Resign Thaksin, It's Time To Go!

[sriracha john]

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.

So the real answer to jdinasia's question is, "No, I couldn't be bothered." Correct?

but that's ok, I'll help you out with additional background on some more of them.

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 Secretary'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 University; Auditor General Jaruvan Maintaka; Senators Chirmsak Pinthong and Kraisak Chonhavan; Thanpuying 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.

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.

-TN

[h90]

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!

[Jai Dee]

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!

Woodentop... if you re-read the post you will see that the source of the information was not myself, nor my wife, it was a news bulletin issued from the Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department, and posted on the News Forum by me.

If you have a problem with that... please take it up with them.

If you'd rather not see them at all, simply don't read the ThaiVisa News Forum.

Up to you...

[jdinasia]

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!

What's kinda obvious is that JaiDee is pasting from the news, and that he's a moderator. What is probably less obvious is that when a name is entered in a true Thai font is that, we can read a name and know how to pronounce it.

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Pongsak says current political situation has affected foreign investors' confidence

Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal (พงษ์ศักดิ์ รักตพงษ์ไพศาล) has indicated that the current political state of affairs at the moment has caused foreign investors to hold up their investments on the government’s mega-projects.

Referring to the demonstrators who are demanding Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to step down from his post, Mr. Pongsak said this has affected the foreign investment sector as foreigners may feel uncertain of the current political situation. Therefore, they would wait until the situation improves. However, if the protests prolong further, the national economy would also be affected in the long run, from the end of this year to the beginning of next year.

The government has postponed its announcement to the investors in regard to the 10-electric-train-route project. He said a meeting with related agencies will be held next week, and there should not be any effect since the details of the project have been drafted before the parliament dissolution.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Mr. Chaturon insists that he will not quit his job

The Education Minister and the deputy head of the Thai Rak Thai Party, Mr. Chaturon Chaisang (จาตุรนต์ ฉายแสง), has affirmed that he will not resign from his post because he believes that he would be more capable in solving national issues if he remains in power.

Mr. Chaturon has revealed that from the incident in which Mr. Prapat Panyachatrak (ประพัฒน์ ปัญญาชาติรักษ์), former minister of Natural Resources and Environment and a former "October 14th" activist, resigned from his post in the Thai Rak Thai Party, was a personal decision on Mr. Prapat's part. Mr. Chaturon commented that he would not take such a course of action due to his belief he could serve his country better in his current post.

The minister said problems that needed to be addressed involved maintaining the integrity of the constitution and democracy, to keep the nation's law in balance.

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

[Jai Dee]

Administrative court rejects snap election complaint

The Supreme Administrative Court ruled on Monday to reject a request of the Campaign for Popular Democracy for the court to annul a royal decree for holding the April 2 snap election.

The court ruled that it had no power to consider the case.

Pitaya Wongkul, chairman of the group, filed the suit against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the Election Commission and asked the court to annul the decree which dissolve the House and set the snap election date.

The court ruled that the government and the Election Commission had authority to dissolve the House and schedule the election date and the issue did not involve public’s disputes with the state so the court had no power to consider the issue.

Source: The Nation - Breaking News - Mar 06 , 2006

[jdinasia]

Now there's a wise decision!

[penzman]

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

And what percentage does Thaksin alone represent? It seems only he gets to decide. Inquiries, judges and others favoring him instead of finding him at fault?

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!

Woodentop... if you re-read the post you will see that the source of the information was not myself, nor my wife, it was a news bulletin issued from the Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department, and posted on the News Forum by me.

If you have a problem with that... please take it up with them.

If you'd rather not see them at all, simply don't read the ThaiVisa News Forum.

Up to you...

[JAG]

And what percentage does Thaksin alone represent?

At the last count (about a year ago) rather a large one. After the 2nd April we will have another figure. If he wins a majority then no doubt there will be yet more compelling reasons for ignoring the electorate and handing power to some respected academics!

[sriracha john]

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!

Woodentop... if you re-read the post you will see that the source of the information was not myself, nor my wife, it was a news bulletin issued from the Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department, and posted on the News Forum by me.

If you have a problem with that... please take it up with them.

If you'd rather not see them at all, simply don't read the ThaiVisa News Forum.

