Thai Spring ' Gaining In Strength'

[webfact]

Thai Spring 'gaining in strength'
Khanittha Thepphajorn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Almost 10,000 people have joined the Thai Spring campaign against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's speech in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

The group alleges that the PM's speech aimed to block her opponents' attempts to prevent the government from amending the charter.

The Thai Spring group, led by Kaewsan Atibodhi a former member of the Assets Examination Committee, former senator Kwansruang Atibodhi and former chief of the Royal Court Security Police Vasit Dejkunjorn, held a press conference on its activities.


-- The Nation 2013-05-17

[A Member]

Thai Spring ? Almost 10,000 people joined the protest ! Come on, everybody knows it's not a protest unless the magical figure of 100,000 is quoted. It's not necessary to actually reach that figure but you MUST claim it.

The Thai Spring organisers have just proved they are complete amateurs so mark their report card - nothing out of ten, must try harder.

[Mampara]

good or bad, the damage has been done and cannot be reversed, no matter how many protests are organised. just sweep it under the carpet, shrug off the dust, and carry on with your life.

[arthurboy]

How about a Thai Spring uprising against corruption and abuse of power and authority?

No? Too much to lose? Oh, I see.

Never mind, eh?

[noitom]

"Thai Spring?" Is this is some sort of takeoff on Arab Spring? Leave it to the Thais to rip off and copy a name without understanding its core meaning.

[arthurboy]

"Thai Spring?" Is this is some sort of takeoff on Arab Spring? Leave it to the Thais to rip off and copy a name without understanding its core meaning.

Bang on the button.

Any sense that what happened in the Arab Spring countries - whether you agree or not - was to do with democracy and the overthrowing of oppressive regimes is completely lost on this lot.

Looking at the names above, and their former positions, seems to point to the old guard still clinging on to antiquated dreams of fiefdom and sakdina.

This so called Thai Spring seems like yet another opportunity for the PAD and affiliated groups to rally round another spurious call to protect and defend the key institutions in Thailand from dangerous and subversive elements.

There's nothing like maintaining the status quo - as long as it's serves certain self serving and inevitably corrupt interests.

[hellodolly]

Thai Spring ? Almost 10,000 people joined the protest ! Come on, everybody knows it's not a protest unless the magical figure of 100,000 is quoted. It's not necessary to actually reach that figure but you MUST claim it.

The Thai Spring organisers have just proved they are complete amateurs so mark their report card - nothing out of ten, must try harder.

I think they have done remarkably well considering they don't have the publicity behind them that the red shirts do in their flops.

It would appear to me that they are probably more civic minded people than the red shirt mobs or lack of lately have been.

Edited May 17, 2013 by hellodolly

[hellodolly]

"Thai Spring?" Is this is some sort of takeoff on Arab Spring? Leave it to the Thais to rip off and copy a name without understanding its core meaning.

Bang on the button.

Any sense that what happened in the Arab Spring countries - whether you agree or not - was to do with democracy and the overthrowing of oppressive regimes is completely lost on this lot.

Looking at the names above, and their former positions, seems to point to the old guard still clinging on to antiquated dreams of fiefdom and sakdina.

This so called Thai Spring seems like yet another opportunity for the PAD and affiliated groups to rally round another spurious call to protect and defend the key institutions in Thailand from dangerous and subversive elements.

There's nothing like maintaining the status quo - as long as it's serves certain self serving and inevitably corrupt interests.

So you are sugesting the Thai Spring is

"maintaining the status quo - as long as it's serves certain self serving and inevitably corrupt interests."

I thought that was one of the goals of the PTP.

[A Member]

Thai Spring ? Almost 10,000 people joined the protest ! Come on, everybody knows it's not a protest unless the magical figure of 100,000 is quoted. It's not necessary to actually reach that figure but you MUST claim it.

The Thai Spring organisers have just proved they are complete amateurs so mark their report card - nothing out of ten, must try harder.

