Thai Academics question the role of top brass in talks

[webfact]

Academics question the role of top brass in talks
Kanittha Theppachorn,
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Academics yesterday questioned the military-mediated meeting between Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, asking why the military should have arranged a political negotiation.

However, Thai academics never agree over the role of the military in politics. Some wanted to see it play a role, while others did not.

"The military has a role to maintain stability. Why didn't the commander tell Suthep to stop his movement?" said independent academic Assadang Panikabutr.

Another academic, Trakul Meechai, said, "The military should come out to make its role clear, but it should not stage a coup."

Chulalongkorn University political scientist Chaiyan Chaiyaporn said Yingluck should dissolve Parliament to end the conflict, as the current government no longer has legitimacy.

Veerapat Pariyawong, a Harvard-educated independent law expert, said there are other voices - not just Suthep's and the government's - in this society, and they must be heard. "I can't accept unconstitutional overthrowing of the government."

"I don't want a military coup. But if there's more loss of life, the risk is there. I don't understand why the commanders of the armed forces had to be at the meeting [between Yingluck and Suthep]," said Ekachai Chainuvati, deputy dean of the Faculty of Law at Siam University.

A dozen concerned academics and peace activists met yesterday afternoon and urged all sides to avoid hate speech and furthering the violence after at least three people were killed and dozens injured over the weekend of political unrest.

The group, calling themselves Citizens for Peace, said they wanted to make sure there's space for people who do not take sides and want peaceful resolution through mediated dialogue.

"I'm not happy that there's only the kind of language used by either protesters or the government side," said Surichai Wungaew, a retired professor of sociology at Chulalongkorn University, adding that Thai society has been reduced to supporters of each side.

Veteran peace activist and Mahidol University academic Gothom Arya said no lethal weapons should be carried by either citizens or anti-riot police.

Now that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she's willing to either resign or dissolve the House, protesters should give breathing space to the government and both sides must hold a dialogue, the activist said.


-- The Nation 2013-12-03

[NongKhaiKid]

Thai Academics ? I'll have to think about that one.

[jaltsc]

"...asking why the military should have arranged a political negotiation."

Obviously no history buffs among the academics. In the past, whenever there was a major political upheaval, the first score posted was: Military 1, Academics 0. Brilliant quotes don't have much affect on tanks and guns.

[Prbkk]

it might be dawning on them, at long last, exactly what kind of academic 'freedom' they would enjoy under a gang of four dictatorship...

[rogerdee123]

Yingluck should stop talking about resigning and dissolving the house and just do it. That would diffuse the situation despite what Suthep says. If PTP will win the election anyway why the reluctance? Big Daddy in Dubai doesn't want it? Loss of face ?

[Thait Spot]

It struck me more that the top brass wanted to get the 2 together for some real dialog

[mojorison]

Yingluck should stop talking about resigning and dissolving the house and just do it. That would diffuse the situation despite what Suthep says. If PTP will win the election anyway why the reluctance? Big Daddy in Dubai doesn't want it? Loss of face ?

Get over this big daddy in Dubai nonsense. This has as much to do about Thaksin, as it does Santa Claus. It's about a political party that can't win an election democratically, and has employed a standover man to foment mob rule.

[WitawatWatawit]

Yingluck should stop talking about resigning and dissolving the house and just do it. That would diffuse the situation despite what Suthep says. If PTP will win the election anyway why the reluctance? Big Daddy in Dubai doesn't want it? Loss of face ?

Get over this big daddy in Dubai nonsense. This has as much to do about Thaksin, as it does Santa Claus. It's about a political party that can't win an election democratically, and has employed a standover man to foment mob rule.

And another newby poster completely destroys his credibility with just one sentence.

[ggold]

Yingluck should stop talking about resigning and dissolving the house and just do it. That would diffuse the situation despite what Suthep says. If PTP will win the election anyway why the reluctance? Big Daddy in Dubai doesn't want it? Loss of face ?

Get over this big daddy in Dubai nonsense. This has as much to do about Thaksin, as it does Santa Claus. It's about a political party that can't win an election democratically, and has employed a standover man to foment mob rule.

