Pm Thaksin Resigns

[teletiger]

Iv'e read many overseas commentaries (objective?) about this being a battle between the "old guard" (read old money) and the newcomer (thaksin). It's a battle that leaves the Thai people with a political void.

exactly teletiger, I am glad that you did followed the oversea commentaries which many here do not. That was the reason many are too negative in their comment.

Please don't quote me out of context Nasa. Thaksin, IMHO, is a crook. He took the tax rules of the SET (which at the time were designed to boost the SET after 1997 and encourage everyday Thais to invest in it) and used them to his own advantage to swindle(IMHO) Thailand and it's people out of 40 billion Baht. (presuming 55%tax on profits).

Had he, as Prime Minister, had prior knowledge of a 1.9 billion dollar tax-free sale of Thai assets going through, It would have been his duty to plug this loophole. He didn't. For his own personal gain.(IMHO)

This man has no place in politics anywhere in the world. My point was, who will fill the void?

regards

[hilly]

I can not believe you guys are not seeing the wood for the trees.

The Thaksin days are over and he lost with around 44% of the true vote when he said he would leave if he did not get 50%. He also lost the bet and what comes next is anyones guess.

One thing I have to say is that this election seems to be the fairest we have ever seen in LOSk, so hats off to the powers that be and long may it last. Maybe Thailand will not take as long as some thought to join the Western wold in democracy,

[Douggie Style]

Thaksin resigns as Thai PM

Apr 05 06:28

AFP

Extract.

Later, another key protest leader, media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul, said anti-Thaksin demonstrators would again rally on Friday, this time to put pressure on the premier to withdraw from political life entirely.

"Thaksin's announcement is a good start, but he only gave 25 per cent. Can he give more?" Sondhi told reporters.

"We will give Thaksin another 30 days to make sure he does what he promised to do," he added.

"If he does not leave politics, we will come back with larger protests."

Full article http://afr.com/articles/2006/04/05/1143916553787.html

[LaoPo]

..........Sondhi Limthongkul, said anti-Thaksin demonstrators would again rally on Friday, this time to put pressure on the premier to withdraw from political life entirely.

This has nothing to do anymore with politics..this is a personal Vendetta.....REVENGE for which he uses the Thai people.....like Thaksin did.

L'Histoire se Repete. (Napoleon)

LaoPo

[konangrit]

"Thaksin won't seek third term

Prime minister arrives at Government House with tears in his eyes after audience with His Majesty the King

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra bowed out of the political battle last night, declaring in a nationwide telecast that he would not form the next government. ''I will not to accept the prime ministership when the new parliament convenes in 30 days,'' he said.

''I will remain as caretaker prime minister until there is a new parliament and government,'' he added.

With what he claims amounted to 16 million votes, Mr Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai easily won the election on Sunday, and the House of Representatives would normally have nominated him prime minister at its first session.

But since by-elections have to be held in 38 constituencies it remained unclear when Parliament could convene for the nomination, and how long he would remain caretaker prime minister.

Mr Thaksin cited the need to restore national unity for the celebration of His Majesty the King's 60th anniversary on the throne in June as a main reason.

He also spoke of the positive response from the People's Alliance for Democracy and opposition parties to his offer to resign, made on Monday night during the Krong Sathanakarn programme on Channel 11, if they ended their protest and boycott of the elections.

PAD yesterday morning had expressed a willingness to call off Friday's rally if Mr Thaksin resigned. At about the same time, the opposition parties said they would join the election if he quit now.

Opposition party members welcomed the caretaker prime minister's announcement. But the PAD had reservations.

After a meeting with four other core leaders, Sondhi Limthongkul said the alliance was only 25% satisfied.

The alliance would go ahead with a rally on Friday that would focus on the Election Commission's mishandling of the election on Sunday.

The alliance would only disband permanently if Mr Thaksin resigned.

If he did not do so by the end of the month, and continued to dominate the next government through proxies, the PAD would regroup and resume demonstrations.

The PAD had a duty to resist policies such as negotiating free trade agreements and mega-projects which the government initiated.

Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, another PAD leader, declared victory for PAD's marathon demonstration which lasted 34 days and 34 nights.

''If we didn't join forces, there would be no today. This shows that ordinary people like us can solve the crisis rocking the country,'' Maj-Gen Chamlong said.

Somsak Prisanananthakul, deputy Chart Thai leader, commended Mr Thaksin's ''spirit'' of sacrifice. Chart Thai looked forward to political reform, constitutional changes so that all four main parties could contest the next elections.

Mahachon party leader Maj-Gen Sanan Kachornprasart also commended Mr Thaksin.

Democrat adviser Banyat Bantadtan said Mr Thaksin's decision would help reduce the political temperature .

Mr Thaksin made the announcement from Government House after an audience with the King in Klai Kangwon Palace in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

''But I seriously need to apologise to the 16 million people who voted for me to be prime minister.''

Mr Thaksin recalled the King's warning after the May 1992 uprising that attempts by rival parties to defeat one another would only lead to the defeat of the country as a whole .

''The fellows who love me have expressed themselves in the election. Those who are dissatisfied with me have expressed themselves through abstention. The PAD and the opposition have expressed themselves. So it's time for all of us to express in unity our loyalty for the King,'' Mr Thaksin said.

He said he was taking a step back by refusing to form the next government but under article 215 of the constitution would remain caretaker until the new prime minister is found.

But he stressed that as the Thai Rak Thai leader, he would push for the continuation of poverty-reduction schemes, the 30-baht medical care, drugs suppression, and mass transit projects.

''I will visit people as a representative and as a former prime minister who is concerned about them,'' he said.

Mr Thaksin insisted that he had done his best in the past five years as the prime minister and that he never had any ill intention toward the nation. He promised he would explain all the controversies around him if he gets the chance.

''Our children must grow. There will be no use for a handful of grown-ups to try to defeat one another,'' he said, before ending his television appearance that last about 15 minutes.

Mr Thaksin made the announcement after an audience with His Majesty the King at Klai Kangwon Palace in Prachuap Khiri Khan. He arrived at Government House reportedly with tears in his eyes together with his wife Khunying Potjaman and his two daughters.

Mr Thaksin spoke to the nation from the hall of the Thai Khoo Fa building in Government House.

Before the live telecast, he called a meeting with several ministers including his deputy and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, Agriculture Minister Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, Labour Minister Somsak Thepsuthin and Deputy Public Health Minister Anuthin Charnveerakul.

After his announcement, he went to his office for about ten minutes and returned downstairs without replying to reporters who asked him to name his successor.

Mr Thaksin drove his luxurious sedan and brought his family to their residence in Soi Charan Sanitwong 69 road."

Bangkok Post

[konangrit]

"Somkid now frontrunner for PM's job

POST REPORTERS

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak has emerged as the most likely person to take over as prime minister, overtaking former parliament speaker Pokin Polakul, a highly-placed source in Thai Rak Thai said. More than half the new cabinet ministers would be non-politicians, the source added.

Mr Somkid, the caretaker commerce minister, was propelled into the spotlight after caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced last night he would not accept another term as prime minister when the new House convenes.

Mr Somkid's name as a possible replacement for Mr Thaksin cropped up earlier, although health problems were seen as a hurdle to his prospects.

Mr Pokin also stands a good chance, but Mr Somkid appears to have support from Thai Rak Thai stalwarts, including Sudarat Keyuraphan, who has also said she had considered leaving politics.

Mr Somkid, may be a strong candidate to reckon with, but Mr Thaksin seems to favour Mr Pokin, the source said.

Prior to his announcement not to accept a third term, Mr Thaksin was granted an audience with His Majesty the King at Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin, a resort district in Prachuap Khiri Khan. During the consultation, Mr Thaksin informed the King he was in no position to return as prime minister due to the grinding political stalemate, the source said.

He forwarded His Majesty the names of possible replacements, including Mr Somkid and Mr Pokin.

Many have placed their bets on Mr Somkid as he enjoys solid support from leading party figures.

The source said if Mr Thaksin had a choice, he would likely pick Mr Pokin because he remained sceptical about how committed Mr Somkid was in fighting for the party's name.

