Red shirts 'would fight any move to oust PM Yingluck'

[webfact]

POLITICS
Reds 'would fight any move to oust premier'
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation


More than 1,000 red shirts in Buri Ram rally in support of the government yesterday. They also ripped up pieces of paper as a symbol of protest against the proposals made by the anti-government People

BANGKOK: -- The red shirts are ready to oppose any unconstitutional move to overthrow Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra by the military or other means, red-shirt co-leader and Pheu Thai Party-list MP Weng Tojirakarn said.

However, Weng noted that the armed forces appeared to still be on the side of the government as of late yesterday.

The red-shirt United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) was watching events closely, Weng said, adding the protesters' ability to enter Government House and the Metropolitan Police Bureau yesterday was possible thanks to a decision by the government to avoid loss of life and to allow the protesters a "symbolic victory".

Police allowed them to enter the compound by opening the gate.

Weng insisted that only the lawn of Government House was occupied and that soldiers were still guarding all buildings in the compound from the inside. "Deputy Premier Pracha [Prom-nog] told me we don't want to kill people. Some [red shirts] were saddened or feel discouraged because of the taking over [of the buildings], but we say we do not want to kill people like what happened during the Abhisit Vejjajiva government. The other side also has bullets."

But Weng warned the Army to weigh things carefully. "I believe red shirts won't accept [a coup]."

Red Sunday group leader Sombat Boon-ngamanong saw things differently. He praised the armed forces for its restraint in not staging a coup so far, and said having army medics assist injured protesters was a positive sign.

"I'm happy with the role of the military this time and would like to commend them," said Sombat, who added that moves yesterday offered a solution to all sides without bloodshed.

A mediated dialogue to bring about reforms acceptable to all was needed. He believed that the premier would either resign or dissolve the House soon, but cautioned that any attempt to install an appointed prime minister on an interim basis may be opposed by red shirts.


-- The Nation 2013-12-04

[PaullyW]

I'm sorry, but this is really great.

The gov't won't back down because it must get Taksin back. Like any Thai, God knows he must be suffering immensely without his Mama noodles and spicy authentic Thai food.

The Yellows/non-reds won't have the Amnesty even if it's done through 'democractic' means and vow to fight it no matter what and fight to have government step down.

Seems like the conflict cannot be resolved under these circumstances, and FINALLY, Thais will be forced to fight it out. No maibenrai today, huh? Good stuff. Tourism will be completely down for months, foreign investment will be way down. Perhaps Thais will soften their arrogance as a result and be forced (because that's the only way) to humble up.

[Calimotty]

I'm sorry, but this is really great.

The gov't won't back down because it must get Taksin back. Like any Thai, God knows he must be suffering immensely without his Mama noodles and spicy authentic Thai food.

The Yellows/non-reds won't have the Amnesty even if it's done through 'democractic' means and vow to fight it no matter what and fight to have government step down.

Seems like the conflict cannot be resolved under these circumstances, and FINALLY, Thais will be forced to fight it out. No maibenrai today, huh? Good stuff. Tourism will be completely down for months, foreign investment will be way down. Perhaps Thais will soften their arrogance as a result and be forced (because that's the only way) to humble up.

Sell your condos and get out while you can 555.

[Thait Spot]

This has all become very silly

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[millwall_fan]

Inevitable response.

BTW- I'm sure each of the cabinet ministers going over to Dubai for tea and biscuits also takes a plastic bag of Somtam and some gwytio!

[hellodolly]

I think Yingluck will remain in power but any thing that even smells of Thaksin will bring on more demonstrations.

Even some of the red shirts are fed up with him.

[kikoman]

Who ever comes into power, must also give a piece of the Thai pie to the working poor and farmers, they are part of the country also. The Democrats when they held the reins of power failed to share the pie, look at the results of them being so shortsighted.

Thaskin's was willing to share the pie, what ever you think of him he knew that to build up a lasting political movement by including the largest voting block in the nation (the working poor and farmers) had also needs that needed to be addressed.

Thaskin downfall was that he was to greedy while he was willing to share Thailand's money, he was not willing to share his money with his political base. A man that had more money then he could possibly spend, had the laws revised so he would not have to pay billions of baht of taxes on his sale of the satellite.

Which resulted in the corruption charge and prison sentence!

The Thai Democrats much like the U.S. Republican party failed to address the needs of all its citizens and only addressed the needs of the rich and its conservative power base, and in the end will pay the price of their failure to meet the needs of all its citizens.