I think they have done remarkably well considering they don't have the publicity behind them that the red shirts do in their flops.

It would appear to me that they are probably more civic minded people than the red shirt mobs or lack of lately have been.

Yes they are probably civic minded which is to their credit but they will be swamped by the politically minded and and who knows, criticising this government means it won't be long before they attract the attention of the reds maybe even the DSI.

[jayboy]

"Thai Spring?" Is this is some sort of takeoff on Arab Spring? Leave it to the Thais to rip off and copy a name without understanding its core meaning.

Bang on the button.

Any sense that what happened in the Arab Spring countries - whether you agree or not - was to do with democracy and the overthrowing of oppressive regimes is completely lost on this lot.

Looking at the names above, and their former positions, seems to point to the old guard still clinging on to antiquated dreams of fiefdom and sakdina.

This so called Thai Spring seems like yet another opportunity for the PAD and affiliated groups to rally round another spurious call to protect and defend the key institutions in Thailand from dangerous and subversive elements.

There's nothing like maintaining the status quo - as long as it's serves certain self serving and inevitably corrupt interests.

Exactly.As soon as I saw the name Vasit Dejkunjorn, nuttier than a fruitcake, it was clear this group is led by dinosaurs.However I would not underestimate the group's significance since it seems to be the policy of some of the old elite to use stalking horses, even as in this case if led by discredited old reactionaries.The fact is there is alarm in some sections of the old establishment that events are getting beyond its control.They know they can not win a general election.Military coups and judicial activism also are problematic.Meanwhile the clock keeps ticking and it is is getting harder and harder for the unelected elites to have their way.As always the more intelligent and perceptive among the elite know that this kind of mindless confrontation is counter productive.Their position is that in a country like Thailand the well educated and upper middle class will come out at the top of the heap.They know there will be no Chavez type socialism (come on, look at the Shinawatras and their business minded friends).

[Robby nz]

It is only one of the many groups that are coming out and showing the growing discontent with PT and what they are doing and trying to do.

Just in the last few days we have had the farmers and other poor at Govt house, the environmentalists and others at Chaing Mai, the local administration group and now these ones.

Then we have the reds with their big loss of face when their 100,000 did not turn up because they were not paid.

No wonder PT are thinking about a snap election to try to get another 2 years before they lose so much support that they have no show of winning an election.

[Thai at Heart]

"Thai Spring?" Is this is some sort of takeoff on Arab Spring? Leave it to the Thais to rip off and copy a name without understanding its core meaning.

I think it is "Thai Spling" anyway.

[jayboy]

It is only one of the many groups that are coming out and showing the growing discontent with PT and what they are doing and trying to do.

Just in the last few days we have had the farmers and other poor at Govt house, the environmentalists and others at Chaing Mai, the local administration group and now these ones.

Then we have the reds with their big loss of face when their 100,000 did not turn up because they were not paid.

No wonder PT are thinking about a snap election to try to get another 2 years before they lose so much support that they have no show of winning an election.

So, putting your whisling in the dark comments to one side, you believe the PTP would win a snap election now ? Presumably yes from what you say, but with a larger or smaller majority than before? I presume you think with a smaller majority though most informed opinion believes the government would do better now in a general election than last time.

Abhisit certainly takes that view.As for waiting until the end of the term one normally expects a government's poularity to taper off after several years in power.I would expect if an election take place in a couple of years PTP will be able to form a government but with a smaller majority.

In a parliamentary democracy incidentally it is perfectly normal for a government to pick and choose the timing of a general election so that it gains the maximum advantage.

Of course any election must takes place before the term of government expires as determined by law.Most governments running out of steam tend to hang on to the end

[Thai at Heart]

Ironically, I reckon if anyone half decent with any half decent policies could get a massive wedge of the vote by starting the "Anti-Corruption" party.

These fools getting this hot under the collar about a speech are going to achieve absolutely NOTHING.