Up to you...

yeah... those Thai staff members at TNNBPRD are always trying to show off by writing the names of newsworthy Thai people in Thai. How vain is that?.... Next thing you know, they'll be trying to invent their own alphabet?!!?

woodentop.... that top in your name isn't your brain, by chance... is it?

Edited March 6, 2006 by sriracha john

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Bawornsak says senior officials did not sign a letter calling for PM's resignation

Secretary to the Cabinet Bawornsak Uwanno (บวรศักดิ์ อุวรรณโณ) insisted that C-10 and C-11 officials did not gather signatures to call for Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s resignation.

Mr. Bawornsak denied reports that government senior officials were called for a meeting to sign a letter asking for the premier’s resignation. He said that the meeting, chaired by him yesterday, only discussed the current political situation. He added that officials must maintain their neutral political stance and follow the laws.

Mr. Bawornsak also refused to comment on the petition submitted by Thai elites asking for a royally appointed government to supervise an election. However, he said that the solution to the situation lies in the decision by the premier, the opposition leader, and community leaders, on what the next move should be.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

The Supreme Court has rejected call for cancellation of the House dissolution decree.

The Supreme Administrative Court has rejected a petition called by the people’s group for it to cancel the decree on House dissolution and to halt the April 2 general election until the Court rules on the matter.

The people’s group led by President of the Campaign for Democracy Pittaya Wongkul (พิทยา ว่องกุล) and anti-corruption activist Rosana Tositrakul (รสนา โตสิตระกูล) asked the court to annul the decree on the parliament dissolution. They also asked the court to stop the election until the verdict on the case is reached.

However, the Supreme Court rejected the petition, saying that it has no authority to make decisions on the case. The Court explained that although it is empowered to consider cases related to decrees on house dissolution, this case is carried out in accordance with the constitution. It said that as the house dissolution did not result from the use of administrative power, the case cannot be considered by the court.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Deputy TRT spokesperson indicated that the Democrat Party has denied efforts for political reforms in the past.

Deputy Thai Rak Thai spokesperson Jatuporn Prompan (จตุพร พรหมพันธุ์) indicated that the Democrat party has denied efforts for political reforms in the past.

Mr. Jatuporn responded to comments by deputy Democrat party leader Jurin Laksanawisit () that the Thai Rak Thai’s political reform approach is not sincere, that the Democrat party should look at its past experience, adding that the Democrat party did not sincerely reform politics for the past fifty years. He said that in 1994, the Democrat party did not respond to a call by Mr. Chalad Worachart (ฉลาด วรฉัตร) for the people’s constitution. He said that the Democrat party did not field candidates in this election due to fear of defeat, rather than sincere intention to reform politics.

Mr. Jatuporn commented on a call by Thammasart University’s academic Teerayuth Boonmee () for the overthrow of the Thaksin regime he should understand that loss of lives will result as he used to be student leader in the October 16 event. He said that Mr. Teerayuth was urging the people to go and die. However, he said that all parties should be more patient and refrain from violating the constitution.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Saraburi residents praised PM as fighter for the people.

Saraburi (สระบุรี) residents praised the Prime Minister as a fighter for the people, urging the premier to stay on and work for the country.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat was accompanied by Interior Minister Kongsak Wantana (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา), and Deputy Interior Minister Somchai Soonthornwat (สมชาย สุนทรวัฒน์) yesterday. They came to Praputtabat (พระพุทธบาท) temple in Saraburi to pay homage to the holy footprint, amid warm welcome by the Saraburi residents.

Around 10,000 people waved Thai flags in support of the premier and told him to continue his fights. The people also said that they wanted Mr. Thaksin to stay as prime minister.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Royal appointment gains currency

An opinion poll conducted among Bangkok’s middle-class yesterday showed that increasing numbers of people are in favor of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s resignation and the appointment of a new interim prime minister by His Majesty the King.

The findings of the latest ABAC poll also indicated that, if Thaksin has the courage to resign, peace and order will return to society and there will be praise all around for the caretaker prime minister’s spirit.

Drawn from 2,175 respondents in and around Bangkok, the poll showed that, in less than a week, the number of people in favor of Thaksin’s resignation rose from 39.1 to 48.2 percent. The percentage of people in favor of a new royally appointed prime minister also rose from 38.5 to 46.1 over the same period.