After leaving the palace, Mr Thak-sin went straight to Government House to address the nation through the TV Pool. Mr Somkid was on hand to welcome the prime minister. The source said the new cabinet line-up would likely be ''lean on politicians'' with new faces with non-political backgrounds.

Mr Somkid earlier said he had not discussed with Mr Thaksin the likelihood of his leading the country.

Khunying Sudarat conceded she had considered turning her back on politics many times.

The last time was before the House was dissolved last month. She put the plan on hold, thinking that abandoning the party right after the dissolution would be ill-timed. She also needed time to figure out how to limit the impact of her departure on the party.

The caretaker agriculture minister insisted she had not been a candidate to fill Mr Thaksin's shoes. ''I can tell you now, I'm not cut out for the job. There are only two names on the list,'' she said."

Bangkok Post

[skylar]

The willingness of Thais to go into the streets and protest as well as abstain from voting, and the acceptance of these actions shows that Thailand as a democracy is maturing. Corruption is not unique to Thailand, and props to Thaksin for not forcing his way at this delicate point in time. There's quite a lot of government employees who ran away from Thailand in the 70s as they were being persecuted for being Communist sympathisers... so if they've managed to return, so will Thaksin. Eventually.

[asd]

exactly teletiger, I am glad that you did followed the oversea commentaries which many here do not. That was the reason many are too negative in their comment.

Look at all the past Premier that have served Thailand. Tell us here, is there anyone that is better than the current premier.

You might think I am a Pro-thaksin. That's is up to you. but facts is facts.

Time will reveal that you will regret for what you are hoping for.

The Ugly Thailand Prime Minister

1. Field Marshal Sarit Dhanarajata

Sarit Dhanarajata staged a coup in 1957 and served as Thailand's dictator until his death in 1963.

In October 1958 he declared martial law, silencing the experiments in open politics since 1955.

Sarit justified his authoritarianism in two ways: he argued for a return to Thai traditions of social order, and he accelerated economic development and social modernisation.

When Sarit died in December 1963 power transferred peacefully to his close associates Generals Thanom Kittikachorn (who became Prime Minister) and Praphas Charusathian (Deputy Prime Minister).

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

2. Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn

Thanom came to be known as one of Thailand's so-called "Three Tyrants" when he ran the country in the 1960s and early 1970s with his son, Col. Narong Kittikachorn, and Narong's father-in-law, Field Marshal Praphas Charusathien.

Thanom, who also held the rank of field marshal, was generally seen as the more conciliatory partner, and Praphas the hard-liner. A dapper, silver-haired man with a cheery grin, Thanom often served as a peacemaker between opposing political factions.

Thanom's regime - like Sarit's - was notable for massive corruption and close ties to the United States because of their shared drive against communism.

The three were driven into exile following a bloody student-led uprising in October 1973. They were accused of nepotism, massive corruption and ordering the massacre of protesters in the streets of Bangkok during the uprising.

Thanom was allowed to return to Thailand in late 1976 from Singapore to serve as a Buddhist monk, sparking new demonstrations by pro-democracy protesters. Many believe his return was meant to set the stage for a right wing counterrevolution.

On October 6, 1976, a cold-blooded massacre of student protesters by police and the army took place at Bangkok's Thammasat University, and a coup installed a new, military-guided right-wing government.

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

3. General Suchinda Kraprayoon

http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/bl...lackmay01.shtml

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

4. General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh

Chavalit was elected as Prime Minister on November 25, 1996 after Banharn Silpa-Archa resigned. On November 6 1997, Chavalit resigned as Prime Minister due to the Asian financial crisis.

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

5. Thaksin Shinawatra

Search in this forum by enter a word " Thaksin"

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

The Good Thailand Prime Minister

1. Dr. Pridi Banomyong

Pridi Phanomyong (May 11, 1900 - May 2, 1983) was a Thai politician. He was a former Prime Minister and Senior Statesman of Thailand, and named one of the world great personalities of the century by the UNESCO in 2000.

On 8 December 1941, Imperial Japan launched its attacks on Southeast Asia and the Allied possessions in the region, which resulted in the full development of the Pacific War.

