Anti-government Rally Thread 13-25 March

[Jai Dee]

DPM Chidchai said that the police have measures in store to handle marches during March 13-19.

Intelligence units prepare operation plans in preparation for the march to Government House next Tuesday, as there are fears that the demonstration will block traffic and attract intervention from third party.

Deputy Prime Minister General Chidchai Wannasatit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) revealed that the officials have followed the demonstrators’ movements and planned measures to handle with them, to keep order during the protest on March 13-19. He said that the protestors’ march to Government House, which may cause traffic problems, may constitute violation of other people’s rights. He also said that there are concerns that ill-intentioned group of people may seize the opportunity to instigate violence. He said officials have been told to prepare for possible incidents.

Metropolitan Police Chief Lieutenant-general Wiroj Jantarangsri (วิโรจน์ จันทรังษี) said that the adjustment of the plan to demonstrate at various locations to pressure Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat to resign is still within the limit of the law, adding that the police are able to handle the situation. He said that protestors have informed the police of their movements in advance, allowing the officials to handle the situation more efficiently.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Privy Councilor warns that all parties should sit down and talk to find solutions to the current problems.

Privy Councilor Surayud Julanont (สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์) warns that all sides should have national interests in mind, adding that all parties should sit down and talk to find solutions to the current problems.

General Surayud commented on the current political situation, saying that everybody involved are already grown-ups, adding that they should consider whether it is time to sit and talk to reach an understanding and find solutions to the current problems. He added that the discussions of all parties should be the best way out.

General Surayud arrived with his headlights on as a demonstration against conflicts, as suggested by deputy national police chief Lieutenant-general Achirawit Supanpesat (อชิรวิทย์ สุพรรณเภสัช).

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

ACM Kongsak agrees with the suggestion of Privy Councilor for every party to find solutions for the on-going problems

Interior Minister Kongsak Wanthana (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา) said he agrees with the advice of Privy Councilor Surayud Julanont (สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์) for every party to step back and find solutions to the ongoing political situation in Thailand. He believes the demonstration on the 14th of March will not escalate into violence.

Air Chief Marshal Kongsak referred to the concern of Privy Councilor Surayud over the confrontation of the group who supports the government and the group who is against the government during the rally planned on March 14th.

He insisted that the Interior Ministry will facilitate the demonstrators and believes no violence will take place. However, he has admitted that every party should consider the advice of Gen. Surayud.

As for the rumors about the Thai Rak Thai Party hiring the candidates from small political parties to run in the upcoming election on the 2nd of April, ACM Kongsak has expressed confidence that his ruling party will not take such action since it is illegal.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

DPM Surakiart indicates that Singapore understands PAD's boycott campaign is a democratic expression

Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai (สุรเกียรติ์ เสถียรไทย) has indicated that Singapore does understand that the People's Alliance for Democracy's (PAD) campaign to boycott Singaporean products and services is in line with the democratic regime.

He said that Thailand is under the democratic government. Hence, Thai people are allowed to show their different ideas and opinions. As for the protest in front of the Singaporean Embassy, it is deemed normal in the democratic system. However, he believes that no violence will take place during the demonstration. He said that Thailand has not cooperated with the Singaporean government in solving this matter yet.

Mr. Surakiart suggested the news reporters to ask for clarification from Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Suranand Vejjajiva (สุรนันทน์ เวชชาชีวะ), on whether Thailand must elucidate the issue to the Singaporean government. He said that Mr. Suranand is now in charge of foreign affairs while Foreign Minister Kathathi Suphamongkhon (กันตธีร์ ศุภมงคล) is now performing his duty in Chile.

He said that Thailand’s domestic investment still has no impact from the demonstration, while viewing that if the demonstration still prolongs under the democratic framework, the country’s investment will continue to work out smoothly.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 March 2006

[seonai]

Is this going to be the main place to look for updates on what's happening? I noticed another started by JaiDee?

[Jai Dee]

Is this going to be the main place to look for updates on what's happening? I noticed another started by JaiDee?

I'm trying to keep the demonstration topics separate from the election developments... thus 2 threads on the current political scene in Thailand.

However, sometimes they do overlap.

Sound OK?

[seonai]

sounds great..... but now the bomb!!!!!! Thanks JaiDee.

