Support for Suthep, amid doubts on plan

[Lite Beer]

Support for Suthep, amid doubts on plan
Chanon Wongsatayanont
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- The chorus of cheers and whistles was deafening when protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, the former Democrat MP, called for an escalation of the protest at the Democracy Monument on Friday - but there was an undercurrent of concern among protesters at the rally. The general opinion was that his new strategies would not effectively counter the 'Thaksin regime' or the government.

On Friday, Suthep proposed four new protest measures as a part of the escalation:

1. Urging protesters to sign a petition to impeach the 310 MPs who supported the amnesty bill;

2. Condemning senior public officials, described as 'lackeys' of Thaksin Shinawatra, by urging protesters to blow whistles at them;

3. Boycotting products and services related to the Shinawatra family;

4. Urging government officials nationwide to stage a general strike and join the protest.

Even if the crowd responded passionately to the announcement, a majority of the protesters admitted they were a bit disappointed with the escalation. They thought that the measures were not strong enough to put pressure on the government.

"We agree with the measures, but we don't think that they will be effective," a group of nurses from Nakhon Sawan said. They expected more from the escalation and want to support the cause as much as they can, but they are afraid that politicians will not be pressured by civil disobedience. "We are feeling hopeless," one nurse admitted.

This sentiment is shared by many other protesters, including Niyom Kitjanawanchai, a small business owner. He further stated that the current protest does not have the power to dislodge the government. A revolution or intervention by the military may be the last and only solution, he added.

In addition to the general disappointment, there were also mixed opinions on some of the measures proposed by Suthep.

Natee Jindarattanaporn, an accountant, and Nongnuch Jaichuen, an academic, said that they agreed with all the measures, especially the signing of a petition, as this produced concrete evidence which would lend weight to the protest. They also believed more than half of government officials would be willing to go on strike.

Meanwhile, a group of teachers disagreed with this, because state officials have duties and they felt a strike would only hurt the public, as people depend on them. "The measures need to have a direct impact on the government, not the citizens because the government doesn't care about them," one of the teachers explained.

The protest has also attracted a number of foreigners to the rally. Tomasz Kowalski, a Polish photographer and traveller, said: "I agree with what the people here are standing for and I think that this is the right way to protest because it is peaceful."

-- The Nation 2013-11-17

[soi41]

Instead of those 4 rather lame measures to bring down the government, what about asking the hard questions: The real numbers from the rice-scam? The 350 billion watermanagement-budget? The lack of free speech? A not working education system?

But going down that road,is maybe equally embarrassing for both sides??

[NongKhaiKid]

I sincerely hope the oposition are careful about putting all their eggs in the Suthep basket as he's in the traditional mould of Thai politicians who love the sound of their own voice and never mind the choice of words.

The opposition have many very relevant points they need to make and pursue and they do not need them to get lost in some of Suthep's nonsensical rhetoric.

[Thainy Tim]

I think I agree with those who commented that 2 of 4 these measures are worthwhile.

I also agree that government officials on strike will hurt the public, but it is not easy to make big gains without a little sacrifice.

I know this may sound heartless, but compared with the amount of pressure it puts on the government, I think the people would see that it is worth it in the end for the greater good... No pain... no gain.

However in relation to the hurt that is constantly heaped onto the people by the government is small by comparison.

The real numbers from the rice-scam? The 350 billion watermanagement-budget? The lack of free speech? A not working education system?

This will probably come out in the wash anyway along with a few other bits and pieces. I don't think the dems would share any embarrasment, they didn't really have the time (2.5 years) to be able to make much of a difference to the education system and the government was a coalition anyway. The other policies the dems never had any hand in.

[JoeThePoster]

Suthep proposed four new protest measures as a part of the escalation

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HksE-7aYmIw

[jcb2001]

"Oh ye of little faith"

Suthep has a plan, but he can not totally reveal it now. We need to trust him and let him proceed.

He says he can accomplish it by the end of November. Let's see if he can deliver. I believe he can.

Edited November 17, 2013 by jcb2001

[hellodolly]

Instead of those 4 rather lame measures to bring down the government, what about asking the hard questions: The real numbers from the rice-scam? The 350 billion watermanagement-budget? The lack of free speech? A not working education system?

