Living up to his convictions: Suthep Thaugsuban

[Baerboxer]

Regarded as a generous and dependable politician . . .

1995 - Suthep gave title deeds to 592 plots of land in Khao Sam Liam, Kamala and Nakkerd hills of Phuket province to 11 wealthy families

2009 - Suthep was accused of violating the Constitution of Thailand by holding equity in a media firm that had received concessions from the government and resigned to avoid being disqualified but continued as Deputy PM etc

The tip of the iceberg. A very honorable and dependable man. Not.

on that land titles, in my (limited) understanding: They gave land titles to people without titles who stay on on the land for a long time already. And it happens that also some wealthy families stayed on some land since a long time. You can't make a law and exclude everyone with xxx.000 Baht on the bank account. How about PTP gave tax free cars to rich families?? That first car initiative also gives a tax break for rich people the same as for poor.

And no court found something wrong with Suthep in these land cases.

If that is all Suthep did wrong than he would be the cleanest politician of Thailand.

And no court found something wrong with Suthep in these land cases.

Because the court was held in the South which is Democrat Party territory.

If Thaksin would have been charged in Chiang Mai for the Rachada land plot, he would be today a free men as well.

You imply that the court that convicted Thaksin for a blatant fraud was politically motivated in its decision? That accusation could be construed as a serious contempt of court, unless you have evidence to support it. Do you? The facts in that case seem simple enough.

Or are you claiming the court that convicted him was right but that a court in Chiang Mai wouldn't have? In which case, that is a slur in them.

Remember, Thaksin was found innocent on the "honest mistake" case even though one judge later admitted he thought him guilty but gave him a chance as he was the country's PM.

[rfukata]

"Degree in Political Science from Middle Tennessee State University in the US"

deep rooted in the Jack Daniels drinking alumni, perhaps learning a few tips from ex-VP Al Gore.

[Denim]

He's right. He should be convicted with all the rest of them ... both sides.

Indeed. Still the irony is pretty typical of Thai politics.

1995 Corruption Scandal

The Democrat Party won elections in 13 September 1992, shortly after Black May, and formed a government. Suthep became Agriculture Minister. As part of the Sor Por Kor 4-01 (สปก.4-01) land reform scheme, Suthep gave title deeds to 592 plots of land in Khao Sam Liam, Kamala and Nakkerd hills of Phuket province to 489 farmers. It was later found that members of 11 wealthy families in Phuket were among the recipients. Suthep addressed a huge crowd in his Surat Thani constituency a month before a no-confidence debate and called on his supporters to march on Bangkok in the hundreds of thousands to defend his reputation.^[2] The scandal led Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai of the Democrat Party to dissolve the House of Representatives in July 1995 in order to avoid the no-confidence debate.^[3] In subsequent elections, the Chart Thai party won a majority, leading to the downfall of Chuan Leekpai's Democrat Party-led government

2009 Disqualification as MP[edit]

In 2009, Suthep was accused of violating the Constitution of Thailand by holding equity in a media firm that had received concessions from the government. Under the 1997 Constitution of Thailand, which Suthep had supported, Members of Parliament are banned from holding stakes in companies which have received government concessions. In July 2009, the Election Commission announced that it would seek a ruling by the Constitutional Court to disqualify Suthep and 12 other Democrat MPs for having allegedly violated the charter. Suthep held a press conference a day later, announcing his decision to resign from Parliament. Suthep's resignation as an MP did not affect his status as Deputy Prime Minister and as a Cabinet member. If his case had been submitted to the Constitution Court, he would have been suspended from duty as Deputy Prime Minister. He insisted that his resignation was not a proof that he had done something wrong but that he was worried about status as Deputy Prime Minister

Really....what both sides of the political divide should be doing is trying to find a few decent and honest people with sufficient means and support to form a political party worth voting for. Instead , they fritter away their time trying to swop one bunch of thieves for another. Still, given the difficulty of finding such people we can expect demo and counter demo ad nauseum.

[smutcakes]

A complete waste of time highlighting past misdemeanours, as you well know, the tried and true red brigade couldn't even start to comprehend anything other than our beloved Mr T is right and whatever he say's, does, or needs must only for the benefit of Thailand. He is such an unselfish, kind and generous benefactor what ever would we do without him.

