PM Yingluck should dissolve House to minimise fallout: Parinya, Thammasat University

[webfact]

POLITICS
PM should dissolve House to minimise fallout: Parinya
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra should make a decision to dissolve the House within two days after meeting anti-government rally leader Suthep Thaugsuban on Sunday in the presence of the commanders in chief of the three armed forces, said Parinya Thewanarumitkul, vice rector for student affairs at Thammasat University.

He said on 97.0 radio station that House dissolution is the best solution to minimise the fallout from the current crisis. It seems like only a "cutout" can save the democratic system from the interference of special powers.

"The game is not over and Suthep has said that the resignation of the prime minister and a House dissolution is not enough to satisfy the protesters. He might think that the protesters are taking advantage of the game. I believe a second round of negotiations could happen if both sides know that they are not taking advantage," he said.

Parinya also said the political reform by the People’s Council, as offered by Suthep, is based on the Constitution. "There would be no problem if the People’s Council and the People’s Government came from nomination or selection. What's important are their duties and authority," he said

Sukhum Nualsskul, former rector of Ramkhamhaeng University, shared the view that PM should dissolve the House to break the political turmoil even if this would not stop political conflict because it's not what the protesters really want.

He said that the government should propose solutions to end the problem, such as asking the public to take part in a Constitution amendment referendum.

"I personally do not think of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) as my representative. If the government does nothing, there will create big problem for itself," he said.

Sukhum also believes that this situation cannot be resolved by a coup. He said the commanders had learned their lessons from the past. "We will not see the military as heroes if we have no murder downtown," he said.

-- The Nation 2013-12-02

[zydeco]

If she really meant that she was willing to resign and call new elections, she has it within her power to do so unilaterally. So, why doesn't she?

[cacruden]

Usually you have to have some stability while the election is going on, which means that either both sides have to stand down or it just makes the coup easier. The alternative is to declare martial law and bring the troops into the streets while the election is ongoing (at the time of disolution).

[cacruden]

But in the end if it is not what the other side wants (or will allow for) - how does that solve anything?

Edited December 2, 2013 by cacruden

[Emptyset]

Parinya also said the political reform by the People’s Council, as offered by Suthep, is based on the Constitution. "There would be no problem if the People’s Council and the People’s Government came from nomination or selection. What's important are their duties and authority," he said

My initial thought is that many legal scholars would dispute this. How does a move from elected to selected not constitute an overthrow of the democratic system?

Edited December 2, 2013 by Emptyset

[metisdead]

A nonsense post has been removed as well as a reply.

[ChrisY1]

If she really meant that she was willing to resign and call new elections, she has it within her power to do so unilaterally. So, why doesn't she?

Yes, she certainly has it within her power to resign and call an election....but again.....to do so would be a huge loss of face for the Shinawatras and the PT.....I just can't see her moving in this direction yet, and, there seems to be no indication of this happening in the very near future.

The country is suffering badly now as we can all see......

[rubl]

Her brother did call new elections about 11 months into his second term. That was because he thought he could silence protesters by getting a new 'overwhelming' mandate. Didn't work out though.

Maybe little sister has been warned of the dangers?

If she really meant that she was willing to resign and call new elections, she has it within her power to do so unilaterally. So, why doesn't she?

Yes, she certainly has it within her power to resign and call an election....but again.....to do so would be a huge loss of face for the Shinawatras and the PT.....I just can't see her moving in this direction yet, and, there seems to be no indication of this happening in the very near future.

The country is suffering badly now as we can all see......

[Gone]

In my opinion they need to get all parties together on National Television and have a debate with the depater's representing each party for the whole world to see what each government will promise for the future almost like an election campaign debate.

Noone really knows what the Thai people want because votes etc are never real and are paid votes.

Thailand will never reach second or first world recognition if they keep this up and will always remain as a "Developing Country" status. No shame in going Nationally or asking for help when your country has reached this state several times.

I'm sure if asked, the super powers of the world might step in and help Thailand resolve these issues and save lives as well as trading, tourism etc.

PS: I also don't think that any government should stand down just because some protesters tell them too. That would be like the USA negotiating with terrorists.