This included several amphibious landings at Thailand, such as the Battle of Prachuab Khirikhan, the Thai government quickly agreed to let the Japanese pass through and utilise its military bases in order to strike other Allied possessions in the region, including commencing the Battle of Malaya.

Pridi refused to sign the declaration of war against Britain and the United States in 1942 and, as a result, was effectively demoted by Phibun to take on the figurehead role of Regent.

In this capacity, Pridi built up the anti-Japanese underground Free Thai Movement "Seri Thai" network in Thailand. Codenamed "Ruth", he established contact with the Allies and Seni Pramoj's parallel organisation based in the United States.

As the war progressed and the fortunes of the Japanese had turned, public dissatisfaction grew and Phibun was forced to resign as prime minister in 1944.

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

2. Professor Sanya Dharmasakti 

King Bhumibol, who had been seeking Thanom Kittikachorn's ouster, took a direct role in dealing with the crisis in order to prevent further bloodshed and called Thanom and his cabinet to Chitralada Palace for talks.

In the evening, the king went on television and radio to announce a compromise solution: Thanom had resigned as prime minister but would remain as supreme commander of the armed forces.

In consultation with student leaders, the king appointed Sanya Dharmasakti (Sanya Thammasak) as interim prime minister, with instructions to draft a new constitution. Sanya, a civilian conservative, was the rector of Thammasat University and known to be sympathetic to the students' position.

Prime Minister Sanya gave full credit to the student movement for bringing down the military dictatorship. At the state ceremony honoring those who had been killed during the 1973 demonstrations, he pledged, "Their death has brought us democracy which we will preserve forever."

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

3. M.R. Kukrit Pramoj

He is considered by many to be one of the great statesmen of Thailand, often compared to the likes of Winston Churchill. Of aristocratic birth, he was a loyalist and served the monarchy till his death.

He was a leading authority on traditional Thai culture and had a polymathic range of interests from Thailand's classical dance to literature. Most famous for his literary works, he earned the title of "National Artist" in 1985. His works encompass many subjects from humour to drama.

 

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

4. General Prem Tinsulanonda

Born in Songkhla Province, he attended the Maha-Vajiravut Secondary School in Songkhla, and the Suan-Kularb College in Bangkok.

In 1941 he joined the Royal Thai Army Academy, and after rising in the military hierarchy he joined politics in 1959, when he became member of the Constitution Drafting Committee.

In 1968-71 he was Senator, 1972-73 Member of Parliament and in 1976 he became member of the Advisory Council of Prime Minister Tanin Kraivixien.

Under Prime Minister Kriangsak Chomanan he was deputy Interior Minister in 1977-78 and Minister of Defence 1979-80.

After political unrest Prem dismissed the parliament in 1988 and resigned. He left politics, and became member of the Privy Council, in which he became the successor of Sanya Dharmasakti.

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

5. Mr. Anand Panyarachun

He was first instituted as Prime Minister in 1991 right after a military coup led by General Suchinda Kraprayoon toppled the government of Chatichai Choonhavan.

Key accomplishments of his government include the establishment of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and a highly effective anti-AIDS/HIV policy.

He was appointed Prime Minister a second time in 1992 after Suchinda's government collapsed in less than two months.

Since March 2005, Anand has served as chairman of the National Reconciliation Commission tasked with overseeing that peace is brought back to the troubled south.

A fierce critic of the Thaksin-government, he has frequently slammed the handling of the southern unrest, and in particular the State of Emergency Decree. He has been quoted to have said, "The authorities have worked inefficiently.

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

6. Mr. Chuan Leekpai

As the leader of the Democrat Party, Chuan was elected in 1992 after the abortive coup by General Suchinda Kraprayoon, thus becoming Thailand's first prime minister to come to power without either aristocratic or military backing.

He was defeated in the 1995 election, but assumed power in late 1997 following the fall of the Chavalit Yongchaiyut administration, which was held responsible for the currency crisis that beset Thailand from July 1997.