Cheers

[Yunla]

This could all have been resolved with parliamentary regulation. Policing on ministerial behaviour, attendance, non-response, derailing of debate, external policy-makers (you know who you are). All monitored by a new parliamentary body appointed by representatives of a highly esteemed person we shall not name. Parliamentary democracy under a sovereign monarchy is a highly legit system, it did not need to be overthrown by Suthep. All he did was kick a hornet's nest, and lead to further polarisation.

Why the current system failed is that the PM was able to avoid the physical Parliament so often, and avoid the act of flooring debate too. And because both sides have corrupt members who feel they can act with impunity, they got the willy-wonka golden ticket when they were elected and now in parliament they can throw chairs, avoid debates, watch porn, mera mera. In fact they should be removed from office if they fail to attend parliament, or misbehave there, or derail debates, or take external orders as Somsak did.

Scrapping the whole idea of parliament, and toppling the elected government, will only cause long-lasting rifts and deepening division nationwide. Far better would have been to overhaul the system of parliamentary standards and regulation.

Imho Suthep did the worst possible thing at this stage of Thailand's development, and we haven't yet begun to see the repercussions of his actions.

Edited December 4, 2013 by Yunla

[GeorgeO]

There are those who try to belittle the strength of the anti-government movement, despite strong estimates of 180,000 attending their rallies at the peak. Here we have the remnants of the Red Shirt faithful, a crowd of 1,000 people telling themselves that they are going to overthrow this movement.

It's like something out of 300 Spartans, although the minority in this case would undoubtedly fall much more rapidly. I also note that Jatuporn and Nuttawat are not leading this rally. I wonder where they are now?

Guys, it's all over apart from the formalities.

Khun Surapong, Suthep is not going to surrender any more than your beloved criminal in exile is, so the movement will continue to push for the dissolution of this vile, self-serving group, loosely referred to as a "government", a point when we shall see many of these thieves with bloated bank accounts disappearing to various bolt holes.

Power to the people.....!!

[bobmac10]

What we are witnessing is the death rattle of the conservatives that have ruled Thailand for the past 200 years.

The old families with close ties to the ancient power structure, with enormous wealth, with close family ties to the military who walk on the heads of ordinary Thais.

Who treat farmers and workers as mere chattels, who have raped the natural resources of the nation, who own just about everything.

They are responsible for the yellow shirts.

They know that if the workers and farmers become organised and elect their own leaders, instead of accepting these Democrat puppets, they lose everything.

They will use every dirty trick in the book including patriotism (the last refuge of the scoundrel) to cling on to power and keep the people ignorant.

That is why they have brought on the last coup, to get rid of the Thaksin and to install a puppet (Abhisit).

However, you can't put the genie back in the bottle, and the people have elected Yingluck.

No matter what anyone says about her brother, she was elected in an overwhelming victory and she is the leader.

Suthep is just a lackey for the old clique and he uses the Yellow shirts and patriotism as his weapons to try and force out a democratically elected government.

Can you imagine what would happen if someone tried the same tactics in the UK?

He would be arrested and locked away.

And so it will pass here too, the old clique trying hard to hang on, but they are on a losing game, the people have had enough of the old ways.

They want change and they want to have a say.

The issue of amnesty for Thaksin is a red herring, any excuse will do to keep the pot boiling, to get back into power.

If Thaksin died tomorrow there would be another excuse to try to force out Peu Thai.

They just don't want to live in a democracy where the law would apply to them equally.

[ginjag]

This could all have been resolved with parliamentary regulation. Policing on ministerial behaviour, attendance, non-response, derailing of debate, external policy-makers (you know who you are). All monitored by a new parliamentary body appointed by representatives of a highly esteemed person we shall not name. Parliamentary democracy under a sovereign monarchy is a highly legit system, it did not need to be overthrown by Suthep. All he did was kick a hornet's nest, and lead to further polarisation.

Why the current system failed is that the PM was able to avoid the physical Parliament so often, and avoid the act of flooring debate too. And because both sides have corrupt members who feel they can act with impunity, they got the willy-wonka golden ticket when they were elected and now in parliament they can throw chairs, avoid debates, watch porn, mera mera. In fact they should be removed from office if they fail to attend parliament, or misbehave there, or derail debates, or take external orders as Somsak did.

Scrapping the whole idea of parliament, and toppling the elected government, will only cause long-lasting rifts and deepening division nationwide. Far better would have been to overhaul the system of parliamentary standards and regulation.

