Deputy PM and FM Give a Briefing on the current political situation

[Lite Beer]

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Gives a Briefing on the Developments of the Current Political Situation

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul on Monday, 2 December 2013, gave a briefing to the diplomatic corps and international organizations on the developments regarding the current political situation in Thailand and the efforts being made by the Government to resolve the situation.

Mr. Surapong said, “As you will recall, the street demonstrations had its beginning in the opposition to the draft Amnesty Bill proposed in Parliament. In heeding public sentiment, the Senate returned the bill to the House of Representatives. According to the House rules of procedure, it can act upon the bill only after a lapse of 180 days.

“Therefore, under the Constitution, the Government does not have the power to intervene as it now rests upon the House of Representatives to take action as appropriate. However, in showing good faith, parties of the coalition Government made further concessions by signing a joint statement not to resurrect the Amnesty Bill in Parliament. The Prime Minister made it clear to the public on many occasions that the Government supports the action by coalition parties to drop this bill.

“Despite the public knowledge of these facts, the street protests led by former leading members of the main opposition party did not stop. Rather they have stepped up their protests by unlawfully occupying government compounds and causing disruption in public services.

“The cause of demonstrations evolved into anti-government protests - calling for regime change. Obviously, this was their intention from the very beginning with the Amnesty Bill used as a pretext. As I mentioned in my message to you last week, this Government respects the constitutional rights of the people to conduct peaceful demonstrations. We have also exercised utmost restraint in handling the situation. But what is becoming increasingly clear is that the intention of those who are behind the protests is to undermine democracy by resorting to unconstitutional means to seek a change of government.

“They have increased pressure on the Government by employing every means, including unlawful ones, to escalate tension. Possibly, as an attempt to provoke and instigate violence with the hope of military intervention. Last Friday, Mr. Suthep further escalated the protests by announcing plans to seize Government House, key government offices and state enterprises. All of you would have witnessed what transpired over the weekend.

“Throughout, however, the Government has been tolerant in allowing demonstrations to take place, but only within the limits of the Constitution. We have complied with international practices and standards in maintaining law and order. The Government has also reached out to the various groups of demonstrators to resolve the situation through dialogue. Moreover, the international media can freely report the events as they see it without government interference. These efforts by the Government are not attempts to hold on to power, but rather to preserve and protect the rule of law and the democratic process under a Constitutional Monarchy.

“In a televised national address last Thursday, the Prime Minister proposed negotiations and a forum for dialogue be held among all sides to find a peaceful way out. Regrettably, the offer made in earnest by the Government was rejected outright by Mr. Suthep, other protest leaders, and the Democrat Party.

“They have then gone further by insisting that even House dissolution or resignation of the Administration is not enough. If such democratic options are not a way out, it is unclear what the protest leaders want. Instead they have called for establishing a so-called people’s assembly which is not only unacceptable but impractical and totally outside the framework of the Constitution. Such proposals would only turn back the clock for Thai democracy.

“The fact remains that this Government is a democratically elected government, winning an overwhelming support of some 15 million voters. We have exercised our mandate within the bounds of the Constitution, in spite of its perceived flaws. We have upheld freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly, but the exercise of such rights must be done within – not outside – the Constitution.

“We are aware that in any society, people hold different political views and perspectives and have the right to express them. But all sides should abide by the rules of the game – in respect of democratic norms and processes. Under the constitution, the majority has the legitimate right to form a government.

“If any side uses unlawful and undemocratic means to topple an elected government, then we can never break out of this vicious cycle. The only way out is through national dialogue. But this is only possible when everyone respects the rule of law, ready to reconcile and engage in good faith. This is the only way we can move the country forward. Unfortunately, those who are behind the protests have clearly shut the door to dialogue.

“The intent is to cause as much chaos and disruption as possible in the hope that the military would come out. They have resorted to all sorts of means to topple the government, as was the case in 2008 when they had the Government House, Suvarnabhumi airport and Channel 11 under siege.

