Opposition Dumps Thaksin's Election Plans

[bulmercke]

Quote:

Hello and goodbye from Democracy scorned

Dear Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra:

I am not sure whether this is supposed to be a greeting or a farewell. It could be both, though, because while we've never talked before, I may not have a chance to write again. No, I'm not going anywhere, but you might be. Politics is funny, huh? Although you may not be laughing, for obvious reasons.

I was tempted to write a long time ago, when you made that world-renowned statement about me in December 2003. "Democracy is not my goal," you said. In your opinion, one "can't drive a Rolls-Royce to a rural village and fix people's problems", and there are times when "a pickup or good off-road vehicle will do". I was said to be just a "tool", something that was "good and beautiful" but which should not be the nation's ultimate aspiration.

Great speech! But here's my take: you don't miss the water until the well runs dry. It seems the Sanam Luang crowd and the opposition bloc don't want to use a Rolls-Royce at the moment, either.

I must confess that the election boycott hurts me like hel_l, but let me tell you a little secret: I've gone through this kind of "surgery" before, in other countries with leaders like you.

I'm not one to harbour a grudge. In fact, I'm the most accommodating and forgiving of the lot. Check out my counterparts like Fascism or Communism or even Socialism. Yes, you might have flourished with some of them, but when it comes to downfall, you would never find a place for a soft landing. My point, however, is that the leader of a socialist or communist country could be hanged if he insulted his nation's overriding ideology the same way you did.

I'm not boasting that I'm the best. But it pains me to be insulted by people like you, those who are given opportunities that are hard to come by in other countries, to climb from rags to riches. I had to fight back tears every time you invoked those "19 million votes" to defend your actions, knowing full well that deep in your heart, you never really appreciated my real merits and principles. Without me, your assets-concealment scandal would not have gone through the National Counter Corruption Commission, where they allowed you to defend yourself, and then the Constitution Court, where you again could defend yourself. Without me, you could have easily ended up in a summary investigation like the one launched against the Chatichai administration in 1991.

To be fair to you, I'm different things to different people. Leaders who shared your belief that I'm just a "tool", not an inspiration, have often used me as a stepping stone. Once they got what they want, they forgot all about me. They all have one thing in common though: whenever their backs were against the wall, they called for me.

I'm fed up with those losers, you know. The pattern is all too familiar. They order drug suspects or alleged militants shot in the morning, force news outlets to sack editors in the afternoon, buy off those employed in checks and balances in the evening and come to me with flowers when they have nowhere to go. They don't really know me or my essence. I'm only their springboard and last resort, nothing else.

So, don't be surprised if I act like a woman scorned from time to time. Before asking what's wrong with Thailand's "democracy", following the announced election boycott and considerable public support for it, ask yourself these questions: do you recognise the rights of the Sanam Luang demonstrators to air their disappointment with you? Do you think it's justified for your Shin Corp to sue someone for hundreds of millions of baht for simply questioning its alleged profits from government decisions? Do you honestly think it's right for the government to help provinces that supported your political party first? And when members of the public criticise you, are they "stupid", or are they just performing their duty as Thai citizens?

If you think you can break the rules, then so can I. And don't worry about me, because I can take care of myself. You can go on and complain about anything you like, but please don't pretend this is the end of me. I exist in places where they cherish and foster my real values and spirit.

You said on Monday that you had done your best. Well, sorry, my friend, your best wasn't good enough.

Goodbye from someone you never really knew,

Democracy

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/03/01...on_20001743.php

A truly outstanding piece... (courtesy of diaw - www.ajarn.com)

Edited March 2, 2006 by bulmercke

[Insight]

Someone said The Nation hates Taksin for no reason. Do you remember how Taksin's buddy at AMLO started secret investigations into Nation's editors bank accounts for alleged money laundering, or maybe drug trafficing, or prostitution, or organised crime - the offences that come under AMLO's jurisdiction, on an unanonimous, unspecified tip off letter?

Thanks for that trip down memory lane Plus.

No doubt other rags will put the pressure on Shondi *if* foul play has been committed, but this is not the focus right now. Right now all major newspapers have got their eye on one target, and with good reason; there's an opportunity to get the one man who's persecuted them over the past few years out.

[sriracha john]

Thailand suspends US free trade talks due to election

Wed Mar 1, 7:40 AM ET

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand has suspended free trade talks with the United States and delayed signing a deal with Japan until after an April 2 election called by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, officials said on Wednesday.

"There will be no negotiating or consulting rounds until we have a new government," Karoon Kittisathaporn, Thailand's chief negotiator in the U.S. talks, told reporters.

The talks were already in trouble after Washington threatened last month to walk away unless Bangkok agreed to reach a deal by spring. Thaksin said at the time his government was in no hurry.

The Thai leader called a snap election last Friday to defuse a political crisis marked by growing protests demanding he resign over allegations of corruption and abuses of power.

The two sides made some progress during their last round of talks in January, but failed to agree on intellectual property issues and the liberalization of financial services.