Imho Suthep did the worst possible thing at this stage of Thailand's development, and we haven't yet begun to see the repercussions of his actions.

Had nothing taken place and things were left running at the same pace for another 2 or more years, Thailand would NOT have had any money left, it would have been bankrupt with all the family gone far away leaving everybody destitute.

Just look at the infrastructure, starting with the NEW airport, outdated 5 years after it was built along with a vast number of corrupt buying of materials used.

The road surfaces-----railways rundown scrap----buses dangerous------Water/flood management (admitted) mismanagement ------- rice scam-------rubber--------PM missing from action too much to manage affairs------bills rushed through without time for debate------- the list is endless---add PTT--Thai Airways--TAT----- and the rest.

All this managed by an elected government full of (QUALIFIED ) persons at the helm in all government departments.

Suppose this is why we have the problems. Please leave out the other parties when replying -they have played no part in this S##t.

[newcomer71]

The Shin clan is the total ruin of this country. This has to end, and soon.

But not with the government being overthrown with force and violence.

The only way is a Technical Government, with NO parties, NO politicians involved in it.

Reforms have to be done, Constitution rewritten. And no corruption involved. Only genuine love for Country and benefit for ALL people.

The problem is for Thailand this seems pure utopia.

[saltandpepper]

And the circus continues!

[laurentbkk]

I'm sorry, but this is really great.

The gov't won't back down because it must get Taksin back. Like any Thai, God knows he must be suffering immensely without his Mama noodles and spicy authentic Thai food.

The Yellows/non-reds won't have the Amnesty even if it's done through 'democractic' means and vow to fight it no matter what and fight to have government step down.

Seems like the conflict cannot be resolved under these circumstances, and FINALLY, Thais will be forced to fight it out. No maibenrai today, huh? Good stuff. Tourism will be completely down for months, foreign investment will be way down. Perhaps Thais will soften their arrogance as a result and be forced (because that's the only way) to humble up.

dont worry there are excellent Thai restaurants in Dubai .....

[mojorison]

There are those who try to belittle the strength of the anti-government movement, despite strong estimates of 180,000 attending their rallies at the peak. Here we have the remnants of the Red Shirt faithful, a crowd of 1,000 people telling themselves that they are going to overthrow this movement.

It's like something out of 300 Spartans, although the minority in this case would undoubtedly fall much more rapidly. I also note that Jatuporn and Nuttawat are not leading this rally. I wonder where they are now?

Guys, it's all over apart from the formalities.

Khun Surapong, Suthep is not going to surrender any more than your beloved criminal in exile is, so the movement will continue to push for the dissolution of this vile, self-serving group, loosely referred to as a "government", a point when we shall see many of these thieves with bloated bank accounts disappearing to various bolt holes.

Power to the people.....!!

It's funny, but I agree from the total opposite perspective. Why oh why can't we all be friends! LMFAO

[Jasun]

"Weng noted that the armed forces appeared to still be on the side of the government as of late yesterday."

Wishful thinking.

[Yunla]

Had nothing taken place and things were left running at the same pace for another 2 or more years, Thailand would NOT have had any money left, it would have been bankrupt with all the family gone far away leaving everybody destitute.

Just look at the infrastructure, starting with the NEW airport, outdated 5 years after it was built along with a vast number of corrupt buying of materials used.

The road surfaces-----railways rundown scrap----buses dangerous------Water/flood management (admitted) mismanagement ------- rice scam-------rubber--------PM missing from action too much to manage affairs------bills rushed through without time for debate------- the list is endless---add PTT--Thai Airways--TAT----- and the rest.

All this managed by an elected government full of (QUALIFIED ) persons at the helm in all government departments.

Suppose this is why we have the problems. Please leave out the other parties when replying -they have played no part in this S##t.

Yes but I have spent the last few years launching attacks on PTP and Yingluck, based on their obvious mafioso build and their contempt of Parliamentary procedure. I would go further and question Thaksin's international loyalties and how those influence the erosionist and velvet-glove communist-autocratic template that is visible (and commented on ad nauseum) to trained observers of the PTP.

However. Parliamentary regulatory overhaul is a normal procedure, there is no stone monolith somewhere with ancient rules on how to maintain a functioning parliamentary system, and it varies from nation to nation according to temperament and history. For example Northern Europe have a certain style of parliament which reflects their historical and cultural mindset. That can not be cut-pasted onto Thailand which has a very different history.

