Campaign Against Abhisit Could Backfire

[webfact]

STOPPAGE TIME

Campaign against Abhisit could backfire

Tulsathit Taptim

BANGKOK: -- That you don't understand the technicality of Abhisit Vejjajiva's "removal" from the Army doesn't mean you shouldn't be worried. A glance at the relevant timings may reveal the bigger picture. Defence Minister Sukampol Suwannathat signed the order removing Abhisit on the day the opposition named the Cabinet member in its censure motion.

The no-confidence debate will take place virtually at the same time as an anti-government gathering, expected to be the biggest to date. To add to that, Abhisit's "punishment" and "appeal" will go through the likes of the Constitution Court, Administrative Court and National Counter Corruption Commission - the familiar "independent bodies" associated with key political climaxes.

Abhisit is supposed to lead the censure attack. That, we know. What we are not sure about is how Sukampol's removal order has affected the Democrat leader's MP status. The question may need to be settled by the Constitution Court, but the Administrative Court, which received Abhisit's appeal earlier this week, may have a big say in the meantime. An Administrative Court injunction could save Abhisit and give the government a big slap in the face. The Constitution Court may make things worse for the government, or, in case of the two courts having different opinions, find itself on a collision course with the Administrative Court.

The NCCC, meanwhile, can be spurred into action by the Democrats if they think they have a strong case of political persecution to pursue against Sukampol. All of a sudden, the defence minister is facing two or three battlefronts. The censure attack will certainly be fierce, with the opposition now having added motivation to pull no punches. And it doesn't matter who's behind the anti-government rally - whether it is a PAD reincarnation or new combination of anti-Thaksin elements - Abhisit's fate will likely draw big crowds.

It's understandable why the Pheu Thai Party wants to put Abhisit away. His eloquence often draws blood in Parliament, and nobody on the government side is equipped to effectively counter what promises to be a spectacular attack on Yingluck Shinawatra. More importantly perhaps, he represents the biggest parliamentary obstacle to political goals more difficult than surviving a censure debate - an "amnesty" scheme and charter revamp.

But just because he "should" be sidelined doesn't mean sidelining or attempting to sideline him is a good idea. There are countless reasons why the government should think again. Abhisit's "victimisation" - as he's calling it - could easily break the already fragile "reconciliation" agenda. He has international supporters who can point to what's happening in Thailand and proclaim that it's not a democratic struggle, but politics of revenge, pure and simple. His domestic supporters are likely to renew tension on Bangkok's streets. The aforementioned courts may side with him, leaving Sukampol and the government new legal timebombs to handle.

Last but not least, going after Abhisit for something he allegedly did in the distant past is a big political gamble as far as Thaksin Shinawatra is concerned. The latter's past is far more questionable, and affected his political role much more directly. If Abhisit needs to be politically neutralised just because of his conscription documents, what does that say about filing false assets reports when one was prime minister, or a prime minister letting his spouse purchase a piece of state land in violation of the law?

Pheu Thai lost Yongyuth Wichaidit after he became a high-profile casualty of the Alpine land scandal. Without much fight, he gave up the party leadership and Interior portfolio following indictment by the NCCC. Abhisit, on the other hand, has put up tough resistance, vehemently denying wrongdoing in acquiring conscription exemption. The Democrat leader faces the loss of his military rank as sub-lieutenant and salary over charges that he used falsified documents to apply for the position of military lecturer.

Attempts to throw "massacre" charges at Abhisit have proved laborious, with end results not expected any time soon. This has left his rivals to throw the considerably benign charges of using false documents to work as a military lecturer. On one hand, they can use these charges to send a pro-Thaksin statement that, "See? Nobody is perfect". On the other hand, they risk making Abhisit look good and Thaksin look worse.

Image aside, the Pheu Thai government should think more about the immediate consequences of the Abhisit affair. The anti-government protesters are building up "ammunition", and will pose sufficient threat with or without Abhisit in the picture. He may not be as popular as the prime minister at the moment, but as we all have learned, 100 zealous fans of a politician can be worth more than 10,000 lukewarm supporters.