The January meeting in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai was briefly disrupted by anti-free trade protesters who said the deal would only benefit big business at the expense of the poor.

No date had been set for a seventh round of talks.

Thailand began negotiating a trade deal in 2004 to boost exports to the United States, its biggest market.

Two-way trade between Thailand and the United States was valued at $25.7 billion last year, up from $22.7 billion in 2004.

Japan and Thailand had planned to sign their free trade pact on April 3, but that ceremony would be delayed until after the Thai election, officials said.

The Thai-Japan pact was to be implemented in October but now could be delayed until March next year, Uttama Savanayana, an adviser to Thailand's commerce minister, told reporters.

Thailand and Japan reached a basic free trade agreement last year with Thailand agreeing to open its auto and steel sectors in return for lower tariffs on some farm products.

Two-way trade between Thailand and Japan rose to $41.2 billion last year from $35.7 billion in 2004.

Someone said The Nation hates Taksin for no reason. Do you remember how Taksin's buddy at AMLO started secret investigations into Nation's editors bank accounts for alleged money laundering, or maybe drug trafficing, or prostitution, or organised crime - the offences that come under AMLO's jurisdiction, on an unanonimous, unspecified tip off letter?

Excellent point!...

Thaksin has pulled so many under-handed stunts over the past 5 years, that particular one had slipped out of my memory. Thanks for reminding me of it.

I'd start a Rolodex of his wrong-doings, but I don't think the spare bedroom is big enough to hold it all.

[jezchesters]

Just like you it would seem! The Nation is stating facts, the problem is the PM, remove, him and there is no need for the current crises. Or is the understanding of such a matter beyond your ken?

Have a decent platform, run decent candidates, campaign hard, win the election, form the government and put in a new PM. That's the way to replace a PM. The opposition knows that doing that is virtually an impossibility so they have decided to boycott and not enter the fray. That's not the way to make changes or form a government, that's defeatist.

I have to disagree with you on this point...

Lets put aside the 90 day rule for a start, which already gives Mr T an unfair advantage. By calling an election, he is asking the country to choose between Thai Rak Thai and various other political parties. Under Thailand's political system, it would be a party political election, ie the question would be: which political party do you trust to run the country?

However, this is not the issue, and Mr T knows it. The issue is whether the Thai people trust Thaksin to run the country. These are two entirely separate questions.

If he was looking for an endorsement of his own actions, he could have offered a no-confidence vote in parliament. History is littered with occasions where party leaders have been ousted, without the need for a general election. Take Margaret Thatcher for instance. The mood in Britain at the time was that the country wanted to get rid of her, but not necessarily her Conservative party. She was duely replaced by John Major, who went on to win the next election. The voters wanted rid of her, but not her political party or government.

I think that this is the point that is being missed. Thailand doesn't have an American system where you vote for the person - it is similar to that of many other democracies, where the electorate vote for their preferred political party.

So, by going to the polls, Thaksin is asking the wrong question. I'm sure the majority of people are still happy with Thai Rak Thai policies, but some don't trust their leader.

Here's the thing - I'm sure that the majority of people wanting to oust Thaksin would be perfectly happy if he went, but his TRT party retained power. Whether they would win a majority at the next election is a different issue, but it would give all parties, and democracy, a fighting chance.

Jez

[Plus]

In Decemeber The Nation ran a series of articles on Sondhi, and he didn't come out as clean. That's why his alliance didn't attract any respectable figures until very recently. He tried to pull some heavyweights but not until Shin Corp deal anyone wanted to put his name next to Sondhi's.

Chamlong has bee around for a long, long time. He's proven himself and peole trust him. We might not like his anti-Chang drive, but his heart in the right place - the King and the country. More than you can say about Taksin. BTW, Taksin was a very attractive proposition five years ago, many wise men were fooled by his rhetoric but felt betrayed later on. Chamlong has clashed with Taksin before - over Liverpool lottery scam and I don't think they have spoken to each other since.

[bulmercke]

Editorials in The Nation simply repeat what other people have been saying all along. I haven't seen any original ideas in them.

Everyone understands that Taksin is the cause of the current standoff, not the parlament. Those protesters at Sanam Luang didn't say they have a problem with MPs or government ministers. They might have, but they all dwarth in comparison with the "Taksin problem".

Calls for Taksin's resignation, increasingly unified now, come from all sectors of society including parts of military. What's wrong with the Nation senior editors joining in?

Someone said The Nation hates Taksin for no reason. Do you remember how Taksin's buddy at AMLO started secret investigations into Nation's editors bank accounts for alleged money laundering, or maybe drug trafficing, or prostitution, or organised crime - the offences that come under AMLO's jurisdiction, on an unanonimous, unspecified tip off letter?

Was that an act of love? Do you think Taksin has retained any trust at The Nation's offices after that? Do you think he DESERVES any trust from them?

And Bangkok Post, with billion dollar lawsuits for printing the story planted by Taksin's henchmen, do you think they have lost trust in him for no reason?