[Jai Dee]

RTP Spokesperson says RTP has readjusted security measures for the demonstration on March 13th to 14th

Royal Thai Police Spokesperson Achirawit Suphannaphaysat (อชิรวิทย์ สุพรรณเภสัช) said that police officers have readjusted security measures for the demonstration on March 13th and 14th. Meanwhile, the Special Branch Police have been reinstructed to intensively seek any report relating to the third party among the protestors.

He said that the police across the country will be called upon to provide more security if the demonstration has intensified. Nevertheless, the Royal Thai Police has requested the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to stop using abusive words in their speeches, to avoid further conflicts and disarrays.

As for the PAD’s plan to march to the Government House on March 14th, police officers have made a campaign to inform commuters to avoid using the nearby routes. He has also asked them for help observe abnormal signs and inform certain news in order for police to prevent any possible violence.

Moreover, officers have been assigned to distribute more than 100,000 leaflets to the public. The message in the leaflets is encouraging motorists to open the headlights of their vehicles, as a sign to show their peaceful stance.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Thousands protest over Shin Corp deal outside Singapore embassy

Thousands of Thais demonstrated outside the Singaporean embassy Thursday, demanding a state-linked investment firm scrap the takeover of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's telecoms giant Shin Corp.

"We will wait for an answer from the embassy until 4:00 pm (0900 GMT). If we don't get the answer or the answer is unsatisfactory, we will start boycotting Singaporean goods and services immediately," said Rosana Tositrakul, a member of the anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy.

Singapore's state-linked investment firm Temasek in January bought a nearly 50 per cent stake in Shin Corp, which was founded by Thaksin before he entered politics, transferring control to his family as he took office in 2001.

Some 3,000 protesters marched to the Singapore embassy behind a banner reading "Get Out, Temasek!" So far there were no reports of skirmishes between police and protesters.

The protest came as Temasek on Thursday looked set to acquire full control of Shin Corp as the investment firm's tender offer to buy the rest of Shin Corp shares would expire later in the day.

In addition to the nearly 50-per cent stake from Thaksin's family, retail investors holding about 16 per cent of Shin Corp. had "agreed to accept Temasek's tender offer as of early March," a Temasek official said.

Temasek is expected to announce details of the tender offer on Tuesday, the official said, shrugging off rumors in Bangkok that Temasek might cancel the tender offer deal due to escalating political tensions against Thaksin.

Anti-Thaksin activist Rosana also said protesters would stage a protest in front of a building housing the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Thursday.

Source: The Nation Breaking News - 9 Mar 2006

[lung]

State Enterprise workers get the green light to join march

State enterprise union leaders within the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) agreed yesterday to call upon their members to stop work and join Tuesday’s march on Government House in full force. The PAD leaders also urged all sections of society to take a day off from work and join the march.

After several hours of discussion, all 19 executives of the State Enterprise Workers’ Relations Confederation (SERC) gave the green light for all willing workers to join the PAD’s march to pressure caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra into resigning.

Sirichai Mai-ngam, secretary-general of the SERC – an umbrella organization comprising 42 state enterprises – told ThaiDay after the meeting that although union leaders want as many state enterprise workers to take part as possible, the resolution will not be forced upon them. “The meeting amongst union executives concluded in a very clear direction,” he said, “which is for state enterprise workers to take part in the March 14 march in full force. But participation is voluntary.”

Representatives from leading state enterprises were represented in the meeting, including the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Provincial Electrical Authority, Port Authority of Thailand, State Railway of Thailand, Telephone Organization of Thailand, Communications Authority of Thailand and Government Savings Bank.

However, though union leaders in the SERC framework have agreed, individual leaders of the 42 state enterprises are yet to make their final decisions, said Kittichai Saisa-ard, deputy union-leader of the Provincial Electrical Authority (PEA) and a legal advisor to the SERC. “All 42 state enterprise labor union leaders will meet [from today] and discuss the SERC line of action,” Kittichai said. “I feel that the measures can and will be taken up by all 42 state enterprises.”

Despite the outward impression that state enterprises are unified in their support of the PAD, Kittichai said that several state enterprises are under great pressure from the caretaker government to shun the march next week. Kittichai explained that the caretaker government is afraid of state enterprise participation due to its experience in mass-scale demonstrations and crowd management. “State enterprises mobilizations have always been large scale and we are very experienced in gathering large crowds after several years of campaigning against privatization,” he said. “Our people will set the tone for the general public during the march to Government House.”