Edited December 2, 2013 by Gone

[whybother]

If she really meant that she was willing to resign and call new elections, she has it within her power to do so unilaterally. So, why doesn't she?

Because from what Suthep said, it won't make any difference. I'm not sure who he would protest against if she did resign though.

[Thailand]

They won the election, won the no confidence vote.

Arrest Suthep put him on trial for incitement etc. Move on.

Then I woke up!

[Thait Spot]

They won the election, won the no confidence vote.

 

Arrest Suthep put him on trial for incitement etc. Move on.

 

Then I woke up!

Not sure about that.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Thait Spot]

With 25,000 cases of political corruption to investigate, beef the anti corruption team up

Ban all members of thaksins family

Ban suthep and abhisit

Have sealed manifestos delivered to the cc

Hold elections

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Xonax]

They won the election, won the no confidence vote.

Arrest Suthep put him on trial for incitement etc. Move on.

Then I woke up!

They bought the election and the confidence vote, just like they have been buying everyone standing in their way!!!

[wprime]

If she really meant that she was willing to resign and call new elections, she has it within her power to do so unilaterally. So, why doesn't she?

Because from what Suthep said, it won't make any difference. I'm not sure who he would protest against if she did resign though.

Yingluck chose not to hold elections as she would lose seats. This was established long before Suthep said it wouldn't make a difference.

With 25,000 cases of political corruption to investigate, beef the anti corruption team up

Ban all members of thaksins family

Ban suthep and abhisit

Have sealed manifestos delivered to the cc

Hold elections

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

If we ban all the corrupt politicians then who would we vote for?

[hellodolly]

If she really meant that she was willing to resign and call new elections, she has it within her power to do so unilaterally. So, why doesn't she?

Because from what Suthep said, it won't make any difference. I'm not sure who he would protest against if she did resign though.

If Yingluck was to dissolve the house and step down I don't really think Suthep would have that much support left.

The smart thing if she does resign and call for a new election would be for him to drop his counsel idea like a hot potato and start campaigning against the PTP. Not sure where the red shirts would be as they are starting to bicker amongst them selves. Which would further weaken the PTP support.

To hang on to his counsel idea would just weaken the opposition. He could save face and gain popularity by saying it was part of his plan to get YIngluck to step down.

[hellodolly]

With 25,000 cases of political corruption to investigate, beef the anti corruption team up

Ban all members of thaksins family

Ban suthep and abhisit

Have sealed manifestos delivered to the cc

Hold elections

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Ban all members of thaksins family

Ban suthep and abhisit

Ban them from what Yacht racing?

[Yunla]

IMHO, the PTP would have got beaten like a gong at the next election, due to the mask slipping off a bit too much the last few years, and them losing a decent chunk of their support base. And to the increasingly vocal opposition to them, including a lot of mainstream undecideds.

The problem we now face because of Suthep, and assuming this regime collapses now one way or another, is that we WILL get a replay of the red cries of "you've overthown our elected government" which we have listened to for close to a decade and will now be listening to for another decade.

And needlessly so. As given enough actual pre-election work the Dems (and with a few more slip-ups by PTP) would have won the next election by a substantial amount. And it would have been a legit victory, with the reds saying "ok you beat us fair and square " etc. But now we will hear the same complaints as before.

Edited December 2, 2013 by Yunla

[smutcakes]

IMHO, the PTP would have got beaten like a gong at the next election, due to the mask slipping off a bit too much the last few years, and them losing a decent chunk of their support base. And to the increasingly vocal opposition to them, including a lot of mainstream undecideds.

The problem we now face because of Suthep, and assuming this regime collapses now one way or another, is that we WILL get a replay of the red cries of "you've overthown our elected government" which we have listened to for close to a decade and will now be listening to for another decade.

And needlessly so. As given enough actual pre-election work the Dems, a few more slipups by PTP, would have won the next election by a substantial amount. And it would have been a legit victory, with the reds sloping off saying "ok you beat us fair and square (you got the most votes!)" etc. But now we will hear the same complaints as before.

For once we agree, although i don't share quite as much confidence on the Dems winning the vote, but no doubt it would have been close. It appears their decision makers also share this worry on them winning the vote, shown by the lack of any of them actually calling for it. Any other means other than elections of overthrowing the Government will just strengthen the PTP support and add credence to their favorite line about 3rd hands etc etc.