He hasn't behaved like a lamb for the past five years and has no reason to expect any mercy from people he tried to intimidate, manipulate, suffocate and bankrupt all that time.

In fact his only "friends" in the media are only the ones paid to do so.

The AMLO business was around February-March 2002 (I remember well, because I was working on Soi Onut, Bangna, at the time, and all this was going on when Thaksin had only been PM for a couple of years. (He was elected in January 2000 if my memeory serves me correctly around the same time that GWB was elected for his first term.)

That was a real witch-hunt, and what's worse, it was based on fabricated information.

No wonder, as was mentioned by a previous poster, The Nation have had it in for him since!

And Good Luck to them.

In fact, if any of Britain's newspapers (dailies and Sundays) were to be suddenly relocated here forthwith and were to report on the current political situation here tomorrow, with the same editorial standards they supposedly maintain in the UK, I don't think their content would be that different to what The Nation's is now. (I know it's a hypothetical scenario - but worth considering, particularly if they had reported duly (in a proper way) on each and every one of Thaksin's infractions over the last five or six years.

However, if Thaksin does by some miracle escape this one and is able to maintain even a degree of his former authority and influence, then The Nation are surely gone.

Quite simply, they're either gonna sink or swim with this one. Their fate appears to be in the hands of the anti-Thaksin coalition at the moment - of which, without doubt, they're a leading party.

[Insight]

Has anybody considered what will happen if Thaksin somehow gets through wins this one though? Can the media expect any sort of freedom? If you think about it, it's not the most settling of thoughts.

[Plus]

Since Taksin is hoping to maintain the status quo we might expect no serious changes. He won't dare to persecute everyone who was at Sanam Luang.

He might try to pacify the protesters now but, given his nature, something will always come up and the same crowd will be back in force again.

That's why I don't see any way out with Taksin still in charge.

He might try to choose a way out with a backdoor option to come back in, lets say standing an election after the interim government amends the constitution, maybe in a year or so. Lets see then what he can do if his power to corrupt everybody will be seriously clipped. He's got an attractive platform, but how long it will last without greasing hands, on its own.

[bulmercke]

In Decemeber The Nation ran a series of articles on Sondhi, and he didn't come out as clean. That's why his alliance didn't attract any respectable figures until very recently. He tried to pull some heavyweights but not until Shin Corp deal anyone wanted to put his name next to Sondhi's.

Chamlong has bee around for a long, long time. He's proven himself and peole trust him. We might not like his anti-Chang drive, but his heart in the right place - the King and the country. More than you can say about Taksin. BTW, Taksin was a very attractive proposition five years ago, many wise men were fooled by his rhetoric but felt betrayed later on. Chamlong has clashed with Taksin before - over Liverpool lottery scam and I don't think they have spoken to each other since.

Yes, initially, last year when the anti-Thaksin rallies held in Lumpini Park started to receive the attention of the general public, The Nation appeared to be definitely getting behind them and Sondhi (their main protagonist).....

But then they tacked away from the movement, and what followed was a series of very prominent stories detailing Sondhi's "murky past". They were quite obviously distancing themselves from the man and the movement, which they seemed to think was an expedient vehicle upon which he was simply settling a personal score with his once business partner Thaksin. They even implied that he was benefitting financially from his anti-Thaksin stance.

There was literally no advertising or mention of any forthcoming rallies.

Then after the diabolical Shin sell-off they appeared to change direction again and from then on, without question, and without hesitation or pause, they have relentlessly pursued Thaksin -obviously a high-level behind doors commercial/editorial decision had been taken by the powers that be at The Nation's offices!

Maybe some information came their way at the time - other than that which was publicly known at the time.

[bulmercke]

Chuan backs Abhisit, compares Thaksin to Hitler - The Nation -

Former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai has backed Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva's decision to boycot the April 2 snap election, saying the decision is democratic.

Chuan had earlier admitted that he was against the idea of boycott the poll and field in candidates.

"However Khun Abhisit briefed me about the reasons behind the decision and that it is the decision of the party. Therefore, I informed him that the party should proceed according to the decision," said Chuan, who is the party's advisor chief and exparty leader.

"I believe Khun Abhisit makes a right decision. I told him that I will support him and the party all along," Chuan said.

Chuan rebutted caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's criticism that boycotting the election is against democratic principle. "It is as if Thai Rak Thai Party did not field in a candidate for a snap election in Satun province. Is this against the laws or not? Absolutely no," Chuan said.

He declined to predict the future of Thai politics now that Democrat and other opposition parties boycotted the election.

"Now Thai Rak Thai Party has a new motto to promote democracy and keep the country's rules and laws. This meant for the past five years, Thaksin government did not do these principles."

He also referred to Thaksin's interview today that the opposition parties should consult with Burma's imprisoned pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi as she fought for and encouraged people to join in the election.

"I want to tell him that he should better compare his performance with German's Hitler," he said.

Edited March 2, 2006 by bulmercke

[Khun Jean]

"I want to tell him that he should better compare his performance with German's Hitler," he said.