-- The Nation 2012-11-14

[virtualtraveller]

there's a lot to be surmised from this. Certainly it's part of a bigger campaign by Peua Thai to go on the offensive against an opposition that they see as spoilt sports perpetually getting in the way (as apposed to reflecting on their own mis-deeds), so it does look like a stitch up to many. Whoever thought this one up in Dubai was probably acting more out of spite than reason, since it's unlikely to put Abhisit away completely before the censure debate, will now gain him victimisation sympathy and most importantly, has probably really p*ssed off the army who have been forced to discipline one of their allies. They will almost certainly get the knives out for Sukumpol later in the game when the heat is on. But it does add further confusion to the whole saga, international observers will be wondering why the Army, who are allied with the Democrats apparently, have done this. All the rural poor (red shirts) will read into it that Abhisit is dodgy, but that's like preaching to the converted. Everyone else will see this for the farce it really is, dug up 25 years later so hastily and on flimsy grounds. This may well come back to bite Peua Thai in the butt when their defence minister is indicted on malfeasance charges and the Democrats insist that National service records of all MPs get scrutinised. More of the same dirty politics as expounded by the Puea Thaksin party.

[OzMick]

Interesting picture attached. How does a draft-dodger get photographed in a nice new uniform, complete with steel chapeau?

I thought draft-dodgers sent postcards from Canada.

[thaicbr]

Interesting picture attached. How does a draft-dodger get photographed in a nice new uniform, complete with steel chapeau?

I thought draft-dodgers sent postcards from Canada.

Easy enough to get a picture taken if you actually did your national service. Which Abhisit did (the lecturers position)

The funniest thing is now pretty much ALL mi-so and hi-so kids DON'T do national service as they do Army cadets in high school.

Sent from my GT-P1010 using Thaivisa Connect App

[hellodolly]

And there was people who really thought PT was acting in the best interest of Thailand rather than trying to cover up there inept ability to govern for the good of Thailand.

[tragickingdom]

The bigger picture is that military service is for poor losers and that the rich and influential get away with draft dodging and false credentials all the time. Just like rape cases and violence against women is accepted in Thailand so is rigging the system. It doesn't matter if you owe billions to your creditors as in the TPI case, kill a policeman as with the Redbull heir or dodge a draft when you are the son of a wealthy family.

The elite wants to sent a clear message to the people in Izan, the North and other poor areas: You are suckers.

[jayboy]

Interesting picture attached. How does a draft-dodger get photographed in a nice new uniform, complete with steel chapeau?

I thought draft-dodgers sent postcards from Canada.

You really haven't been following the details of this case,have you?

[Pimay1]

And there was people who really thought PT was acting in the best interest of Thailand rather than trying to cover up there inept ability to govern for the good of Thailand.

And judging from some of the posts from certain TVF members they fall into this category. Like the old saying, you can fool some of the people some of the time............................................

[SICHONSTEVE]

The bigger picture is that military service is for poor losers and that the rich and influential get away with draft dodging and false credentials all the time. Just like rape cases and violence against women is accepted in Thailand so is rigging the system. It doesn't matter if you owe billions to your creditors as in the TPI case, kill a policeman as with the Redbull heir or dodge a draft when you are the son of a wealthy family.

The elite wants to sent a clear message to the people in Izan, the North and other poor areas: You are suckers.

"The elite wants to sent a clear message to the people in Izan, the North and other poor areas: You are suckers".

....and what more appropriate person can there be for prescribing to all of this than "the Dubai fugitive"!!!!!

Do you think that what Abhisit has done (or not done) equates to killing over 1,000 Thai's and cheating the nation of vast chunks of THEIR wealth???

He is the biggest manipulator (use and throw away) in the world and THE ONE to make those you purport to support look like 'dumb, bozo lemmings' of the highest order.

[rubl]

The bigger picture is that military service is for poor losers and that the rich and influential get away with draft dodging and false credentials all the time. Just like rape cases and violence against women is accepted in Thailand so is rigging the system. It doesn't matter if you owe billions to your creditors as in the TPI case, kill a policeman as with the Redbull heir or dodge a draft when you are the son of a wealthy family.

The elite wants to sent a clear message to the people in Izan, the North and other poor areas: You are suckers.

If you insist on writing about elite I think the last sentence should be modified. It's much more 'the rich and influential in Thailand sent a clear message to the lesser beings in their country: You are suckers".

Justification: 'elite' has been politicised and the link to 'the people in Izan' just confirms that. My description should reflect that 'rich and influencial' are everywhere in this country as well as the 'poor and lower classes'

[Ferangled]

Perhaps the headline would more accurately reflect the views of the writer if it read: "Why focus on any wrongs committed by Abhisit when we can focus on the wrongs committed by Thaksin?"

I love the reasoning of this article; any actual wrong doing is completely irrelevant if the focus on it is brought about through political agenda, any past slights should be forgotten in favour of reconciliation and then a few thinly veiled threats of violence on the streets of Bangkok!

