May be time for Thai Democrats to stand on the front line

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
May be time for Democrats to stand on the front line
Attayuth Bootsripoom

BANGKOK: -- THE DEMOCRAT Party has been holding its "Reveal the Truth" rallies for a while now, but maybe the time has come for it to mobilise the masses to oust the government on the back of the questionable amnesty bill.

The latest amendment by the draft-vetting panel can clearly be seen as a way to whitewash cases faced by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, not to mention the fact that it also aims to grant amnesty to those behind the 2010 crackdown - namely then-PM Abhisit Vejjajiva and his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban.

Actually the Democrats have been getting ready to mobilise people for a while now. After the party's landslide defeat in 2011, Suthep stepped down from his post as secretary-general - not just to take responsibility for the defeat, but also to work on boosting mass support for the Democrats.

To do this, the Democrat Party has set up a political school, just like the red shirts did, and has been increasing its media presence by openly tying up with Blue Sky and T-News television stations. In addition, it has been regularly staging its "Reveal the Truth" rallies.

When the House is not in session, these rallies are taken to the provinces - both their own strongholds as well as areas dominated by the ruling Pheu Thai Party. The aim is to gain sympathy and broaden the one-sided view of the voters.

When the House is in session, these rallies return to Bangkok - also a Democrat stronghold.

Apart from gaining support on the ground level, the Democrats are also trying to build fences and repair broken alliances. Though the party may not want to accept it, the yellow shirts in the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) were their staunch supporters for a long time. However, this friendship was broken when the Democrats took over the helm of the country - partly because of differing working styles and also because they chose to offer little help to the yellow shirts when it came to legal cases.

The Democrats treated the PAD like a group of strangers when they took their protest to Government House.

Now, the Democrats have been working really hard to rebuild their alliance, and it seems this effort is getting somewhere, as both sides have dropped their differences and are jointly focusing on one goal - ousting the government.

Though mass support can still be gathered, it is not as powerful as it was in the past when people came together to topple the Thai Rak Thai and People Power governments - especially now that this government has the wholehearted support of the red shirts.

This time, the Democrats' only hope hinges on emphasising this government's insincerity in helping the red shirts and its moves to push through an amnesty bill that will also extend to those who ordered the 2010 crackdown. If this amnesty law gets passed, some red-shirt supporters might become unhappy with the government, thus making the Democrats' job easier.

But maybe this is the time for the Democrats to prove their sincerity. Previously, they reluctantly participated in political fights outside the Parliament and were later seen enjoying benefits from other people's work.

Maybe it's time for the Democrats to stand in the front line and fight their own battles.


-- The Nation 2013-10-24

[MaxLee]

Democrats movement: It is just red turned upside down yellow. Nothing more, what did you expect?

The country is divided more than ever. Simple as that.

[Ricardo]

One clear difference is that, while PAD & the Dems had/have clear space between them, the red-Shirts are more-closely integrated into TRT/PPP/PTP, with party-list MP-places being awarded to their leaders, partly to shield them from the consequences of their former actions.

Nevertheless with the changes to the mistrusted Amnesty-Bill, after its first reading, and the apparent abandonment of any former promises to put this stuff to some sort of national-referendum, I'd agree that perhaps it is time for the Opposition to prepare to join the others on-the-barricades.

Sad to see how one man's determination to serve the interests of himself & his clan & its supporters, ahead of the interests of the poor or the country as-a-whole, is continuing to exacerbate the split, at some point the military must surely step in. Meanwhile their reluctance to do so can be viewed as progress, of a kind.

[tragickingdom]

The most unreliable newspaper of Thailand finds obviously only "certain" amnesty laws questionable. They never asked any questions about all the military that walked free even after committing mass murder in the streets of Bangkok over the last 4 decades.

