Suthep: wrong man at the right time?

[webfact]

VENUS' VISION
Suthep: wrong man at the right time?
Veena Thoopkrajae

BANGKOK: -- It's easier to say why Suthep shouldn't be leading the anti-government campaign than why he should be. As a leader he ends up lacking. He was at the centre of a major political scandal almost two decades ago, and to this day approximately half the country holds him responsible for the violent crackdown on the red-shirt uprising in 2010.

Yet there he is, leading tens of thousands in rallies aimed at toppling the "Thaksin regime" and replacing it with a speculative "people's council". More than a month of escalating demonstrations has seen Suthep become a "hero" for the protesters and a wanted man for the courts, who have issued an arrest warrant on a charge of insurrection.

Whether Suthep will go down in history as a revolutionary hero or a traitor remains to be seen. But what's clear is that he has outstripped all predecessors who have led protests against Thaksin Shinawatra over the years. When rumours spread that he was to be arrested at the Finance Ministry, supporters took to their cars to block streets and prevent the police from mobilising. And when the government seemed to be getting the upper hand, former People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul stepped in, calling on yellow shirts to get behind Suthep's campaign. "If he loses, the country is defeated," he said.

Once a typically wily politician, Suthep has emerged as a leader who inspires devotion among his "faithful". Here are the reasons why:

* He left behind his comfort zone to lead the protests, quitting the Democrat Party, which he joined in 1979. His move can be interpreted as a strategic tactic to safeguard the party against legal fallout, but the protesters hail it as a bold move, since he also yielded the immunity of an MP.

Suthep insists that leaving the party reaffirmed that this "fight" is for the country, not any political party. Shedding his Democrat hat also drew more people to the protests in the form of yellow shirts and others who dislike the Democrat Party. His resignation made it clear that wanted to be with the people. "I have cleared my room at the Democrat Party," he said. "It is bye-bye forever. My place is here with you guys."

* He is a brave leader: Suthep is not the type of leader we saw in the past, firing up the crowd from a stage or a travelling loudspeaker truck. He is always up front line when the masses march, and the fearlessness of this 64-year-old man inspires those who follow. It's the kind of action that backs up the messages he delivers in his speeches. All the ridicule of the red shirts has failed to shake his bravery. There has been to sign of a desire to retreat. "If we don't succeed, I am prepared to die on the battlefield," he said.

* This is a passionate and daring speaker, compelling the crowd with hot-blooded, revolutionary notions and sheer ambition, often blended with satire and other gags. In the beginning he often talked about his pre-Democrat Party days as the country's first village headman with a master degree from abroad. His father Charas was also a kamnan. Suthep's supporters were soon addressing him as Luang Kamnan, like a beloved uncle.

Gone were the suit and tie of parliamentary demeanour, replaced by a down-to-earth image that only enhances the seeming honesty of his speeches. "I have been there, done that, but I never went into jail," he said while mocking Thaksin. "If the police arrest me I won't run, like their boss."

* Unlike too many others in politics, Suthep admits mistakes and quickly steps forward to take sole responsibility. He insisted that the protesters refrain from fighting police in the dark of night in case outside forces take advantage to boost the casualty count. Stung by intense criticism over the storming of TV stations, he said it was deemed necessary to seek justice and sympathy - but the wrong move. "My media brothers," he said, "please just blame me, not the protesters. It was my decision."

* Suthep is backed up by the strongest arguments. The campaign kicked off because of the government's attempt to pass an amnesty bill that would have rescued Thaksin from exile, and Suthep advocated the passive technique of civil disobedience. Later actions were however branded undemocratic, to which Suthep responded that the government had lost its democratic right to rule and could thus be undermined in undemocratic ways. This is a political fight, with the country's welfare at stake, he said, not a "democracy contest".

Regardless, Suthep's widespread acceptance as the protest's leader unarguably reflects one fact: If a man with such unpopular traits can win so many hearts, it says a lot about the other side.


-- The Nation 2013-12-07

[Thailand]

In response to the title 100%

He has done far more harm than good to Thailand.

[GeorgeO]

It actually speaks volumes about the other side, that their self-serving actions have taken away their mandate to continue in office, which is why Suthep has to succeed. Even the Yellow Shirts have recognised this and set aside their differences to bring the Thaksin regime to an end.

YL and the PTP are still posturing and making various noises to maintain the appearance that they are in charge, but they are not. If they were, this would have been brought to an end some weeks ago.

When people power is capable of such disruption, the usual way to try to deal with it is through the type of heavy-handed tactics that they tried last week, and that is of course self-defeating, because people power just gets stronger.

