per cent had no comment.

Asked to name five political problems that could lead to severe social rifts, 54.5 per cent cited proposed charter amendments. This was followed by the proposed changes to the lese-majesty law (52 per cent). The three other issues were: amnesty or help provided by associates and relatives of politicians in power (49.6 per cent); paying compensation to political violence victims (38 per cent); and appointing persons with questionable backgrounds to the Cabinet (34 per cent). While Abhisit and the public expressed opposition to a coup, a former senior military officer said yesterday a coup was still possible.

-- The Nation 2012-01-23

[jackr]

What type of people did they poll? Oh, let me guess.

I'd also be against a coup, well at least until Thaksin has take out the druggies again.

[Moruya]

The interesting statistic here is not that 80% oppose a coup but that 20% approve of one.

[hellodolly]

The interesting statistic here is not that 80% oppose a coup but that 20% approve of one.

From 5.4% under the democrats to 18.3% under the PT. In one year.

Considering they did not get a majority vote of the population it makes one wonder what the vote would be if held today.

That being said I am always suspicious of these poll's. Seems like they are always in 17 provinces with a very low number of people being poled. Wonder what the criteria was to choose the ones being poled?

[nurofiend]

The interesting statistic here is not that 80% oppose a coup but that 20% approve of one.

From 5.4% under the democrats to 18.3% under the PT. In one year.

Considering they did not get a majority vote of the population it makes one wonder what the vote would be if held today.

That being said I am always suspicious of these poll's. Seems like they are always in 17 provinces with a very low number of people being poled. Wonder what the criteria was to choose the ones being poled?

Considering they did not get a majority vote of the population it makes one wonder what the vote would be if held today.

majority or not, they still got a larger vote than the democrats ever did,

i don't think the elections results would be drastically different today than they were in 2011

anyway, at least abhisit and PAD are voicing opposition to a coup, good on them... a lot more than can be said about some posters here.

edit - doh, read it wrong

i guess pad are voicing approval, boo to them then

Edited January 23, 2012 by nurofiend

[Fookhaht]

The interesting statistic here is not that 80% oppose a coup but that 20% approve of one.

+1

[Morgo]

It's certainly a sad reflection on Thailand, where 20% of the population would prefer a militatry dictatorship over a democratically elected government. Do these people not watch the tv pictures coming out of Syria?

[takatukaland]

i think some members of thaivisa.com stay to long in Thailand already,I find it amazing u guys talk about a military coup like it is the normal thing to kick out a free elected government,great u don't like Obama let's send some military to washington,france lost AAA lets send some military to paris,oh bad, merkel did'nt keep her promisses,lets send some military to berlin.

I think it's scary with which normallity thais talk about a coup,It's time the military loses it's power and stop intervening into politics,here is BKK 2012,not sukhothai 1812,thailand will never get peace as long untouchables and military rule the country

[JurgenG]

Thailand, unfortunately like most democratic countries, as a vocal minority of 10 to 20% right wing nutters.

But unlike other countries, the democrats had no problem to associate with them when they thought it was their interest.

Now that the wind has changed Abhisit try to act like he will never support such an undemocratic action like a military coup.

Abhisit, the flip flopper

[ianf]

Thailand, unfortunately like most democratic countries, as a vocal minority of 10 to 20% right wing nutters.

But unlike other countries, the democrats had no problem to associate with them when they thought it was their interest.

Now that the wind has changed Abhisit try to act like he will never support such an undemocratic action like a military coup.

Abhisit, the flip flopper

I don't think Abhisit supported the last coup either. If you look at the sequence of events that bought him to power, to say he was put there by the military is not strictly correct. It is a lie that people use to support their own prejudices and a lie that people like Robert Amsterdam make full use of.

Edited January 23, 2012 by ianf

[bobl]

i think some members of thaivisa.com stay to long in Thailand already,I find it amazing u guys talk about a military coup like it is the normal thing to kick out a free elected government

I think someone needs new reading glasses, I don't see anyone (except maybe PAD) talking about a military coup like it is the normal thing to kick out a freely elected government.

But then, this is why I will never understand Thai politics. My brain switches off when I hear things like "PAD supporting calls for a military coup". When I first heard of PAD they were referred to as "People Against Democracy" and I spent several weeks believing that was their real title before I realised it was a joke...

[takatukaland]

i think some members of thaivisa.com stay to long in Thailand already,I find it amazing u guys talk about a military coup like it is the normal thing to kick out a free elected government

I think someone needs new reading glasses, I don't see anyone (except maybe PAD) talking about a military coup like it is the normal thing to kick out a freely elected government.