And when it comes down to corruption, you only had to look at the growing faces of Abhisit and his boss Suthep who looked more than a balloon than a head when they were in power. We had roads that had to be carved out in National Forests under mister Abhisit tenure as an unelected PM because his paymasters needed the expensive wood, we had billions in dollars paid as bonuses to military who finally brought the Democrat power, power they never seem to be able to gain through elections and his entire team of ministers encroached on public land. Not to speak of Abhisit's lack of judgement appointing a US blacklisted person running a child brothel as minister of commerce.

No we are better off without the Democrats.

[whybother]

The most unreliable newspaper of Thailand finds obviously only "certain" amnesty laws questionable. They never asked any questions about all the military that walked free even after committing mass murder in the streets of Bangkok over the last 4 decades.

 

And when it comes down to corruption, you only had to look at the growing faces of Abhisit and his boss Suthep who looked more than a balloon than a head when they were in power. We had roads that had to be carved out in National Forests under mister Abhisit tenure as an unelected PM because his paymasters needed the expensive wood, we had billions in dollars paid as bonuses to military who finally brought the Democrat power, power they never seem to be able to gain through elections and his entire team of ministers encroached on public land. Not to speak of Abhisit's lack of judgement appointing a US blacklisted person running a child brothel as minister of commerce.

 

No we are better off without the Democrats.

Was Abhisit's tenure as unelected PM before or after his tenure as elected PM?

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[fab4]

"But maybe this is the time for the Democrats to prove their sincerity. Previously, they reluctantly participated in political fights outside the Parliament and were later seen enjoying benefits from other people's work.
Maybe it's time for the Democrats to stand in the front line and fight their own battles"

Maybe it's time to make themselves electable at the ballot box instead of relying on the Army and the Courts to do so.

[fab4]

The most unreliable newspaper of Thailand finds obviously only "certain" amnesty laws questionable. They never asked any questions about all the military that walked free even after committing mass murder in the streets of Bangkok over the last 4 decades.

And when it comes down to corruption, you only had to look at the growing faces of Abhisit and his boss Suthep who looked more than a balloon than a head when they were in power. We had roads that had to be carved out in National Forests under mister Abhisit tenure as an unelected PM because his paymasters needed the expensive wood, we had billions in dollars paid as bonuses to military who finally brought the Democrat power, power they never seem to be able to gain through elections and his entire team of ministers encroached on public land. Not to speak of Abhisit's lack of judgement appointing a US blacklisted person running a child brothel as minister of commerce.

No we are better off without the Democrats.

Was Abhisit's tenure as unelected PM before or after his tenure as elected PM?

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

One mans elected PM is another mans sham PM brought to power only by the combined powers of an Army Coup, loaded Constitutional Court decisions and finally military coercion.

But if you want to regard Abhisit as a legitimate ex PM thats fine by me, just so I know how low your standards go.

[robertson468]

I am totally amazed at what seems to be the complete apathy of the Democratic Party and its consistent inability to connect with the Public. It would appear they have learned nothing over the last seven years or so, yet PTP is handing it to them on a plate with questionable issues like "the rice pledging scheme, 2 Trillion Baht loan off the books and the Amnesty Bill. Could it be that they have also succumbed to the tantalizing offers of "The Big Paymaster" and therefore are only pretending to play hardball?

[FarangTalk]

Mobilise the masses to oust the government?

Aren't the Democrats a political party? Shouldn't they be aiming for election on the merits of their policies?

[FarangTalk]

I am totally amazed at what seems to be the complete apathy of the Democratic Party and its consistent inability to connect with the Public. It would appear they have learned nothing over the last seven years or so, yet PTP is handing it to them on a plate with questionable issues like "the rice pledging scheme, 2 Trillion Baht loan off the books and the Amnesty Bill. Could it be that they have also succumbed to the tantalizing offers of "The Big Paymaster" and therefore are only pretending to play hardball?

Their policies of the late 90's remain fresh in every poor person's mind.

Not good times for the poorest areas of the country and the poorest communities and it wasn't called "Bitter Medicine" for nothing.