“What this group is now trying is to justify something which is clearly unconstitutional under the guise of a so-called people’s revolt, with total disregard for democratic principles. Their sole objective is to remove this Government from office. In addition to taking to the streets, they have tried to pursue their objective by resorting to the so-called independent bodies.

“It should be recalled that such was the situation that led to the downfall of both the Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat governments in 2008. However, contrary to what happened to the government of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 2006, this time the military, particularly the heads of the armed forces, have not fallen into this political game.

“This is because they have learnt from past experience that staging a coup is not acceptable to the international community. It has proven not to be a sustainable solution. If we cannot resolve this through dialogue, we risk going down a dangerous path. It would be a real setback for Thai democracy. So how events unfold will determine the future of democracy in this country.

“I believe that it is in the interest of all of our friends that Thailand stays the course of democracy and the rule of law. Although this situation is a domestic affair which the Thai people themselves will have to solve, nonetheless we would appreciate a show of support for democratic principles from our friends.

“We further request you to closely observe the actions of protest leaders as well as the independent bodies for we do not want a repeat of the way the Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat governments were dismissed. We therefore urge the international community to consider taking the following actions.

"Firstly, to deter any attempts at undemocratic change, I hope you would make your stance for democracy clearly known;

“Secondly, we hope that the United Nations bodies and agencies could make a similar show of support, especially in light of relevant conventions and international laws.

“Once again, I would like to reiterate that the Government has refrained from use of force and exercised utmost restraint and is determined to resolve the situation by peaceful means. However, should the situation persist, we will take appropriate measures to enforce the law according to international norms and standards.

“We do not want to see violent clashes among Thai people resulting in loss of lives and injuries as happened in the past. We are also wary of third parties who have no regard for the national interest taking advantage of the situation for their own ends.

"At the same time, I would appreciate if you could inform your capitals of the developments here in a leveled and factual manner. And may I also add that Thailand welcomes the statements made so far by several of your countries, as well as the UN Secretary-General, which have been constructive and balanced and reflect the approach taken by the Government.”

Mr. Surapong added that the Prime Minister had assigned him to be head of Center for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO).

Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department, Office of the Prime Minister

[bigbamboo]

Shouldn't the nation's leader being doing this, whoever they are.....?

[Local Drunk]

Shouldn't the nation's leader being doing this, whoever they are.....?

No, she got Surrogatepong to say it for her...

[TVGerry]

TLDR.

All lies anyway.

[mrtoad]

And so Yingluck continues to avoid making any statements.

Surapong has stated that they feel this is undemocratic, however we are only seeing the same type of protests that were funded allegedly by The Caddy in 2009 and 2010. As for his statement about them not using force against protestors, that is an outright lie.

Furthermore, should e trust a minister who delivered a passport to a convicted fugitive in person.

[winstonc]

we dont want to see a loss of life like before......nothing happened at the wk/end mere handbags i presume,your gathering of pro.gov protesters backfired on you bigtime..when the various governments recieve this on paper,i would say there will be coffee ring stain by end of the day..

[mrtoad]

Shouldn't the nation's leader being doing this, whoever they are.....?

SKYPE connection must be down

[englishoak]

Well written and considered release and pretty much accurate, The difference in the sides attitudes towards resolving this current situation is quite stark as are the offers on one side and the ridiculous demands of the other.

It is hard to see any member of the UN or international community even recognising another attempt at an undemocratic power grab like this let alone support it.

This game is over and the sooner the protesters go home safe and sound the better.

[Hawkman]

If they are telling the truth (for once), then stick it. You want people to trust you, then stop treating all your people as idiots and stop focusing on one man, then none of this would have happened in the first place.

Now, sort out this rice scam which is crippling the finances; paid from taxpayers money for no benefit to the actual tax payers. Come clean where the money is going; stop putting it into your own pockets and making certain farmers rich and invest in schools and hospitals where places need it.