I would give the analogy of Thai parliament being a broken down car, you might have to get out and push it sometimes, take it for repairs, while you plan a full re-build of the core problem mechanisms. This is a lengthy process, but what Suthep did was a much quicker solution - just torch the car by the side of the road, while staring into the flames with this dreamy look on his face. The car needed TLC, and repairs, by a qualified mechanic lol. Not torching.

Just from my own perspective I watched PTP now for years and I lost count of the numbers of times when simple parliamentary regulation would have stopped their schemes dead, and forced Yingluck to not only attend parliament but to stand up and take the cut-thrust of debate in an adult and democratic manner. That is how progress is made. My problem is that this current Suthep situation is a giant step backwards from what was already a flawed manifestation of democracy.

[angmo]

What we are witnessing is the death rattle of the conservatives that have ruled Thailand for the past 200 years.

The old families with close ties to the ancient power structure, with enormous wealth, with close family ties to the military who walk on the heads of ordinary Thais.

Who treat farmers and workers as mere chattels, who have raped the natural resources of the nation, who own just about everything.

They are responsible for the yellow shirts.

They know that if the workers and farmers become organised and elect their own leaders, instead of accepting these Democrat puppets, they lose everything.

They will use every dirty trick in the book including patriotism (the last refuge of the scoundrel) to cling on to power and keep the people ignorant.

That is why they have brought on the last coup, to get rid of the Thaksin and to install a puppet (Abhisit).

However, you can't put the genie back in the bottle, and the people have elected Yingluck.

No matter what anyone says about her brother, she was elected in an overwhelming victory and she is the leader.

Suthep is just a lackey for the old clique and he uses the Yellow shirts and patriotism as his weapons to try and force out a democratically elected government.

Can you imagine what would happen if someone tried the same tactics in the UK?

He would be arrested and locked away.

And so it will pass here too, the old clique trying hard to hang on, but they are on a losing game, the people have had enough of the old ways.

They want change and they want to have a say.

The issue of amnesty for Thaksin is a red herring, any excuse will do to keep the pot boiling, to get back into power.

If Thaksin died tomorrow there would be another excuse to try to force out Peu Thai.

They just don't want to live in a democracy where the law would apply to them equally.

Finally somebody with a brain making a comment.

This is exactly it - but so many farang sheep follow the local sheep in falling for Suthep and his gang.

Suthep:

"we want real democracy"

" I won't run for PM"

"Here is the plan: we appoint a peoples council - by the way - I have already chosen them so you don't have to worry your little heads and I will be their secretary general to make sure they behave"

What a farce. And so many idiots falling for it.

[GinBoy2]

This whole situation is bizarre. Do most of the folks who comment on here really understand what Suthep wants is an unelected 'council' of people I suppose he, and he only approves of? Democracy is messy as best, but sometimes it delivers results you don't like. The answer for the 'Loyal Opposition' is to develop policies that will win the next popular vote. Whether it's the army or their proxy Suthep (I find that ironic since he claims Yingluck is Thakins proxy) deciding that the voice of the people is wrong, simply re-enforces the impression of a pseudo democracy

[brit1984]

i would say maybe the opposition should have planned for this but then how could they have possibly known that the electorate would be upset with the removal by force of the government they voted for...?

[rebelplatoon]

All these "democratic" movements remind me of the various factions in "The life of Brian". Dialogue would be the answer. Get out of your protected shells and talk about the grievances. That would involve listening and something in Buddhism called Mutthata (e.g. trying to imagine you are the other person in order to fully comprehend).

[ginjag]

Had nothing taken place and things were left running at the same pace for another 2 or more years, Thailand would NOT have had any money left, it would have been bankrupt with all the family gone far away leaving everybody destitute.

Just look at the infrastructure, starting with the NEW airport, outdated 5 years after it was built along with a vast number of corrupt buying of materials used.

The road surfaces-----railways rundown scrap----buses dangerous------Water/flood management (admitted) mismanagement ------- rice scam-------rubber--------PM missing from action too much to manage affairs------bills rushed through without time for debate------- the list is endless---add PTT--Thai Airways--TAT----- and the rest.

All this managed by an elected government full of (QUALIFIED ) persons at the helm in all government departments.

Suppose this is why we have the problems. Please leave out the other parties when replying -they have played no part in this S##t.

