Thai PM faces her biggest challenge
Lindsay Murdoch
SOUTH-EAST ASIA CORRESPONDENT FOR FAIRFAX MEDIA

BANGKOK: -- Protesters with little more than whistles and hand-clappers have brushed past security guards and set up camps in the seats of power across Thailand, forcing bureaucrats to flee their desks and leaving an elected government crippled.

Thailand's eight-year cycle of destructive upheaval has entered a new phase only days before the 86th birthday of revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej on December 5, an important and sensitive day of the year in Thailand.

The country known as the "Land of Smiles" appears to have reached a breaking point once again in its tortuous recent past.

Since being elected in mid-2011, 46 year-old Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra appeared to lead the South-east Asian nation of 62 million people in relative calm, but a bitter and acrimonious political battle has been simmering out of sight.

A serious blunder by Ms Yingluck's administration in October to pass an amnesty bill that would have whitewashed the crimes of her elder brother Thaksin Shinawatra prompted anti-government demonstrators to pour on to Bangkok's streets.

Full story: http://www.smh.com.au/world/thai-pm-faces-her-biggest-challenge-20131128-2ycmv.html

-- The Sydney Morning Herald 2013-11-28

The Sydney Morning herald has got it wrong! Yingluck has stated many times that she has no involvement in the amnesty bill.

Its hard to be involved in Parliamentary activities when you only visit it during total solar eclipses.

What a disgrace this government it. A total disgrace. Words escape me.

Poor wee Poo. Life is so unfair. She gets to deal with all the kak while her bro tops up his tan in the sand pit.

What a disgrace this government it. A total disgrace. Words escape me.

How about : "what a disgrace" ?

Poor wee Poo. Life is so unfair. She gets to deal with all the kak while her bro tops up his tan in the sand pit.

you meant to say ... Ee Poo

Thai PM faces her biggest challenge

At least, since she had to choose between mudmee or tie-and-die for yesterday's evenings dress.

What a disgrace this government it. A total disgrace. Words escape me.

How about : "what a disgrace" ?

I'd have put an 'outraged' or two in there as well.

A serious blunder by Ms Yingluck's administration in October to pass an amnesty bill that would have whitewashed the crimes of her elder brother Thaksin Shinawatra prompted anti-government demonstrators to pour on to Bangkok's streets.

That is what brought it to a head, the rice scheme, the corruption, the 2 trillion baht loan and the constant interference from her brother were simmering beneath the surface.

There was a always going to be an end, be Thaskin or Yingluck in charge, the notion that businessmen / women can create a political party and run with no mandate , rules or principals on the totalitarian state style is domed from the start, but to take the good people of Thailand for granted is another, the end result is just around the corner, there is no bigger challenge to a leader than to preserve what they have , to what extremes this PTP will go to, to hang onto power, we will see in the coming days.

The Sydney Morning herald has got it wrong! Yingluck has stated many times that she has no involvement in the amnesty bill.

And the biggest challenge so far is: today I take the blue or the brown handbag.

That is what she is allowed to decide herself.

It always struck me that geography was her biggest challenge.

I always though that she travelled so much to learn about the world. Phathet Sydney and Changwat Had Yai for example

Sydney Morning Herald should instead report on whether their prime minister will apologise to Indonesia for the spying scandal.

Does it surprise you that a quality newspaper might have more than one subject per issue?

Sydney Morning Herald should instead report on whether their prime minister will apologise to Indonesia for the spying scandal.

They were only helping a very good allied country, I wounder who.

But an unelected party with strong fascist tendencies trying to overthrow the government is perfectly ok. Hate filled crowds of self-entitled fools storming governments offices is just fine. "We are rich, our children are educated in Bangkok" is their self-justification for bringing democracy down, for refusing to acknowledge the big majority that does not support their views? Great! Let's see how that will work out.

There was a always going to be an end, be Thaskin or Yingluck in charge, the notion that businessmen / women can create a political party and run with no mandate , rules or principals on the totalitarian state style is domed from the start, but to take the good people of Thailand for granted is another, the end result is just around the corner, there is no bigger challenge to a leader than to preserve what they have , to what extremes this PTP will go to, to hang onto power, we will see in the coming days.

But an unelected party with strong fascist tendencies trying to overthrow the government is perfectly ok. Hate filled crowds of self-entitled fools storming governments offices is just fine. "We are rich, our children are educated in Bangkok" is their self-justification for bringing democracy down, for refusing to acknowledge the big majority that does not support their views? Great! Let's see how that will work out.

There was a always going to be an end, be Thaskin or Yingluck in charge, the notion that businessmen / women can create a political party and run with no mandate , rules or principals on the totalitarian state style is domed from the start, but to take the good people of Thailand for granted is another, the end result is just around the corner, there is no bigger challenge to a leader than to preserve what they have , to what extremes this PTP will go to, to hang onto power, we will see in the coming days.