Who?

That will not help to make Thais understand.

They have their own history and Hitler is not included in that.

And if HE knew what Hitler was all about he would not make such a comparison!

(I am from the Netherlands, so i know who Hitler was. And Thaksin is a very sweet man compared to him.)

Edited March 2, 2006 by Khun Jean

[bulmercke]

"I want to tell him that he should better compare his performance with German's Hitler," he said.

Who?

That will not help to make Thais understand.

They have their own history and Hitler is not included in that.

And if HE knew what Hitler was all about he would not make such a comparison!

(I am from the Netherlands, so i know who Hitler was. And Thaksin is a very sweet man compared to him.)

khun Jean - I understand your sentiments - and Hitler, as you say, was certainly a nasty piece of work BUT then again, so is Thaksin.

Previous posters have mentioned that Thaksin is a dictator - and other posters have responded that if he was elected by a majority of people in his country - how can you say he is a dictator?"

However......

In the Reichstag elections of September 1930 the Nazi party jumped from the category of a splinter party on the lunatic fringe into that of a political force to be reckoned with. Six and a half million Germans voted Nazi and made the party the second biggest in the Reichstag.

Less than two years later this popular vote was more than doubled to give the Nazis 230 seats and make it the biggest in the Reichstag. But they never polled half the electorate in a free election. Even after Hitler won the chancellorship the Nazi vote in the election of March 1933 was only 43.9 per cent. But by then figures no longer meant much.

Hitler was a democratically elected leader, just like Thaksin.

And moreover Thaksin has also during his premiership been responsible (directly and indirectly) for the wholesale slaughter of innocent people - albeit on a much smaller scale to what the Nazi party and Hitler were ultimately responsible for.

The slaughter - and that was what it was - of "suspected" drug dealers a couple of years back comes to mind, when it is now recognised that the majority of those killed were innocent and were in many cases the enemies of Thaksin's supporters.

In a lot of cases there was the indiscriminate and gratutitous killing of innocents and petty criminals just so the police were able to maintain the quotas of dead, central government had allocated them in this barbaric, illegal and unlawful bloodfest.

Also there was Tak Bai in the south when soldiers loaded protesters onto trucks resulting in the suffocation of scores of innocent Thai people.

And Khru See when unnecessary force was engaged against Thai youths armed with little more than knives.

Also, the insurrection in the south appears to be a direct consequence of Thaksin. No Thaksin - no killing - as was the case before he came to power.

Hundreds and hundreds have unnecessarily died at the hands of Thaksin and his inhumane policies - he has been criticised time and again by human rights groups on these issues.

There is certainly a lot of blood on his hands IMHO and a comparison with Hitler is valid.

[ColPyat]

The slaughter - and that was what it was - of "suspected" drug dealers a couple of years back comes to mind, when it is now recognised that the majority of those killed were innocent and were in many cases the enemies of Thaksin's supporters.

In a lot of cases there was the indiscriminate and gratutitous killing of innocents and petty criminals just so the police were able to maintain the quotas of dead, central government had allocated them in this barbaric, illegal and unlawful bloodfest.

Actually, you are wrong there. Exageration does not help your cause. The majority of the people killed in the drug war were drug dealers, though mostly of the lowest ranks as the mid and top level dealers had enough time and money to get out of the way before the killings started.

But regardless of their guilt or innocence, there is no provision in Thai law to summarily execute anyone.

[Greer]

It seems that the majority of Thai people in Bangkok with whom I have spoken, want the PM to resign now - from what I have seen I don't think there is a choice in it any more.

Hmmm when did Bangkok make up the entire country? It's clear to me that the PM will not resign.

Yes, I see what you are saying - actually what I was meaning is simply the majority of people with whom I have spoken...not meaning the majority of Bangkokians, and of course certainly not to imply that this proves the whole country is of the same opinion.

Quite obvioulsy that is not true, or there would not be as much debate on this forum.

I guess I should have tried to make it a little clearer as to what I was saying - apologies for that.

Bangkok is certainly not the entire kingdom, nor of course do it's people speak for the entire kingdom, but I do feel that in this instance, there is a strong likelihood that informed country folk in the outlying regions would have similar feelings to those in Bangkok - at least I am inclined to say that I hope that is the case - if it is not the case it would imply that many country residents do not have access to the same information that those in the city have.

I realise that this is actually likely to be the case, but I really hope that through whatever means are available, the city dwelling Thais are letting the relatives and friends in the outlying areas know what is going on, and the underlying reasons for the unrest.

Whatever the outcome, I can only say that I hope the voting Thai public make an informed decision in the event that the election proceeds, and is accepted as valid.

The next worry is what may happen if the election goes ahead and the outcome is declared invalid under the requirements of the constitution - staring into that void would be terrifying I am certain.

Edited March 2, 2006 by Greer

[baht&sold]

The next worry is what may happen if the election goes ahead and the outcome is declared invalid under the requirements of the constitution - staring into that void would be terrifying I am certain.