Not to mention the inherent corruption in Chuan's governments, which Suthep was a big part of and a major cause of its collapse.

[JoeThePoster]

Actually the Democrats have been getting ready to mobilise people for a while now.

Since 1946, actually.

[MrSlatersParrot]

Actually the Democrats have been getting ready to mobilise people for a while now.

Since 1946, actually.

Since their forbears chose the wrong side and lost the war

[indyuk]

If former PM Abhisit has finally managed to coerce his allies into cohesive group fighting for a common cause I congratulate because such is long overdue.

However I challenge PM Abhisit and his high power group of greater minds to work for national unity in a dignified and legal manner.

I am sure that PM Yingluck will work with Khun Abhisit by night and day to achieve a Thailand that is at peace and comfortable with itself.

But no you continue to fight with the system that you are sworn to defend which will make you a Traitor.

[timewilltell]

I am totally amazed at what seems to be the complete apathy of the Democratic Party and its consistent inability to connect with the Public. It would appear they have learned nothing over the last seven years or so, yet PTP is handing it to them on a plate with questionable issues like "the rice pledging scheme, 2 Trillion Baht loan off the books and the Amnesty Bill. Could it be that they have also succumbed to the tantalizing offers of "The Big Paymaster" and therefore are only pretending to play hardball?

Any politician who usurps the nations finances for personal gain is a traitor and that includes both the PTP corrupt as well as the Democrats and the other minor players. Whilst I am firmly of the opinion the PTP have taken things to a whole new level as far as corruption goes and have seriously damaging policies such as the rice scheme and new car discount schemes at the top of the pile, that in no way excuses the guilt of the democrats involved.

Regrettably they are the pot and kettle - maybe the time is right for the birth of a new political party - one which has the health of the country and its people at the forefront stead of their own personal gain.

Rather than posters playing ping pong with whether the PTP and Thaksin or the Democrats are the way to go, rather than fighting over which party is worse, perhaps just acknowledge they are both evil.

Edited October 25, 2013 by timewilltell

[h90]

Democrats movement: It is just red turned upside down yellow. Nothing more, what did you expect?

The country is divided more than ever. Simple as that.

No you are complete wrong here: The Reds are Thaksin supporter

The yellow are NOT Democrat supporter. actually the opposite, there is no love between Democrats and yellows.

The PAD is almost dead now and various other groups fill the gap.

That is exactly the problem: The opposition is total fragmented

[Stradavarius37]

Democrats movement: It is just red turned upside down yellow. Nothing more, what did you expect?

The country is divided more than ever. Simple as that.

Don't give a shit if it's divided - as long as the idiots don't burn down more buildings

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

[FangFerang]

Abhisit made this closing statement at the bottom of a new article. "Right now, the prime minister must choose between her brother, her family and the nation. If you choose the country, you'll remain in the country. If you choose your brother, you'll be with him [abroad],"...

THAT sounds like a coup threat to me.

from BKKPOST: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/376240/thaksin-stares-down-mutiny-over-amnesty

[waza]

The most unreliable newspaper of Thailand finds obviously only "certain" amnesty laws questionable. They never asked any questions about all the military that walked free even after committing mass murder in the streets of Bangkok over the last 4 decades.

And when it comes down to corruption, you only had to look at the growing faces of Abhisit and his boss Suthep who looked more than a balloon than a head when they were in power. We had roads that had to be carved out in National Forests under mister Abhisit tenure as an unelected PM because his paymasters needed the expensive wood, we had billions in dollars paid as bonuses to military who finally brought the Democrat power, power they never seem to be able to gain through elections and his entire team of ministers encroached on public land. Not to speak of Abhisit's lack of judgement appointing a US blacklisted person running a child brothel as minister of commerce.

No we are better off without the Democrats.

Was Abhisit's tenure as unelected PM before or after his tenure as elected PM?