Kittichai stated that there are around 200,00 state enterprise workers in total but it is difficult to gauge how many will take part in the march, as that will depend greatly on the individual meetings among the 42 organizations. “Realistic figures will be known on Monday,” he said.

Kittichai also reiterated that the public need not worry about electrical or water connections being severed by utility workers. “We will definitely not terminate electric or water connections to the public,” he said, “but we may do it to houses of senior members of the [caretaker] government.”

Leading PAD figures are also encouraging the public to join their march on Tuesday. An open letter will be made public on Saturday after march routes are finalized.

---------------------------------------

source manager.co.th 9.3.2006

[lukamar]

BANGKOK (AFP) -

Four Thai Buddhists filed a complaint with police, saying a sect that wants Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to resign has damaged the reputation of monks.

They called on police to act against the Santi Asoke sect using a law that prohibits the impersonation of monks -- a serious offence in mostly-Buddhist Thailand.

The sect has taken part in anti-Thaksin rallies in Bangkok.

"By joining political-related activities, the sect has caused Thai people to lose faith and hate monks," said one of the complainants, Sathien Wiphromma.

Similar to traditional Buddhist monks, Santi Asoke members have shaved heads but wear dark brown robes, not the saffron and golden orange worn by the mainstream.

Several Santi Asoke members were sentenced to five-and-a-half years for impersonating mainstream monks in 1989 but the punishment was suspended, according to the complaint.

[jdinasia]

Santi-Asoke is not part of the Thai Sangha .... oh well

[Jai Dee]

The police have adjusted plans in preparation for the March 13-14 demonstrations.

The police have adjusted plans in preparation for the March 13-14 demonstrations, while asking the people to avoid routes where the demonstrators are expected to pass.

Royal Thai Police spokesperson Lieutenant-general Achirawit Supanpesat (อชิรวิทย์ สุพรรณเภสัช) said that the police have been prepared to keep order during March 13-14 demonstrations, adding that the police have adjusted all strategies. He said that metropolitan police and national intelligence officials have been told to find news about possible interference by third party.

As for whether a backup team is needed, Mr. Achirawit said that it depends on the situation, adding that the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) should stop using provocative comments to cause further rifts in the society.

The spokesperson said that the police will also tell the peple to avoid traffic routes where demonstrators are expected to march to Government House on next Tuesday morning. He said that he will distribute fliers urging motorists to drive with their head-lights on to demonstrate their wish for peace.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

State employees will be asked to join rally planned on March 14.

The labor union of state enterprises prepares to call a huge gathering to ask state enterprise employees to join demonstrations on March 14.

Secretary-general of the Union, Sirichai Mai-ngarm (ศิริชัย ไม้งาม) expected that more than 30,000 employees of state enterprises will participate in the rally with the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) at Government House on March 14. He said that the Union will call an extraordinary meeting on March 13 to ask state employees to join the rally until Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat steps down and cancels privatizations of state enterprises. He said that if employees cannot join the rally on March 14, they will be asked to dress in black to work.

Advisor of the union, Somsak Kosaisuk (สมศักดิ์ โกศัยสุข) expressed belief that the state employees will promptly ask for leave on March 14 to join the demonstrations.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Thai Airways's state enterprise labor union will join PAD's gathering at the Government House for opposing against the govt's privatization policy

More than 1,000 members from the state enterprise labor union of Thai Airways Public Company Limited will join the demonstration to be organized by the People’s Alliance for Democracy at the Government House on March 14th. They are opposing the government’s privatization policy.

The chief of the union, Mr. Somsak Srinuan (สมศักดิ์ ศรีนวล), disclosed that the union will send a letter to every unit of its company. The letter requests the officials to take leave from work so that they can gather at the Government House on March 14th. He insisted that more than 1,000 members will certainly join this demonstration.

The Permanent Secretary to the Transport Ministry, Mr. Wanchai Sarathoothat (วันชัย ศารทูลทัต), views that the officials have the rights to temporarily leave their duties, but he sees that Thai Airways and its passengers might be affected from this action.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 March 2006

[penzman]

A memorable moment for Thai TV is happening at this moment

Sondhi is on stage doing his usual show with his familiar stage background and holding a phone. At the very same time, Thaksin is on Khunn Sarayut's talk show on a different channel. Sondhi is actually on hold as they've managed to reach Khun Sarayut's show and are asking to talk with Thaksin live on TV by phone

We've got ASTV on the laptop and Sarayut's show on tv, waiting to see if it'll happen...