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

[udon]

Press review: Thai poll 'trick'

Commentators in Thai newspapers criticise Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's election tactics and urge action to break the deadlock with the opposition.

An editorial in The Nation condemns Mr Thaksin for calling the snap poll in the first place.

"Thaksin's invocation of ballot-box democracy, as he chooses to interpret it, does not hold water," it says.

"It fails to take into consideration a major fallacy of the concept, particularly in a less-developed democracy like ours, in which the impoverished, poorly informed masses are easily manipulated by people of his ilk."

"The election outcome won't change a thing as far as Thaksin's political legitimacy is concerned," it continues, describing the high number of "no vote" ballots cast as "a resounding rejection of Thaksin's latest ballot-box democracy trick".

'Political vacuum'

The Bangkok Post agrees in an editorial on what it describes as "the extraordinary election that never should have been held".

Mr Thaksin has only a short time to repair the huge damage he has done

Bangkok Post

It fears that "the greatest immediate danger to the country is a political vacuum" and believes that "the opposition must accept its responsibility for stalemate".

But it is in no doubt about where it believes the main blame lies:

"Mr Thaksin is both prime minister and a stubborn, divisive politician.

"Mr Thaksin must now directly address the political problems, economic slowdown and increasing polarisation of Thai against Thai.

"He has only a short time to repair the huge damage he has done."

The government that emerges from yesterday's bizarre election - barring any coup d'etat - will be a lame-duck from the start

Daniel Ten Kate in Thai Day

A commentator in The Nation similarly criticises the decision to hold the election but hopes that the apparently high number of abstentions will accelerate Mr Thaksin's departure.

"Yesterday's snap poll, by any measure, could easily have been called a joke had it not cost taxpayers an inordinately high 2 billion-plus Baht [more than 50m dollars] and left the country nervous about the likely consequences in the days and weeks to come," Kavi Chongkittavorn says.

However, he continues, "it seems to be a blessing in disguise because of the high 'no vote' turnout (which required no palms to be greased or money to change hands) that could hasten the demise of the embattled caretaker prime minister".

'Lame duck'

Two articles in the Thai Day call for action to resolve the standoff between the government and opposition.

Thai society will not be able to resolve the current political crisis unless there is political, educational, economic and religious reform

Dr Prawese Wasi in Thai Day

"The government that emerges from yesterday's bizarre election - barring any coup d'etat - will be a lame duck from the start," commentator Daniel Ten Kate believes.

He considers scenarios that include the possibility of Mr Thaksin's standing down temporarily while allegations against him are investigated, before going onto another alternative.

"There is always the possibility that Thaksin will stand firm, the Election Commission will validate the results of the controversial poll, parliament will convene through a dubious decision by the Constitutional Court and the premier's many opponents will be arrested if they attempt to hold any rallies deemed disruptive," he says.

"That's unlikely," he concedes, "but nothing can be ruled out at this point."

"Either way," he concludes, "the search for that 'something' that will bring an end to this insipid imbroglio will pick up steam."

Constitutional reform

In a separate article, Dr Prawese Wasi suggests that it is up to the general public to come up with that "something".

"One beneficial consequence of the political crisis is that all sides agree on the need for constitutional reform," he says.

"The public should take this opportunity to ensure that the constitution is correctly amended and that there is justice for all and that every party is able to participate in shaping Thailand's future," he continues.

"Thai society will not be able to resolve the current political crisis unless there is political, educational, economic and religious reform... and that will not happen unless Thais really want change," he adds.

BBC Monitoring selects and translates news from radio, television, press, news agencies and the internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages. It is based in Caversham, UK, and has several bureaux abroad.

Story from BBC NEWS:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/asia...fic/4872038.stm

Published: 2006/04/03 11:48:26 GMT

© BBC MMVI

[z21rhd]

THAKSIN RESIGNS

BANGKOK: -- Bowing to weeks of mass protests against his rule and the disappointing results for his party at Sunday's snap election, Thailand's embattled caretaker prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced his resignation on Tuesday.

"I ask not to take on the premiership after a new parliament opens in 30 days," said Thaksin in a televised speech.

His resignation came shortly after an audience with His Majesty the King at Hua Hin.

