Resign Thaksin, It's Time To Go!

[george]

Message to PM: It's time to go

Protesters hold banners as they shout slogans against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at Sanam Luang yesterday.

The 98 academics and respected figures who have petitioned His Majesty the King to appoint a prime minister are:

1 Mongkol na Songkhla

2 MR Yongyuphalak Kasemsan

3 Prof Rapee Sakrik

4 Sanoh Unakul

5 Weerawat Chalayon

6 Prof Chaianan Samudavanija

7 Dr Phairoj Ningsanon

8 Pramote Nakorntap

9 Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka

10 Assoc Prof Totrakul Yomnak

11 Klanarong Chantik

12 Asda Jayanama

13 Wutthipong Piabjariyawat

14 Assoc Prof Theerapat Seriransan

15 Assoc Prof Sangsit Piriyaransan

16 Kasit Piromya

17 Suthep Wongkhamhaeng

18 Lt-General Thaweesit Noonimitr

19 Dr Panya Sornkhom

20 Dr Banlu Siriphanich

21 Dr Sawat Srisakulmeki

22 Dr Morakot Korakasem

23 Dr U-lit Leeyavanich

24 Dr Juree Ningsanon

25 Daungjai Sornkhom

26 Dr Surathep Boonyasukhanont

27 Dr Chamlong Jaemphaiboon

28 Dr A-ngun Jaemphaiboon

29 Lt-Colonel Kamolphan Cheewaphantasri

30 Chuephrom Mahaphol

31 Nitaya Janrueng Mahaphol

32 Senator Kraisak Choonhavan

33 Senator Chirmsal Pinthong

34 Senator Niran Pitakwachara

35 Senator Meechai Nukulkij

36 Senator Malinee Sukhavej-vorakij

37 Senator Manoonkrit Roobkachorn

38 Senator Seksan Oun-samran

39 Senator Maleerat Kaew-ka

40 Senator Tuenjai Deetaet

41 Senator Pichet Pattanachote

42 Senator Somboon Thongburan

43 Senator Karun Saingam

44 Senator Wongphan Na Takuathung

45 Senator Sutat Jansaengsri

46 Senator Anukul Suphachaiyakij

47 Senator Winnyu Urakul

48 MR Naruemon Kasemsan

49 MR Suwanan Walayasewi

50 MR Wutthisak Swasdiwat

51 MR Sutanont Sintawanont

52 MR Rampi-ampha Kasemsri

53 MR Wiriyapha Kitiyakara (Changrean)

54 MR Saisigha Siributr

55 MR Saisawashi Thompson

56 Prof Prakorb Wirojkoot

57 Prof Sombat Thamrongtanyawong

58 Assist Prof Thawee Suraritthikul

59 Assoc Prof Wutthisak Larbcharoensab

60 Assoc Prof Sombat Wo-thong

61 Assist Prof Banjerd Singkaneti

62 Charoen Khamphirapharb

63 Assoc Prof Sriracha Charoenpanich

64 Khomsan Phodhikong

65 Assoc Prof Pipat Thaiaree

66 Assoc Prof Pittaya Bavornwattana

67 Assoc Prof Kanchana Wattanasoontorn

68 Assoc Prof Sasikarn Thawisuwan

69 Assoc Prof Arunee Horatarn

70 Assoc Prof Naruemon Tanthasuraset

71 Assoc Prof Nithipat Mekhachorn

72 Narathip Sriram

73 Assist Prof Chaninart Leeds

74 Assoc Prof Ruengdej Sriwantana

75 Assoc Prof Wantham Karnchanasuwan

76 Assoc Prof Ruengwit Ketsuwan

77 Nattaphong Boonlue

78 Thanpuying Preeya Kasemsan na Ayutthaya

79 Prasai Ratchaiboon

80 Naowarat Kannasutr

81 Narong Chotewattana

82 Khunying Wanida Poonsiriwong

83 Khunying Wijandra Boonnak

84 To-sri Svadhi-chooto

85 Khunying Chomsri Kamphu na Ayutthay

86 Piyada Suwannarat

87 Assoc Prof Prapanpong Vejajiva

88 Lt-General Charoensak Thiengtham

89 Srithep Kasuma na Ayutthaya

90 Chomphoonuch Toesinthiti

91 Boonwan Janviroj

92 Aphinet Unakul

93 Daungkaew Traitrakul

94 Daungmanee Sukhum

95 Orathai Jittabutr

96 Suntara Eamsuree

97 Korbsuk Eamsuree

98 Traswin Jittidecharat

[JAG]

Hmmm... 16 (the senators) out of the 98 are elected.