I think you will find the 'red brigade' as you put it on TVF are well aware of TS shortcoming's, corruption etc whatever you want to call it. I presume like myself though they fail to see the need to regurgitate the same old truths, half truths, fabrications and lies on every single thread on TVF, this one is about Suthep. Everyone knows his problems, I personally am probably someone who you would classify as a red brigade, and I don't like Thaksin, i just fail to see how other than in the extremely short term, how replacing this PTP by non electoral means and replacing them with the Democrat party or the army (which is what would happen) is going to do anything but keep the stupid cycle going.

[sprq]

I didn't know he had been convicted, but he should be. Like most Thai politicians.

Edited November 24, 2013 by sprq

[Robby nz]

The Democrat Party won elections in 13 September 1992, shortly after Black May, and formed a government. Suthep became Agriculture Minister. As part of the Sor Por Kor 4-01 (สปก.4-01) land reform scheme, Suthep gave title deeds to 592 plots of land in Khao Sam Liam, Kamala and Nakkerd hills of Phuket province to 489 farmers. It was later found that members of 11 wealthy families in Phuket were among the recipients.

So 11 out of the 489 that were given the land had money.

What a disgrace.

That means only 478 that were not rich got land

Never would have occurred to anyone that those with money had just as much claim as the 478 others.

I suspect that if you were to make a list of the present PT MP's and cabinet ministers who have a worse history it would fill a book.

[metisdead]

Replies to previously deleted posts have been removed. Off topic posts have been removed.

[Chrisswe]

How in earth can anyone believe that this low intelligent person Suthep T is better than Khun Thaksin. Digg him and see + responsible for killing 91 people's + what he's doing now massmanupolation , breaking the law every day !!!!!

[smutcakes]

The Democrat Party won elections in 13 September 1992, shortly after Black May, and formed a government. Suthep became Agriculture Minister. As part of the Sor Por Kor 4-01 (สปก.4-01) land reform scheme, Suthep gave title deeds to 592 plots of land in Khao Sam Liam, Kamala and Nakkerd hills of Phuket province to 489 farmers. It was later found that members of 11 wealthy families in Phuket were among the recipients.

So 11 out of the 489 that were given the land had money.

What a disgrace.

That means only 478 that were not rich got land

Never would have occurred to anyone that those with money had just as much claim as the 478 others.

I suspect that if you were to make a list of the present PT MP's and cabinet ministers who have a worse history it would fill a book.

Yes, i am sure that is the correct reason!!!

[indyuk]

Corruption, money, vote-buying, you name it - all these go together as a part of the political culture in Thailand, and always have done, and in all parties. It is a long way off before it is rid. This is Thailand, so please remember that. Therefore, it is a fact that nearly all, if not all, politicians have been in some bent in their course of duty. And so, it is relevant to make comparisons of how actually bent politicians are, and how low they have actually stooped.

So Suthep made a few bob from some land. Part and parcel of the position - historically and nowadays. Things aren't going to change that dramatically, hence stop looking at it with a western view. Suthep never killed anybody, nor ordered many to kill thousands. As a result, he has every right to call down the PTP and Thaksin, as they have committed much worse atrocities that any Democrat.

-mel.

I respect your loyalty to your chosen cleaner than clean yet I am worldly enough to know that your faith in people Like Khun Suthep and leader of the opposition Khun Abhisit and their tricky allies not to be plausible.

[mca]

Sadly the state of Thai politics seems to have boiled down to choosing who is the least bent and/or incompetent. The fact that a character like Suthep is lauded because he's not as corrupt as who he's trying to oust would be funny if it wasn't so depressing. Of course the cancer has been in place for years with rife nepotism and trough-snuffling so that anybody who was halfway honest and decent was left at the side of the road. Politics, army, police, government sector - the lot of them. Jobs for the boys and if you're straight get the f- out we don't want you rocking the boat.

"What's that, you're a Thai national who studied in the west and have desire to expand the minds of Thai kids by becoming an English teacher and give them a chance in the future to maximize their potential? You even have a teacher's license from the U.S. and letters of recommendation from top tier schools in New York? That's very impressive but the position went to somebody eminently more qualified. Well actually she's the headmaster's niece who couldn't string a grammatically and structurally correct English sentence together if you put a gun to her head but as they say TIT and don't slam the door on the way out."