Really, did you arrive in Thailand yesterday? This is very much about one person, Thaksin. Your almost got it right though! It has nothing to do with Santa Claus.

Edited December 3, 2013 by ggold

[Bakseeda]

Yingluck should stop talking about resigning and dissolving the house and just do it. That would diffuse the situation despite what Suthep says. If PTP will win the election anyway why the reluctance? Big Daddy in Dubai doesn't want it? Loss of face ?

Get over this big daddy in Dubai nonsense. This has as much to do about Thaksin, as it does Santa Claus. It's about a political party that can't win an election democratically, and has employed a standover man to foment mob rule.

Why should we get over "this big daddy in Dubai " thing.. When the whole thing is about him..! And if for one second you think it is not, then you are on another planet my friend... open your eyes and ears.. why do you think about 90% of Thai students are against this government, they don't care about coloured shirts, they care about not having a Dictator ... from Dubai.

[mojorison]

Yingluck should stop talking about resigning and dissolving the house and just do it. That would diffuse the situation despite what Suthep says. If PTP will win the election anyway why the reluctance? Big Daddy in Dubai doesn't want it? Loss of face ?

Get over this big daddy in Dubai nonsense. This has as much to do about Thaksin, as it does Santa Claus. It's about a political party that can't win an election democratically, and has employed a standover man to foment mob rule.

Why should we get over "this big daddy in Dubai " thing.. When the whole thing is about him..! And if for one second you think it is not, then you are on another planet my friend... open your eyes and ears.. why do you think about 90% of Thai students are against this government, they don't care about coloured shirts, they care about not having a Dictator ... from Dubai.

90%? provide source on that one my friend. Students from Dusit were mobilized by their lecturers to march. I know this from a family member who was mobilized. Regarding coming yesterday, I would probably place a large bet on my time here being longer than most here. I had been here 15 years when Suchinda ran amok. Do you remember that one. So you would say that if Thaksin came back, did time, dissolved government, had elections, and the Dems did not win, that they would accept the result? This is rubbish. The Dems under the auspices of the PAD, the yellows, the bureaucracy, the military, the constabulary, the judiciary and the other taboo subject would not accept any result other than one that is desirable to them. And this is what my 35 years of experience living and working in the land of smiles tells me.

[WitawatWatawit]

Yingluck should stop talking about resigning and dissolving the house and just do it. That would diffuse the situation despite what Suthep says. If PTP will win the election anyway why the reluctance? Big Daddy in Dubai doesn't want it? Loss of face ?

Get over this big daddy in Dubai nonsense. This has as much to do about Thaksin, as it does Santa Claus. It's about a political party that can't win an election democratically, and has employed a standover man to foment mob rule.

Why should we get over "this big daddy in Dubai " thing.. When the whole thing is about him..! And if for one second you think it is not, then you are on another planet my friend... open your eyes and ears.. why do you think about 90% of Thai students are against this government, they don't care about coloured shirts, they care about not having a Dictator ... from Dubai.

90%? provide source on that one my friend. Students from Dusit were mobilized by their lecturers to march. I know this from a family member who was mobilized. Regarding coming yesterday, I would probably place a large bet on my time here being longer than most here. I had been here 15 years when Suchinda ran amok. Do you remember that one. So you would say that if Thaksin came back, did time, dissolved government, had elections, and the Dems did not win, that they would accept the result? This is rubbish. The Dems under the auspices of the PAD, the yellows, the bureaucracy, the military, the constabulary, the judiciary and the other taboo subject would not accept any result other than one that is desirable to them. And this is what my 35 years of experience living and working in the land of smiles tells me.

Your 35 years here are meaningless if you cannot grasp the situation on the ground. We all know what Suthep and the Dems are up to - it's no great leap of logic. But the real issue to most protesters is the destruction of the odious and insidious influence of Thaksin, and if that means climbing into bed with Suthep, then so be it. Your students probably did not need to be instigated by their lecturers to join the fray - I think you do them an injustice.