[Frank James]

Thai Spring? What a laugh. The Power is trying to stir up caca over a speech that called them out. It won't work. This government will prevail. Viva Yingluck.

[Frank James]

PS: Anything that comes out of "The Nation", English language house organ of The Power, is automatically suspect.

[rubl]

Sarcasm: 'Thai Spring' and 'Viva Yingluck' in one post :-)

[Robby nz]

jayboy

So, putting your whisling in the dark comments to one side, you believe the PTP would win a snap election now ? Presumably yes from what you say, but with a larger or smaller majority than before? I presume you think with a smaller majority though most informed opinion believes the government would do better now in a general election than last time.

Abhisit certainly takes that view.As for waiting until the end of the term one normally expects a government's poularity to taper off after several years in power.I would expect if an election take place in a couple of years PTP will be able to form a government but with a smaller majority.

In a parliamentary democracy incidentally it is perfectly normal for a government to pick and choose the timing of a general election so that it gains the maximum advantage.

Of course any election must takes place before the term of government expires as determined by law.Most governments running out of steam tend to hang on to the end

Regardless of Govts being able to choose the time of an election holding a snap election after only 2 years of a 4 year term is not particularly normal.

However the fact that more groups are coming out all the time complaining about the Givt action or inaction tends to show that not all is well for them.

And the groups I have mentioned are only a few, if you were to watch Tele news (not govt channels) you would have seen that there are many more.

There are other factors that will very likely effect their popularity such as the flood works which, particularly if the manage to get rid of the environmental checks will force people off their land.

There is the rice mountain which is very likely to soon fall on their head one way or another. If it is stopped the farmers their mainstay voters, we are told, will not be happy.

If it continues (given the world rice situation) the mountain can only grow and likely rot, as has been shown by the Ivory Coast C2C rice deal.

The best that can come out of it is a huge loss for the country.

The 2.2 Trillion is a wild card with no one being told whats going on.

If Chalerm gets his bill passed and Thaksin comes back there will be huge strife in the country.

Yes Abisit can see what is going on and realizes that PT probably still have the support to win now.

Still what happens in the Don Muang by election could give a better indication.

And hay its taken them only 2 years to get to this stage of losing support.

[hellodolly]

jayboy

>So, putting your whisling in the dark comments to one side, you believe the PTP would win a snap election now ? Presumably yes from what you say, but with a larger or smaller majority than before? I presume you think with a smaller majority though most informed opinion believes the government would do better now in a general election than last time.

Abhisit certainly takes that view.As for waiting until the end of the term one normally expects a government's poularity to taper off after several years in power.I would expect if an election take place in a couple of years PTP will be able to form a government but with a smaller majority.

In a parliamentary democracy incidentally it is perfectly normal for a government to pick and choose the timing of a general election so that it gains the maximum advantage.

Of course any election must takes place before the term of government expires as determined by law.Most governments running out of steam tend to hang on to the end

Regardless of Govts being able to choose the time of an election holding a snap election after only 2 years of a 4 year term is not particularly normal.

However the fact that more groups are coming out all the time complaining about the Givt action or inaction tends to show that not all is well for them.

And the groups I have mentioned are only a few, if you were to watch Tele news (not govt channels) you would have seen that there are many more.

There are other factors that will very likely effect their popularity such as the flood works which, particularly if the manage to get rid of the environmental checks will force people off their land.

There is the rice mountain which is very likely to soon fall on their head one way or another. If it is stopped the farmers their mainstay voters, we are told, will not be happy.

If it continues (given the world rice situation) the mountain can only grow and likely rot, as has been shown by the Ivory Coast C2C rice deal.

The best that can come out of it is a huge loss for the country.

The 2.2 Trillion is a wild card with no one being told whats going on.

If Chalerm gets his bill passed and Thaksin comes back there will be huge strife in the country.

Yes Abisit can see what is going on and realizes that PT probably still have the support to win now.