Edited November 24, 2013 by mca

[Mentors]

I live in Surat Thani since a couple of Years and...nah... better not doing any more comment while im living in the (Democrat) Party stronghold...

Edited November 24, 2013 by Mentors

[Baerboxer]

How in earth can anyone believe that this low intelligent person Suthep T is better than Khun Thaksin. Digg him and see + responsible for killing 91 people's + what he's doing now massmanupolation , breaking the law every day !!!!!

Chris, Suthep has a degree from a US University. You suggest he is low intelligent.

Where did you get your degrees - bachelor, masters and doctorate ?

[fab4]

How in earth can anyone believe that this low intelligent person Suthep T is better than Khun Thaksin. Digg him and see + responsible for killing 91 people's + what he's doing now massmanupolation , breaking the law every day !!!!!

Chris, Suthep has a degree from a US University. You suggest he is low intelligent.

Where did you get your degrees - bachelor, masters and doctorate ?

Why do you suggest that possession of a degree is a demonstration of how intelligent some one is (but that's a whole different story) ?

Edited November 24, 2013 by fab4

[SantiSuk]

For once, in a very rare blue moon, I have to disagree with you TAH. In Thailand, to even become close to being a politician one has to have used ignoble means to even get close. It is a part and parcel, as I said above, of Thai politics. Once in position, opportunities of using bent methods for personal gain are a norm, and, unfortunately, this is so in-depth it does apply to virtually, and if not, all. So they are all bent, and making money from deals pertaining to their own functions and departments. (Yes, we hope for change but that day is very far away from present). Thus, I believe we do have to compare bent actions, and who is the lesser evil or gratuitous.

Suthep may well be slimy, vicious even and wholly corrupt. However, when compared to what's on offer from the PTP, wouldn't you prefer Abhisit?

Suthep is not running for crowning glory as a leader of the Democrats, he is simply trying to erode what's left of the mess PTP has made for itself, and I fully support his role in this, even if he has defilement records against him - please tell me a member of the house who doesn't/ or hasn't engaged in bent actions for personal gain?

Suthep is a far cry from Nittiwit, Chaleropops, and Unlucky shopping, to name but a meagre few, - surely - when it comes to being bent and striking it rich from the very essence of the very poor?

-mel.

Too much focus on individuals. Would I prefer Abhisit as a personal politician over a Shinawatra - sure. Unfortunately the choice is between on the one hand an anti-democratic alliance of military, rich and other unmentionables bent on preserving a them-and-us society and on the other hand whoever else happens to be lining up to take them on for whatever reason.

Not an attractive choice, but re-voting in a puppet (talking about Abhisit, who no doubt had fine ideals but seemed unable to do anything to advance the plight of the sub-class) will do nothing to advance Thailand as a developing nation.

If Thailand cannot find a political alliance that will genuinely build consensus and promote a democratic option that will give hope to all sectors of Thai society, then history tells us that the next step on the path is likely to be Revolution.

Not red, nor Yelllow

Kantharalak

[waza]

For once, in a very rare blue moon, I have to disagree with you TAH. In Thailand, to even become close to being a politician one has to have used ignoble means to even get close. It is a part and parcel, as I said above, of Thai politics. Once in position, opportunities of using bent methods for personal gain are a norm, and, unfortunately, this is so in-depth it does apply to virtually, and if not, all. So they are all bent, and making money from deals pertaining to their own functions and departments. (Yes, we hope for change but that day is very far away from present). Thus, I believe we do have to compare bent actions, and who is the lesser evil or gratuitous.

Suthep may well be slimy, vicious even and wholly corrupt. However, when compared to what's on offer from the PTP, wouldn't you prefer Abhisit?

Suthep is not running for crowning glory as a leader of the Democrats, he is simply trying to erode what's left of the mess PTP has made for itself, and I fully support his role in this, even if he has defilement records against him - please tell me a member of the house who doesn't/ or hasn't engaged in bent actions for personal gain?