[lukamar]

I hate to comment on the actions or the possible thinking of <admin edit>. I personally think, that he may be moved more by a letter from a rice farmer in Issan, than from a petition from the cultural Elite who have something to gain from their actions.

[jdinasia]

That ^^ is just DAFT.

100 (roughly) respected scholars and politicians etc. Look up the people in the list ....

I am sure some people are looking for a shift of power for personal gain. For the most part however; you won't find those people on this list. These appear to be people that value a sronger democracy. Sadly it appears that again to get the long-term growth there may have to be a short-term disturbance in the process. (not that dissolution of parlaiment for the wrong reasons hadn't already done that!)

[JAG]

That ^^ is just DAFT.

100 (roughly) respected scholars and politicians etc. Look up the people in the list ....

I am sure some people are looking for a shift of power for personal gain. For the most part however; you won't find those people on this list. These appear to be people that value a sronger democracy. Sadly it appears that again to get the long-term growth there may have to be a short-term disturbance in the process. (not that dissolution of parlaiment for the wrong reasons hadn't already done that!)

So, an elected government, with an overwhelming popular mandate, can be deposed on the say so of around 100 respected scholars and politicians, in order to produce a stronger democracy!

Do you seriously think that once they have tasted that kind of power, they will allow the electorate any say in who governs?

[britmaveric]

Uh and why should we take their word over a farmer?

[lukamar]

Uh and why should we take their word over a farmer?

Because they are educated. :D The truth is that academics make lousy MP's because they are often living in an academic textbook fantasy world of how things are or should be. When they get the chance to change things, they have no realistic idea how it should be done. It's one thing to write a thesis about what should be done, but quite another to implement that plan when it affects the life and wellbeing of millions of real people.

BTW - 100 scholars is .000001568% of the population of Thailand - A daunting figure

Edited March 5, 2006 by lukamar

[lanny]

Remember, the government of Thailand operates on a parliamentary system, not like the US. Although elected for a set term the existence of a particular admininstration depends upon the support of parliament. Since the TRT control the lower house with an absolute majority, a vote of no conficence cannot succeed unless some popular pressure is applied.

The present prime minister has clearly demonstrated (and continues to demonstrate) that he is in office for his own personal gain and has no interest in the welfare of the country and its people. He has instituted policies reminiscent of Hitler and Mussolini in his attempts to control the government.

Although it is probably true that any replacement is likely to head a government nearly as corrupt as this, the people will eventually have their say. Since the new prime minister would not be as wealthy as this one, he would not have the personal power.

It is ironic that the present PM heads such a corrupt administration. His first election in 2001 was backed by people who thought that, with all his money, he would not be so corrupt and would head a comparatively clean government. They did not realize that the man was power mad and wanted to control everything.

My 20 satang!

[udon]

BP today.

Police stop traffic headed for city rally

POST REPORTERS

Police set up highway checkpoints yesterday and stopped vehicles heading into Bangkok for ''arms and drugs checks,'' apparently to deter people from joining the anti-Thaksin Shinawatra demonstration at Sanam Luang. As far away as Sa Kaeo, checkpoints mushroomed on the orders of Police Region 2 chief Lt-Gen Jongrak Juthanont. Vehicles leaving the province for Bangkok were stopped for painstaking searches and inquiries.

At Ban Kaeng district in Sa Kaeo, traffic was blocked as angry bus passengers sat down on the highway after a half-hour row with policemen manning the checkpoints. The police eventually allowed them to travel on.

In Saraburi, at least 13 checkpoints were set up around the province at dawn yesterday.

Frustrated drivers caught in the jam said police at a checkpoint at Phra Phutthabat police station delayed their trips.

Highway Police Region 7 superintendent Pol Col Angkul Klaikleung, overseeing the southern highways, said he had received no orders to block either chartered buses or private vehicles travelling to Bangkok.

But he expressed concern rally-goers might be carrying weapons to Sanam Luang, or that traffickers might use the crowds to slip through to deliver drugs.

In Kanchanaburi, people claiming to come from the Prime Minister's Office warned staff of Moo Ban Dek (Children's Village School), which is an alternative school for the under-privileged, not to join the rally.

''We planned to accompany 30 students who are keen on taking part in the Sanam Luang gathering,'' said principal Rachani Thongchai, adding that staff were frightened.