But then, this is why I will never understand Thai politics. My brain switches off when I hear things like "PAD supporting calls for a military coup". When I first heard of PAD they were referred to as "People Against Democracy" and I spent several weeks believing that was their real title before I realised it was a joke...

I did not meant u personally,i was just reading some posts,and it made me thinking the guys who posted think it is a normal thing to have a coup if u dont like the government

[bobl]

That being said I am always suspicious of these poll's. Seems like they are always in 17 provinces with a very low number of people being poled. Wonder what the criteria was to choose the ones being poled?

The criteria aren't really that important. Polls can be made to agree with just about anything you care to mention. For example...

"We would like to bring to your attention the dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide. This chemical can be fatal if inhaled in even small quantities. It is a major component of acid rain yet it is used daily in hundreds of industrial and domestic applications. Our government has done little or no research into the dangers of this chemical"

"Do you agree, that the government should raise awareness and commission a study into this chemical?"

How many people do you suppose would say "yes" without thinking...

Edited January 23, 2012 by bobl

[hellodolly]

i think some members of thaivisa.com stay to long in Thailand already,I find it amazing u guys talk about a military coup like it is the normal thing to kick out a free elected government,great u don't like Obama let's send some military to washington,france lost AAA lets send some military to paris,oh bad, merkel did'nt keep her promisses,lets send some military to berlin.

I think it's scary with which normallity thais talk about a coup,It's time the military loses it's power and stop intervening into politics,here is BKK 2012,not sukhothai 1812,thailand will never get peace as long untouchables and military rule the country

I agree with you on not having coup's.

Problem with your statement is the army is the only one that can get to the untouchables.

Even at that they always step back and let the untouchables back in.

[animatic]

It's certainly a sad reflection on Thailand, where 20% of the population would prefer a militatry dictatorship over a democratically elected government. Do these people not watch the tv pictures coming out of Syria?

In Syria they have elections and the boss buys his seat every time.

Same as Thailand, but in this case the boss hasn't taken enough

control of the army to use them violently against enemies, he has to use

old school Communist 'brainwashed grassroots army of the poor' tactics.

It is most telling about who The Boss takes as friends and where he lives.

They and it, are NOT, and never have been, existing or coming from 'glowing democracies'.

[hellodolly]

That being said I am always suspicious of these poll's. Seems like they are always in 17 provinces with a very low number of people being poled. Wonder what the criteria was to choose the ones being poled?

The criteria aren't really that important. Polls can be made to agree with just about anything you care to mention. For example...

"We would like to bring to your attention the dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide. This chemical can be fatal if inhaled in even small quantities. It is a major component of acid rain yet it is used daily in hundreds of industrial and domestic applications. Our government has done little or no research into the dangers of this chemical"

"Do you agree, that the government should raise awareness and commission a study into this chemical?"

How many people do you suppose would say "yes" without thinking...

that is what I said what is the criteria they use to get the results. Is it a informed answer or one to get you out of my hair answer. Is t taken in the universities or the bars?

[necronx99]

i think some members of thaivisa.com stay to long in Thailand already,I find it amazing u guys talk about a military coup like it is the normal thing to kick out a free elected government,great u don't like Obama let's send some military to washington,france lost AAA lets send some military to paris,oh bad, merkel did'nt keep her promisses,lets send some military to berlin.

I think it's scary with which normallity thais talk about a coup,It's time the military loses it's power and stop intervening into politics,here is BKK 2012,not sukhothai 1812,thailand will never get peace as long untouchables and military rule the country

You are mistaking LOS for a free and open democracy with strong institutions.

If it wasn't for the army Thaksin would have stolen the entire country.

[sparebox2]

I don't think Abihist mind coup, if it is a GOOD coup AND if that put him on the PM seat again.

[ianf]

i think some members of thaivisa.com stay to long in Thailand already,I find it amazing u guys talk about a military coup like it is the normal thing to kick out a free elected government,great u don't like Obama let's send some military to washington,france lost AAA lets send some military to paris,oh bad, merkel did'nt keep her promisses,lets send some military to berlin.

I think it's scary with which normallity thais talk about a coup,It's time the military loses it's power and stop intervening into politics,here is BKK 2012,not sukhothai 1812,thailand will never get peace as long untouchables and military rule the country

You are mistaking LOS for a free and open democracy with strong institutions.

If it wasn't for the army Thaksin would have stolen the entire country.

My partner and her family (poor farmers from north of Chantaburi ) absolutely love the army and regard them as the good guys. They dislike the brown shirts with a passion!