Yes but I have spent the last few years launching attacks on PTP and Yingluck, based on their obvious mafioso build and their contempt of Parliamentary procedure. I would go further and question Thaksin's international loyalties and how those influence the erosionist and velvet-glove communist-autocratic template that is visible (and commented on ad nauseum) to trained observers of the PTP.

However. Parliamentary regulatory overhaul is a normal procedure, there is no stone monolith somewhere with ancient rules on how to maintain a functioning parliamentary system, and it varies from nation to nation according to temperament and history. For example Northern Europe have a certain style of parliament which reflects their historical and cultural mindset. That can not be cut-pasted onto Thailand which has a very different history.

I would give the analogy of Thai parliament being a broken down car, you might have to get out and push it sometimes, take it for repairs, while you plan a full re-build of the core problem mechanisms. This is a lengthy process, but what Suthep did was a much quicker solution - just torch the car by the side of the road, while staring into the flames with this dreamy look on his face. The car needed TLC, and repairs, by a qualified mechanic lol. Not torching.

Just from my own perspective I watched PTP now for years and I lost count of the numbers of times when simple parliamentary regulation would have stopped their schemes dead, and forced Yingluck to not only attend parliament but to stand up and take the cut-thrust of debate in an adult and democratic manner. That is how progress is made. My problem is that this current Suthep situation is a giant step backwards from what was already a flawed manifestation of democracy.

Desperate measures by a desperate man, But how do you get S##t off a blanket ??? it has to be washed thoroughly. So they are trying, but otherwise wait for the next general election, same procedure -same people, same thing and the realm is in dire straights more than it is now.

[whybother]

Who ever comes into power, must also give a piece of the Thai pie to the working poor and farmers, they are part of the country also. The Democrats when they held the reins of power failed to share the pie, look at the results of them being so shortsighted.

Thaskin's was willing to share the pie, what ever you think of him he knew that to build up a lasting political movement by including the largest voting block in the nation (the working poor and farmers) had also needs that needed to be addressed.

Thaskin downfall was that he was to greedy while he was willing to share Thailand's money, he was not willing to share his money with his political base. A man that had more money then he could possibly spend, had the laws revised so he would not have to pay billions of baht of taxes on his sale of the satellite.

Which resulted in the corruption charge and prison sentence!

The Thai Democrats much like the U.S. Republican party failed to address the needs of all its citizens and only addressed the needs of the rich and its conservative power base, and in the end will pay the price of their failure to meet the needs of all its citizens.

Cheers

The problem for the Democrats was they gave the hand outs directly to the poor farmers through their rice scheme, instead of paying out through the millers and middle men.

It's the rich business men and poo yai's that control the votes. They don't make as much money through the Democrats rice scheme, so they make sure the votes don't go their way.

[tingtongteesood]

The red shirts are ready to oppose any unconstitutional move to overthrow Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra by the military or other means, red-shirt co-leader and Pheu Thai Party-list MP Weng Tojirakarn said.

And when the government completely ignores the constitution to try and bring back the fugitive, that's just fine is it ? They hide behind the constitution and 'democracy' when it suits them and piss on the constitution when it gets in their way. PURE HIPPOCRACY AT ITS WORST !

[brit1984]

the opposition should use their brains (or maybe better use their money to hire some consultants with brains) and make a plan to defeat the government democratically - it should be very easy given that the government is so awful and the electorate so cheap

[Baerboxer]

Who ever comes into power, must also give a piece of the Thai pie to the working poor and farmers, they are part of the country also. The Democrats when they held the reins of power failed to share the pie, look at the results of them being so shortsighted.

Thaskin's was willing to share the pie, what ever you think of him he knew that to build up a lasting political movement by including the largest voting block in the nation (the working poor and farmers) had also needs that needed to be addressed.

Thaskin downfall was that he was to greedy while he was willing to share Thailand's money, he was not willing to share his money with his political base. A man that had more money then he could possibly spend, had the laws revised so he would not have to pay billions of baht of taxes on his sale of the satellite.

Which resulted in the corruption charge and prison sentence!

The Thai Democrats much like the U.S. Republican party failed to address the needs of all its citizens and only addressed the needs of the rich and its conservative power base, and in the end will pay the price of their failure to meet the needs of all its citizens.

Cheers

Maybe you need to research what charges Thaksin was tried and cleared of, what he was tried and convicted off and what outstanding charges he has yet to face.