But going down that road,is maybe equally embarrassing for both sides??

Not sure I can agree with you that going down the other side of the road would be embarrassing for the other side.

I for one would love to see Thailand try the other side. Even when the Dems had a bit of power Thaksin was pulling strings to make it hard for them to show what they could do.

[whybother]

I'd only support it if it was "a cunning plan".

[boomerangutang]

If government bureaucrats went on strike, who would notice? Nearly all are paper pushers who's main task is to appear busy each day. If there wasn't an unwritten rule that; no bureaucrat can be fired or laid-off (worst that can happen, is: Assigned to an 'inactive post'), then 93% of bureaucrats could be let go, and we'd be none the worse.

[metisdead]

A post using all caps has been removed, once again, turn off your Caps Lock button when posting.

[siampolee]

Suthep it seems has the backing of the public and the assorted opposition groups let's hope that the plan or plans are workable and to the ultimate benefit of Thailand and its people in both the short and long term.

Vigilance must be maintained regarding Thaksin his family, his marionette government and all their brown nosing acolytes. Allowing Thaksin to return to power would indeed be a tragedy.

The Thai people must remain vigilant and not become complacent or there will be imposed upon them a Thaksin dictatorship dynasty due to complacency and a lack of vigilance of the people and the electorate at large.

A country that would be run on the principles of nepotism, cronyism, patronage, deception, intimidation, payoffs (read bribery and vote buying to achieve the ultimate Thaksin aims) and outright corruption on a far wider ranging scale than we are currently seeing and experiencing from this Thaksin manipulated puppet government.

Vigilance by all of the opposition groups and the public at large must be focused on a common end to prevent the installation of a despotic dictatorship.

[h90]

Instead of those 4 rather lame measures to bring down the government, what about asking the hard questions: The real numbers from the rice-scam? The 350 billion watermanagement-budget? The lack of free speech? A not working education system?

But going down that road,is maybe equally embarrassing for both sides??

I thought the rice-scam and watermanagment is already discussed to dead by the democrats.

how can speaking about that bring down the government? But on the other side how can blow whistles bring down the government??

[Robby nz]

soi41, on 17 Nov 2013 - 07:10, said:

Instead of those 4 rather lame measures to bring down the government, what about asking the hard questions: The real numbers from the rice-scam? The 350 billion watermanagement-budget? The lack of free speech? A not working education system?

But going down that road,is maybe equally embarrassing for both sides??

I thought the rice-scam and watermanagment is already discussed to dead by the democrats.

how can speaking about that bring down the government? But on the other side how can blow whistles bring down the government??

It is quite some time since the last censure debate when the Dems exposed much corruption and deceit in the rice scheme.

Things have progressed since then with the stockpiles growing, countries (the US and Ivory Coast) expressing dissatisfaction with the rice they have been sold, supposed G 2 G deals with no details, reports of a million tons missing, of rotten and contaminated in storage, farmers not being paid on time, the BAAC having to borrow an extra 140 billion to pay for this seasons crop and conflicting numbers bandied about.

Leaves plenty of scope for an update.

We see reports (one on this page) of underhand dealings in order to get agreement from the meetings on the flood management schemes.

So more ammunition there.

The Dems can not win with a straight vote in parliament but a censure debate can highlight all these things and bring them to the publics attention which should cause more dissatisfaction with the PT government.

This in turn can bring out more people on the streets.

There are also the present challenges in the courts.

Combine all these things together and they can become a powerful force.

[hammered]

Suthep has the support of the South oitside of the deep south, central Bangkok, a few provinces south of BKK and the majority of the elite. He is reviled in most Bangkok suburbs and anywhere north, north east or east of Bangkok excluding possibly Rayong and Mae Hong Song and a couple of other town centers.

[Chrisswe]

Let them go on, God will soon or later pay revenge for this awful undeveloped jelous leader of this absolutely meaningless demonstration !!!!!!

[Chrisswe]

Let them go on, God will soon or later pay revenge for this awful undeveloped jelous leader of this absolutely meaningless demonstration !!!!!!