[Thait Spot]

With 25,000 cases of political corruption to investigate, beef the anti corruption team up

Ban all members of thaksins family

Ban suthep and abhisit

Have sealed manifestos delivered to the cc

Hold elections

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

 

 

Ban all members of thaksins family

Ban suthep and abhisit

 

 

Ban them from what Yacht racing?

Talking

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[WitawatWatawit]

Yunla, I think you might be assuming too much there. The Thaksin machine is not going to give up easily. A lot will depend on what Thaksin is thinking right now - and he's been amazingly quiet throughout all this. He must be weighing his options about whether he's prepared to go for broke and fund another election - which would be very, very costly as the price of a vote must surely skyrocket in light of events. Then there's the cost of getting the slippery eels of Thai politics into his camp. Another factor is the voter faith in the Dems, and that many in the provinces will not vote for them under any circumstances. All very speculative, of course, but as usual, money will be a significant factor - and promises to the eels. I'd like to see an election now. Possible that Suthep will back down if YS dissolves the House.

[ramrod711]

Does anyone know for sure that dissolution of the house would result if the Democratic Party resigned en-masse? If that were the case, it might be the best way to go. We know that Thaksin told Yingluck to cling to power, no matter what. I can't see her ignoring him at this point. People are dying, again, Sutheps plan, if he ever really had one, doesn't seem to have an acceptable ending. Time is running out, nobody wants this to affect the Kings birthday celebration.

[cacruden]

Banning politicians from running is a weird concept in a democracy.... You're telling people that the person you want to vote for you can't which is not exactly democratic. If the politicians commit crimes -- bring them to trial and then send them to prison if found guilty.... that removes them from consideration anyways.

[cacruden]

Does anyone know for sure that dissolution of the house would result if the Democratic Party resigned en-masse? If that were the case, it might be the best way to go. We know that Thaksin told Yingluck to cling to power, no matter what. I can't see her ignoring him at this point. People are dying, again, Sutheps plan, if he ever really had one, doesn't seem to have an acceptable ending. Time is running out, nobody wants this to affect the Kings birthday celebration.

Not sure in Thailand, but pretty well all parliamentary systems the resignation of opposition members from parliament only sets up a set of bi-elections to fill the vacant seats. It has to be one of the governing parties. Again, Suthep has rejected that as a solution. He wants an appointed government.

[bigbamboo]

It would certainly be a nice birthday present for HM to see the house dissolved and it is probably the best thing for the country as well.

Of course for that to happen it would need KY to show she really was in charge as it would also be the worst possible scenario for her erstwhile (sic) boss.

[cacruden]

Well, if the house was dissolved and Suthep refused that as a solution -- then it would require the declaration of martial law and bringing the army into the streets since elections typically are not possible in an unstable environment. That would pretty well destroy the tourist season this year (which I would be ok with). Tourists tend to react badly to the idea of troops in the streets - it makes a country seem unsafe.

[whybother]

Banning politicians from running is a weird concept in a democracy.... You're telling people that the person you want to vote for you can't which is not exactly democratic. If the politicians commit crimes -- bring them to trial and then send them to prison if found guilty.... that removes them from consideration anyways.

In most countries, you're not allowed to stand for election if you've been convicted of a certain level of crime.

[cacruden]

Banning politicians from running is a weird concept in a democracy.... You're telling people that the person you want to vote for you can't which is not exactly democratic. If the politicians commit crimes -- bring them to trial and then send them to prison if found guilty.... that removes them from consideration anyways.

In most countries, you're not allowed to stand for election if you've been convicted of a certain level of crime.

The key word here is "convicted of a crime". YL is not, Abhisit is not, Suthep is not.

[cacruden]

The US goes further they take the vote away from convicts in several states - which I also disagree with vehemently.... Once you serve your sentence it is in the public record and if people want to still vote for you... it is the people's will.

[aaacorp]

They won the election, won the no confidence vote.

Arrest Suthep put him on trial for incitement etc. Move on.

Then I woke up!

They bought the election and the confidence vote, just like they have been buying everyone standing in their way!!!

If this would be true there would be no riots