Meanwhile, two separate caravans of die-hard Thaksin supporters headed for Bangkok on foot or riding E-tan farm trucks, to show support for Mr Thaksin.

Chiang Rai and Phayao farmers with green headbands and Thai flags travelled in about 200 trucks.

They made a stop at the Por Jao Thip Chang shrine in Lampang yesterday.

A caravan of the poor from the Northeast has been travelling on foot towards Bangkok, under the leadership of Attharit Singlor, chairman of the Network for Northeastern Farm Groups, and Boonta Kanboonchan, adviser to the Assembly of Northeastern Farmers, from Ubon Ratchathani.

About 500 farmers were to spend the first night at Buri Ram's Krasang district. The caravan hoped to attract supporters along the way and expected to swell to as many as 100,000 by the time it reaches Nakhon Ratchasima, after which it plans to merge on the highway with northern marchers.

****************

If this has been posted elsewhere please advise by PM. thanks..... udon

[lukamar]

He has instituted policies reminiscent of Hitler

If that were so, the Opposition leaders would have all disappeared into the night the day before the election was called never to be heard from again. It's been stated before it's a bad analogy, Hitler was an undereducated, prejudiced megalomaniac mass murderer, and that was his good side. TS may be a lot of things, but Hitler he's not. Although I can see why you may think that, as they both were/are very charismatic and have the ability to move large crowds with their rhetoric.

[Ricardo]

That ^^ is just DAFT.

100 (roughly) respected scholars and politicians etc. Look up the people in the list ....

I am sure some people are looking for a shift of power for personal gain. For the most part however; you won't find those people on this list. These appear to be people that value a sronger democracy. Sadly it appears that again to get the long-term growth there may have to be a short-term disturbance in the process. (not that dissolution of parlaiment for the wrong reasons hadn't already done that!)

So, an elected government, with an overwhelming popular mandate, can be deposed on the say so of around 100 respected scholars and politicians, in order to produce a stronger democracy!

Do you seriously think that once they have tasted that kind of power, they will allow the electorate any say in who governs?

So you would presumably agree, that it is even worse, that a legally-elected widely-supported government should be deposed, on the say-so of just one man , who just happens to be PM ?

[Jai Dee]

Elites submitted petition to the King asking for an appointed govt.

Thai elites submitted a petition to His Majesty the King, calling for invocation of Article 7 of the Constitution, which paves a way for an appointed caretaker government to take care of the country in chaotic situation, so that political reforms can take place.

About 95 Thai elites submitted the petition via the via the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary Former Permanent Secretary. The petition stated that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra exercised power inappropriately to dissolve parliament. It said that not only has the action destroyed the country’s political system, it has also worsened the situation as more people have gathered to protest against the Prime Minister and called for his resignation. However, the premier has firmly refused to step down.

The petition added that as the opposition parties have boycotted the election, the Thai Rak Thai party is likely to dominate the House, leading to more protests after elections. The petition asked His Majesty the King to invoke Article 7 of the Constitution to install a caretaker government to ensure fair election and carry out constitutional amendments.

Former permanent secretary to the Public Health Ministry Mongkol Na Songkhla (มงคล ณ สงขลา) said that said that the group is deeply concerned about the country and its people, especially when the country is deeply divided. In addition, he said that the group wants to restore peace and harmony in the nation as soon as possible, as this year is His Majesty the King’s 60th anniversary of accession to the throne. The group said that if the tension continues, it will do more harm to the country.

The petition was signed by well-known prominent citizens such as director of the Wachirasut (วชิราวุธ) school, Mr. Chai-anan Samutwanich (ชัยอนันต์ สมุทวณิช), Auditor-General Jaruwan Maintaka (จารุวรรณ เมณฑกา), Mr. Pramot Nakorntap (ปราโมทย์ นาครทรรพ), Dr. Pairoj Ningsanon (ไพโรจน์ นิงสานนท์).

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 March 2006

[lukamar]

So you would presumably agree, that it is even worse, that a legally-elected widely-supported government should be deposed, on the say-so of just one man , who just happens to be PM ?

In a democracy it is the right of the governing party who is headed by a PM to dissolve parliament at any time they want so that a new election can take place at any time during their mandate. The government was NOT deposed, it WAS dissolved. The Ex-opposition parties are the ones that are trying to depose the PM, who was legally elected and heads the government that held the majority mandate of the people at dissolution. As the Ex-opposition parties and their leaders have not contested the election they may find themselves in a very sticky situation soon if they continue berating and libeling the PM as it is against the Elections Commission Act if you are not directly involved with the election, which they are not. Fines, 10 years in jail or a loss of election privileges for 10 years are the consequences of being found guilty of this. If the head of the party is found guilty the party is also disallowed from elections and dissolved by the EC.