[ianf]

I don't think Abihist mind coup, if it is a GOOD coup AND if that put him on the PM seat again.

I don't think so my friend.

[Sateev]

That being said I am always suspicious of these poll's. Seems like they are always in 17 provinces with a very low number of people being poled. Wonder what the criteria was to choose the ones being poled?

The criteria aren't really that important. Polls can be made to agree with just about anything you care to mention. For example...

"We would like to bring to your attention the dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide. This chemical can be fatal if inhaled in even small quantities. It is a major component of acid rain yet it is used daily in hundreds of industrial and domestic applications. Our government has done little or no research into the dangers of this chemical"

"Do you agree, that the government should raise awareness and commission a study into this chemical?"

How many people do you suppose would say "yes" without thinking...

This is no joke: I hear the water supply in Bangkok is FULL of the stuff...

[metisdead]

A post containing veiled reference to HM the King and the Royal family has been removed. Speculation, comments and discussion of either a political or personal nature are not allowed when discussing HM The King or the Royal family.

Off topic post also removed.

[JAG]

I don't think Abhisit supported the last coup either. If you look at the sequence of events that bought him to power, to say he was put there by the military is not strictly correct. It is a lie that people use to support their own prejudices and a lie that people like Robert Amsterdam make full use of.

Whilst I would admit that Abhisit may have taken the post of PM in a way which was, strictly speaking, in line with the provision of the Thai Constitution, to say that the view that he was effectively put into power by the army "is a lie that people use to support their own prejudices" at the very least exposes significant prejudice itself!

Edited January 23, 2012 by JAG

[JAG]

In Syria they have elections and the boss buys his seat every time.

Same as Thailand, but in this case the boss hasn't taken enough

control of the army to use them violently against enemies, he has to use

old school Communist 'brainwashed grassroots army of the poor' tactics.

It is most telling about who The Boss takes as friends and where he lives.

They and it, are NOT, and never have been, existing or coming from 'glowing democracies'.

Thai elections, flawed as they may be, and what passes for an election in Syria are poles apart.

In Syria they machine gun those who speak out against the government. Unless I havn't been paying attention that hasn't happened here for a while. I think you exaggerate somewhat.

[takatukaland]

I don't think Abhisit supported the last coup either. If you look at the sequence of events that bought him to power, to say he was put there by the military is not strictly correct. It is a lie that people use to support their own prejudices and a lie that people like Robert Amsterdam make full use of.

Whilst I would admit that Abhisit may have taken the post of PM in a way which was, strictly speaking, in line with the provision of the Thai Constitution, to say that the view that he was effectively put into power by the army "is a lie that people use to support their own prejudices" at the very least exposes the depth of your own prejudice!

yaa great the first thing abisit did in office,he doubled the military budget

[TempleTiger]

It's certainly a sad reflection on Thailand, where 20% of the population would prefer a militatry dictatorship over a democratically elected government. Do these people not watch the tv pictures coming out of Syria?

Only if it's sandwiched etween the soaps and some music show as seems the case in my house.

and before anyone chimes in...yes i have tried and partially succeded in getting others progs watched but hey ho, welcome to my life.

[TempleTiger]

Thailand, unfortunately like most democratic countries, as a vocal minority of 10 to 20% right wing nutters.

But unlike other countries, the democrats had no problem to associate with them when they thought it was their interest.

Now that the wind has changed Abhisit try to act like he will never support such an undemocratic action like a military coup.

Abhisit, the flip flopper

I don't think Abhisit supported the last coup either. If you look at the sequence of events that bought him to power, to say he was put there by the military is not strictly correct. It is a lie that people use to support their own prejudices and a lie that people like Robert Amsterdam make full use of.

Seems to me as an unbiased observer that Abhisit has more morals and ethics than the whole of the new government put together. Wouldn't take much to have more though!

[anterian]

It seems TV members are no different from anyone else, they believe what they want to believe

[Siam Simon]

Thailand, unfortunately like most democratic countries, as a vocal minority of 10 to 20% right wing nutters.

But unlike other countries, the democrats had no problem to associate with them when they thought it was their interest.

Now that the wind has changed Abhisit try to act like he will never support such an undemocratic action like a military coup.

Abhisit, the flip flopper

I don't think Abhisit supported the last coup either. If you look at the sequence of events that bought him to power, to say he was put there by the military is not strictly correct. It is a lie that people use to support their own prejudices and a lie that people like Robert Amsterdam make full use of.

No, it's a lie to suggest that the last government wasn't put in place by the military.

[somo]

Same old same old.

Democrats loose yet another election so lets have yet another coup.