Naaa, it's gonna be alright and prob sort itself sooner than later. This isn't '92, this isn't present day Manila either but it IS a fascinating exercise of Democracy growing pains. All good

Edited March 2, 2006 by baht&sold

[lukamar]

Although this is from Feb 16th before the election call, it's still very relevent.

An opposition problem in Thailand

By David Fullbrook -AT

Despite scandals, resignations and demonstrations, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra still commands strong support from members of parliament and voters.

And although this support is eroding, as things stand, Thaksin can be expected once again to trounce the noisy, but divided and shallow, opposition at the next election, due within the next three years.

This is provided, of course, that Thaksin is still in office.

On Thursday, the Constitution Court is to consider a petition submitted by 28 senators calling for Thaksin's suspension for alleged improprieties in the sell-off of his family's giant telecommunications company, Shin Corp, to Temasek Holdings of Singapore for US$1.85 billion.

The prime minister is alleged to have violated the country's conflict-of-interest law, which regulates the relationship of cabinet ministers with private companies. If the court agrees with the petitioners, which is not guaranteed, it would start a legal battle that could culminate in his removal from office. (The Stock Exchange of Thailand shed 1.38% on news of the petition going to the court.)

Thaksin's sky-high popularity could not last from the heady days five years ago when he began his first term. Graft cases, though so far not bearing his fingerprints, have been increasing, especially at Bangkok's new airport, making a mockery of Thaksin's war on corruption and upsetting more and more urban voters.

They have become more vocal since last month after the tax-free sale of Shin Corp by Thaksin's family to Temasek Holdings, a Singaporean government investment fund. Though the deal is probably legal - just - many consider it unpatriotic.

This was a shot in the arm for the flagging protest movement calling for Thaksin's resignation. Another boost came from the resignation of two cabinet ministers from the Wang Nam Yen faction within the ruling Thai Rak Thai party ahead of last Saturday's anti-government demonstrations.

However, this is a political ploy rather than heartfelt protest. Wang Nam Yen is trying to squeeze Thaksin for better cabinet posts with threats to take its 30 members of parliament into the opposition. That would still leave almost 350 pro-government members in the 500-seat Lower House.

Mr Thaksin could ignore the dissident faction, could offer better cabinet seats, or could make good on a casual threat to call a snap election. Thai Rak Thai has the money, organization and flair to ensure it romps home to yet another victory, with or without Wang Nam Yen, which is half the size it was five years ago.

More of concern than Wang Nam Yen is Sondhi Limthongkul, the publishing magnate who founded Manager Media Group, and who once cheered for Thaksin. He began staging his political talk show in Lumpini Park, a stone's throw from the Silom-Sathorn financial district, last October after it was axed by state television for criticizing Thaksin too much.

Last Saturday, Sondhi led yet another protest near the royal palace calling for Thaksin to resign. That drew about 50,000 people, organizers estimate, which was half the crowd at the previous week's rally. Though large, this crowd can hardly count as a reflection of the Thai majority's wishes. In 1973, more than half a million people filled the streets calling for the dictators to go.

Thaksin's biggest headache, however, is not the protests, but the potential for violence. Clashes and heavy-handed police intervention would rake up memories of 1992, 1976 and 1973, when troops and police killed dozens of demonstrators, mostly students, calling for democracy.

Those killings, for which justice remains denied, sparked condemnation nationwide, forcing the generals or their puppet governments to resign. Worryingly, people claiming to support Thaksin disrupted the past few protests in Lumpini Park, though with no injuries.

As in 1992, 1976 and 1973, democracy is the problem. But this time, curiously, it is a problem for the protesters rather than those in government. Thaksin has been elected twice. Sondhi has taken it upon himself to lead the anti-protest rallies.

What caused his bust-up with Thaksin is unclear. Sour business deals, some say. Others point to Sondhi's friends losing cabinet posts and top jobs at Thai International Airways and Krung Thai Bank. There was also rivalry within the influential Buddhist clergy, which saw a leading monk, supported by Thaksin, beat another, favored by Sondhi, for a senior position.

Sondhi's campaign, though, in which he has exposed various nefarious government deals, chimes with Bangkok's chattering classes disenchanted by Thaksin, a former police colonel, whose slick promotion promised to remake Thailand, seducing white- and blue-collar votes alike in the past two elections.

However, that alone is unlikely to cost Thaksin his job. He remains popular in the countryside, where well over half the people live growing rice, tending orchards or raising pigs, chickens and cows. Most only finished primary school. Their votes, often sold because they have little faith in politics, decide elections.

Politics to them is a parlor game for the elite, so best grab a few crumbs when the election carnival rides through town handing out cash, T-shirts and delightful, but empty, promises.

That frustrates the relatively urbane, but motley, opposition. They see little prospect for quickly overcoming rural political apathy. Having helped to build Thailand's young democracy, which if nothing else is supposed to stop people being killed when power changes hands, some in the middle class now wish for Philippine-style CNN-anointed "people power" to kick Thaksin from office.