"But just because he "should" be sidelined doesn't mean sidelining or attempting to sideline him is a good idea. There are countless reasons why the government should think again. Abhisit's Thaksin's "victimisation" - as he's calling it - could easily break the already fragile "reconciliation" agenda. He has international supporters who can point to what's happening in Thailand and proclaim that it's not a democratic struggle, but politics of revenge, pure and simple. His domestic supporters are likely to renew tension on Bangkok's streets."

Red/ Yellow, really, change the names and the tactics appear remarkably familiar. Total and utter hypocrisy given recent Thai history...

[rubl]

Perhaps the headline would more accurately reflect the views of the writer if it read: "Why focus on any wrongs committed by Abhisit when we can focus on the wrongs committed by Thaksin?"

I love the reasoning of this article; any actual wrong doing is completely irrelevant if the focus on it is brought about through political agenda, any past slights should be forgotten in favour of reconciliation and then a few thinly veiled threats of violence on the streets of Bangkok!

"But just because he "should" be sidelined doesn't mean sidelining or attempting to sideline him is a good idea. There are countless reasons why the government should think again. Abhisit's Thaksin's "victimisation" - as he's calling it - could easily break the already fragile "reconciliation" agenda. He has international supporters who can point to what's happening in Thailand and proclaim that it's not a democratic struggle, but politics of revenge, pure and simple. His domestic supporters are likely to renew tension on Bangkok's streets."

Red/ Yellow, really, change the names and the tactics appear remarkably familiar. Total and utter hypocrisy given recent Thai history...

It's not the wrongs (allegedly) committed by k. Thaksin, it's the deflection from a censure debate on a few minor mishaps which occurred under the current government. Please also remember that lots of Thai look upon a (live broadcast) censure debate as mostly good fun even if there won't be a direct result

[khunken]

Perhaps the headline would more accurately reflect the views of the writer if it read: "Why focus on any wrongs committed by Abhisit when we can focus on the wrongs committed by Thaksin?"

I love the reasoning of this article; any actual wrong doing is completely irrelevant if the focus on it is brought about through political agenda, any past slights should be forgotten in favour of reconciliation and then a few thinly veiled threats of violence on the streets of Bangkok!

"But just because he "should" be sidelined doesn't mean sidelining or attempting to sideline him is a good idea. There are countless reasons why the government should think again. Abhisit's Thaksin's "victimisation" - as he's calling it - could easily break the already fragile "reconciliation" agenda. He has international supporters who can point to what's happening in Thailand and proclaim that it's not a democratic struggle, but politics of revenge, pure and simple. His domestic supporters are likely to renew tension on Bangkok's streets."

Red/ Yellow, really, change the names and the tactics appear remarkably familiar. Total and utter hypocrisy given recent Thai history...

Yes, the flimsy case against Abhisit is total hypocrisy. The article is pretty good despite the nit-picking from a PTP/red-shirt supporter. Tulsathit is quite right to contrast a 26-year old alleged infringement with a 12-year old assets lying case and the damage that has done to this country ever since. Just as well that Thaksin's party hasn't (yet) been able to control the CC, Admin Court & NCCC. There's a good chance that at least one of those bodies will throw this facade out for good.

[Ferangled]

Perhaps the headline would more accurately reflect the views of the writer if it read: "Why focus on any wrongs committed by Abhisit when we can focus on the wrongs committed by Thaksin?"

I love the reasoning of this article; any actual wrong doing is completely irrelevant if the focus on it is brought about through political agenda, any past slights should be forgotten in favour of reconciliation and then a few thinly veiled threats of violence on the streets of Bangkok!

"But just because he "should" be sidelined doesn't mean sidelining or attempting to sideline him is a good idea. There are countless reasons why the government should think again. Abhisit's Thaksin's "victimisation" - as he's calling it - could easily break the already fragile "reconciliation" agenda. He has international supporters who can point to what's happening in Thailand and proclaim that it's not a democratic struggle, but politics of revenge, pure and simple. His domestic supporters are likely to renew tension on Bangkok's streets."

Red/ Yellow, really, change the names and the tactics appear remarkably familiar. Total and utter hypocrisy given recent Thai history...

Yes, the flimsy case against Abhisit is total hypocrisy. The article is pretty good despite the nit-picking from a PTP/red-shirt supporter. Tulsathit is quite right to contrast a 26-year old alleged infringement with a 12-year old assets lying case and the damage that has done to this country ever since. Just as well that Thaksin's party hasn't (yet) been able to control the CC, Admin Court & NCCC. There's a good chance that at least one of those bodies will throw this facade out for good.