[mojorison]

By "ground", you mean Bangkok. Because if you were using it in a broader sense such as "Thailand", then you would see a government elect with over 60% of the popular vote. You would also see an opposition that has not won an election (in a democratic sense) for over 20 years. Your melodramatic descriptors such as "odious and insidious" may well apply to any politician from any party in the country. Why would you say my students? I said my family member is a student at the university, and they were sent on King's Birthday practice marches, (oddly coinciding) with the street protests. I am merely suggesting that the Thaksin hate is a wonderful tool used by the opposition, and as much as you disagree, is not necessarily based on evidence or fact, rather than propaganda and emotion. Odious and Insidious Emotion...

[rreddin]

Yingluck should stop talking about resigning and dissolving the house and just do it. That would diffuse the situation despite what Suthep says. If PTP will win the election anyway why the reluctance? Big Daddy in Dubai doesn't want it? Loss of face ?

Get over this big daddy in Dubai nonsense. This has as much to do about Thaksin, as it does Santa Claus. It's about a political party that can't win an election democratically, and has employed a standover man to foment mob rule.

And another newby poster completely destroys his credibility with just one sentence.

You have destroyed your credibility.

[Ulic]

Yingluck should stop talking about resigning and dissolving the house and just do it. That would diffuse the situation despite what Suthep says. If PTP will win the election anyway why the reluctance? Big Daddy in Dubai doesn't want it? Loss of face ?

Get over this big daddy in Dubai nonsense. This has as much to do about Thaksin, as it does Santa Claus. It's about a political party that can't win an election democratically, and has employed a standover man to foment mob rule.

Why should we get over "this big daddy in Dubai " thing.. When the whole thing is about him..! And if for one second you think it is not, then you are on another planet my friend... open your eyes and ears.. why do you think about 90% of Thai students are against this government, they don't care about coloured shirts, they care about not having a Dictator ... from Dubai.

I shake my head. Neither side has the moral high ground. Both are morally and ethically bankrupt.

Crooks complaining the other guy is a crook. They should all be run out with pointed sticks.

[transam]

Yingluck should stop talking about resigning and dissolving the house and just do it. That would diffuse the situation despite what Suthep says. If PTP will win the election anyway why the reluctance? Big Daddy in Dubai doesn't want it? Loss of face ?

Nobody should give up anything via threats and thuggery regarding an elected government. Thai folk voted for this government. When the elections come along let the Thai folk vote for what they want. Simple really.

[kirk0233]

it might be dawning on them, at long last, exactly what kind of academic 'freedom' they would enjoy under a gang of four dictatorship...

You think they have academic freedom now? No such thing in Thailand

[Rob8891]

It's good to know that people have stopped squabbling and throwing toys for a while (well, at least that's the case in the real world... )

[rogerdee123]

Yingluck should stop talking about resigning and dissolving the house and just do it. That would diffuse the situation despite what Suthep says. If PTP will win the election anyway why the reluctance? Big Daddy in Dubai doesn't want it? Loss of face ?

Nobody should give up anything via threats and thuggery regarding an elected government. Thai folk voted for this government. When the elections come along let the Thai folk vote for what they want. Simple really.

Well maybe ... but she said she was ready to resign and dissolve parliament. My comment was more in regard to stop talking about it and do it. i.e. put her money where her mouth is. Frankly I didn't believe she would do it .. i.e. I thought she was saying that for the benefit of the peanut gallery.

[Thai at Heart]

Bla bla bla.

This is like the commentary on a WWF match.

[mojorison]

Bla bla bla.

This is like the commentary on a WWF match.

How many times have you used that little pearler in your 15000+ posts!

Just joking mate...

[rubl]

it might be dawning on them, at long last, exactly what kind of academic 'freedom' they would enjoy under a gang of four dictatorship...

Now let me see. K. Thaksin, k. Yingluck, k. Yaowapha, k. Oaf. The 'Amply Rich'

[transam]

Wish the ''academics'' could put some input to advise on day to day stuff in LOS. Which they clearly haven't..............

