Yingluck Ready To Clarify In No-Confidence Debate

[Lite Beer]

PM ready to clarify in no-confidence debate

BANGKOK, Aug 4 - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is ready to clarify in a no-confidence debate to be lodged by the Opposition if the probe focuses on the government's performance, not a political game, said her secretary-general Suranand Vejjajiva on Saturday.

The PM's Secretary-General made remarks as the Opposition announced its plan to lodge a no-confidence debate against the premier.

Mr Suranand said he still does not know how many issues will be up for censure by the Opposition but that is not a problem as the government stands ready to answer. If a motion is lodged against the premier, she is also ready to answer for herself.

If it's about work performance, the prime minister is ready to answer questions in any forum, not only a no-confidence motion, according to her secretary-general. But if this is political gamesmanship, Mr Suranand urged that the Opposition should refrain from doing this, as the public wanted to see a meaningful opposition.

Democrat Party spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalsut said on Saturday that the debate will focus on failure to perform of the premier and her government.

Mr Chavanond referred to the government's rice mortgage program which has spent a huge budget; failure to tackle violence in insurgency-torn Deep South and unclear policy on the region; the falling prices of agricultural produce; and the nationwide flooding where the government did not disclose true information to the public.

The Democrat party spokesman added the important issue to be scrutinised was the government granting permission to the Cambodian government to solely organise a World Heritage Site meeting which he claimed would cause damage to the country.

"With all the above mentioned, it is clear that the government has failed to properly govern the country," stated Mr Chavanond.

He added, "Moreover, there were appointments the unqualified persons to work, leading to failures in problem solving and subsequent damages."

As the upcoming no-confidence debate mainly focuses on the premier, Mr Chavanond asserted that the Opposition's scrutiny of cabinet ministers will be minimal, as he believes the premier will be able to answer for herself any doubts.(MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-08-04

[lungmi]

"As the upcoming no-confidence debate mainly focuses on the premier, Mr Chavanond asserted that the Opposition's scrutiny of cabinet ministers will be minimal, as he believes the premier will be able to answer for herself any doubts.(MCOT online news)"

-----

We will see. Never underestimate the power of beautiful cheerleaders.

[473geo]

There actually does not appear to be much substance to the democrat claims, yes the rice mortgage needs to be transparent, but with the risk of drought in some regions, a reserve may prove to be a blessing. Deep south is ongoing, and only an idiot would claim an immediate solution where former governments have also failed to provide a solution. Flooding has been discussed ad nauseum, the democrats water release actions mean they do not come out of that one too well, but yes the fledgling government will have learnt from this disaster,..... and as for the important issue of letting Cambodia organise a world heritige event........well I think that one really takes the biscuit, this all shows, as PTP move forward, all be it a little unsure, awkwardly, and slowly........the democrats are really worried they are fast disappearing up their own orifice

Edited August 4, 2012 by 473geo

[hellodolly]

It is all a waste of time. Right or Wrong she will walk away free of censure.

She is quite ready to defend her self after taking notes in a long phone call with her brother.

I think between the two of them they will have realized tears and give me a six month chance will not work this time and have come up with a new strategy.

I say it is all a waste of time because there is no alternative. Even if the Dems were to prove their case what could be done about it. A new election, sorry but the average Thai voter is not aware of the consequences of the going's on in government and will only see the money put into his hand. They are quite willing to forget the broken promises the useless promises in favor of promises of things to come like I will make you all rich in 6 months.

[whybother]

There actually does not appear to be much substance to the democrat claims, yes the rice mortgage needs to be transparent, but with the risk of drought in some regions, a reserve may prove to be a blessing. Deep south is ongoing, and only an idiot would claim an immediate solution where former governments have also failed to provide a solution. Flooding has been discussed ad nauseum, the democrats water release actions mean they do not come out of that one too well, but yes the fledgling government will have learnt from this disaster,..... and as for the important issue of letting Cambodia organise a world heritige event........well I think that one really takes the biscuit, this all shows, as PTP move forward, all be it a little unsure, awkwardly, and slowly........the democrats are really worried they are fast disappearing up their own orifice

"the democrats water release actions mean they do not come out of that one too well"

Given that it was someone in the current government that made the decisions on water release, there might be something to be said about that.