The current political uncertainty is nearing a make-or-break point where people are no longer demanding any responses from Thaksin to the various unanswered questions, said Noppadol Kannika, director of the ABAC Poll Research Center.

He added that a series of previous ABAC polls have signalled to the premier that all the public wants is clarification on various cases of alleged corruption. So far, however, there have only been attempts to divert attention from public suspicions by such means as dissolution of Parliament, commitment to political reforms or well-publicized spats between key members of the Thai Rak Thai party and the opposition.

“Public emotion and perception have now reached a point where the public no longer needs any explanations from the premier. Instead they are calling for major political change. Nearly half of the survey respondents want Thaksin’s resignation and are in favor of a royally appointed prime minister and interim government to replace Thaksin,” said Noppadol.

He also said that the current political crisis differs from the previous ones because the public has been polarized into three groups in accordance with their political opinions. In the previous public revolts of October 14, 1973, October 6, 1976, and May 1992, the public had been unanimous in their efforts to oust the government. Noppadol recommended that political campaigners muster maximum public support and maintain a united and peaceful front if they want to succeed in bringing about any substantial political change.

He also suggested that Thaksin and key political campaigners debate in a public forum with a professional and impartial moderator capable of raising the questions on most people’s minds, to allow Thaksin to gauge the extent of public support for him.

“However, the outcome of the latest ABAC poll clearly indicates that the idea of a royally appointed prime minister and an interim government is being increasingly well received,” Noppadol pointed out.

Source: ThaiDay - 7 March 2006 11:57

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin’s critics eye his 73.3 billion baht windfall

With calls for caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to leave office growing by the day, critics say that the embattled premier has 73.3 billion reasons to fight for his political surivival

“Thaksin will try to stay in power as long as possible because he has a lot to lose,” Bangkok Senator Chirmsak Pinthong said in an interview yesterday. “People will demand that the process of assets confiscation is looked into. It has to be a fair process, done with justice.”

Though critics often cite Thaksin’s manipulation of the Constitution as the primary reason for him to “get out,” most of his current troubles stem from the 73.3-billion-baht windfall his family received when it sold its Shin Corp stake to Singapore’s Temasek Holdings in January. In paying as little tax as possible, the premier aroused moral outrage among Bangkok residents who felt that Thaksin profited handsomely from a company that received preferential treatment from the government he controlled.

Though Thaksin can be tried when he leaves office, the Constitution also provides for his assets to be confiscated now under impeachment proceedings. Thammasat University students have already collected far more than the minimum 50,000 signatures of eligible voters required for an impeachment petition which would enable Senate President Suchon Chaleekrua to refer the matter to the National Counter Corruption Commission “without delay.”

If the NCCC found that Thaksin was guilty of “unusual wealthiness indicative of the commission of corruption, malfeasance in office, or an intentional exercise of power contrary to the provisions of the Constitution or law,” according to Article 303 of the Constitution, then it must submit its report first to the Senate for his removal from office, and then to the Supreme Court of Justice’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions for confiscation of his assets.

That special court comprises nine judges elected by secret ballot at the general meeting of the Supreme Court of Justice. Article 308 empowers it to adjudicate on cases where a politician has engaged in corruption or has become “unusually wealthy.” The court has the power to collect evidence beyond that which the NCCC has found, and judges must give opinions on what should be done with the assets in question.

“Thaksin is unusually wealthy, and he must explain how he has gotten so much money,” Chirmsak said. “It’s a bit difficult to sue him though because it’s a new method of corruption…Corruption by policy. He has had a conflict of interest and used government policy to support his business interests.”

Thaksin’s assets have been a bone of contention since the NCCC charged him with deliberately submitting a false assets declaration in 1997, when he was a deputy prime minister. In 2001, the Constitutional Court acquitted him in a controversial 8-7 ruling, which has contributed to the current constitutional difficulties.

In 2003, Shin Corp, under the ownership of Thaksin’s family, sued media campaigner Supinya Klangnarong for saying that the company’s profits had soared since the telecommunications tycoon took over as prime minister.

The company has since offered to drop the case if Supinya accepts certain conditions, but she has refused to negotiate.

Supinya’s claims, which prompted Shin to hit her with a 400-million-baht libel suit three years ago, have now become a truism among anti-Thaksin protesters. Even so, no case can be filed against Thaksin without an operational NCCC.