Technically, Mr Thaksin will remain as caretaker premier until parliament meets and approves a new cabinet. Mr Thaksin will not be prime minister in that government.

He said he would remain as head of the Thai Rak Thai party he founded and led to an unprecedented election victories.

Earlier story:

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will make an announcement on TV pool tonight at 8.30 p.m. after having an audience with HM the King this afternoon, a government source said on Tuesday.

Thaksin went to Klaikangwon Palace at Hua Hin, Prachuab Khiri Khan province in the afternoon and came back to Bangkok in the evening.

Earlier premier's Secretary General Prommin Lertsuridej said that the premier's audience was a routine visit every six weeks but after leaving the palace an urgent arrangement had been made for the premier to appear on TV pool at 8.30 p.m.

--Bangkok Post 2006-04-04

Whilst many will applaud the action of Thaksin Shinawatra in resigning - others will be reminded that the loss of face may bring out a night of the long knives. Vengence is not unknown in Thailand.

We may be entering another phase of instability - no time to relax.

[swervie2000]

bless the thai people for doing something about their dictator. now if only the farangs had the audacity to something about theirs in their countries...

[chonburi]

Thaksin says he will remain a member of parliament and the TRT party leader, so if another TRT member becomes the next PM then technically Thaksin will be the next PM's leader. The vote count makes it quite clear that TRT will easily win any 4 party race so Thaksin haters shouldn't cheer too early.

It seems more of a face saving move for all parties to reconcile without appearing to have been defeated before the all important aniversary coming up in 2 months.

Not quite sure that the PAD will roll over this easy though.....

The description 'Puppetmaster' springs to mind.

[backflip]

Extraordinary...TVers complained that Thaksin should resign, and then complained when he did....and you wonder why Thailand ignores farangs.

[konangrit]

"Opposition to halt protests - for now

(BP, Agencies)

Protest leaders - who earlier on Tuesday said they would call off fresh demonstrations if Mr Thaksin resigned - welcomed the announcement.

"This is our victory. If we had not helped each other [in the protests], today would not have happened," Chamlong Srimuang, Mr Thaksin's one-time political mentor, said.

Leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy, which organised the mass street protests that moved the prime minister to announce he was quitting, plan to lift the siege of Government House today, and get off Bangkok streets.

They kept their options open. If Mr Thaksin is still in office on April 30, the PAD said in a statement, they will take to the streets again.

But the hardest core of the protesters remained ungracious in victory. They say they are suspicious, claim that Mr Thaksin is using trickery to stay in power and say they doubt what he said.

"He's trying to dictate the terms of his departure," said Korn Chatikavanij of the opposition Democrat party, which spearheaded a boycott of Sunday's snap election - one that went badly wrong for Mr Thaksin.

Mr Korn accused Mr Thaksin of trying to get around the election law by forcing parliament to open without the full quota of MPs.

"I don't think anybody is in a position to force parliament to open illegally," he said.

But it is not that clear.

The constitution says two things:

- All seats must be filled before parliament can meet;

- Parliament must meet within 30 days of a general election.

At the moment, either of these things can happen, and the other is impossible.

But the Election Commission has given a way out. It ruled last night that the Democrat, Chart Thai and Machachon parties which boycotted Sunday's vote can run in the April 23 by-elections for seats left empty. Most are in opposition strongholds anyway.

If the opposition candidates did run and the by-elections were valid, the constitutional crisis would be resolved.

But the Democrats said they would have to check whether that was legal. That excuse didn't please everyone.

"The Democrats would look very bad if they did not run," law expert Prinya Thaewanarumitkul of Thammasat University told the Reuters news agency."

Bangkok Post

[jdinasia]

an amazing amount of spin put on this all byt the "Thaksin will never resign folks"!

[ando]

Press review: Thai poll 'trick'

Commentators in Thai newspapers criticise Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's election tactics and urge action to break the deadlock with the opposition.

An editorial in The Nation condemns Mr Thaksin for calling the snap poll in the first place.

"Thaksin's invocation of ballot-box democracy, as he chooses to interpret it, does not hold water," it says.