Stop focusing on whitewashing crimes and bringing you know who back and focus on the people.

Then, just then, you might win some trust. You may have loyal red shirt worship but you lost the south and BKK and the Neutrals. You want to sort it out, well, as Thai women like to say, "Up to you".

[1daz]

i haven't got a side red or yellow but i do think she should stand her ground and resolve this in-house and not let the ppl who are there only for free food and a daily hand outs that probably don't know whats really going on being led by a guy who don't want to discuss this rationally saying its his way or no way. what im trying to say is if he wins then will they use the same thing everytime they dont like something and if that the case whats the point in any one leading the country it sort of throws them back into the dark ages or am i wrong ?

[Local Drunk]

Well written and considered release and pretty much accurate, The difference in the sides attitudes towards resolving this current situation is quite stark as are the offers on one side and the ridiculous demands of the other.

It is hard to see any member of the UN or international community even recognising another attempt at an undemocratic power grab like this let alone support it.

This game is over and the sooner the protesters go home safe and sound the better.

"The UN is not my father!"

[ramrod711]

In his special interview with BBC, Chaturon said the Pheu Thai would have to find a way to balance Thaksin's influence over the Cabinet.

"The party will need to find some balance in this," Chaturon, who was acting leader of the Thai Rak Thai part when it was dissolved, told BBC.

"They will need to make it clear that whoever is going to be prime minister can show that they have independence and can make a decision on their own."

Do not accept any more skype calls, policemen who vow allegiance to Thaksin fired, PM to step down. Pretty good start i would think.

[Dogmatix]

In his special interview with BBC, Chaturon said the Pheu Thai would have to find a way to balance Thaksin's influence over the Cabinet.

"The party will need to find some balance in this," Chaturon, who was acting leader of the Thai Rak Thai part when it was dissolved, told BBC.

"They will need to make it clear that whoever is going to be prime minister can show that they have independence and can make a decision on their own."

Do not accept any more skype calls, policemen who vow allegiance to Thaksin fired, PM to step down. Pretty good start i would think.

Chaturon seems to be make quite a ploy to leap frog to the premiership but suggesting it is time to move on past the Shinawatras but it was a different story when he was on the red shirt stage on Friday night helping Jatuporn get them fired up for bloodshed the next day. Have seen him talk and he seems to be a strange mixture of reasonableness and sheer pig headedness.

[gerry1011]

100% common sense.
This government is showing so much restraint against these yellow thugs, it's rather impressive.

What is astonishing is to read the comments of farangs on this forum who support the Dems and Suthep in their criminal actions... Unbelievable

[mrtoad]

100% common sense.

This government is showing so much restraint against these yellow thugs, it's rather impressive.

What is astonishing is to read the comments of farangs on this forum who support the Dems and Suthep in their criminal actions... Unbelievable

You must be watching something very different to what most of us are seeing.

[Magenta2013]

An excellent statement.

The trouble for the military is they know full well if they hold a coup then millions of red shirts will descend on Bangkok and it could be the start of a civil war.

The north generates Thailands power and grows its food - the south cannot function without the north.

If you look at a map the south is just a thin slither, the North is everything about Thailand.

So the Army will now be very worried about the potential for civil war - if they step in yet again and support the PAD/Yellow shirts - it could mark the beginning of the end for Thailand. So they have to hold back this time.

The statement suggests they have now learnt their lesson and so the Army are not going to risk civil war.

The staggering thing is the lack of any condemnation of the violent protestors by Abhisit - that is is a disgrace - in my view the Democrats are now totally finished, they could not win elections before, they might struggle to win 50 seats in total at the next election - totally and utterly ruined themselves by this pathetic insurection attempt by Suthep and his clowns.

[Dogmatix]

"Mr. Surapong added that the Prime Minister had assigned him to be head of Center for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO)."