Edited March 6, 2006 by lukamar

[gurkle]

So a list of less than 100 "elite" people can overthrow a legitimate democratically-elected government? Thailand might as well call itself an OLIGARCHY and reinstate a feudal system where POOR PEOPLE DON'T GET TO VOTE. Or if they do vote and the elite don't like their candidate, their votes become invalid, as the opposition is trying to do here.

Edited March 6, 2006 by gurkle

[lukamar]

reinstate a feudal system where poor people don't get to vote.

The feeling you get from the scholarly is that they feel the poor are not bright enough to vote and make up their own minds and that they are the purveyors of Democracy, which they are not.

I think the update of the Constitution should have a provision for drawing straws. That way an impasse could easily be solved. Short straw resigns.

[jdinasia]

That ^^ is just DAFT.

100 (roughly) respected scholars and politicians etc. Look up the people in the list ....

I am sure some people are looking for a shift of power for personal gain. For the most part however; you won't find those people on this list. These appear to be people that value a sronger democracy. Sadly it appears that again to get the long-term growth there may have to be a short-term disturbance in the process. (not that dissolution of parlaiment for the wrong reasons hadn't already done that!)

So, an elected government, with an overwhelming popular mandate, can be deposed on the say so of around 100 respected scholars and politicians, in order to produce a stronger democracy!

Do you seriously think that once they have tasted that kind of power, they will allow the electorate any say in who governs?

Those 100? sure I think so!

When one man can subvert the democratic practices of a country because of nearly total control of the press, changing laws at the drop of a hat with no recourse for the people, and populist vote-buying it is certainly up to the people to stand up and say "enough!".

Do read up on who those 100 people are. You'll get it. Until then, just think about whether peaceful demonstrations and calls for change are not the most basic rights in a democratic society. This is not the UK or the USA. The reality here is that the true head-of-state here does do what the government should do, look out for the good of all Thais to the best of his ability.

[lukamar]

When one man can subvert the democratic practices of a country because of nearly total control of the press, changing laws at the drop of a hat with no recourse for the people, and populist vote-buying it is certainly up to the people to stand up and say "enough!".

You totally forgot that he was also elected with a mandate that would make most wester politicians turn green with envy. He had the mandate of the people to change the laws, it is called democracy. It's not always what everyone wants but that's what you get from majority rule.

Do read up on who those 100 people are. You'll get it.

What I get is a group trying to drag the monarchy into something and to have a bloodless coupe because they do not have enough support to form a government let alone a responsible opposition.

Until then, just think about whether peaceful demonstrations and calls for change are not the most basic rights in a democratic society.

The basic right of democracy is one man one vote. Peaceful demonstrations although notable have little to do with the democratic process especially when they failed to have the courage to stand up and fight the government in a democratic process that being by putting forward candidates, a platform and trying to form the government. Until they do that they are just another mob with an agenda.

[Jai Dee]

Those stressed out by the current political tensions are not mentally-ill.

Psychologists indicate that those stressed out by the current political tensions are not mentally-ill, but their symptoms reflect their concerns for the country.

Expert at the Department of Mental Health, Dr. Yongyuth Wongpiromsant (ยงยุทธ วงศ์ภิรมย์ศานติ์), said that the current political situation is intense, as society becomes polarized. He said that Thai people should remain in the middle. However, he added that it is good that Thai people are more interested in politics, but he said that people should steer clear of clashes of opinion, by avoiding political or religious talks. He said that the discussions on those issues must be based on mutual respect and reasons.

He said that those stressed out from the current political chaos are not considered politically-ill, but said that those who show symptoms resulting from receiving news on the current situation already have records of mental illness.

He said that apart from political tension, economic situation also contributes to the people’s stress, but said that most businessmen are already adept at solving problems. He said that in short term, the general public will not be much affected.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM urged to resign or set up an independent committee to investigate issues of doubt.

Senior citizen advised the Prime Minister resign from his post or set up an independent committee to probe issues suspected by society, to ease the current tension.