"It fails to take into consideration a major fallacy of the concept, particularly in a less-developed democracy like ours, in which the impoverished, poorly informed masses are easily manipulated by people of his ilk."

"

How insulting the above statement is to the majority of Thais who are poor and live in rural communities. It infers that the majority of people in Thailand are too stupid to know what is good for them and so thier votes shouldn't be counted.

About 2/3 of Thais live in rural communities. They are the underclass who make up the servants and labourers to make life comfortable for the elete social/financial ruling class. Thaskin has done a lot to help these poor rural people better their lives and they support him for that reason. They may not be educated enough to get involved in intellectual debates over technical points of law that even the courts cant agree on, but like in any other democracy they vote for the candidate who gives them the best deal.

Thaskin was wise to lobby the majority of the countries voters. Thats how a democracy works. The party who gets the most votes wins.

What is "The Nation" trying to say?-- only people with university educations who live in the city should be allowed to vote?

When less than one percent of the nations voters take to the streets in an effort to remove the democratically elected leader, it does not have the same validity as when 66% of the public vote to keep the said leader. When a small elete minority seek to overturn the rule of law and remove a democratically elected leader you have the makings of a dictatorship in evolution.

As guests and visitors in The Thai Kingdom, we need to respect the democratic rights of ALL Thais to determine their own future in a peacefull and lawfull way. And that includes the rights and political opinions of the poor, uneducated, rural underclass.

Most of my Thai family voted for TRT and that is their right as Thai citizens. Their vote has no less value than editor of "The Nation" newspaper. Though I am sure by the quote above he would like to see rural underclass made ineligible to vote.

Perhaps if more opposition parties paid more attention to the needs of the majority of voters in Thailand the TRT party would not be so invincible?

[farangdng]

an amazing amount of spin put on this all byt the "Thaksin will never resign folks"!

Agreed. Maybe TRT give Mr.T a "Senior Minister" post???

[penzman]

He may soon be too busy with serious personal legal matters.

[lukamar]

an amazing amount of spin put on this all byt the "Thaksin will never resign folks"!

Agreed. Maybe TRT give Mr.T a "Senior Minister" post???

Like Deputy PM maybe...

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin backs down as the prime minister but will carry on political career

Police Lieutenant Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra last night apologized 16 million people who voted for the Thai Rak Thai Party in the April 2 general election, for being unable to accept the mandate to lead the country because of several pressures besieging him.

In a 15-minute televised address to the nation at 8.30 p.m. yesterday via the TV Pool of Thailand, Thaksin said it was time all members of the society became united as a tribute to His Majesty the King who has devoted for all his life the physical strength, wisdom and personal funds for the welfare of the people.

Thaksin pointed out there are only 60 days left before the world's monarchs come to Thailand to participate in the celebrations on the 60th anniversary of ascension to the Throne of the beloved king. Lamentingly, Thai people were still engaged in a political deadlock. To break the impasse, he agreed to back down at the suggestion of the People's Alliance for Democracy and the former Opposition parties. He said he would not accept the premiership at the selection process to be conducted in Parliament after 30 days of the election.

However, Pol Lt-Col Thaksin said he has to carry on the duty of caretaker prime minister as required by Article 215 of the constitution, until the selection process for a new prime minister finishes.

Thaksin made it clear that he will continue his roles as a party-list MP and head of the TRT Party. He will materialize TRT campaign promises while all the populist policies initiated in the previous government will be continued. Such projects include the war on drugs, the 30-baht-per-visit universal hospital scheme, the anti poverty campaign and the construction of mass rail routes in Bangkok. He said he will visit people as an MP and former premier who is worried about their welfare.

He also called on the PAD to join in a political reform and help lay down a framework that would be best for the Thai people and for politicians to follow. He thanked the public for their support to him in the three general elections during the past five years. He reaffirmed that he had never had an idea to run the country by evil means. And if he has a chance in the future, he will explain the public all the points of misunderstanding that had become targets of attacks on him.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 April 2006

[Boon Mee]

Tell us what you think about these events, Jai Dee...

