'Limited impact' from PAD leaders' move to bow out

[Lite Beer]

SPECIAL REPORT
'Limited impact' from PAD leaders' move to bow out
The Sunday Nation

Red-shirt supporters of the government confront supporters of the opposition Democrat Party yesterday during a Democrat rally in Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- Analysts say decision by yellow-shirt leaders to end formal struggle may not weaken anti-govt movement

A decision by People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leaders to end their role in leading political rallies is unlikely to make or break the ongoing anti-government movement, politicians and activists said yesterday.

On Friday night, PAD leaders, including Sondhi Limthongkul and Chamlong Srimuang, said in a statement that they did not want to risk violating their bail conditions. They said ousting this government would only result in a vicious cycle, as the ruling Pheu Thai Party would only be voted back in to power.

The decision means that PAD supporters are now free to join other rallies or movements.

The PAD, however, may make a return in the future once political reform takes shape, to ensure it can finally be completed.

Senator Somjet Boonthanom, a leader of the Siam Samakkhi group, said yesterday it was a pity that the PAD leaders had ended their role as the PAD was a strong force against the "Thaksin regime".

"Yet, this is a good development. Supporters of the PAD are now free to move independently, without having to listen to the PAD leaders," Somjet said.

He disagreed with claims that the fight against the Thaksin regime had been weakened. "This latest development is a good reason for groups to further strengthen their movement."

Senator Paiboon Nititawan, a member of the group of 40 senators, said the PAD move would not result in an end to the people's movement against the government. And he did not think the government would go ahead with its political reform plan without scrutiny. "There are other groups like the white masks and the Democrat Party," he said.

Senate Speaker Nikom Wairatpanij said he did not think the PAD leaders' decision to terminate their role would affect civil society's scrutiny of the government.

Nikom said he viewed this latest move as a "turning point in Thai politics". He also thanked the PAD leaders for their decision.

Senior Democrat MP Ong-art Klampaiboon said yesterday that he did not think the latest move by PAD leaders would affect ties between the party and the group. "We respect the PAD's decision," he said, adding that the Democrats refused the PAD's request for them to resign en masse because "we still have work to do in Parliament".

Deputy Commerce Minister Nuttawut Saikuar, who is a leader of the PAD's rival red-shirt group, said that he did not think the PAD's latest move would affect the anti-government movement.

"The PAD has been passive for sometime already. In fact, the PAD leaders will have more freedom in making their moves and they can join new groups any time they want," he said.

Red-shirt leader Thida Thawornseth said she thought the PAD leaders had ended their role because "their road ahead is gloomy" and their campaign is unlikely to lead to any political changes.

Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang said he thought the PAD leaders saw they were at a "dead end" and their political campaign had led nowhere. But he said the government should not underestimate PAD supporters, who were free to take part in street demonstrations.

-- The Nation 2013-08-25

[theblether]

As always there are pros and cons to this. One of the cons being that it was a self interested decision by the leaders, scared of being jailed, and another being that the use of the legal system to interfere in political discourse is way out of order in Thailand.

The pros being that it's only pragmatic to realize that constantly trying to have a government ejected is actually a poor use of the democratic system. Governments can be pressured in lots of ways, one way is to reach out to the governments natural supporters on an issue by issue basis. They won't follow on and support you even if you are right if they detest you, you have to try to find some common ground. There's plenty of issues which are ripe for that, a simple one being bus standards for example.

When you're in opposition you have to use your head, you have to find holes in government policy, and you have to persuade government supporters that the government is wrong. That's effective opposition. PAD should try it sometime.

[roger rederer]

So the loss of PAD leaders is said to be a "good development", so says Somjet. I guess he described the Democrats pathetic election showing as a positive development. Watch out guys, the spin doctors are coming for us!