Anti-government coalition hinges on what Pheu Thai-led administration does, PAD warns
Somroutai Sapsomboon
The Nation

It is unknown if anti-government groups will be able to join forces.

BANGKOK: -- Currently, these groups are too small to make an impact on their own, but they may be able to become stronger, particularly if the Democrat Party and the yellow shirts - People's Alliance for Democracy - join the fray.

It is no secret that the PAD and Democrats were allies fighting against former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, especially during governments led by Samak Sundaravej and Thaksin's brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat.

However, the groups split after the Democrats took office in 2009.

PAD leaders believed they had a share in the opposition politicians' success, but their ties deteriorated later.

PAD protest helped the Democrats take over, but the party did not reward them in any way. Indeed, PAD leaders slammed Democrats many times.

But the opposition party has announced it will fight the Yingluck government both in and outside Parliament. It recently revealed it would join forces with the PAD again - Democrat MP Nipit Intarasombat was the first to disclose their talks.

However, a PAD leader who asked not to be named, said the talks were only at an early stage, hinting that the PAD still doubts the Democrats.

"It is clear that in the Parliament, they [Democrats] are giving all they have, but eventually the minority cannot bring about changes. They will need a movement outside Parliament.

"But there is a lot for the Democrats to prove and make things clear. They are acting like they're waiting for good luck but have not proved themselves," the PAD leader said.

PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul even called on the Democrats to resign from Parliament and come to rally on the street to prove themselves.

For now, the PAD's decision on whether to join in street protests depends much upon what the government does. PAD leader Pibhop Dhongchai said: "We can't say whether we'll join hands. It depends on the 'issue'. If there's an issue worth joining hands, we'll do so."

PAD leaders have been careful due to the conditions set by the courts that have released them on bail - after being charged for the seizure of Government House and Bangkok's airports in 2008.

However, if the Amnesty Bill now before Parliament is amended to an to help Thaksin, they will certainly come out. At the same time, the PAD must make sure that it will win this "war" quickly, as they may also take more risks in staging further anti-government rallies.

Observers say proposed changes to the Constitution, plus loans for Bt2-trillion worth of infrastructure spending and the amnesty loan bill are not enough to convince PAD leaders to return to the streets.


-- The Nation 2013-08-24

More of the same old methods beginning here....useless groups trying to make big noises......none of them can get on together...they're all too interested in their own agendas.....

Until someone, or some group can get into the Northern Counties and both be able to connect with the people and have a big deep pocket (deeper than those currently there), I believe the present Government are in for a long run and will be able to do whatever they want due to their insurmountable majority in Parliament. I don't think the Military even have the will to change the course of destiny for Thailand in the short term.