What unelected party would that be?

if referring to the Democrats, there were elected, just insufficient members to from a government.

As for trying to overthrow the current government, well if the government lies to the people, supports a fugitive criminal who dictates what the government is to do - they should endeavour to overthrow it, plus the PTP doesn't have the majority support of the people - just more paid for politicians on the band wagon sufficient to form a government.

The Sydney Morning herald has got it wrong! Yingluck has stated many times that she has no involvement in the amnesty bill.

Comprehension failure.

"Yingluck's administration" != Yingluck

The SMH (as reported, I did not read the smh article) has got it perfectly correct.

I don't get it. Supposedly most of the rich and educated Thais support the Democrats, right? Can't they find the money to buy those politicians away from PTP if it's only a question of getting paid? And the greedy Red-Shirt farmers? They're in it only for the money too, right? Maybe the Dem's are just too honest to do that. I really wonder.

But an unelected party with strong fascist tendencies trying to overthrow the government is perfectly ok. Hate filled crowds of self-entitled fools storming governments offices is just fine. "We are rich, our children are educated in Bangkok" is their self-justification for bringing democracy down, for refusing to acknowledge the big majority that does not support their views? Great! Let's see how that will work out.

There was a always going to be an end, be Thaskin or Yingluck in charge, the notion that businessmen / women can create a political party and run with no mandate , rules or principals on the totalitarian state style is domed from the start, but to take the good people of Thailand for granted is another, the end result is just around the corner, there is no bigger challenge to a leader than to preserve what they have , to what extremes this PTP will go to, to hang onto power, we will see in the coming days.

What unelected party would that be?

if referring to the Democrats, there were elected, just insufficient members to from a government.

As for trying to overthrow the current government, well if the government lies to the people, supports a fugitive criminal who dictates what the government is to do - they should endeavour to overthrow it, plus the PTP doesn't have the majority support of the people - just more paid for politicians on the band wagon sufficient to form a government.

But an unelected party with strong fascist tendencies trying to overthrow the government is perfectly ok. Hate filled crowds of self-entitled fools storming governments offices is just fine. "We are rich, our children are educated in Bangkok" is their self-justification for bringing democracy down, for refusing to acknowledge the big majority that does not support their views? Great! Let's see how that will work out.

There was a always going to be an end, be Thaskin or Yingluck in charge, the notion that businessmen / women can create a political party and run with no mandate , rules or principals on the totalitarian state style is domed from the start, but to take the good people of Thailand for granted is another, the end result is just around the corner, there is no bigger challenge to a leader than to preserve what they have , to what extremes this PTP will go to, to hang onto power, we will see in the coming days.

Yes lets see indeed.

I have just returned from the Korat city protest. Not a single ounce of hatred to be seen anywhere. Just normal everyday folks out there in a good party mood, trying to get something done for the country.

After marching to the tax office, they didn't enter, they could have easily if they wanted to, the police seemed totally relaxed about it and only half closed the gates.

The employees at the tax office were hanging out of the windows whistling and waving and clapping the protesters, and then they all came out to the entrance gates and gave the protesters a round of applause, and the boss of the office made a speech along the lines of " We understand how you feel... we all pay our taxes too.. just like you, and we will stand beside you all".

There were around 50 or so police there, and next the crowds moved to the main police headquarters where there was a single officer stood outside.....lol

Then we left.

Not a single shred of what you have described above...... So please explain what it was like at the protest sites you visited today. Or do you prefer to make assessments and judgements from behind a closed door?

Oh... and by the way, when you spout 'non-elected party'... get your facts right. Every democrat MP IS elected, or they would NOT be MPs would they? and yes.... they have a right to oppose corruption, exactly the same way, that you have a right to support corruption.

I don't get it. Supposedly most of the rich and educated Thais support the Democrats, right? Can't they find the money to buy those politicians away from PTP if it's only a question of getting paid? And the greedy Red-Shirt farmers? They're in it only for the money too, right? Maybe the Dem's are just too honest to do that. I really wonder.

But an unelected party with strong fascist tendencies trying to overthrow the government is perfectly ok. Hate filled crowds of self-entitled fools storming governments offices is just fine. "We are rich, our children are educated in Bangkok" is their self-justification for bringing democracy down, for refusing to acknowledge the big majority that does not support their views? Great! Let's see how that will work out.

There was a always going to be an end, be Thaskin or Yingluck in charge, the notion that businessmen / women can create a political party and run with no mandate , rules or principals on the totalitarian state style is domed from the start, but to take the good people of Thailand for granted is another, the end result is just around the corner, there is no bigger challenge to a leader than to preserve what they have , to what extremes this PTP will go to, to hang onto power, we will see in the coming days.

What unelected party would that be?

if referring to the Democrats, there were elected, just insufficient members to from a government.

As for trying to overthrow the current government, well if the government lies to the people, supports a fugitive criminal who dictates what the government is to do - they should endeavour to overthrow it, plus the PTP doesn't have the majority support of the people - just more paid for politicians on the band wagon sufficient to form a government.