**update**

Did not happen but Thaksin has apparently agreed to meet with Sondhi in public. Sondhi says he still doesn't believe it will happen.

[asd]

Inter Press Service News Agency

THAILAND:One-man Crusade Dogs Thaksin

by Marwaan Macan-Markar

Even some of the country's musicians known for their ballads with political and socially conscious lyrics mounted the stage to be counted on the anti-Thaksin bandwagon. A quartet called the 'Hope Family' was among them. This group of a father, mother and two daughters sang about the need to find strength in crowds.

"We are here because we want to do something,'' says Varittarat Tawanavivattanagul, who at 19 is the youngest in the family. ''We cannot sit in our homes and watch TV. We have to fight and let the people know we are with them.''

Budsapart, her mother, adds: ''Songs are important. They are a soft way of fighting, than using guns.''

For Nirand Pithakwatchara, a ranking member of the senate's committee on human security and social development, the protest movement had gained a legitimacy of its own.

''This is a historic day for people's participation in Thai democracy,'' he said before members of the upper-house addressed the anti-government demonstration.

''Thaksin is leading the country down a dangerous road,'' he added. ''He wants absolute power. He wants to monopolise power.''

It is a view that mirrors a slice of Thailand's political reality, since the party Thaksin leads, Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thai - TRT), was re-elected in February last year by a huge majority, over 370 seats out of 500 in the parliament. Such power, coupled by the sizeable majority the TRT had in its first term in office four years before, has virtually crippled the independent institutions set up to check constitutional violations, election fraud, corruption and human rights abuse.

While charges of financial irregularities have dogged Thaksin since his first term began in January 2001, it was a business deal revealed in January, involving a telecommunication conglomerate that he founded, Shin Corp, and the investment arm of the Singapore government, Temasek, that has triggered the most passionate backlash.

Thaksin, a billionaire before becoming the premier, was viewed as having fixed new government policies to enable this sale of Shin Corp to Temasek for 1.8 billion U.S. dollars. It was a deal where his family got away without having to pay any taxes.

Thaksin's attempt to reclaim the political ground he has lost by deciding to dissolve parliament on Feb. 24 and call for a snap election in early April will do little to improve his image among the growing thousands of his critics, led by Sondhi.

''This is a force to be reckoned with and one that is not going to go away easily,'' Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University, told IPS. ''Thaksin has lost his legitimacy in the eyes of the people. This is about morality that Thais expect their leaders to have.''

'It is a dynamic day-to-day process that Sondhi has created over the last few months,'' he added. ''There are new political uncertainties.''

That should come as another victory for Sondhi, who has promised to keep up the fight, even if it means daily demonstrations, till he gets his political prey.

[penzman]

A memorable moment for Thai TV is happening at this moment

Sondhi is on stage doing his usual show with his familiar stage background and holding a phone. At the very same time, Thaksin is on Khunn Sarayut's talk show on a different channel. Sondhi is actually on hold as they've managed to reach Khun Sarayut's show and are asking to talk with Thaksin live on TV by phone

We've got ASTV on the laptop and Sarayut's show on tv, waiting to see if it'll happen...

**update**

Did not happen but Thaksin has apparently agreed to meet with Sondhi in public. Sondhi says he still doesn't believe it will happen.

Thaksin denies he plays to enter a live debate with opponents

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made an about-face Saturday, saying he did not plan to have debate against his opponents related to accusations against him.

Late Friday night, Thaksin told a live political talk show on Channel 9 that he was willing to meet a representative each from the Peoples' Alliance for Democracy and three opposition parties.

But on Saturday, Thaksin said he did not mean a debate.

"Who said it would be a debate. It would be fine to have a talk with three of us," Thaksin said.

[ColPyat]

And why on earth should they have a bloody public debate? What possible use would that be?

It would only end up in populist posturing of all sides, and further aggrevate the situation by creating a spectacle for the masses. What needs to be done urgently is that all sides meet on a round table behind closed doors and hold negotiations, work out a compromise so that we won't see another orgy of violence, to contain the incredible damage that has been done already by all sides.

I have to say that i have difficulties to understand the joy of some posters here about the way how things are developing here. Is it some sort of revolutionary romanticism?

Trust me, the moment guns are fired and people die things are going to be extremely ugly.

[Miaow]

Is it some sort of revolutionary romanticism?

Trust me, the moment guns are fired and people die things are going to be extremely ugly.