That would be a few steps backward. "People power" would, as it did in the Philippines, spin the revolving door, allowing one indulgent clique to enter while another exits. It is a coup without guns that dangerously undermines democracy by making mob politics respectable.

Calls for Thaksin to go suggest voters do not understand democracy, or that they have little faith in the system, which suggests they have more in common with their rural cousins. Few seem to have given much thought about who should replace Thaksin, let alone how that person should be chosen.

Even so, that Thaksin still commands strong support in the face of those challenging him reveals the potential for society to polarize, with all the dangers that carries for democracy and non-violence. Indeed, it is reminiscent of the situation in 1976 that saw dozens of students demonstrating for democracy murdered by the mob egged on by the right-wing, neo-fascist military clique and their civilian allies.

Fortunately, this time around democracy at least exists, even if it does seem that Thaksin plays the system. Beating him at the ballot box is not impossible. But it requires the opposition to campaign long and hard, one village a time, with a solid policy platform from an honest, moral, attractive political party with solid, clear policies.

So far the Democrat Party has spectacularly failed to be that party. Little wonder that Thaksin's party of tycoons, with its deep treasure chest and plenty of marketing magic, had no trouble knocking them out of government in 2000, and flattening them in 2005. It could well do so again if the Democrats do not offer something sexy in time for 2009's election.

Copyright 2006 Asia Times Online Ltd.

[sriracha john]

The slaughter - and that was what it was - of "suspected" drug dealers a couple of years back comes to mind, when it is now recognised that the majority of those killed were innocent and were in many cases the enemies of Thaksin's supporters.

In a lot of cases there was the indiscriminate and gratutitous killing of innocents and petty criminals just so the police were able to maintain the quotas of dead, central government had allocated them in this barbaric, illegal and unlawful bloodfest.

Actually, you are wrong there. Exageration does not help your cause. The majority of the people killed in the drug war were drug dealers, though mostly of the lowest ranks as the mid and top level dealers had enough time and money to get out of the way before the killings started.

But regardless of their guilt or innocence, there is no provision in Thai law to summarily execute anyone.

I agree with your last statement totally, however the main problem with the entire situation was that the murders were not investigated, so we are left with inconclusive evidence as to exactly who was involved in the drug trade, who was murdered for other reasons, who was murdered by the police, who was murdered by mafia, who was murdered for..... etc.

To the best of my knowledge, out of 2,500 plus murders, NOT ONE person has ever been convicted of committing ANY of the murders... be they drug lord, policeman, or a disgruntled neighbor settling a score by the proven-safe-method-to-avoid-prosecution of "shooting first and planting second."

[ColPyat]

To the best of my knowledge, out of 2,500 plus murders, NOT ONE person has ever been convicted of committing ANY of the murders... be they drug lord, policeman, or a disgruntled neighbor settling a score by the proven-safe-method-to-avoid-prosecution of "shooting first and planting second."

My sources in police and military have put the numbers at around 4000 to 5000 dead. And unfortunately no, none were properly investigated.

Yet, i do not see any of those murders high on the agenda of the leaders of the demonstrations. Why is that so? Why, in the speaches they only make an issue out of "selling the country" and "being immoral". Could that be because most of those leaders fully supported the drugwar as at that time allies of Thaksin?

So how does that reflect on the character, motivations and possible future visions of those demonstration leaders (of which they strangely do not speak much...)? Given certain other background theories of return to absolute monarchy they have adopted as well, it does not bode well for Thailand if they get any sort of real power here.

I see only one solution out of this mess - and that is thinking a few years ahead, the parliamentary opposition maybe doing its job finally in going upcountry, directly speaking in villages, and not just at election time, and getting finally rid of Thaksin that way.

Anything else is not what i would call a step forward. And especially not with shady characters like Chamlong and Sondhi, and Thaksin presently at the other side.

[sriracha john]

Colpyat: Can't speculate really on why this issue isn't one of the pillars of discussions in ousting Thaksin. All I know is that as the leader of this nation... as CEO, the ultimate responsibility of the bloodbath rests squarely on Thaksin. It was him, and him alone, that clearly initiated the shooting. It was his "baby" that started the free-for-all and it was he who was in charge when nothing happened as a consequence.

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and now it's the Defense Minister, not The Nation, making issues of the " possibilities of a coup":

Thammarak warns top brass against coup bid

Caretaker Defence Minister Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya yesterday held an urgent meeting with top military leaders to discuss security measures for two major rallies today and Sunday and warned them against staging a coup. Present at the meeting at army headquarters were permanent secretary for defence Gen Sirichai Tunyasiri, supreme commander Gen Ruangroj Mahasaranont, army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, navy chief Adm Sathiraphan Keyanont, air force chief ACM Chalit Phukphasuk and national police chief Pol Gen Kowit Wattana.

Speaking after the two-hour meeting, Gen Thammarak said: ''I told them we have been on a democratic path. Whoever is foolish enough to stage a coup will end up in jail. I know they will definitely not do it.''