[Sunisalom]

I don't think the dems would share any embarrasment, they didn't really have the time (2.5 years) to be able to make much of a difference to the education system...

One has to be careful how one argues in defence. The PTP could equally retort with its own having only had 2 years, and therefore hasn't had time to make an asserted impact upon the education system, as yet. Thus, no embarassment on either side, in that case! There are better individualistic ways to go, aside of trying to make comparisons of who did what, and in what time. PTP has done enough single-handedly to warrant its now, overdue execution.

-mel.

[ratcatcher]

Let them go on, God will soon or later pay revenge for this awful undeveloped jelous leader of this absolutely meaningless demonstration !!!!!!

God left Thailand a while back, but you've got to admit there's been some good entertainment and Democracy Monument looks pretty when lit up at night.

I am sure it's attracting many tourists from Khao San Rd area too.

What's the meaning of the Red Shirts rally at Rajamangla Stadium Chrisswe?

[indyuk]

Instead of those 4 rather lame measures to bring down the government, what about asking the hard questions: The real numbers from the rice-scam? The 350 billion watermanagement-budget? The lack of free speech? A not working education system?

But going down that road,is maybe equally embarrassing for both sides??

Nah that is also a week list.

[ratcatcher]

Instead of those 4 rather lame measures to bring down the government, what about asking the hard questions: The real numbers from the rice-scam? The 350 billion watermanagement-budget? The lack of free speech? A not working education system?

But going down that road,is maybe equally embarrassing for both sides??

Nah that is also a week list.

That's not a week list, that's a two and a half year list from a weak government.

[h90]

Suthep has the support of the South oitside of the deep south, central Bangkok, a few provinces south of BKK and the majority of the elite. He is reviled in most Bangkok suburbs and anywhere north, north east or east of Bangkok excluding possibly Rayong and Mae Hong Song and a couple of other town centers.

In the other provinces he also has support, not that much, but when you read postings there were a few about wives who went with friends from Isaan to Bangkok to support anti-government demonstrations. Also Santi-Asoke are in Nord and Nordeast.

Sure a minority, but way enough if you read history.

[hammered]

Suthep has the support of the South oitside of the deep south, central Bangkok, a few provinces south of BKK and the majority of the elite. He is reviled in most Bangkok suburbs and anywhere north, north east or east of Bangkok excluding possibly Rayong and Mae Hong Song and a couple of other town centers.

In the other provinces he also has support, not that much, but when you read postings there were a few about wives who went with friends from Isaan to Bangkok to support anti-government demonstrations. Also Santi-Asoke are in Nord and Nordeast.

Sure a minority, but way enough if you read history.

Yes I am talking about where a majority support Suthep or don't support him. Remember too it is Suthep even some Dems and most neutrals don't like him because of things in 1995, 2009 etc

[oldsailor35]

Of course Suthep has support, he is in Bangkok ! How do you think he will get on in Chaing Mai.............duhhhhhh !

[khunken]

Of course Suthep has support, he is in Bangkok ! How do you think he will get on in Chaing Mai.............duhhhhhh !

Well with the Chiang Mai red shirt intimidation mob with a history of attacking any group of anti-government protestors - not much chance........duhhhhhhhh

[indyuk]

If government bureaucrats went on strike, who would notice? Nearly all are paper pushers who's main task is to appear busy each day. If there wasn't an unwritten rule that; no bureaucrat can be fired or laid-off (worst that can happen, is: Assigned to an 'inactive post'), then 93% of bureaucrats could be let go, and we'd be none the worse.

Thailand's Civil Service (you call them Bureaucrats) is remarkably efficient considering

the screwed-up politicians that were their masters much of the time since 1946.

It is the Civil Service that organises Thailand.

What the Government does is to give The Civil Service political guidance, quotas plans and budgets that the Civil Service are expected adhere too.

However to cut to the chase; To attempt to damage the state financially with a view to force the Government to follow your own objectives is actually 'Terrorism' (of the old fashioned kind) for which the usual penalty in most countries is execution upon conviction. The logic is simple, you are not harmless if you attempt to bring down a government by damaging the peoples economy.