Comparing Thaksin and the Thai Democrat party to republicans and democrats, conservatives and labour or capitalists and communists doesn't really work. Thaksin has owned a number of political parties which he uses to run the country for the benefit of himself, his family corporation, his cronies and anyone he needs to pay off. To do this, he knows he must buy large amounts of votes at election times and throw the poor a few crumbs and bones now and then. The Democrats represent the old controlling family powers who regard themselves as the elite HiSo's and have created very wealthy business empires, based on exploiting low paid labour, protective monopolies and total regard for the law, which the place themselves above. They want to preserve this very aristocratic lifestyle and massive wealth for future generations. They don't throw the poor so many crumbs but certainly engage in vote buying. The "fringe" parties are usually owned and run by someone with a local power base and most seem willing to sell their loyalty to the highest bidder.

The average Thai voter has a great choice! Whilst both main parties will fight tooth and nail for the power (and the gravy train) neither have an interest in creating a real democracy, where people have real power over a fairly elected non corrupt fully accountable government. Both will only be interested in an outcome that favours themselves and their agendas. Thaksin is marginally more dangerous because he would be like Mugabe, with similar results for the country. The Dems - same same as before - no real change there.

The only spark of hope is the awakening of the students, and the intelligence and sensitivity shown by the current crop of military high command.

[brit1984]

The red shirts are ready to oppose any unconstitutional move to overthrow Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra by the military or other means, red-shirt co-leader and Pheu Thai Party-list MP Weng Tojirakarn said.

And when the government completely ignores the constitution to try and bring back the fugitive, that's just fine is it ? They hide behind the constitution and 'democracy' when it suits them and piss on the constitution when it gets in their way. PURE HIPPOCRACY AT ITS WORST !

and instead of exposing the government's obvious flaws and defeating them in elections allowing for victory and a peaceful / stable outcome, the opposition tries to use smash its way to power through brute force in a way that will just create anger and more violence PURE RHINOCRACY AT ITS WORST!

[thaidel48]

Thai soap opera straight off the tv lol

[ginjag]

The red shirts are ready to oppose any unconstitutional move to overthrow Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra by the military or other means, red-shirt co-leader and Pheu Thai Party-list MP Weng Tojirakarn said.

And when the government completely ignores the constitution to try and bring back the fugitive, that's just fine is it ? They hide behind the constitution and 'democracy' when it suits them and piss on the constitution when it gets in their way. PURE HIPPOCRACY AT ITS WORST !

and instead of exposing the government's obvious flaws and defeating them in elections allowing for victory and a peaceful / stable outcome, the opposition tries to use smash its way to power through brute force in a way that will just create anger and more violence PURE RHINOCRACY AT ITS WORST!

You cannot expose more than they have already, because half the people don't understand as they have had Thai schooling that does NOT allow them to understand.

In northern England we have a saying " Ya can't put nowt where there int nowt "

[Yunla]

Desperate measures by a desperate man, But how do you get S##t off a blanket ??? it has to be washed thoroughly. So they are trying, but otherwise wait for the next general election, same procedure -same people, same thing and the realm is in dire straights more than it is now.

I totally agree with you and see your point entirely.

However what we are now looking at is the people who voted red (for whatever reason) are feeling that they have been cheated of their democratic rights. And at a time when a large number of them were losing faith in the PTP, now their anger will return to the Dems. So in a sense we interrupted the natural process of *disenchantment*, before this November action in the capital there was a groundswell of anti-PTP sentiments nationwide and many former red supporters were drifting in that direction. Toppling an elected government is a slap in the face for anyone who voted for it, so that will only change the focus of their discontent to the Dems (again) and let PTP off the proverbial hook in some cases. Imho PTP would have lost the next election, if the Dems had pulled their collective socks up. And why that is important is that the PTP supporters would have accepted the verdict as they are all about the 'number of votes.' How they will deal with this current situation worries me.

Re; the blanket, Thailand faces a truly enormous task of battling corruption at state level, and also in the authorities and business. This would take many years, even assuming we had a powerful corruption watchdog in place today. This would have to go in tandem with parliamentary regulatory overhaul, and without such parliamentary regulation I do not see how such a watchdog could even be created in the first place. Having thought about this for what feels like ever, the only solution I can think of is to have a non-political agency (appointed by a respected national institution) with a mandate to clean up parliamentary procedure and enforce a rigorous debating protocol in that arena of dispensation. After that just let the issues play out via open debate, which is something that has been notable by its absence here for as long as I can remember.

I don't think this will happen. Infact now post-upheaval I think we will be back to square one in many ways.