Thai Democrats split over Suthep's occupation tactic

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POLITICS
Democrats split over Suthep's occupation tactic
Niphawan Kaewrakmuk
The Nation


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BANGKOK: -- The escalation of anti-government protests led by former Democrat Party MP Suthep Thaugsuban has caused a rift inside the opposition Democrat Party, and left it in a dilemma.

On Monday, Suthep led thousands of protesters to occupy the Budget Bureau and the Finance Ministry compound, while other groups occupied the Foreign Ministry and the Public Relations Department. A group that stayed overnight inside the Foreign Ministry compound agreed to leave late yesterday morning.

A high-ranking source from the party, who asked not to be named, said one camp, led by party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and chief adviser Chuan Leekpai and comprising MPs from Bangkok, disagreed with the occupying of government agencies, believing it could have a negative impact. The most severe threat to the party could be dissolution, so they preferred to "play by the rules" while protesting.

"A House dissolution is [bad] enough," the source said, summarising this camp's view.

The other camp, made up of MPs from the South, support Suthep, the source said. They want to "freeze" the country to prevent ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra from returning, the source said. "The hard part is how the party can make the public understand that it is not being two-faced," he said.

The group opposed to the occupations wants the party to show its stance publicly, but some leaders fear that would leave Suthep looking isolated, the source said.

However, Democrat MP and former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij yesterday voiced concern over anti-government protesters occupying state offices.

As a fellow party member, Korn said he disagreed with the occupation tactic and had urged rally leaders not to violate the law.

However, he said the Yingluck government must come up with a better response to the political impasse than to simply insist that the prime minister will neither resign nor call a House dissolution.

"A million people have expressed their opinion against the government," he said. "The government has the power to be decisive and change things, but they have opted to ignore [the demands]. This has prolonged the problem."

On Monday night, Abhisit sent an SMS message to party MPs warning them not to violate the laws, another source said. He said Suthep had not informed party leaders of his recent tactics or consulted with the leadership. Instead, Suthep had discussed his moves with key leaders of other anti-government protest groups.


-- The Nation 2013-11-27

[Tatsujin]

The anti-govt protestors lost the "moral high ground" the moment they occupied Govt offices. They should have played this card later on if necessary, not right at the beginning.

[MichelM]

The anti-govt protestors lost the "moral high ground" the moment they occupied Govt offices. They should have played this card later on if necessary, not right at the beginning.

It is not the beginning! They are protesting from the beginning of this month! And they have a deadline (05/12)!!!

[Tatsujin]

The anti-govt protestors lost the "moral high ground" the moment they occupied Govt offices. They should have played this card later on if necessary, not right at the beginning.

It is not the beginning! They are protesting from the beginning of this month! And they have a deadline (05/12)!!!

Given the length of more recent protests, this is still early days. The "deadline" means nothing. What are they going to do when the 5th comes along and the Govt is still refusing to do what they want? Throw more toys out of the pram? The "escalation" would have been better served happening AFTER their deadline has come and gone which is exactly what Abhisit is thinking. Edited November 27, 2013 by Tatsujin

[Thainy Tim]

There was always going to be talks of rifts over the occupations.

My wife knows the system inside out, all this was expected. It is not a case of is it right or is it wrong. It is all about when the protests turn violent.

Once the police and the protesters start fighting is the only thing that will escalate the protests to a conclusion because that is what the army will wait for. When the police start hurting people, the army will step in to save them. Which is why the reluctance for the police to be heavy handed, because the government knows that this is what is going to change things.

My wife has lived her life here and watched how they all unfold. She knows the score.

[tingtongteesood]

The protestors MUST remain peaceful or else they will be no better than the RED rioters. Peaceful protest, Gandhi style. If the police come and say they must leave, leave and regroup elsewhere. If the police become violent, turn he other cheek. As long as it remains completely peaceful they still retain the moral high ground to a degree.

[jes]

Are the so called Democrats getting Cold feet?

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Are the so called Democrats getting Cold feet?

First sounds of sanity I've heard so far on any side.

Because anything else results in the threat of civil war, followed by a coup to prevent one. (Which is what the hardliners in Suthep's camp actually want, of course.)

[Yunla]

Given the length of more recent protests, this is still early days. The "deadline" means nothing. What are they going to do when the 5th comes along and the Govt is still refusing to do what they want? Throw more toys out of the pram? The "escalation" would have been better served happening AFTER their deadline has come and gone which is exactly what Abhisit is thinking.

Looks like I won't be able to wear my red Santa Hat this Christmas, again.

[Artisi]

Given the length of more recent protests, this is still early days. The "deadline" means nothing. What are they going to do when the 5th comes along and the Govt is still refusing to do what they want? Throw more toys out of the pram? The "escalation" would have been better served happening AFTER their deadline has come and gone which is exactly what Abhisit is thinking.

Looks like I won't be able to wear my red Santa Hat this Christmas, again.

Well that depends on what side of the fence you sit.

[Yunla]

Well that depends on what side of the fence you sit.

The side with the reindeers and the free toys for good girls.

[winstonc]

they wont be so split if the protests succeed will they...oh soophy your a hero.wish we had a collective spine or we would have been right behind.next to you no balls no power to govern .

[Spare]

they wont be so split if the protests succeed will they...oh soophy your a hero.wish we had a collective spine or we would have been right behind.next to you no balls no power to govern .

That is not a very nice thing to say to the Eton schooled Oxford grad Brit.

[ChrisY1]

Good on the Nation.....keep up the unbiased reporting!!

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