He looks like he has already been beaten up by the protestors worse than Nick Nostitz. Don't think he will last long as head Capo, even though he is Thaksin's trusted cousin.

Edited December 2, 2013 by Dogmatix

[Magenta2013]

If you remember Ahbisit in 2010 appointed Suthep as CAPO spokesman.

I am utterly amazed that some people try to suggest its funny that YL is doing something just the same as Abhisit did in 2010.

http://www.thaigov.go.th/en/news-room/item/60298-capo-spokesperson-and-deputy-prime-minister-suthep-gave-a-press-conference-on-22-march-2010-on-security-measures-and-guidelines-for-military-personnel.html

Suthep was appointed by Abhisit as spokesperson for CAPO. The aticle in the link shows the military rushing to assist Suthep and Abhisit................. and yet here we are in 2013 and now the tables are turned yet again the military show they are yet again wearing Yellow shirts.........

Edited December 2, 2013 by Magenta2013

[ultimate weapon]

An excellent statement.

The trouble for the military is they know full well if they hold a coup then millions of red shirts will descend on Bangkok and it could be the start of a civil war.

The north generates Thailands power and grows its food - the south cannot function without the north.

If you look at a map the south is just a thin slither, the North is everything about Thailand.

So the Army will now be very worried about the potential for civil war - if they step in yet again and support the PAD/Yellow shirts - it could mark the beginning of the end for Thailand. So they have to hold back this time.

The statement suggests they have now learnt their lesson and so the Army are not going to risk civil war.

The staggering thing is the lack of any condemnation of the violent protestors by Abhisit - that is is a disgrace - in my view the Democrats are now totally finished, they could not win elections before, they might struggle to win 50 seats in total at the next election - totally and utterly ruined themselves by this pathetic insurection attempt by Suthep and his clowns.

Well by north do you mean main land thailand and not peninsula thailand or do you mean northern thailand proper? Cos there is central, north and north eastern thailand and well u know what i mean.

[Artisi]

Oh where oh where is Yinny, must be a few pre xmas sales on somewhere - out buying pressies for her friends and family.

Seems important things take priority, bugger the drama's being played out in the streets - Nero / Rome come to mind.

[mrtoad]

An excellent statement.

The trouble for the military is they know full well if they hold a coup then millions of red shirts will descend on Bangkok and it could be the start of a civil war.

The north generates Thailands power and grows its food - the south cannot function without the north.

If you look at a map the south is just a thin slither, the North is everything about Thailand.

So the Army will now be very worried about the potential for civil war - if they step in yet again and support the PAD/Yellow shirts - it could mark the beginning of the end for Thailand. So they have to hold back this time.

The statement suggests they have now learnt their lesson and so the Army are not going to risk civil war.

The staggering thing is the lack of any condemnation of the violent protestors by Abhisit - that is is a disgrace - in my view the Democrats are now totally finished, they could not win elections before, they might struggle to win 50 seats in total at the next election - totally and utterly ruined themselves by this pathetic insurection attempt by Suthep and his clowns.

Do you actually live in Thailand?

[Dogmatix]

If you remember Ahbisit in 2010 appointed Suthep as CAPO spokesman.

I am utterly amazed that some people try to suggest its funny that YL is doing something just the same as Abhisit did in 2010.

http://www.thaigov.go.th/en/news-room/item/60298-capo-spokesperson-and-deputy-prime-minister-suthep-gave-a-press-conference-on-22-march-2010-on-security-measures-and-guidelines-for-military-personnel.html

Suthep was appointed by Abhisit as spokesperson for CAPO. The aticle in the link shows the military rushing to assist Suthep and Abhisit................. and yet here we are in 2013 and now the tables are turned yet again the military show they are yet again wearing Yellow shirts.........

You said above that the military has no interest in staging a coup which seems good enough to most people. What more do you want from them?

And why shouldn't they also wear yellow shirts as a mark of respect?