No, it's democracy at it's best: jaleous corrupted politicians trying to oust an elected corrupted politician...This political situation is sure worsening, bet the democrats will blame it on Thaksin if blood is shed...Pathetic....

[Ricardo]

And why on earth should they have a bloody public debate? What possible use would that be?

It would only end up in populist posturing of all sides, and further aggrevate the situation by creating a spectacle for the masses.

Or involving the public - as democrats would have it.

What needs to be done urgently is that all sides meet on a round table behind closed doors and hold negotiations, work out a compromise so that we won't see another orgy of violence, to contain the incredible damage that has been done already by all sides.

Fair comment, but I suspect DL would see this only as a way to nobble the opposition, as when he had his 'personal & private dinner' with his old mate Banhaarn recently. Part of the problem is that many Thais no-longer believe a word the man says.

I have to say that i have difficulties to understand the joy of some posters here about the way how things are developing here. Is it some sort of revolutionary romanticism?

Trust me, the moment guns are fired and people die things are going to be extremely ugly.

Who do you believe has these guns ? The same people who bombed General Prem's house, or someone else ? I don't see which posters you mean, when you refer to joy or revolutionary romanticism. I'd say we are all concerned by the current situation - why post otherwise ?

[bulmercke]

Edited March 12, 2006 by bulmercke

[bulmercke]

[Sandstone Art]

Will 13 or 14 March be a good day to witness something BIG happening in Bangkok?

[baht&sold]

Being a foreigner, I have no horse in this race of course. But as an independent business person/guest, the most foreign investment friendly politician would ‘appear’ to be Taksin (ridiculous closing times aside). Also favourable for business, would be stability (therefore continuation of status quo some would argue).

Having said that, when we as foreigners “adopt” a homeland, there comes a time (for some) where we start to care for Thailand as a country, in a hopeful way- which supersedes how we may benefit personally.

Now I don’t think for a minute a band of left leaning academics, anti foreign investment types, pro-unionists, State industry jobs for life advocates (Egat etc) and another potential telecoms giant scorned makes for the best possible alternatives...

Nor do I honestly believe you can have a fair election without allowing politicians to switch parties (cynically planned timing with the 90 day rule;). Nor do I believe it’s fair to in effect ‘buy’ the rice farmer vote (by keeping them dependent on your hand outs or by out and out buying their vote) but this is what’s happened in the past. Get the poor, uneducated people to vote for you in any way possible and keep them dependent and voting for you and presto, you’re the man.

So, as it stands, some folks here are vocal about the anti-Taksin crowd being “undemocratic” for launching a protest to remove an otherwise irremovable leader. There’s validity in that.

On the other side, using the ‘democratic vote’ method as it stands, ensures continued representation by one party’s manipulations of a cynically targetted and somewhat captive audience. WHO do they represent in actuality though and is it “legitimate representation of the whole”?

Looks like it’ll come down to a vote regardless and that’s as it should be. In this case, the likely scenario being TRT can’t muster 20% of the vote needed in some southern constituencies, therfor, the house can’t convene and it’s a total stalemate (well, re-poll after re-poll, endless).

Others can vote their displeasure by checking NO on their voting cards. It's still democratic.

All in all, I’m extremely hopeful for the future of Thailand (no doubts in fact) and like it or not, this is THEIR democracy and it’s great to see it going through a peaceful evolution. If nothing else, this dispute along the way will likely (ultimately) propel Thailand fast forward after the dust settles, fast tracking democratic maturity. Left as is, it would have taken years and years to expose the warts in the system and evolve democratic processes/institutions/watchdogs/policies for the betterment of ALL.

As long as it remains peaceful (and it should depending on the fragile egos involved) it’s all good for the country and some who care about Thailand for well into the future, might agree.

[jdinasia]

well considered and well written response B&S!

[baht&sold]

Thx JDA, I guess I get a brain fart every now and then

As for today's Govt counter-proposed "closed door" meetings to find a resolution with the PDA (vs broadcasted live as proposed) if I were a voter, I'd trust any side as far as I could throw em. Behind closed doors? Like allowing the foxes on all sides to make private self beneficial side deals whilst deciding what's best for the hens...

[bulmercke]

TV pool replays HM's mediation of May 1992 bloodshed - The Nation -

His Majesty the King's mediation of the bloody political turbulence in May 1992 was replayed to millions across the country on a TV pool Sunday night under theRoyal Household Bureau's request in a clear signal of a Royal wish for all parties engaged in the current political bickering to reconcile.