In this particular case Khun Suthep seeks to achieves his personal objectives by damaging the electorate and their government. It is not the first time that the Suthep team have damaged the electorate like this and yet he wants them to elect him!

Now how much sense does that make to you my friend?

Edited November 17, 2013 by indyuk

[whybother]

If government bureaucrats went on strike, who would notice? Nearly all are paper pushers who's main task is to appear busy each day. If there wasn't an unwritten rule that; no bureaucrat can be fired or laid-off (worst that can happen, is: Assigned to an 'inactive post'), then 93% of bureaucrats could be let go, and we'd be none the worse.

Thailand's Civil Service (you call them Bureaucrats) is remarkably efficient considering

the screwed-up politicians that were their masters much of the time since 1946.

It is the Civil Service that organises Thailand.

What the Government does is to give The Civil Service political guidance, quotas plans and budgets that the Civil Service are expected adhere too.

However to cut to the chase; To attempt to damage the state financially with a view to force the Government to follow your own objectives is actually 'Terrorism' (of the old fashioned kind) for which the usual penalty in most countries is execution upon conviction. The logic is simple, you are not harmless if you attempt to bring down a government by damaging the peoples economy.

In this particular case Khun Suthep seeks to achieves his person objective by damaging the electorate and their government.

Now how much sense does that make to you my friend?

It makes no sense to me. Civil servants taking strike action is now terrorism?

[catmac]

Suthep has the support of the South oitside of the deep south, central Bangkok, a few provinces south of BKK and the majority of the elite. He is reviled in most Bangkok suburbs and anywhere north, north east or east of Bangkok excluding possibly Rayong and Mae Hong Song and a couple of other town centers.

Which, of course, is why the Dems have little chance of ever winning a General Election. All their whining about vote-buying, etc. is just a smoke screen to hide the fact that they are simply detested by the vast mass of rural voters.

Could I suggest that instead of blindly following this little tinpot would-be dictator ("The Butcher of Bangkok" as he is known as up here!), the Dems could sit down and come up with policies that appeal to the entire population, not just their BKK chums. Getting rid of their English Public School elites might be a good start.

[dru2]

Of course Suthep has support, he is in Bangkok ! How do you think he will get on in Chaing Mai.............duhhhhhh !

I bet he can at least spell Chiang Mai correctly.

[whybother]

Suthep has the support of the South oitside of the deep south, central Bangkok, a few provinces south of BKK and the majority of the elite. He is reviled in most Bangkok suburbs and anywhere north, north east or east of Bangkok excluding possibly Rayong and Mae Hong Song and a couple of other town centers.

Which, of course, is why the Dems have little chance of ever winning a General Election. All their whining about vote-buying, etc. is just a smoke screen to hide the fact that they are simply detested by the vast mass of rural voters.

Could I suggest that instead of blindly following this little tinpot would-be dictator ("The Butcher of Bangkok" as he is known as up here!), the Dems could sit down and come up with policies that appeal to the entire population, not just their BKK chums. Getting rid of their English Public School elites might be a good start.

In a blind poll, the Democrat policies came off quite well in the north east.

It's not the policies that are the issue.

[dru2]

Suthep has the support of the South oitside of the deep south, central Bangkok, a few provinces south of BKK and the majority of the elite. He is reviled in most Bangkok suburbs and anywhere north, north east or east of Bangkok excluding possibly Rayong and Mae Hong Song and a couple of other town centers.

Which, of course, is why the Dems have little chance of ever winning a General Election. All their whining about vote-buying, etc. is just a smoke screen to hide the fact that they are simply detested by the vast mass of rural voters.

Could I suggest that instead of blindly following this little tinpot would-be dictator ("The Butcher of Bangkok" as he is known as up here!), the Dems could sit down and come up with policies that appeal to the entire population, not just their BKK chums. Getting rid of their English Public School elites might be a good start.

Known as the 'Butcher of Bagkok' by whom exactly? I've lived in the north for 25 years and speak, read and write Thai. I live in a Thai village surrounded almost exclusively by northern Thais, and I have never once heard the term 'Butcher of Bangkok' in English, Thai or northern Thai. You are talking nonsense.