Still what happens in the Don Muang by election could give a better indication.

And hay its taken them only 2 years to get to this stage of losing support.

Well the one thing that a snap election would do would allow Yingluck to step down and her sister take over.

Also it would not allow the people to see the complete failure of the rice scam that will take one more season. There will be more howling of where is the tablet for every student university grads not getting there 15,000 baht jobs new cars being repossessed on and on the list goes.

Best to call a snap election before the flood season. If we had another bad one it would show the lack of preparedness.

If Yingluck steps down would they drop the investigation into false financial reporting?

If not and she was found guilty would she be banned from politics for 5 years making it a family tradition.

[hammered]

It is only one of the many groups that are coming out and showing the growing discontent with PT and what they are doing and trying to do.

Just in the last few days we have had the farmers and other poor at Govt house, the environmentalists and others at Chaing Mai, the local administration group and now these ones.

Then we have the reds with their big loss of face when their 100,000 did not turn up because they were not paid.

No wonder PT are thinking about a snap election to try to get another 2 years before they lose so much support that they have no show of winning an election.

So, putting your whisling in the dark comments to one side, you believe the PTP would win a snap election now ? Presumably yes from what you say, but with a larger or smaller majority than before? I presume you think with a smaller majority though most informed opinion believes the government would do better now in a general election than last time.

Abhisit certainly takes that view.As for waiting until the end of the term one normally expects a government's poularity to taper off after several years in power.I would expect if an election take place in a couple of years PTP will be able to form a government but with a smaller majority.

In a parliamentary democracy incidentally it is perfectly normal for a government to pick and choose the timing of a general election so that it gains the maximum advantage.

Of course any election must takes place before the term of government expires as determined by law.Most governments running out of steam tend to hang on to the end

Context may well be linked to that piece in the Post by their (non-PTP favoring) military affairs reporter yesterday saying the army wanted change at the top. If true that is a big one and explains both why Yingluck feels she can speak openly, why the legislature suddenly decided to stand up to the courts, why the Dems are in chaos, why the authoritarian elite (as opposed to the liberal elite who split with them years ago) are attacking so hard etc

Someone a while ago wrote that an elite-Thaksin rapprochement made most sense for both sides and that the symptoms of it happening would be the Dems going into overdrive to prove their worth to the elite and the authoritarian elitists trying to conjur up incidents. Who knows. There is also the reds position to be considered. Most people still remember Thaksin having to apologize to them a while back after their relationship became fraught over amnesty for all including the military.

Interesting times, but a snap election will show clearly if PTP can increase its majority (they will not lose), and also if the Dems can maintain their previous vote. I would guess an election this year will see the the PTP majority increase if they chose to push for it, and the Dems numbers to decrease whatever happens. There are plenty in their own party who both know they will not beat PTP and who would love to see their current secretary general chastened.

[Globeman]

Thai Spring ? Almost 10,000 people joined the protest ! Come on, everybody knows it's not a protest unless the magical figure of 100,000 is quoted. It's not necessary to actually reach that figure but you MUST claim it.

The Thai Spring organisers have just proved they are complete amateurs so mark their report card - nothing out of ten, must try harder.

So you're familiar with who the organizers are and what influence they might wield? Traditionally, various movements start up and fizzle out, but some have caught fire, as we've seen - the PAD being one example, and that led to the ousting of the PM at the hands of the military. So by the law of averages, if you laugh off a movement, most of the time you'll be right, but occasionally you'll be wrong. Most of us don't know the workings of this machine in any detail

[Robby nz]

Context may well be linked to that piece in the Post by their (non-PTP favoring) military affairs reporter yesterday saying the army wanted change at the top. If true that is a big one and explains both why Yingluck feels she can speak openly, why the legislature suddenly decided to stand up to the courts, why the Dems are in chaos, why the authoritarian elite (as opposed to the liberal elite who split with them years ago) are attacking so hard etc

Someone a while ago wrote that an elite-Thaksin rapprochement made most sense for both sides and that the symptoms of it happening would be the Dems going into overdrive to prove their worth to the elite and the authoritarian elitists trying to conjur up incidents. Who knows. There is also the reds position to be considered. Most people still remember Thaksin having to apologize to them a while back after their relationship became fraught over amnesty for all including the military.