Evidently hypocrisy only works one way in Thailand eh?! Isn't that the very point I was making, the very same objections/ reactions raised by Thaksin are now being levied by Abhisit... political agenda, victimisation, threat of public unrest etc.

Feeble journalism and a very thinly veiled propaganda piece IMHO.

[khunken]

Perhaps the headline would more accurately reflect the views of the writer if it read: "Why focus on any wrongs committed by Abhisit when we can focus on the wrongs committed by Thaksin?"

I love the reasoning of this article; any actual wrong doing is completely irrelevant if the focus on it is brought about through political agenda, any past slights should be forgotten in favour of reconciliation and then a few thinly veiled threats of violence on the streets of Bangkok!

"But just because he "should" be sidelined doesn't mean sidelining or attempting to sideline him is a good idea. There are countless reasons why the government should think again. Abhisit's Thaksin's "victimisation" - as he's calling it - could easily break the already fragile "reconciliation" agenda. He has international supporters who can point to what's happening in Thailand and proclaim that it's not a democratic struggle, but politics of revenge, pure and simple. His domestic supporters are likely to renew tension on Bangkok's streets."

Red/ Yellow, really, change the names and the tactics appear remarkably familiar. Total and utter hypocrisy given recent Thai history...

Yes, the flimsy case against Abhisit is total hypocrisy. The article is pretty good despite the nit-picking from a PTP/red-shirt supporter. Tulsathit is quite right to contrast a 26-year old alleged infringement with a 12-year old assets lying case and the damage that has done to this country ever since. Just as well that Thaksin's party hasn't (yet) been able to control the CC, Admin Court & NCCC. There's a good chance that at least one of those bodies will throw this facade out for good.

Evidently hypocrisy only works one way in Thailand eh?! Isn't that the very point I was making, the very same objections/ reactions raised by Thaksin are now being levied by Abhisit... political agenda, victimisation, threat of public unrest etc.

Feeble journalism and a very thinly veiled propaganda piece IMHO.

To you, hypocrisy maybe only works one way. There was no victimisation etc of Thaksin in the assets lying case. In fact it was the reverse - he got away with it due to pressure (& very likely money) from his wife & Sanoh. But, of course, the hypocrisy here is not considered to the acolytes.

Good article, as I've said, and needed as a response to PTP propaganda.

[rubl]

Yes, the flimsy case against Abhisit is total hypocrisy. The article is pretty good despite the nit-picking from a PTP/red-shirt supporter. Tulsathit is quite right to contrast a 26-year old alleged infringement with a 12-year old assets lying case and the damage that has done to this country ever since. Just as well that Thaksin's party hasn't (yet) been able to control the CC, Admin Court & NCCC. There's a good chance that at least one of those bodies will throw this facade out for good.

Evidently hypocrisy only works one way in Thailand eh?! Isn't that the very point I was making, the very same objections/ reactions raised by Thaksin are now being levied by Abhisit... political agenda, victimisation, threat of public unrest etc.

Feeble journalism and a very thinly veiled propaganda piece IMHO.

To you, hypocrisy maybe only works one way. There was no victimisation etc of Thaksin in the assets lying case. In fact it was the reverse - he got away with it due to pressure (& very likely money) from his wife & Sanoh. But, of course, the hypocrisy here is not considered to the acolytes.

Good article, as I've said, and needed as a response to PTP propaganda.

Thailand is an interesting place. Here it's not only the ladies who get away with things when they confess to an honest mistake with a tearful eye. Judges influenced by a 'democratic pressure' campaign and saying 'how could we have found him guilty' also ranks high. To quote the slogan our PM used at the recent business lunch in the UK "unparalleled Thailand"

[khunken]

Yes, the flimsy case against Abhisit is total hypocrisy. The article is pretty good despite the nit-picking from a PTP/red-shirt supporter. Tulsathit is quite right to contrast a 26-year old alleged infringement with a 12-year old assets lying case and the damage that has done to this country ever since. Just as well that Thaksin's party hasn't (yet) been able to control the CC, Admin Court & NCCC. There's a good chance that at least one of those bodies will throw this facade out for good.

Evidently hypocrisy only works one way in Thailand eh?! Isn't that the very point I was making, the very same objections/ reactions raised by Thaksin are now being levied by Abhisit... political agenda, victimisation, threat of public unrest etc.

Feeble journalism and a very thinly veiled propaganda piece IMHO.

To you, hypocrisy maybe only works one way. There was no victimisation etc of Thaksin in the assets lying case. In fact it was the reverse - he got away with it due to pressure (& very likely money) from his wife & Sanoh. But, of course, the hypocrisy here is not considered to the acolytes.