[OzMick]

There actually does not appear to be much substance to the democrat claims, yes the rice mortgage needs to be transparent, but with the risk of drought in some regions, a reserve may prove to be a blessing. Deep south is ongoing, and only an idiot would claim an immediate solution where former governments have also failed to provide a solution. Flooding has been discussed ad nauseum, the democrats water release actions mean they do not come out of that one too well, but yes the fledgling government will have learnt from this disaster,..... and as for the important issue of letting Cambodia organise a world heritige event........well I think that one really takes the biscuit, this all shows, as PTP move forward, all be it a little unsure, awkwardly, and slowly........the democrats are really worried they are fast disappearing up their own orifice

Try reading today's BP. PTP are admitting the rice pledging scheme is plagued with corruption - surprise, surprise, it was the last time they tried it, but it was Thaksin's brainchild and he wanted it re-instated. They are so concerned k.(Miracle-Cure) Chalerm has been appointed to take care of it, which will relieve the concerns of absolutely nobody.

But hey, what a few hundred billion baht of taxpayer's money when it's buying votes from the mug voters.

[jeffcool]

she is also ready to answer for herself...

When this happen.... can you please send a link...... This should be hilarious..... or not really.....

[Noistar]

It is all a waste of time. Right or Wrong she will walk away free of censure.

She is quite ready to defend her self after taking notes in a long phone call with her brother.

I think between the two of them they will have realized tears and give me a six month chance will not work this time and have come up with a new strategy.

I say it is all a waste of time because there is no alternative. Even if the Dems were to prove their case what could be done about it. A new election, sorry but the average Thai voter is not aware of the consequences of the going's on in government and will only see the money put into his hand. They are quite willing to forget the broken promises the useless promises in favor of promises of things to come

like I will make you all rich in 6 months.

Unfortunately (no dis-respect to Thais intended), the average Thai (that I come across) doesn't even understand what the election was about. They had a down on Abhisit, so had no difficulty placing their vote in 'the Red corner'.

What has happened in the past year has nothing to do with their vote. What were the Government meant to do? Have they done it? Is my life better? They don't know because they can't be bothered with politics.

I love sweeping statements - gives posters with a rosier view of the election, something to hit me with.

But........... My comments are based on knowledge, and I 'suspect' it is not too far from the truth.

IMHO etc, etc

Edited August 4, 2012 by Noistar

[473geo]

There actually does not appear to be much substance to the democrat claims, yes the rice mortgage needs to be transparent, but with the risk of drought in some regions, a reserve may prove to be a blessing. Deep south is ongoing, and only an idiot would claim an immediate solution where former governments have also failed to provide a solution. Flooding has been discussed ad nauseum, the democrats water release actions mean they do not come out of that one too well, but yes the fledgling government will have learnt from this disaster,..... and as for the important issue of letting Cambodia organise a world heritige event........well I think that one really takes the biscuit, this all shows, as PTP move forward, all be it a little unsure, awkwardly, and slowly........the democrats are really worried they are fast disappearing up their own orifice

"the democrats water release actions mean they do not come out of that one too well"

Given that it was someone in the current government that made the decisions on water release, there might be something to be said about that.

But an official in the current government could hardly be responsible for the water release in the first half of the year, unless he held the position under the democrat government......get my point....the lowest amount of water ever was released in months leading up to the installation of the 'current government; a genuine mistake given the unexpected deluge? maybe so, but a contributary factor none the less, so let us not be further side tracked on a topic that clearly is a desperate attempt by the Democrats to stay in the limelight, as they drift rudderless into the political backwaters of Thai politics

Edited August 4, 2012 by 473geo

[473geo]

There actually does not appear to be much substance to the democrat claims, yes the rice mortgage needs to be transparent, but with the risk of drought in some regions, a reserve may prove to be a blessing. Deep south is ongoing, and only an idiot would claim an immediate solution where former governments have also failed to provide a solution. Flooding has been discussed ad nauseum, the democrats water release actions mean they do not come out of that one too well, but yes the fledgling government will have learnt from this disaster,..... and as for the important issue of letting Cambodia organise a world heritige event........well I think that one really takes the biscuit, this all shows, as PTP move forward, all be it a little unsure, awkwardly, and slowly........the democrats are really worried they are fast disappearing up their own orifice

Try reading today's BP. PTP are admitting the rice pledging scheme is plagued with corruption - surprise, surprise, it was the last time they tried it, but it was Thaksin's brainchild and he wanted it re-instated. They are so concerned k.(Miracle-Cure) Chalerm has been appointed to take care of it, which will relieve the concerns of absolutely nobody.