In the end, the sitting government has to capitulate and give in to the demands of the people. It remains to be seen whether this will be done honourably, or whether it will be in the same way that Big Brother dealt with it, by quietly slipping away to enjoy their ill-gotten gains.

[prighas]

"If a man with such unpopular traits can win so many hearts, it says a lot about the other side."

Is he talking about the man in Dubai?

[binjalin]

He appeals to the amart's supporters and the brain washed, No more, No less, and attempted a coup against a democratically elected government

hopefully he will fail for Thailand's sake

[jackrich]

Talk about being the wrong guy. They could not have chosen a worse guy. This is like something out of a political comedy movie, if Thaksin would have wanted to get rid of his opposition, he would have chosen Suthep. Wait ...maybe Suthep is really working for Thaksin?

[FangFerang]

Aah. He is just a pawn. The power brokers still have not decided to share power. Next year? New face.

[affen02]

If and i say if, Suthep gets away with this undemocratic try to topple the present government, it is in fact a desire by some people for a coup, i feel deeply sorry for the Thai people. When will the next self appointed saviour come forward with false promises of changing the country to a true democratic state. I see a never ending story.

[Ianatlarge]

Just to repeat myself. The current gov won a clear, democratic mandate to govern Thailand. While they are undoubtedly corrupt and incompetent, they are no more so than the yellow shirts or most other governments. Overall, Thailand, with Ms Y in charge, was doing ok, econ, and so forth chugging along. So, leave them alone! If you want to take office, stand for election. If you want to discuss who is harming Thailand, look to the current protests and the resultant economic decline.

[jackrich]

Greatness knows no limits.

[Soi Dog]

Expecting Sutthep to deal with corruption would be like expecting Bill Clinton to bring high morals to the oval office.

[lifeincnx]

It actually speaks volumes about the other side, that their self-serving actions have taken away their mandate to continue in office, which is why Suthep has to succeed. Even the Yellow Shirts have recognised this and set aside their differences to bring the Thaksin regime to an end.

YL and the PTP are still posturing and making various noises to maintain the appearance that they are in charge, but they are not. If they were, this would have been brought to an end some weeks ago.

When people power is capable of such disruption, the usual way to try to deal with it is through the type of heavy-handed tactics that they tried last week, and that is of course self-defeating, because people power just gets stronger.

In the end, the sitting government has to capitulate and give in to the demands of the people. It remains to be seen whether this will be done honourably, or whether it will be in the same way that Big Brother dealt with it, by quietly slipping away to enjoy their ill-gotten gains.

"In the end, the sitting government has to capitulate and give in to the demands of the people."

Which people? Those that voted the administration into office or those that think another coup is best for Thailand?

http://world.time.com/2013/11/28/thailands-democrat-party-is-hilariously-misnamed/

[Yunla]

He's the right man for the job, if that job is discrediting the anti-PTP massprotest movement, and making PTP look good by comparison.

Infact I wonder about the reason he wasn't arrested when he visited Yingluck in that room with police, security, army etc. while he had an arrest warrant out for him. Was he not arrested because he hasn't outlived his usefulness as an agent-provocateur for the PVP. The more he rants and raves and demands new wacky non-democratic forms of government, and gets people to break into buildings, the better PTP look by comparison, internationally and domestically too.

Before Suthep started his Tarzan activities, PTP was on the ropes in terms of public opinion. But now everybody is saying PTP are tolerant and patient and Yingluck is calm under pressure etc.etc. Suthep is the greatest publicity boost for PTP in years. Not to mention PTP can use any further 'problems' that result from the Suthep situation, to clamp down on the internet and other avenues of debate, in the interest of national unity / security, and they can point at the last three weeks as an example of why we need a zero-discourse police state.

Edited December 7, 2013 by Yunla

[noitom]

Putting the fox in the chicken coop.

[assayer]

In response to the title 100%

He has done far more harm than good to Thailand.

In MHO Suthep has done for the Thai people what no one else had done for a long while. The people here have been living under with the assumption that corruption is okay at any level of government at any time.

Suthep has decided that he wants this corrupt government out; for whatever reasons is unknown to me and probably you too; and has gotten a vast number of people out to help him fell this corruption.

So I disagree that Suthep has caused problems for Thailand, but has instead helped them. He has woken them to the incredible corruption that they are now facing. The financial issues faced by the populace was not his in the making but was the government's. Which many posters here have pointed out as being the elected party for the past two decades. So, if they have been elected for two decades it can't possibly be anyone's fault but theirs for the problems facing the Thai people at this time!