Interesting times, but a snap election will show clearly if PTP can increase its majority (they will not lose), and also if the Dems can maintain their previous vote. I would guess an election this year will see the the PTP majority increase if they chose to push for it, and the Dems numbers to decrease whatever happens. There are plenty in their own party who both know they will not beat PTP and who would love to see their current secretary general chastened.

You will have to do better than that Hammered to explain why PT would increase their vote.

I always get a chuckle when I see a reference to the "authoritarian elite" when referring to the Dems supporters.

Who could, after all be more "authoritarian elite" than Thaksin?

As far as suggesting the protests against PT are "conjuring up incidents" from what I can see these groups all have a legitimate grievence, or were you suggesting the Dems would do that?

They don't have to all they have to do is get their collective chuffs into gear and do as they should have been doing from the start and reply to all the silly announcements and at times downright lies that PT come up with.

Great ones for "conjuring up incidents" would have to be the reds and PT themselves in order, it would appear, to keep the spotlight off what they are really doing.

A wonderful example is the demo against the constitution court judges and the little daily things like school haircuts.

[waza]

What is interesting is the number of protest group aligning themselves against the corrupt PTP government. This groundswell of disillusioned disenfranchised people may very well become a united grass roots movement against the increasingly unpopular Thaksin government. The threatened dissolution of this government may be a reality sooner than we all think.

[jayboy]

What is interesting is the number of protest group aligning themselves against the corrupt PTP government. This groundswell of disillusioned disenfranchised people may very well become a united grass roots movement against the increasingly unpopular Thaksin government. The threatened dissolution of this government may be a reality sooner than we all think.

But how will this threatened dissolution come to pass? Abhisit had said he wants to see this government run its full term.Then the Thai people will have the chance to throw them out.Do you trust the people?

[philw]

What is interesting is the number of protest group aligning themselves against the corrupt PTP government. This groundswell of disillusioned disenfranchised people may very well become a united grass roots movement against the increasingly unpopular Thaksin government. The threatened dissolution of this government may be a reality sooner than we all think.

Only by force............

Having re-read your post, what "groundswell of disillusioned disenfranchised people" are you talking about ?

The Tai Yai in Thailand ??

The Burmese ?

The Monks ?

Who are they, these disillusioned, disenfranchised people ??

Edited May 17, 2013 by philw

[waza]

What is interesting is the number of protest group aligning themselves against the corrupt PTP government. This groundswell of disillusioned disenfranchised people may very well become a united grass roots movement against the increasingly unpopular Thaksin government. The threatened dissolution of this government may be a reality sooner than we all think.

But how will this threatened dissolution come to pass? Abhisit had said he wants to see this government run its full term.Then the Thai people will have the chance to throw them out.Do you trust the people?

Pheu Thai Party secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai believes the Constitutional Court is responsible for creating the crisis between the judiciary and legislative branches and says dissolution of the House may be the best solution in the current stand-off.

[Thaddeus]

What is interesting is the number of protest group aligning themselves against the corrupt PTP government. This groundswell of disillusioned disenfranchised people may very well become a united grass roots movement against the increasingly unpopular Thaksin government. The threatened dissolution of this government may be a reality sooner than we all think.

But how will this threatened dissolution come to pass? Abhisit had said he wants to see this government run its full term.Then the Thai people will have the chance to throw them out.Do you trust the people?

I would love to see this government run it's full term, not much point in accepting the poisoned chalice half way through the party is there, better to display it just before the bottle carrier sufferers the natural fate.

Edited May 17, 2013 by Thaddeus