“The prime minister can have his assets confiscated at any time, but the problem is that there is no NCCC now,” said constitutional expert Kanin Boonsuwan, a lawyer who helped draft the 1997 charter. “We have to wait until a new NCCC is functioning. If the NCCC looks into the case and decides not to sue, then the case is over.”

The Palace rejected a Senate list of nine nominees for the NCCC earlier this month, and the Senate has yet to submit a new list.

The country’s top anti-graft watchdog has not functioned since last May, when the Supreme Court convicted all nine members of the independent body of illegally increasing their own pay.

The Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions has been rarely used in its nine-year existence. Most notably, the court decreed in 2003 that assets worth 233.88 million baht be seized from Rakkiat Sukthana, a former public health minister who was convicted of accepting bribes from a pharmaceutical company.

Former dictator Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn – who tendered his resignation and went into exile for a few years after a meeting with His Majesty the King in the wake of the bloodbath on October 14, 1973 – had more than 30 million baht in assets confiscated by the government of Sanya Dhammasak, the former Thammasat University rector who succeeded him as premier. Even so, Thanom still lived in a seized house until his death in 2004.

“With Thanom, the King asked him to leave the country,” said a government official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The government confiscated Thanom’s assets but it was never enforced.”

According to Article 225, only His Majesty the King may issue a pardon.

Thaksin insists that his wealth was acquired through legitimate means, but his aides fear that an angry public would swoop down like vultures to grab his millions if the premier ever leaves office.

“If he resigns now, do you think he would survive?” said the government official. “All of those guys would quickly demand that a court is set up to try him.”

Source: ThaiDay - 7 March 2006

[John K]

Don’t you think the name of this thread should be “Thai people CRACKDOWN on Thaksin.” I think the number of crackdowns is a good test as to if the government is on the offensive or defensive. I would hear about a crackdown on a weekly basis or more when Thaksin was thinking he was untouchable. Now there has been this wonderful pause as we watch him try to stay on jump ahead and throw nails in the road in front of the people who want him out.

[Jai Dee]

Permanent Secretary to Defence Ministry believes the current political situation will end peacefully

Defense Ministry’s Permanent-Secretary Sirichai Thanyasiri (สิริชัย ธัญญสิริ) believes every party will solve the ongoing demonstration in a peaceful manner. He confirms that the military will not interfere only if the incident proceeds in peace.

General Sirichai referred to the request of Police Lieutenant General Ajiravidya Suphannabhesaj (อชิรวิทย์ สุพรรณเภสัช), the Spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, for every party to halt the demonstrations and to come forward and conduct a discussion in order to end the political crisis.

He said the military will not intervene with any movement since the protestors can demonstrate in accordance with the democratic system. He expressed confidence that the rallies will not lead to violence as concerned parties are respecting the rules and regulations.

Gen. Sirichai disclosed that the military is cooperating with the police department to update the news and the movement of the protestors as well as to provide security for the people.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 March 2006

[jdinasia]

Saraburi residents praised PM as fighter for the people.

Saraburi (สระบุรี) residents praised the Prime Minister as a fighter for the people, urging the premier to stay on and work for the country.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat was accompanied by Interior Minister Kongsak Wantana (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา), and Deputy Interior Minister Somchai Soonthornwat (สมชาย สุนทรวัฒน์) yesterday. They came to Praputtabat (พระพุทธบาท) temple in Saraburi to pay homage to the holy footprint, amid warm welcome by the Saraburi residents.

Around 10,000 people waved Thai flags in support of the premier and told him to continue his fights. The people also said that they wanted Mr. Thaksin to stay as prime minister.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 March 2006

bet it costs less than 300 million if you travel to them instead of have them come to you!

[Plus]

People, inlculding royals and senators, petition the King not to reconsider the results of the election and "overrule democracy" - they are saying Taksin is not fit for public office at all. That's not quite the same. MPs should have a bachelor degree, for example. Even if they win the elections their status will be revoked if their credentials are found to be lacking.

The same with Taksin - he lost his legitimacy after Shin sale and should leave the office, just like Chuwit did not so long ago.