[assayer]

Just to repeat myself. The current gov won a clear, democratic mandate to govern Thailand. While they are undoubtedly corrupt and incompetent, they are no more so than the yellow shirts or most other governments. Overall, Thailand, with Ms Y in charge, was doing ok, econ, and so forth chugging along. So, leave them alone! If you want to take office, stand for election. If you want to discuss who is harming Thailand, look to the current protests and the resultant economic decline.

Yes, they were doing wonderfully well. How many billions of debt for:

rice pledging;

flood control;

infrastucture borrowing??

I believe the total of these is above three trillion baht.

How many billions went to graft already and how many billions went to the projects already?

How many millions are to be repaid every day, every year for the next 40-50 years?

Yep; As you say, they were just chugging along, for only two years!!

[Sunderland]

"If a man with such unpopular traits can win so many hearts, it says a lot about the other side."

Is he talking about the man in Dubai?

No. That would be you.

[bkkfaranguy]

In response to the title 100%

He has done far more harm than good to Thailand.

In MHO Suthep has done for the Thai people what no one else had done for a long while. The people here have been living under with the assumption that corruption is okay at any level of government at any time.

Suthep has decided that he wants this corrupt government out; for whatever reasons is unknown to me and probably you too; and has gotten a vast number of people out to help him fell this corruption.

So I disagree that Suthep has caused problems for Thailand, but has instead helped them. He has woken them to the incredible corruption that they are now facing. The financial issues faced by the populace was not his in the making but was the government's. Which many posters here have pointed out as being the elected party for the past two decades. So, if they have been elected for two decades it can't possibly be anyone's fault but theirs for the problems facing the Thai people at this time!

Suthep and the BKK elite only want this corrupt Government out to be replaced with their corrupt dictatorship. In a true democratic system they could impeach the current PM instead of riots and violence, if they had solid proof!

[Emptyset]

Speaks volumes that The Nation is writing hagiographical pieces about someone like Suthep - as strained as it appears. I agree with Somsak Jeamteerasakul, the government must've done something seriously wrong for things to get to this point. Yingluck should resign and dissolve house. She can't go on.

[hellodolly]

"If a man with such unpopular traits can win so many hearts, it says a lot about the other side."

Is he talking about the man in Dubai?

Your not paying attention.

He said win not buy.

[pipergsm]

I don't think anybody doubts the corruption and mistakes/wrong doings of the current government.

However, they were democratically elected.

Democracy means you stick to the results of an official election untill the next election, even if the government does things you don't like.

Creating a "people's council", probably containing all yellow shirts, would have no legal or constitutional grounds and give the redshirts a legitimate reason to start the massive protests all over again because they would be, once again, illegally replaced by the opposition. This would create a never ending circle, bringing only more misery and problems for the country and the people.

The only way for the opposition to legally take over the government, is by winning the elections. But in order to do so, they must make the Thai people understand WHY the Thaksin regime is bad for the country.

If they can't do that, they must wait and hope that the people will come to "see the light" themselves and realize they made the wrong choice.

Trying to illegally remove a government which has been democratically elected will only end up in a never ending spiral of violence, problems and misery.

Wait for the next elections or dissolve the House and create new elections: that's the only correct way to go.

[hellodolly]

Just to repeat myself. The current gov won a clear, democratic mandate to govern Thailand. While they are undoubtedly corrupt and incompetent, they are no more so than the yellow shirts or most other governments. Overall, Thailand, with Ms Y in charge, was doing ok, econ, and so forth chugging along. So, leave them alone! If you want to take office, stand for election. If you want to discuss who is harming Thailand, look to the current protests and the resultant economic decline.

You have obviously not seen the latest corruption ratings. Under Yingluck they have been becoming more corrupt. Like an Atlas rocket taking off for the moon.

You also forgot that it was a clear mandate from the majority of a little over 500 people many on the pay roll of Thaksin the owner of the party that voted her in. If you want to talk about the citizen voters they had a minority. But why cloud reality with facts go ahead keep repeating what you know to be false.

[Roadman]

In response to the title 100%

He has done far more harm than good to Thailand.

In MHO Suthep has done for the Thai people what no one else had done for a long while. The people here have been living under with the assumption that corruption is okay at any level of government at any time.

Suthep has decided that he wants this corrupt government out; for whatever reasons is unknown to me and probably you too; and has gotten a vast number of people out to help him fell this corruption.

So I disagree that Suthep has caused problems for Thailand, but has instead helped them. He has woken them to the incredible corruption that they are now facing. The financial issues faced by the populace was not his in the making but was the government's. Which many posters here have pointed out as being the elected party for the past two decades. So, if they have been elected for two decades it can't possibly be anyone's fault but theirs for the problems facing the Thai people at this time!