I haven't studies nor do I wish to get into the mechanics of who paid who and why, but it is fair to say that possibly many of the PTP members elected were paid from day one, ie funded to run under the PTP banner, therefore they feel committed to the fugitive as he picked up the tag for them being elected, also bear in mind there is honour among thieves even in politics. Others may feel committed and keep taking their monthly pay check - money is money so they say and possible the fugitive has lots to throw around as and when deemed to be in his favour.

...no...very easy in fact...resign...and call elections...

...no...very easy in fact...resign...and call elections...

Sure. Every time you loose, you call a new election.

Keep repeat until you win.

Then stop calling election forever. Comon be a sport.

Here's how Thailand's dilemma is written up by the US's National Public Radio news.

Off topic posts and replies have been removed.

But an unelected party with strong fascist tendencies trying to overthrow the government is perfectly ok. Hate filled crowds of self-entitled fools storming governments offices is just fine. "We are rich, our children are educated in Bangkok" is their self-justification for bringing democracy down, for refusing to acknowledge the big majority that does not support their views? Great! Let's see how that will work out.

There was a always going to be an end, be Thaskin or Yingluck in charge, the notion that businessmen / women can create a political party and run with no mandate , rules or principals on the totalitarian state style is domed from the start, but to take the good people of Thailand for granted is another, the end result is just around the corner, there is no bigger challenge to a leader than to preserve what they have , to what extremes this PTP will go to, to hang onto power, we will see in the coming days.

I wonder what those majority views might be? When people are happy to take money for their vote, I would guess the only view they have is What's in it for me, who will pay the most for my vote?

But an unelected party with strong fascist tendencies trying to overthrow the government is perfectly ok. Hate filled crowds of self-entitled fools storming governments offices is just fine. "We are rich, our children are educated in Bangkok" is their self-justification for bringing democracy down, for refusing to acknowledge the big majority that does not support their views? Great! Let's see how that will work out.

There was a always going to be an end, be Thaskin or Yingluck in charge, the notion that businessmen / women can create a political party and run with no mandate , rules or principals on the totalitarian state style is domed from the start, but to take the good people of Thailand for granted is another, the end result is just around the corner, there is no bigger challenge to a leader than to preserve what they have , to what extremes this PTP will go to, to hang onto power, we will see in the coming days.

it can work fine it does in USA UK and rest while bankers and top steal blind from rest and in particular the poor it works totally ok. At least here their is some chance of freedom for all except those to lazy to dig themselves out of the pit. And yes I know about digging oneself out as does my wife. It just takes incredible determination, hard work and time. Problem is the brainwashed are so naive as to believe Taksin when he says you can have it all for no cost or work. Ive seen local red shirt higher ps wives look down on others as much and more than any so called hiss. Its sickening to watch them try to lord over others in the village because their husband is local red mafia thug

There was a always going to be an end, be Thaskin or Yingluck in charge, the notion that businessmen / women can create a political party and run with no mandate , rules or principals on the totalitarian state style is domed from the start, but to take the good people of Thailand for granted is another, the end result is just around the corner, there is no bigger challenge to a leader than to preserve what they have , to what extremes this PTP will go to, to hang onto power, we will see in the coming days.

You forgot that they won the popular vote...

...and they will do it again when push comes to shove.

The whole point of Sutheps shenanigans is to make sure that there is not going to be a popular vote. And once his appointed government is in power there won't be an opportunity for one in the foreseeable future.

Yinglucks biggest challenge, ironically for one who has had her office rather thrust upon her, and who is not a professional politician, is to make sure that democracy, in the form of the popular vote, survives in the Kingdom. I wish her well.

There was a always going to be an end, be Thaskin or Yingluck in charge, the notion that businessmen / women can create a political party and run with no mandate , rules or principals on the totalitarian state style is domed from the start, but to take the good people of Thailand for granted is another, the end result is just around the corner, there is no bigger challenge to a leader than to preserve what they have , to what extremes this PTP will go to, to hang onto power, we will see in the coming days.

You forgot that they won the popular vote...

...and they will do it again when push comes to shove.

The whole point of Sutheps shenanigans is to make sure that there is not going to be a popular vote. And once his appointed government is in power there won't be an opportunity for one in the foreseeable future.

Yinglucks biggest challenge, ironically for one who has had her office rather thrust upon her, and who is not a professional politician, is to make sure that democracy, in the form of the popular vote, survives in the Kingdom. I wish her well.

If Yingluk dissolves the house and calls an election, how could Suthep stop it? When your government has been caught out acting corruptly and loses the confidence of voters, what is the democratic alternative?

What a disgrace this government it. A total disgrace. Words escape me.

Check the word ' amphibology'. You've just come out with a new one.

You meant of course, 'fail' or 'elude'.

Just saying . . . ;-)

T