He said Gen Pornchai Kranlert, assistant army chief and core leader of the officers from Class 10 of the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School, had insisted he and his classmates would not stage a coup to secure the power of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Asked whether he, as defence minister, would be able to stop soldiers from staging a coup if they really wanted to, Gen Thammarak replied: ''No. Since I am a politician, they will not listen to me. But I know they will not do it.'' :blank: is that supposed to be reassuring??

On security measures for today's rally at Sanam Luang by Thai Rak Thai and the other on Sunday by the People's Alliance for Democracy, he said police will be the main force to keep law and order while soldiers will conduct intelligence work and look after key government installations around Sanam Luang.

Police will be responsible for preventing possible clashes between rival groups.

Gen Thammarak denied a rumour that the government will mobilise a large number of people to the rally today when Mr Thaksin will address the crowd.

Earlier yesterday, Gen Sonthi met with top army officers, including chief-of-staff Gen Sophon Seelaphat, Directorate of Intelligence chief Maj-Gen Sirichai Dithakul and Directorate of Operations chief Maj-Gen Suraphan Wongthai.

Also at the meeting were Mr Thaksin's pre-cadet school Class 10 classmates. They included First Army chief Lt-Gen Anupong Pao-chinda, First Infantry Division chief Maj-Gen Prin Suwannathat, Second Cavalry Division commander Maj-Gen Sanit Prommat and Anti-Aircraft Artillery Division chief Maj-Gen Ruangsak Thongdee.

A source said Gen Sonthi told them to stay neutral and not get involved in politics, saying there had been rumours to drive a wedge between the armed forces and the government to provoke the use of force.

Gen Sonthi ordered Lt-Gen Anupong to put his troops on alert as an army intelligence analysis indicated that there would probably be a state of chaos because anti-Thaksin demonstrators are expected to move from Sanam Luang to Government House or Mr Thaksin's residence in Soi Charan Sanitwong 69.

Lt-Gen Anupong said soldiers of the First Infantry Division and 11th Army Circle will be on standby and ready for action in case a state of emergency is declared.

- BP

Edited March 2, 2006 by sriracha john

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Pongsak evaluates the impact of the current political situation on the nation’s economy

Deputy Secretary to the Thai Rak Thai Party Pongsak Raktapongpaisal (พงษ์ศักดิ์ รักตพงศ์ไพศาล) has evaluated the impacts of the current political situation on the overall economy.

He revealed that the current political uncertainty has caused the economy to slow down. He said the work progress of the government's mega-projects has also delayed. The investors have questioned over the situation and have postponed their project bidding proposals.

As for the Prime Minister's speech tomorrow at Sanam Luang, Mr. Pongsak said Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will inform various matters, especially those related to the sales of Shin Corp’s shares. Nevertheless, he is confident that the situation will ease after the premier has notified the facts to the general public tomorrow. He added that people will be urged to participate in the election as well.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 March 2006

[Maejo Man]

SENDME A POSTCARD AND TELL ME YOU LOVE ME!

The government said it has received 500,000 postcards expressing support for Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatr in the current political crisis after just a day.

"The first 500,000 set of postcards addressing people’s love, peace, and democracy has reportedly arrived at the Government House’s post office box 888," said a press release.

Well I don't know about the rest of you, but my mail always takes days. It's truely amazing that the fearless leader gets his in just one day, and not just a handfull either!! Half a million of them

Either the government spokesperson is telling "porkies" or it's a thank you from the postal department for a few million baht in extra postal revenue

[John K]

I can’t help but laugh at this. The Anti Mr. T. Movement comes on their own and some are taking time from making money to attend. However Mr. T. has hired several busses and is compensating people to show up for his little get together. He has sent out mandates to get as many people as possible. Many of the people that support him are about as poor as dirt, and will make more money to attend. The ironic part about this is Mr. T’s. gathering is all show with no substance. For many of the people that will attend, it is just a way to make some money.

[Jai Dee]

Academics from the Midnight University are gathering signatures of professors to call for the premier's resignation.

Academics from the Midnight University are gathering signatures of alliances in university nationwide to issue a declaration demanding the premier’s resignation and withdrawal from politics.

The group, led by professor Dr. Niti Iew-Si-wong (ศ.ดร.นิธิ เอียวศรีวงศ์) told reporters that the current political problems are the monopoly of political power by a group of people, without checks and supervisions by society, while the people cannot truly access power. The group said this has caused social problems and injustice in society; therefore, the group called on the premier to resign and take a break from politics, to allow the Thai Rak Thai party and the opposition parties to run for election and carried out political reforms as quickly as possible. The group expressed disagreement with proposals that a government should be nominated by His Majesty the King, as it will not come from the people.

The group has gathered signatures of around 80 professors across the country, who join the group in calling for justice in society. The group emphasized that political reforms must allow the people to have the right to protect and access resources sustainably, while independent organizations must be permitted to check and control the government and related agencies. It added that the people sector’s organization must be supported to balance the government’s power.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 March 2006

[Siripon]

Chuan backs Abhisit, compares Thaksin to Hitler - The Nation -

Former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai has backed Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva's decision to boycot the April 2 snap election, saying the decision is democratic.