Edited December 2, 2013 by Dogmatix

[Dogmatix]

An excellent statement.

The trouble for the military is they know full well if they hold a coup then millions of red shirts will descend on Bangkok and it could be the start of a civil war.

The north generates Thailands power and grows its food - the south cannot function without the north.

If you look at a map the south is just a thin slither, the North is everything about Thailand.

So the Army will now be very worried about the potential for civil war - if they step in yet again and support the PAD/Yellow shirts - it could mark the beginning of the end for Thailand. So they have to hold back this time.

The statement suggests they have now learnt their lesson and so the Army are not going to risk civil war.

The staggering thing is the lack of any condemnation of the violent protestors by Abhisit - that is is a disgrace - in my view the Democrats are now totally finished, they could not win elections before, they might struggle to win 50 seats in total at the next election - totally and utterly ruined themselves by this pathetic insurection attempt by Suthep and his clowns.

The North only really gets tourism dollars from Chiang Mai, while probably about 80% of the revenue goes to Phuket, Bangkok, Pattaya, Samui etc. Most Northeastern and Northern families rely on income from family members working in Bkk or the central region who could be replaced by cheaper foreign labour in the event of partition. Even their farming income is supplemented by tax levied largely from Bkk. In fact the rural areas which in the poast generated tax have since the 60s been net recipients of tax. The reality is that Bkk and the South could import rice for much less than it is paying for Thai rice but the North and the Northeast would be crippled economically if they had to pay for public services and infrastructure from the pitiful amount of tax raised there. They would have to whack up VAT to about 30%. Without the drain on public finances caused by the North and Northeast a Bkk government would have a lot of cash to spend on subsidising rubber farmers in the South and could develop the region, so as to narrow the gap with Malaysia which seems to do OK without a massive hinterland.

Edited December 2, 2013 by Dogmatix

[englishoak]

The North only really gets tourism dollars from Chiang Mai, while probably about 80% of the revenue goes to Phuket, Bangkok, Pattaya, Samui etc. Most Northeastern and Northern families rely on income from family members working in Bkk or the central region who could be replaced by cheaper foreign labour in the event of partition. Even their farming income is supplemented by tax levied largely from Bkk. In fact the rural areas which in the poast generated tax have since the 60s been net recipients of tax. The reality is that Bkk and the South could import rice for much less than it is paying for Thai rice but the North and the Northeast would be crippled economically if they had to pay for public services and infrastructure from the pitiful amount of tax raised there. They would have to whack up VAT to about 30%. Without the drain on public finances caused by the North and Northeast a Bkk government would have a lot of cash to spend on subsidising rubber farmers in the South and could develop the region, so as to narrow the gap with Malaysia which seems to do OK without a massive hinterland.

You are suggesting what ? that the north is not pulling its weight or costs more than it brings in ? The army that patrols the south and helps keep drugs and terrorists out isnt made up mostly of northerners ? as are the majority of most other labour forces in bangkok and around the country in all factories and industry including the tourist trade not to mention the bars etc ?

Im sure costs could be cut by using masses of say bangladeshi workers and make the rubber plantations workers obsolete too and while at is just strip the enire south and grow sugarcane and rubber that'll look just lovely... seriously need to get your head out of your butt and stop thinking one particular area is better than another.

the north is the rice bowel of Thailand and its exports are not a small part of its revenue.

In short the north is the backbone of the country and where the numbers hail from It may be inconvenient but its also the truth, I thought even a tourist after a few weeks would be aware of that.