Suthep is a far cry from Nittiwit, Chaleropops, and Unlucky shopping, to name but a meagre few, - surely - when it comes to being bent and striking it rich from the very essence of the very poor?

-mel.

Too much focus on individuals. Would I prefer Abhisit as a personal politician over a Shinawatra - sure. Unfortunately the choice is between on the one hand an anti-democratic alliance of military, rich and other unmentionables bent on preserving a them-and-us society and on the other hand whoever else happens to be lining up to take them on for whatever reason.

Not an attractive choice, but re-voting in a puppet (talking about Abhisit, who no doubt had fine ideals but seemed unable to do anything to advance the plight of the sub-class) will do nothing to advance Thailand as a developing nation.

If Thailand cannot find a political alliance that will genuinely build consensus and promote a democratic option that will give hope to all sectors of Thai society, then history tells us that the next step on the path is likely to be Revolution.

Not red, nor Yelllow

Kantharalak

The difference is a Dem coalition government that has to negotiate and compromise to reach consensus on policies and a PTP coalition of bought and paid for political parties who's policies are dictated by a convicted criminal and fugitive from justice

[h90]

Regarded as a generous and dependable politician . . .

1995 - Suthep gave title deeds to 592 plots of land in Khao Sam Liam, Kamala and Nakkerd hills of Phuket province to 11 wealthy families

2009 - Suthep was accused of violating the Constitution of Thailand by holding equity in a media firm that had received concessions from the government and resigned to avoid being disqualified but continued as Deputy PM etc

The tip of the iceberg. A very honorable and dependable man. Not.

on that land titles, in my (limited) understanding: They gave land titles to people without titles who stay on on the land for a long time already. And it happens that also some wealthy families stayed on some land since a long time. You can't make a law and exclude everyone with xxx.000 Baht on the bank account. How about PTP gave tax free cars to rich families?? That first car initiative also gives a tax break for rich people the same as for poor.

And no court found something wrong with Suthep in these land cases.

If that is all Suthep did wrong than he would be the cleanest politician of Thailand.

Perhaps you should look at his sons land then. Or perhaps the Palm Oil Scandal of 2011. (http://asiancorrespondent.com/49900/thailands-palm-oil-crisis-mr-s-strikes-again/)6

great so I take you agree that these two cases aren't true and bring the next two.

[MobileContent]

Regarded as a generous and dependable politician . . .

1995 - Suthep gave title deeds to 592 plots of land in Khao Sam Liam, Kamala and Nakkerd hills of Phuket province to 11 wealthy families

2009 - Suthep was accused of violating the Constitution of Thailand by holding equity in a media firm that had received concessions from the government and resigned to avoid being disqualified but continued as Deputy PM etc

The tip of the iceberg. A very honorable and dependable man. Not.

on that land titles, in my (limited) understanding: They gave land titles to people without titles who stay on on the land for a long time already. And it happens that also some wealthy families stayed on some land since a long time. You can't make a law and exclude everyone with xxx.000 Baht on the bank account. How about PTP gave tax free cars to rich families?? That first car initiative also gives a tax break for rich people the same as for poor.

And no court found something wrong with Suthep in these land cases.

If that is all Suthep did wrong than he would be the cleanest politician of Thailand.

And no court found something wrong with Suthep in these land cases.

Because the court was held in the South which is Democrat Party territory.

If Thaksin would have been charged in Chiang Mai for the Rachada land plot, he would be today a free men as well.

You imply that the court that convicted Thaksin for a blatant fraud was politically motivated in its decision? That accusation could be construed as a serious contempt of court, unless you have evidence to support it. Do you? The facts in that case seem simple enough.

Or are you claiming the court that convicted him was right but that a court in Chiang Mai wouldn't have? In which case, that is a slur in them.

Remember, Thaksin was found innocent on the "honest mistake" case even though one judge later admitted he thought him guilty but gave him a chance as he was the country's PM.

As far as I can remember he was found guilty after the JUNTA took power. Even Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck wouldn't have a chance for a not guilty verdict. They wanted him out of the Thai political system. They did the same with Chatchai in the early 90's but normally when the Army takes over it means the PM is removed and he will not run again.

This has nothing with slur to do but that's just how things is getting done in Thailand.