Chuan had earlier admitted that he was against the idea of boycott the poll and field in candidates.

"However Khun Abhisit briefed me about the reasons behind the decision and that it is the decision of the party. Therefore, I informed him that the party should proceed according to the decision," said Chuan, who is the party's advisor chief and exparty leader.

"I believe Khun Abhisit makes a right decision. I told him that I will support him and the party all along," Chuan said.

Chuan rebutted caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's criticism that boycotting the election is against democratic principle. "It is as if Thai Rak Thai Party did not field in a candidate for a snap election in Satun province. Is this against the laws or not? Absolutely no," Chuan said.

He declined to predict the future of Thai politics now that Democrat and other opposition parties boycotted the election.

"Now Thai Rak Thai Party has a new motto to promote democracy and keep the country's rules and laws. This meant for the past five years, Thaksin government did not do these principles."

He also referred to Thaksin's interview today that the opposition parties should consult with Burma's imprisoned pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi as she fought for and encouraged people to join in the election.

"I want to tell him that he should better compare his performance with German's Hitler," he said.

For Thaksin to refer to Aung San Suu Kyi to boost his democratic credentials is odious in the extreme, just a few months ago after one of his many visits to the repulsive regime, he said in public he well understood why the regime kept Aung San Suu Kyi under arrest!

I don't know why Chuan didn't mention this rather than referring to Hitler.

[Jai Dee]

PM admitted he is weary of politics, but will continue his fight.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat admitted that he is weary of political works, but insisted that he will continue his fight under the rule of law.

Residents living near the premier’s residence, Ban Chan Song Lah (บ้านจันทร์ส่องหล้า), last night came out to express their support for the prime minister. Prime Minister Thaksin received bouquets of flowers presented to support him to continue his work. Prime Minister Thaksin thanked his supporters for standing by his side.

Prime Minister Thaksin then said that he is tired of political works, due to rumors spreading at the moment. He insisted that he will continue his work and will follow the rules.

The premier said that this weekend, he will travel to Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่) and Khon Kaen (ขอนแก่น) to campaign for votes.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

The main opposition parties will discuss how to carry on with political activities today.

The main opposition parties will discuss how to carry on with political activities and a public forum explaining why they did not field candidates in this election today.

Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ () said that at noon today, the three main opposition parties will discuss work approaches in the future to explain to the people the reasons behind the parties’ decision to boycott the election. Democrat executive member Sathit Wongnongteoy (สาทิตย์ วงศ์หนองเตย) will take care of the venue. As whether they will hold a joint public conference, he said that the three parties will have to discuss the format and the appropriateness of the situation.

Mr. Abhisit said that the boycott has proven a success at some level, as the people are more alert about the current political situation. He added that if the premier does not accept the truth, he will not be able to solve the problems.

Mr. Abhisit added that the party spends the support money from the Election Commission on carrying out political activities by educating the people, which is one of the activities specified by election laws, just like participating in the election.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Suwat said the best way out of the current political turmoil is election.

Deputy leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party Suwat Liptapanlop (สุวัจน์ ลิปตพัลลภ) indicated that the best way out of the current political crisis is for all parties to jointly carry out political reforms after April 2nd election, adding that the opposition should field candidates in the election to pave the way for constitutional amendments.

Mr. Suwat said that all sides agree that political reforms are needed to bring peace back to the country, but he said that the best way out is for all sides to cooperate and jointly reform the politics by amending the constitution. He said that he wants to see all parties to compete in the election, and the people go to polls on the general election day, as that is the rule in the democratic society. He said that it will be odd if there are no elections in the democratic society, adding that election is the first step toward constitutional amendments.

As for the Opposition’s boycott of the election, Mr. Suwat said that he feels uncomfortable as it will mean incomplete democracy. He said that all parties should uphold democracy by participating in the election.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

No additional party has yet shown up at National Stadium on the second day of party-list candidate registration

No additional party has yet shown up at the National Stadium this morning, on the second day of the registration of Party-list candidates.

Officials have already opened the registration venue this morning at Nimibutr (นิมิบุตร) Building at the National Stadium, on the second and final day of party-list candidates’ registration. No party has yet signed in the registration book today. Registration will be open until 4.30 pm in the afternoon.

Commencing tomorrow, the Election Commission will use the Nimibutr Building for registration of constituency candidates from 36 of Bangkok's constituencies.

In the meantime, the Election Commission is asking that people who would like to make their votes from a place outside their area needed to register for such privilege at the district office they will be voting at, within tomorrow (March 4).

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 March 2006

[chownah]

I think that I would like to compare Sondhi to Hitler.

Anyone have some good pictures of them so I can post them?

Edited March 3, 2006 by chownah

[malw71]

I know somebody who met Thaksin once and said he couldn't be more fake and smarmy if he tried.

Only power hungry people become powerful in this world, the rest of us just want peace love and harmony.