The TV footage of the eight-minute audience on May 20 1992 showed His Majesty advising then prime minister Suchinda Kraprayoon and anti-Suchinda protest leader Chamlong Srimuang to end their confrontation and turn to work together to help rebuild the nation being torn by political violence.

After the royal audience, Suchida resigned as prime minister and his opponents ended their protests, allowing peace to be restored and an interim government to be appointed. The mass rally, attended by hundreds of thousands of people, had been triggered by Suchinda's assumption of premiership after toppling the elected government of Chatichai Choonhavan in a coup.

On the night of May 17 1992, security troops under the Suchinda government opened fire at protesters gathering at Sanam Luang and adjacent Rajdamnoen Avenue. Chamlong and many other protesters were arrested and briefly jailed. The crackdown continued the following days, leaving an unknown number of fatalities before the King intervened.

A TV Pool anchorman said in his introductory note for the special broadcast, aired at 8pm last night, that the May 20 1992 Royal audience was to be replayed particularly in regard with the nature of the current political situation.

A well-informed source said the special broadcast had been made on request by the Royal Household Bureau.

>>>>>

Personally, I can't see how showing this old footage is going to help matters at this moment in time.

Obviously His Majesty and the Royal Household are very concerned about events now and are doing their upmost to bring about a peaceful conclusion to events.

Thaksin has back-tracked on the idea of a public forum involving himself and two other prominent opponents.

There's a massive impasse now between the two sides:

One side wants Thaksin to go - unconditionally -

And the other, namely Thaksin, wants to hold onto power at any cost.....

How can this be resolved?

The video loop shown on all channels this evening at 8.00 pm was obviously a call to get the two opposing parties to talk, but even if they do get to the negotiating table, IMHO it would be extremely unlikely any acceptable (to both parties) agreement could be banged out!

The die is cast, unfortunately, despite this evening's royal intervention.

This Tuesday's big rally could well be the flash-point everyone has feared.

[bulmercke]

Being a foreigner, I have no horse in this race of course. But as an independent business person/guest, the most foreign investment friendly politician would ‘appear’ to be Taksin (ridiculous closing times aside). Also favourable for business, would be stability (therefore continuation of status quo some would argue).

Having said that, when we as foreigners “adopt” a homeland, there comes a time (for some) where we start to care for Thailand as a country, in a hopeful way- which supersedes how we may benefit personally.

Now I don’t think for a minute a band of left leaning academics, anti foreign investment types, pro-unionists, State industry jobs for life advocates (Egat etc) and another potential telecoms giant scorned makes for the best possible alternatives...

Nor do I honestly believe you can have a fair election without allowing politicians to switch parties (cynically planned timing with the 90 day rule;). Nor do I believe it’s fair to in effect ‘buy’ the rice farmer vote (by keeping them dependent on your hand outs or by out and out buying their vote) but this is what’s happened in the past. Get the poor, uneducated people to vote for you in any way possible and keep them dependent and voting for you and presto, you’re the man.

So, as it stands, some folks here are vocal about the anti-Taksin crowd being “undemocratic” for launching a protest to remove an otherwise irremovable leader. There’s validity in that.

On the other side, using the ‘democratic vote’ method as it stands, ensures continued representation by one party’s manipulations of a cynically targetted and somewhat captive audience. WHO do they represent in actuality though and is it “legitimate representation of the whole”?

Looks like it’ll come down to a vote regardless and that’s as it should be. In this case, the likely scenario being TRT can’t muster 20% of the vote needed in some southern constituencies, therfor, the house can’t convene and it’s a total stalemate (well, re-poll after re-poll, endless).

Others can vote their displeasure by checking NO on their voting cards. It's still democratic.

All in all, I’m extremely hopeful for the future of Thailand (no doubts in fact) and like it or not, this is THEIR democracy and it’s great to see it going through a peaceful evolution. If nothing else, this dispute along the way will likely (ultimately) propel Thailand fast forward after the dust settles, fast tracking democratic maturity. Left as is, it would have taken years and years to expose the warts in the system and evolve democratic processes/institutions/watchdogs/policies for the betterment of ALL.

As long as it remains peaceful (and it should depending on the fragile egos involved) it’s all good for the country and some who care about Thailand for well into the future, might agree.

A good post. And balanced.

[Carmine6]

These signs in English must be for all those Thai voters who can read English but not Thai.