[WitawatWatawit]

By "ground", you mean Bangkok. Because if you were using it in a broader sense such as "Thailand", then you would see a government elect with over 60% of the popular vote. You would also see an opposition that has not won an election (in a democratic sense) for over 20 years. Your melodramatic descriptors such as "odious and insidious" may well apply to any politician from any party in the country. Why would you say my students? I said my family member is a student at the university, and they were sent on King's Birthday practice marches, (oddly coinciding) with the street protests. I am merely suggesting that the Thaksin hate is a wonderful tool used by the opposition, and as much as you disagree, is not necessarily based on evidence or fact, rather than propaganda and emotion. Odious and Insidious Emotion...

By "ground", you mean Bangkok.

Don't draw divisions. You weaken any moral high ground you try to claim, especially if you are genuinely concerned about the feelings of the people.

"... a government elect ..."

Please, do we have to belabour this point?

"Your melodramatic descriptors such as "odious and insidious" may well apply to any politician from any party ..."

You are so right. But this whole thing is about Thaksin. My descriptor is 100% apt. I've been following this man since the early 90s. I have no love for the elite establishment, but even less love for this creature. "Odious" is a very mild word for him.

My Students

I used that in the pejorative sense. YOU raised the point about the students, and it indicated they had no choice in the matter. You did not say "practice marches" - so, paucity of information, so don't complain.

... is not necessarily based on evidence or fact ...

Do you really believe people are that stupid? Let me throw a few words at you: Ample Rich, British Virgin Islands, Temasek, maid, driver, ... sorry, I'm not in the mood to go on -

Relax, mojo - you'll find another horse to back tomorrow.

Edited December 3, 2013 by WitawatWatawit

[mojorison]

By "ground", you mean Bangkok. Because if you were using it in a broader sense such as "Thailand", then you would see a government elect with over 60% of the popular vote. You would also see an opposition that has not won an election (in a democratic sense) for over 20 years. Your melodramatic descriptors such as "odious and insidious" may well apply to any politician from any party in the country. Why would you say my students? I said my family member is a student at the university, and they were sent on King's Birthday practice marches, (oddly coinciding) with the street protests. I am merely suggesting that the Thaksin hate is a wonderful tool used by the opposition, and as much as you disagree, is not necessarily based on evidence or fact, rather than propaganda and emotion. Odious and Insidious Emotion...

By "ground", you mean Bangkok.

Don't draw divisions. You weaken any moral high ground you try to claim, especially if you are genuinely concerned about the feelings of the people.

"... a government elect ..."

Please, do we have to belabour this point?

"Your melodramatic descriptors such as "odious and insidious" may well apply to any politician from any party ..."

You are so right. But this whole thing is about Thaksin. My descriptor is 100% apt. I've been following this man since the early 90s. I have no love for the elite establishment, but even less love for this creature. "Odious" is a very mild word for him.

My Students

I used that in the pejorative sense. YOU raised the point about the students, and it indicated they had no choice in the matter. You did not say "practice marches" - so, paucity of information, so don't complain.

... is not necessarily based on evidence or fact ...

Do you really believe people are that stupid? Let me throw a few words at you: Ample Rich, British Virgin Islands, Temasek, maid, driver, ... sorry, I'm not in the mood to go on -

Relax, mojo - you'll find another horse to back tomorrow.

What do you mean don't draw divisions? 85% of the population is RURAL. 15% is URBAN. And the division of wealth is even more pronounced (I admit to be guessing on this point, but I'd say the 15% control at least 90% of the total wealth...), but that's irrelevant right?

What don't you understand about government elect? Your refusal to acknowledge what a parliamentary majority means is only surpassed by that of Abhisit... who is totally clueless in this regard. If you could imagine a world where the Shins were never even conceived, the Dems would still be in this exact predicament. They can't win an election with the leadership they have and the policies they espouse. They are the Thai Tea Party. Thaksin is merely their release valve.

And do you think it's normal to "schedule" practice marches on a day of rioting. It is not, and it is dangerous and irresponsible.

I support a shaky, questionable democracy much more than one comprising self appointed members under a supreme leader.

But it's up to you, which you prefer.