Good article, as I've said, and needed as a response to PTP propaganda.

Thailand is an interesting place. Here it's not only the ladies who get away with things when they confess to an honest mistake with a tearful eye. Judges influenced by a 'democratic pressure' campaign and saying 'how could we have found him guilty' also ranks high. To quote the slogan our PM used at the recent business lunch in the UK "unparalleled Thailand"

She was probably referring to Thailands train tracks.

[Ferangled]

Perhaps the headline would more accurately reflect the views of the writer if it read: "Why focus on any wrongs committed by Abhisit when we can focus on the wrongs committed by Thaksin?"

I love the reasoning of this article; any actual wrong doing is completely irrelevant if the focus on it is brought about through political agenda, any past slights should be forgotten in favour of reconciliation and then a few thinly veiled threats of violence on the streets of Bangkok!

"But just because he "should" be sidelined doesn't mean sidelining or attempting to sideline him is a good idea. There are countless reasons why the government should think again. Abhisit's Thaksin's "victimisation" - as he's calling it - could easily break the already fragile "reconciliation" agenda. He has international supporters who can point to what's happening in Thailand and proclaim that it's not a democratic struggle, but politics of revenge, pure and simple. His domestic supporters are likely to renew tension on Bangkok's streets."

Red/ Yellow, really, change the names and the tactics appear remarkably familiar. Total and utter hypocrisy given recent Thai history...

Yes, the flimsy case against Abhisit is total hypocrisy. The article is pretty good despite the nit-picking from a PTP/red-shirt supporter. Tulsathit is quite right to contrast a 26-year old alleged infringement with a 12-year old assets lying case and the damage that has done to this country ever since. Just as well that Thaksin's party hasn't (yet) been able to control the CC, Admin Court & NCCC. There's a good chance that at least one of those bodies will throw this facade out for good.

Evidently hypocrisy only works one way in Thailand eh?! Isn't that the very point I was making, the very same objections/ reactions raised by Thaksin are now being levied by Abhisit... political agenda, victimisation, threat of public unrest etc.

Feeble journalism and a very thinly veiled propaganda piece IMHO.

To you, hypocrisy maybe only works one way. There was no victimisation etc of Thaksin in the assets lying case. In fact it was the reverse - he got away with it due to pressure (& very likely money) from his wife & Sanoh. But, of course, the hypocrisy here is not considered to the acolytes.

Good article, as I've said, and needed as a response to PTP propaganda.

Is this part of a Chuckle Brothers rendition... to me, to you... why are you replying to me? You can have an opinion without voicing it as a (non) reply to what I have written. We could go on all day like this but if you can't address what I actually write it would seem rather pointless and childish.

The hypocrisy is clear to all without blinkers on both sides of this farce. I'm commenting on the article and the bias shown, you seem to be anchored firmly on Thaksin alone. Pretty ironic given that you are applying hypocrisy to a past response in respect to a current one... I guess logic be damned again.

Crap and obviously biased article to all with 20 20 vision, as I've said, IMHO...

[rubl]

The totally altruristic campaign by the Pheu Thai led government and a few Pheu Thai members of the cabinet just got help from the new Pheu Thai leader k. Jarupong:

Thailand Live Wednesday 14th #37, 15:04

RT @tulsathit: Pheu Thai new leader Jarupong asks Democrats to answer questions about Ahbisit's MP status b4 asking Yingluck no-confidence questions.

Go for it boys, no one will accuse you of political influenced decisions

[hellodolly]

The bigger picture is that military service is for poor losers and that the rich and influential get away with draft dodging and false credentials all the time. Just like rape cases and violence against women is accepted in Thailand so is rigging the system. It doesn't matter if you owe billions to your creditors as in the TPI case, kill a policeman as with the Redbull heir or dodge a draft when you are the son of a wealthy family.

The elite wants to sent a clear message to the people in Izan, the North and other poor areas: You are suckers.

If you insist on writing about elite I think the last sentence should be modified. It's much more 'the rich and influential in Thailand sent a clear message to the lesser beings in their country: You are suckers".

Justification: 'elite' has been politicised and the link to 'the people in Izan' just confirms that. My description should reflect that 'rich and influencial' are everywhere in this country as well as the 'poor and lower classes'

Very well said. To listen to some of the posters talking about elite you would think there was only a hand full of them. All in Bangkok and political connected to powerful people to the point where they really run the country and the PM is just a visible face with nothing to do in the running of the country. When in fact there are many wealthy people all over Thailand using their money and connections to circumvent the law not to manage it.