[Jai Dee]

PAD pleased with Mr. Thaksin's resignation

Leading proponents of the People's Alliance for Democracy stated that they were pleased with Mr. Thaksin's announcement of his resignation, but will still discuss the details of his successor with other protest movements.

Mr. Suriyasai Katasila (สุริยะใส กตะศิลา), one of the leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy, revealed his feelings after Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced his resignation. He stated that he accepted Mr. Thaksin's decision, which will surely reduce tension and alleviate the political situation. Mr. Suriyasai added that the People's Alliance for Democracy will nonetheless consult with other protest movements to review the Prime Minister's choice for successor, as well as to address other issues such as the closing of Parliament.

Mr. Suriyasai said that the PAD may continue their protest on April 7, however the event is still being debated by leaders of several protest groups.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 April 2006

[Jai Dee]

Tell us what you think about these events, Jai Dee...

Ahhh... someone noticed hey?

I have deliberately kept my own personal opinions out of these News threads as it would undermine the validity of the news bulletins I post.

I do have an opinion, not too dissimilar to some that have already been aired... if you really want to know BM (or others), I can let you know by PM... as I don't think it's appropriate for me to publish it here on the Forum.

[bino]

Since there is some question as to whether or not the King has or has not told Toxin to take a hike, a palace spokesman might clarify this issue. If the esteemed King has not dumped him but Toxin has used this as an excuse to get the hook, surely that opens the way for a Lese' Majeste' charge?

Here's a thought- what if..... Thaksin saw the writing on the wall Sunday night after the elections, and knew he was ultimately going to step down, and knowing that he would be granted an audience to notify the king on Tuesday, totally staged the "Beliggerent and Defensive" Monday night newscast in order to "spin" the circumstances as decribed above.....?

[cclub75]

Of course, it was enjoyable to see mister T eated his hat yesterday on TV... But should we say "victory" ?

-the country is deeply divided

-the next parliament will be... soviet style. With one party only (plus a few democrat MP, the ones who are going to be elected in the south on 23 april).

-the "lost face" debate is a non sense. Thaksin is not a thai farmer. He is clever, western style, and don't give a shit about this. He wants power. He will of course come back. And more : he won't leave !

I would say that today, we have solved only one short term situation : we won't have rallies in the street of BKK for the king celebration in june.

Good.

But after ?

[thohts]

Corruption in Thailand is not about Thaksin. It's a way of life here.

If it's not one corrupt PM in charge it'll be another one.

True democracies don't exist, but the intepretation here is a farce.

[Jai Dee]

Caravan of the Poor sympathizes with Mr. Thaksin's resignation

Mr. Kamtha Kanboonjan (คำตา แคนบุญจันทร์), head of the Caravan of the Poor, stated that the Caravan's main agenda was calling for proper democratic elections.

Mr. Kamtha, one of the leaders of the Caravan of the Poor, currently staging protests in Chatuchak park, stated that Mr. Thaksin's announcement to resign from his position of Prime Minister, and to exit the political scene, was a courageous course of action. Mr. Kamtha stated that the 16 million votes in favor of the Thai Rak Thai party was proof enough of the party's good ideas, decisions, and actions.

Mr. Kamtha added that the Caravan of the Poor was in Chatuchak park to call for elections based on democratic principles. The Caravan of the Poor sympathizes with Mr. Thaksin and hopes his vision and ideas will be carried on by his successor.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 April 2006

[HarryHacker]

an amazing amount of spin put on this all byt the "Thaksin will never resign folks"!

....it has not been unnoticed.

[thohts]

....Mr. Kamtha stated that the 16 million votes in favor of the Thai Rak Thai party was proof enough of the party's good ideas, decisions, and actions. ...

Not sure what kind of logic they're using. 16 million votes assumes:

-16 million people think the TRT has "good ideas, decisions, and actions"

-16 million people voted for TRT

People vote for different reasons. Some people vote because of peer or group pressure, or because they don't know anyone else (e.g., "If not Thaksin, WHO?"), or they don't have enough knowledge or concerns of the facts.

[thohts]

Perhaps he was just looking for a good excuse to resign, so as not to lose more face.