Dr. Prawes Wasee (ประเวศ วะสี) said that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat should solve the current problems by resigning from the post, or stepping back from politics, or being ordained as a monk. He said that the practice has been done by leaders in the past to end conflicts. However, if the premier insists that he will stay on as the Prime Minister, he could set up a committee to investigate issues raised by society, to clear any doubts posed by government critics. He said that currently, the state check-and-balance mechanisms are no longer reliable.

Dr. Prawes also commented on Article 7 of the Constitution that His Majesty the King is already weary, adding that it should be invoked only when political vacuum really occurs.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 March 2006

[gurkle]

Every time Thaksin gives in to one demand, the opposition comes up with another. Better to have a democratic election and let the people decide for themselves who they want.

[jdinasia]

When one man can subvert the democratic practices of a country because of nearly total control of the press, changing laws at the drop of a hat with no recourse for the people, and populist vote-buying it is certainly up to the people to stand up and say "enough!".

You totally forgot that he was also elected with a mandate that would make most wester politicians turn green with envy. He had the mandate of the people to change the laws, it is called democracy. It's not always what everyone wants but that's what you get from majority rule.

Do read up on who those 100 people are. You'll get it.

What I get is a group trying to drag the monarchy into something and to have a bloodless coupe because they do not have enough support to form a government let alone a responsible opposition.

"What I get?" You obviously have no idea who they are. Oh well. You also seem to fail to get that what they are doing is "legal". you seem to think that this is somewhere else and not Thailand. Thi is not the "opposition". Try and judge Thailand by standards of democracies that are 100's of years old and you'll just be wrong the whole time. Try and talk about doing it the "legal" way like impeachment in the USA and then you'll never get the situation here. The Parlaiment as it stood did not have the ability to even censure Thaksin. If you want a system of Democracy you must have the checks and balances in lace. When those are subverted then action must be taken.

As for your nonsense of one-man one-vote .. that is balanced by the population getting unfettered access to the news. The "chicken in every pot" promise of prosperity from the past in the USA was way overdone by the "I'll loan you all a cow". The basic right to protest a government by means of peaceful assembly is clearly as important as one man one vote. By your rules why shouldn't the government that once it gets a mandate just change the charter/rules etc at will? After all no matter what they do afterwards they must be right!

Until then, just think about whether peaceful demonstrations and calls for change are not the most basic rights in a democratic society.

The basic right of democracy is one man one vote. Peaceful demonstrations although notable have little to do with the democratic process especially when they failed to have the courage to stand up and fight the government in a democratic process that being by putting forward candidates, a platform and trying to form the government. Until they do that they are just another mob with an agenda.

[h90]

this time they want this guy who gives them 400 Baht instead of 200 Baht for their vote.

How can we call this? that has nothing to do with democratic election.....

Every time Thaksin gives in to one demand, the opposition comes up with another. Better to have a democratic election and let the people decide for themselves who they want.

[gurkle]

this time they want this guy who gives them 400 Baht instead of 200 Baht for their vote.

How can we call this? that has nothing to do with democratic election.....

Every time Thaksin gives in to one demand, the opposition comes up with another. Better to have a democratic election and let the people decide for themselves who they want.

So how do you fix this?

1) Overthrow the elected government and have the loudest of the "elite" appoint all future PMs; or

2) Reform the democratic election process and allow democracy to continue

I prefer democracy over oligarchy.

Edited March 6, 2006 by gurkle

[jdinasia]

1) the 'elite' did not propose a candidate

2)Reform is obviously in order

You guys might want to read the book about the last 50 years of Thailand Politics ...

(or just start in the 70's and go through the 90's)

[lukamar]

Try and talk about doing it the "legal" way like impeachment in the USA and then you'll never get the situation here.

Well I can't argue with you there jdinasia it will never happen that way in Thailand for sure, because the USA is a Republic and not a Democracy. There is a vast difference between the two forms of government in style, principle and implementation.

[jdinasia]

better work on your concept of Democracy since you just said the US is not one. (a very telling statement)

Edited March 6, 2006 by jdinasia

[moonoi]

Try and talk about doing it the "legal" way like impeachment in the USA and then you'll never get the situation here.

Well I can't argue with you there jdinasia it will never happen that way in Thailand for sure, because the USA is a Republic and not a Democracy. There is a vast difference between the two forms of government in style, principle and implementation.

France is also a Republic...its a Democracy too. Think you need to revise your statement and check into the meaning of democracy....the US is also a democracy.....remember thats what they went to war in the middle east to give the iraqis'

[Jai Dee]

Royal kin back move to appoint interim PM

Royal descendants of King Mongkut and King Chulalongkorn have joined a group of academics and prominent figures in petitioning His Majesty the King to appoint an acting prime minister.