[Dogmatix]

The North only really gets tourism dollars from Chiang Mai, while probably about 80% of the revenue goes to Phuket, Bangkok, Pattaya, Samui etc. Most Northeastern and Northern families rely on income from family members working in Bkk or the central region who could be replaced by cheaper foreign labour in the event of partition. Even their farming income is supplemented by tax levied largely from Bkk. In fact the rural areas which in the poast generated tax have since the 60s been net recipients of tax. The reality is that Bkk and the South could import rice for much less than it is paying for Thai rice but the North and the Northeast would be crippled economically if they had to pay for public services and infrastructure from the pitiful amount of tax raised there. They would have to whack up VAT to about 30%. Without the drain on public finances caused by the North and Northeast a Bkk government would have a lot of cash to spend on subsidising rubber farmers in the South and could develop the region, so as to narrow the gap with Malaysia which seems to do OK without a massive hinterland.

You are suggesting what ? that the north is not pulling its weight or costs more than it brings in ? The army that patrols the south and helps keep drugs and terrorists out isnt made up mostly of northerners ? as are the majority of most other labour forces in bangkok and around the country in all factories and industry including the tourist trade not to mention the bars etc ?

Im sure costs could be cut by using masses of say bangladeshi workers and make the rubber plantations workers obsolete too and while at is just strip the enire south and grow sugarcane and rubber that'll look just lovely... seriously need to get your head out of your butt and stop thinking one particular area is better than another.

the north is the rice bowel of Thailand and its exports are not a small part of its revenue.

In short the north is the backbone of the country and where the numbers hail from It may be inconvenient but its also the truth, I thought even a tourist after a few weeks would be aware of that.

"You are suggesting what ? that the north is not pulling its weight or costs more than it brings in?"

Exactly that. Just think about where the tax revenue comes from. The rural areas generate net negative tax revenue and the North has only one large city. In the unlikely event that separation were to occur, Bangkok and the South could still import food from the N and the NE but would not have to subsidise it. It could also hire labour, including soldiers from there, but without the obligation to. Basically, if you don't have Bangkok and Phuket, you are in serious trouble economically.

[FangFerang]

Well written and considered release and pretty much accurate, The difference in the sides attitudes towards resolving this current situation is quite stark as are the offers on one side and the ridiculous demands of the other.

It is hard to see any member of the UN or international community even recognising another attempt at an undemocratic power grab like this let alone support it.

This game is over and the sooner the protesters go home safe and sound the better.

"The UN is not my father!"

Of course not, friend. The UN is not your father. The problem is business. How can anyone want to make agreements with a country that ignores its own laws and people and stages a coup every few years?

Most people want the Thais to resolve their problems their own way. The difficulty is that Thailand is not isolated. Foreigners need to work with Thais, and trade with Thais, and expect to be respected when we make a deal. Telling the rest of world to go away does not sell Thai rice, or attract tourists, or make Thais money from other countries in commerce. In the international community, we are all interdependent, we each need each other.

Foreigners know who the father of Thailand is. We respect him, and some foreigners even love him.

Edited December 2, 2013 by FangFerang

[Emptyset]

In his special interview with BBC, Chaturon said the Pheu Thai would have to find a way to balance Thaksin's influence over the Cabinet.

"The party will need to find some balance in this," Chaturon, who was acting leader of the Thai Rak Thai part when it was dissolved, told BBC.

"They will need to make it clear that whoever is going to be prime minister can show that they have independence and can make a decision on their own."

Do not accept any more skype calls, policemen who vow allegiance to Thaksin fired, PM to step down. Pretty good start i would think.

Chaturon seems to be make quite a ploy to leap frog to the premiership but suggesting it is time to move on past the Shinawatras but it was a different story when he was on the red shirt stage on Friday night helping Jatuporn get them fired up for bloodshed the next day. Have seen him talk and he seems to be a strange mixture of reasonableness and sheer pig headedness.

I don't think Chaturon will ever be PM because he doesn't have an independent support base within the party. It's a shame because I think he'd be better than Yingluck. In the early 90s, both Abhisit and Chaturon were bright young things who were going to change Thai politics for the better, but it hasn't quite worked out the way people hoped. Anyway, wasn't he on stage on Saturday night after bloodshed had already begun? Not sure how you can pin that on him. No one that listened to his or Jatuporn's speech was involved in the violence as far as I know. A foreign journalist on the scene claim reds came from local area, not from inside stadium.