Now the point might be that on paper Taksin didn't break any laws, but EVERYONE familiar with the case knows he mixed his personal interests with that of the country. Legal recourse options are extremely limited because neither the Revenue Dept, nor SEC would start any meaningful investigation into the case, not after Tanong Bidaya, Taksin's "personal banker" and the current Finance Minister and SEC chairman, declared the deal was all legal on the first day.

Constitution Court has rejected the petition by the senators citing the lack of evidence. Fair enough, but senators are not the "police" and not the "prosecutors". They can't chase after financial records and interview anyone. That job is usually done by National Counter Corruption Commision, that currently doesn't exist after being busted for corruption themselves.

There's also a popular believe that Constitution Court is staffed with pro-Taksin judges who will vote in his favor no matter what the Constitution says.

Since Taksin successfully subverted all legal and lawful mechanisms in this country, people don't see any other options but to appeal to the only power outside of his control - the King himself.

Last Friday, in front of 200,000 people Taksin had a chance to clarify all the allegations as he promised to tell it all and pour his heart out. But he didn't. He sidestepped the issue. That was another point of no return for him.

[bulmercke]

Quote: Plus : "Last Friday, in front of 200,000 people Taksin had a chance to clarify all the allegations as he promised to tell it all and pour his heart out. But he didn't. He sidestepped the issue. That was another point of no return for him."

Spot-on! (In fact, you're correct on everything in your posting)

Will he make it through to election day, now there's uncertainty over the Shin deal proceeding?

Edited March 7, 2006 by bulmercke

[Plus]

Thanks, Bulmercke, imagine how difficult it must be to inform those 200,000 villagers of what the real issues are if we have a sizeable number of farangs here who don't seem to realise that elections don't address the issue of Taksin's legitimacy.

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Somsak confirms the dining appointment of PM Thaksin and Mr. Praphat is not related to Chart Thai party

Deputy Chart Thai Party leader Somsak Prissana-nantakul (สมศักดิ์ ปริศนานันทกุล) has affirmed that the dining appointment between Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Mr. Praphat Pothasuthon (ประภัตร โพธสุธน),is unrelated to the issues of the Chart Thai Party.

He said both the premier and Chart Thai Party Secretary Praphat are close friends. However, he would like the Prime Minister to halt such meeting until the general election takes place.

He said such issue can create bad images and have a negative effect on the democratic system.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Thai police spokesman urges Thaksin to quit

The spokesman for Thailand's national police said Tuesday he has written a personal letter to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra urging him to quit to end the country's political impasse.

"Ten days ago, I wrote a personal letter to the prime minister, and I want to publicly repeat what the letter said -- that Prime Minister Thaksin should announce that he will not become prime minister after the election," Lieutenant General Ajiravid Subarnbhesaj told reporters.

Ajiravid said he was worried by the weekly protests against Thaksin, and urged the public to pressure both sides to negotiate an end to the political crisis gripping Thailand.

"It's about time for the majority of people who are just watching to show their force in a peaceful way, such as turning on their headlights, to send a signal to both camps to sit down at the negotiating table," he said.

Ajiravid had warned Monday that the protests were taking a toll on the police force, much of which has been working non-stop since the demonstrations began on February 4.

The police chief's office declined to comment on the unusual public remarks by his spokesman.

Thaksin has called a general election for April 2 to try to end the crisis but the main opposition parties are boycotting it.

Source: The Manager Online - 7 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

STOPPAGE TIME

In defence of our scapegoat Constitution

On Monday night, caretaker Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang defended the present Constitution like a lion fighting for its turf. The deputy Thai Rak Thai leader emotionally rejected calls for any solution to the current political crisis that involved a breach of the charter. "How could I ever explain to the younger generation if I were to accept a political way out that warranted tearing apart the Constitution?" was his bottom line.

If only he had been this fierce and vehement back in 2001, when the Constitution's "spirit", something he mentioned so many times during Monday night's interview with television host Sorayuth Suthasanachinda, was mocked and trampled upon beyond belief. When the Constitution Court let Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra off the hook despite damning evidence in his assets-concealment scandal, the charter that Chaturon now defends lost all of its authority and sacredness. Sad but true.