"Royal Family members have expressed their concern over the current political situation," said MR Yongyuphalak Kasemsan, a political scientist formerly of Chulalong-korn University.

"A number of us agree that the only way out [of the current stalemate] is to ask His Majesty to appoint a prime minister," Yongyu-phalak said.

He said the recommendation would result in the appointment of an acting Cabinet to amend the Constitution and administer the country during a political transition period.

Other royal family members supporting the petition include MR Wiriyapha Kitiyakara (Chang-rean), MR Naruemon Kasemsan, MR Suwanan Walayasewi, MR Wutthisak Swasdiwat, MR Suta-nont Sintawanont, MR Ram-piampha Kasemsri, MR Saisigha Siributr and MR Saisawashi Thompson.

Thirapat Serirangsan, president of the Political Science Association, and other respected figures went to His Majesty's Principal Private Sec-retary's Office at the Royal Palace yesterday to submit a petition endorsed by 98 signatories in support of a Royal-sponsored prime minister.

The signatories include Chai-anan Samudvanij, a member of the Royal Academy; Prof Rapee Sakrik, a former rector of Kasetsat Univer-sity; Auditor General Jaruvan Main-taka; Senators Chirmsak Pinthong and Kraisak Chonhavan; Thanpu-ying Preeya Kasemsan na Ayutthaya, a former member of the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC); former NCCC secretary-general Klanarong Chantik; Asda Jayanama, a former ambassador to the UN; and Kasit Pirom, a former ambassador to the US.

Observers said the petitions by royal family members and prominent public figures demonstrated that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had lost support with Thailand's elite.

Many analysts believe the current crisis has reached a dead end, and that only through a royal-sponsored prime minister would the intractable crisis be resolved by peaceful means.

Earlier, Sondhi Limthongkul, one of the leaders of the anti-government coalition, lodged a similar petition with the King asking for Royal intervention to bring the political crisis to an end.

On Friday, Surapol Nitikrapoj, rector of Thammasat University, issued an open letter urging Thaksin to step down, paving the way for a royally appointed government.

Thaksin, beleaguered on several fronts, is fighting desperately for political survival.

He has been mounting a defensive strategy to remain in power after bitter attacks questioning his probity and legitimacy to run the country because of his family's tax-free sale of Shin Corp to Temasek Holdings of Singapore.

Last Friday, Thaksin led a rally at Sanam Luang attended by hundreds of thousands of people, mostly from the upcountry, to challenge his critics.

Thirapat said Thaksin's decision to dissolve the House had been an illegitimate act that only added to the ongoing crisis. As a result, the anti-Thaksin movement had seen a dramatic increase to its numbers, he said.

Yet rather than step down peacefully, Thaksin has decided to fight back by mobilising hundreds of thousands of his supporters, Thirapat said.

He said with all three main opposition parties boycotting the election, it would lack legitimacy. It was possible Thai Rak Thai would win all 500 House seats, which would only lead to another political crisis Thirapat said.

Mongkol na Songkhla, a former Public Health permanent secretary, said although the petition to His Majesty did not spell out the request that Thaksin resign, the underlying message could not be clearer.

The group's goal was to stop the deepening political divide in society, he said.

Source: The Nation - 6 Feb, 2006

[h90]

1) now we have a gouverment of the richest. I don't know if thailand ever had an real democratic elected gouverment. For me it seems thats a small clique of superrich. If the intelectual elite appoints future PM than it would be better than the system now in which the richest just buy himself in the position of PM.

2) Agree, but how to do it? And who shall do it. Thaksin will not do it. (Or he has to fire himself).

the only small chance is if the king is appointing some outsider to clear this situation.

I would also prefer democrazy now there is a dictatorship of money. If not even countries like USA and UK can make democratic structures, how Thailand shall do it?

Italy is doing good in terms of democracy and look what a disaster is happening there.

So how do you fix this?

1) Overthrow the elected government and have the loudest of the "elite" appoint all future PMs; or

2) Reform the democratic election process and allow democracy to continue

I prefer democracy over oligarchy.

[Woodentop]

Very impressive, you can write Thai names. Or your g/f or wife can. Now please spare us this totally non-relevant posing in an English speaking website, and in your usually otherwise fine posts. Please!

Forgot to say that my remark was to Jai Dee, but I guess it is kind of obvious...

OK, off topic, so I shall stop my rant here!