[Dogmatix]

Watched Yingluck's interview with Al Jazeera's Veronica Pedrosa. Apart from the fact that Pedrosa rather made mince meat of her the interview is very telling in that it shows not a smidgeon of compromise or remorse from Yingluck. She is not prepared to take any responsibility at all for the Amnesty Bill that caused all of this, still pretending it had nothing to do with her or her government but at the same time claiming that it was intended to bring about reconciliation which it obviously failed to do. There is no attempt to be proactive and conciliatory whatsoever. She could apologise for her government's ineptitude and deceptiveness in pushing the bill and come up with a plan to embark on various reforms, including ditching the ruinous rice pledging scheme and this would be a great excuse to do that. She could also offer to dissolve Parliament and resign as caretaker PM, vowing to leave politics for ever and leave the country immediately on a long vacation which would stop the protests in their tracks, despite Suthep's demands.

None of that. Her government has a majority in Parliament which means they are allowed to do whatever they dam_n well please and that is exactly what they are going to do, unless someone pushes them off their perch which now looks like a distinct possibility. It is difficult to feel much sympathy for her in the face of such obtuseness.

Edited December 2, 2013 by Dogmatix

[Dogmatix]

In his special interview with BBC, Chaturon said the Pheu Thai would have to find a way to balance Thaksin's influence over the Cabinet.

"The party will need to find some balance in this," Chaturon, who was acting leader of the Thai Rak Thai part when it was dissolved, told BBC.

"They will need to make it clear that whoever is going to be prime minister can show that they have independence and can make a decision on their own."

Do not accept any more skype calls, policemen who vow allegiance to Thaksin fired, PM to step down. Pretty good start i would think.

Chaturon seems to be make quite a ploy to leap frog to the premiership but suggesting it is time to move on past the Shinawatras but it was a different story when he was on the red shirt stage on Friday night helping Jatuporn get them fired up for bloodshed the next day. Have seen him talk and he seems to be a strange mixture of reasonableness and sheer pig headedness.

I don't think Chaturon will ever be PM because he doesn't have an independent support base within the party. It's a shame because I think he'd be better than Yingluck. In the early 90s, both Abhisit and Chaturon were bright young things who were going to change Thai politics for the better, but it hasn't quite worked out the way people hoped. Anyway, wasn't he on stage on Saturday night after bloodshed had already begun? Not sure how you can pin that on him. No one that listened to his or Jatuporn's speech was involved in the violence as far as I know. A foreign journalist on the scene claim reds came from local area, not from inside stadium.

I think you are right on most points. He seems to have good ideas at the Education Ministry and is trying to implement them, although unfortunately he won't be there long. He would certainly be a lot more balanced than Yingluck and is not close to her clan. There is still something that doesn't quite gel with me when he talks like he is putting on a show and has hidden agendas but then he's a politician. He would be a lot better than anyone else in the PT camp (and probably in the opposition) but, as you point out, he doesn't have a faction in PT. The only reason Thaksin made him TRT leader was because he considered him expendable in the event of a ban which is exactly what happened.

[englishoak]

"You are suggesting what ? that the north is not pulling its weight or costs more than it brings in?"

Exactly that. Just think about where the tax revenue comes from. The rural areas generate net negative tax revenue and the North has only one large city. In the unlikely event that separation were to occur, Bangkok and the South could still import food from the N and the NE but would not have to subsidise it. It could also hire labour, including soldiers from there, but without the obligation to. Basically, if you don't have Bangkok and Phuket, you are in serious trouble economically.

And without the transient workforce and labour of the rural areas the north provides it would also be in serious trouble economically your point is what exactly ? pretty much every country has economic hot spots that could financially do without the other areas but thats irrelevant when having a country to run when the vast majority live anywhere but Bangkok and Phuket.