And it's more tragic because this is our best Constitution ever. It is what we bought with the blood and tears, indeed the lives, of the 1992 pro-democracy heroes and their relatives. Despite Chaturon's apparent show of passion, the charter deserves more from him. It deserves more from people like Thirayuth Boonmi, who once suggested "Monster Thaksin" was created by this charter. And it's crying out for people like Anand Panyarachun, one of the "founding fathers" so to speak, to come forward and defend its worth.

What's wrong with this Constitution? Nothing. But a lot is seriously wrong with all of us in regard to this "People's Charter". We have failed to hold it in the highest esteem. Despite the euphoria that greeted its promulgation in 1997, we have failed to make the Constitution part of our national soul. If we had succeeded in doing that, there would have been no need to debate now whether or how we could have a royally appointed prime minister to replace Thaksin Shinawatra. There would haven been no election boycott. And the politicians would not have been allowed to invoke "political reform" simply for the sake of their own survival.

We selectively cherish and foster bits and pieces of this Constitution. People love those clauses that suit them and denounce others that work against their interests. Worse still, we blame the consequences of our failure to be committed to this charter entirely on the document itself. This Constitution did not create someone like Thaksin. We did. We who had neither the courage nor the determination to walk the new path it paved for us.

We have failed to defend its true value, and "political reform" has become a cheap form of lip service to be paid while playing political games. This Constitution already provided everything we could possibly need. It enshrines a strong recognition of citizens' rights, with mechanisms prescribed to support enforcement. It provided for a new system to monitor, investigate and punish corrupt officials and politicians. Checks and balances under this charter were supposed to be our best ever. Our first elected Senate was meant to be a chamber of independent and forward-thinking minds.

When Thaksin and his wife were found to have stashed Bt10 billion worth of shares in his servants' accounts, this Constitution was screaming, "STOP HIM!" Its writers, headed by respected figures that included Anand, had anticipated something like this, so they put in place tough restrictions on politicians' involvement in business and stipulated punishments for anyone lying about what they owned. The mechanisms were there to put Thaksin away, but in the end, his landslide election victory interfered with the nation's conscience, and the rest is history.

If this Constitution cannot contain Thaksin or clean up Thai politics, making it transparent and accountable, then no charter can. We could not have imagined a better system of checks and balances. Of course, some minor changes could be made, like empowering a small opposition bloc to censure the prime minister, but we are the real problem.

What a shameful travesty of justice it is, to blame such an excellent charter, albeit one that has found itself undermined by the corrupt nature of politicians and society's lack of courage, for the very existence of corruption. Our problem is that we always expect our Constitution to give, while we hardly contribute to it. A constitution, in its most ideal sense, is nothing but common values for which we should all be willing to die to protect, so that we can move confidently down the promising path it points us towards. And if we cannot protect something this valuable better than we have to date, then don't bother searching for something more, because we will become lost again and again, and yet again.

Source: The Nation - Editorial Opinion - 8 Mar 2006

[phibunmike]

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.

This brings us to an interesting point. While I am an advocate of democracy, I don't think it is perfect - I just can't think of a better system.

The major flaw can be illustrated by the fact that, in the UK, the majority (who elect the governement) also choose the "Sun" "newspaper". Scary, isn't it ???

For those who don't know, the "Sun" is a rather bad example of the tabloid press - when other newspapers might have the headline "Hundreds killed by explosion in Jakarta", the "Sun" might well lead with "One legged vicar caught having sex with poodle".

Edited March 8, 2006 by phibunmike

[Jai Dee]

Army commander said patriotism can solve the current problems.

Army commander General Sondhi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน) expressed agreement to suggestions by Police General Achirawit Supanpesaj (อชิรวิทย์ สุพรรณเภสัช) which encourage all parties to sit down peacefully and talk, as he believes patriotism will solve all problems.

Deputy Royal Thai Police Chief Police General Achirawait Supanpesaj (อชิรวิทย์ สุพรรณเภสัช) has urged protestors to stop their demonstrations, adding that all parties to sit down and talk over issues to solve the current political crisis. General Sondhi said that he agrees with the suggestions, adding that if everyone is patriotic, all problems will be settled in the end. He said that the problems cannot be solved because the parties cannot find a common ground.

The army commander added that the military will uphold the policy of political neutrality in taking care of order in the protest, unless the government declares a state of emergency. He said that the officials have been told to maintain impartiality remain strong, amid the current situation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 March 2006