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

One mans elected PM is another mans sham PM brought to power only by the combined powers of an Army Coup, loaded Constitutional Court decisions and finally military coercion.

But if you want to regard Abhisit as a legitimate ex PM thats fine by me, just so I know how low your standards go.

What about a PM that wasn't elected by the people but party listed by a criminal and fugitive from justice to be that criminals proxy. Do you consider her to be a legitimate PM or a sham?

[jayboy]

The most unreliable newspaper of Thailand finds obviously only "certain" amnesty laws questionable. They never asked any questions about all the military that walked free even after committing mass murder in the streets of Bangkok over the last 4 decades.

And when it comes down to corruption, you only had to look at the growing faces of Abhisit and his boss Suthep who looked more than a balloon than a head when they were in power. We had roads that had to be carved out in National Forests under mister Abhisit tenure as an unelected PM because his paymasters needed the expensive wood, we had billions in dollars paid as bonuses to military who finally brought the Democrat power, power they never seem to be able to gain through elections and his entire team of ministers encroached on public land. Not to speak of Abhisit's lack of judgement appointing a US blacklisted person running a child brothel as minister of commerce.

No we are better off without the Democrats.

Was Abhisit's tenure as unelected PM before or after his tenure as elected PM?

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

One mans elected PM is another mans sham PM brought to power only by the combined powers of an Army Coup, loaded Constitutional Court decisions and finally military coercion.

But if you want to regard Abhisit as a legitimate ex PM thats fine by me, just so I know how low your standards go.

What about a PM that wasn't elected by the people but party listed by a criminal and fugitive from justice to be that criminals proxy. Do you consider her to be a legitimate PM or a sham?

You have a reasonable point.Abhisit wasn't elected by the people but notwithstanding the shady back room deals he was a legitimate PM under the parliamentary system.As to his criminality this has yet to be proven in court so it's a little unfair to accuse him of being a fugitive from justice.It would be more accurate to say he has delayed and frustrated the judicial enqiry into the murder charges against him.As to the proxy issue it would be more accurate to say he is a puppet for the unelected elites and their useful idiots,mainly elements of the Sino Thai middle class.So in short he was both a legitimate PM and a sham.

[bigbamboo]

I am totally amazed at what seems to be the complete apathy of the Democratic Party and its consistent inability to connect with the Public. It would appear they have learned nothing over the last seven years or so, yet PTP is handing it to them on a plate with questionable issues like "the rice pledging scheme, 2 Trillion Baht loan off the books and the Amnesty Bill. Could it be that they have also succumbed to the tantalizing offers of "The Big Paymaster" and therefore are only pretending to play hardball?

Any politician who usurps the nations finances for personal gain is a traitor and that includes both the PTP corrupt as well as the Democrats and the other minor players. Whilst I am firmly of the opinion the PTP have taken things to a whole new level as far as corruption goes and have seriously damaging policies such as the rice scheme and new car discount schemes at the top of the pile, that in no way excuses the guilt of the democrats involved.

Regrettably they are the pot and kettle - maybe the time is right for the birth of a new political party - one which has the health of the country and its people at the forefront stead of their own personal gain.

Rather than posters playing ping pong with whether the PTP and Thaksin or the Democrats are the way to go, rather than fighting over which party is worse, perhaps just acknowledge they are both evil.

In an ideal world what Thailand needs is a third party...... not the ante diluvian Democrats nor the 'antichrist' and his TRT/PPP/PTP.... but a middle way that will marginalize the elite and the criminals of both sides.

Oh well, we can always dream.

[h90]

Abhisit made this closing statement at the bottom of a new article. "Right now, the prime minister must choose between her brother, her family and the nation. If you choose the country, you'll remain in the country. If you choose your brother, you'll be with him [abroad],"...

THAT sounds like a coup threat to me.

from BKKPOST: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/376240/thaksin-stares-down-mutiny-over-amnesty

her brother jumped bail, so it is more a threat that the courts will find her guilty as well.