But hey, what a few hundred billion baht of taxpayer's money when it's buying votes from the mug voters.

Does the BP mention the military are still using the 'explosive device' detectors, or the camera on a rather large balloon? Would you care to drop in an analysis of the gain to farmers from a) the money paid directly to the fertiliser companies by the democrat goverment.(3.5 billion subsidy a possible 30 billion set aside for fertiliser loans; while also approving a rise in fertiliser prices!!)...gain to farmers through increase in kg price through rice pledging....when you speak of wasting money, well done PTP for accepting the scheme is flawed, (as I did mention above the scheme needs to be transparent) and more credit due to them for trying to recover the situation. They may not require the rice pledging if the credit card approach puts the funds exactly where intended........but many TV posters don't like that approach either.... ........just another nail in the Democrat coffin

Edited August 4, 2012 by 473geo

[KireB]

They may not require the rice pledging if the credit card approach puts the funds exactly where intended........but many TV posters don't like that approach either.... ........just another nail in the Democrat coffin

It takes the funds out of the hands of the farmers and puts it into in the hands of the banks and suppliers! Clever!

Edited August 4, 2012 by KireB

[473geo]

They may not require the rice pledging if the credit card approach puts the funds exactly where intended........but many TV posters don't like that approach either.... ........just another nail in the Democrat coffin

It takes the funds out of the hands of the farmers and puts it into in the hands of the banks and suppliers! Clever!

They may not require the rice pledging if the credit card approach puts the funds exactly where intended........but many TV posters don't like that approach either.... ........just another nail in the Democrat coffin

It takes the funds out of the hands of the farmers and puts it into in the hands of the banks and suppliers! Clever!

The same as the Democrats fertiliser subsidy? Suppliers get to increase their fertiliser prices, government covers the price rise, farmers get to buy fertiliser at last years price and sell rice at last years prices......benefit to farmers.....0 baht

At least a small part of the rice pledge monies actually got to the farmer by way of increase in rice per kg price

Edited August 4, 2012 by 473geo

[hellodolly]

473geo

Haven't really got my mind wrapped around the whole rice price guarantee yet.

But from what I have been able to see so far it is hurting Thailand's rice exporting market. And the raise in cost has to affect the consumer here in Thailand.

Seems to me that it is destined to make Thailand rice for export a no business. Just grow what you can sell in Thailand unless a consumer can get some imported in from other countries.

A truly sad day for Thailand when rice becomes a black market item because it is cheaper there.

[rubl]

It may be me, maybe I'm just a prick or just an MCP, but I would have appreciated this topic more if it had the PM saying "I'm ready to clarify whatever may be thrown at me during an upcoming no-confidence debate". I do though appreciate the PM to be ready to answer (for once) questions even if it's just about work performance.

I'm a bit surprised at the distinction some try to make between government's performance and political game. At least I assume the debate would be in parliament, now wouldn't it?

To end this post, might someone please explain to me this part of the OP, especially on how to interpret "meaningful opposition":

"But if this is political gamesmanship, Mr Suranand urged that the Opposition should refrain from doing this, as the public wanted to see a meaningful opposition."

[rubl]

The same as the Democrats fertiliser subsidy? Suppliers get to increase their fertiliser prices, government covers the price rise, farmers get to buy fertiliser at last years price and sell rice at last years prices......benefit to farmers.....0 baht

At least a small part of the rice pledge monies actually got to the farmer by way of increase in rice per kg price

Now I do not know how much the previous government managed to spent on 'fertiliser subsidy' neither whatever they promised if (only) they would be returned in (as?) government, but the current Pheu Thai led government spent THB 260 billion between 2011-10-07 and end of July, 2012. Now if only a small part of that money got to farmers by way of increasing the rice price for all others here in Thailand, that of course would be wonderfull, somehow, or so

BTW any figures on how much of THB 260 billion actually got to farmers, especially the not so rich and the poor farmers?

[Lite Beer]

Censure motion to focus on five issues, Democrat MP says

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Democrat Party MP Thepthai Senapong said the party planned to file a censure debate motion against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on five issues.

These are the leadership of the premier, failure of policies, corruption in many ministries, corruption in flood projects and corruption in the rice-mortgage scheme.

A source from the Democrats said the party might file the motion at the end of August or early September.

By law, the Opposition can file a censure debate motion only once during this House session, from August 1 to November. The Opposition has said that its motion will focus on Yingluck's performance.

-- The Nation 2012-08-05