Suthep and the BKK elite only want this corrupt Government out to be replaced with their corrupt dictatorship. In a true democratic system they could impeach the current PM instead of riots and violence, if they had solid proof!

Who is going to "impeach" the current PM? One of the arms of the peoples checks and balances? Don't look now but outside of the judges in this country the rest of them are Shinawatra family and lackey plants....the DSIR, the Attorney general, the police, and the rest...for jeez sake the police are happily holding Thaksin up as their commandant...a peoples court convicted criminal. They only people these lot are cracking down is all opposition. I do not agree with what Suthep has done beyond the temporary stay on Thaksin's self proclaimed amnesty bill. The idiot should have stood all his support down when the peoples court convicted fugitive criminal Thaksin's self voted amnesty bill was put on hold. He had the people then and the support to crush Thaksin and Pheu Thai that when Pheu Thai went to vote on it in the 140 days time or what ever it is left, that they would have come back out in huge numbers in mass peaceful protest. He has lost that edge now and is giving the crims in government an opportunity back.

AS for the OP don't think it is wrong man at the right time but wrong tactics at the right time. His errors will be either paid for in blood or crippling future thai debt.

[hellodolly]

I don't think anybody doubts the corruption and mistakes/wrong doings of the current government.

However, they were democratically elected.

Democracy means you stick to the results of an official election untill the next election, even if the government does things you don't like.

Creating a "people's council", probably containing all yellow shirts, would have no legal or constitutional grounds and give the redshirts a legitimate reason to start the massive protests all over again because they would be, once again, illegally replaced by the opposition. This would create a never ending circle, bringing only more misery and problems for the country and the people.

The only way for the opposition to legally take over the government, is by winning the elections. But in order to do so, they must make the Thai people understand WHY the Thaksin regime is bad for the country.

If they can't do that, they must wait and hope that the people will come to "see the light" themselves and realize they made the wrong choice.

Trying to illegally remove a government which has been democratically elected will only end up in a never ending spiral of violence, problems and misery.

Wait for the next elections or dissolve the House and create new elections: that's the only correct way to go.

Looks good on paper but does not explain how the minority of voters get to tell tthe majority of voters who is the boss and what to do.

You and I have an obviously different idea of what democracy is.

Your idea falls more in line with dictatorship.

[sawadee1947]

He's the wrong man at any time. Someone who was involved in corruption in in South/Phuket has no right to blame this government. He is enforcing the hatred between political parties. Arrest him!

[jackrich]

I don't think anybody doubts the corruption and mistakes/wrong doings of the current government.

However, they were democratically elected.

Democracy means you stick to the results of an official election untill the next election, even if the government does things you don't like.

Creating a "people's council", probably containing all yellow shirts, would have no legal or constitutional grounds and give the redshirts a legitimate reason to start the massive protests all over again because they would be, once again, illegally replaced by the opposition. This would create a never ending circle, bringing only more misery and problems for the country and the people.

The only way for the opposition to legally take over the government, is by winning the elections. But in order to do so, they must make the Thai people understand WHY the Thaksin regime is bad for the country.

If they can't do that, they must wait and hope that the people will come to "see the light" themselves and realize they made the wrong choice.

Trying to illegally remove a government which has been democratically elected will only end up in a never ending spiral of violence, problems and misery.

Wait for the next elections or dissolve the House and create new elections: that's the only correct way to go.

Looks good on paper but does not explain how the minority of voters get to tell tthe majority of voters who is the boss and what to do.

You and I have an obviously different idea of what democracy is.

Your idea falls more in line with dictatorship.

This reply makes no sense. Let's remember for a second that the majority voted for Puea Thai.

[15Peter20]

In what conceivable situation could Suthep ever be the right man at the right time?

[angsta]

He'll go down as a moron.

[jdinasia]

Democracy means you stick to the results of an official election untill the next election, even if the government does things you don't like.

Creating a "people's council", probably containing all yellow shirts, would have no legal or constitutional grounds and give the redshirts a legitimate reason to start the massive protests all over again because they would be, once again, illegally replaced by the opposition. This would create a never ending circle, bringing only more misery and problems for the country and the people.

1) Your concept of democracy is incorrect. Forcing new elections through a variety of means is common in parliamentary democracies, there is no need to wait out the term.

2)Nobody has, to the best of my knowledge, proposed anything containing "all yellow shirts". The "yellow shirts" are a fractured relic of a few years ago with a very limited voice today. The groups that have risen behind Suthep comprise a fairly broad base. The poor agricultural workers in the South, to students from all over the country. Are the old style "elites" in this to their necks? About half of them are, the other half are in it to their necks on the other side.

As Emptyset stated earlier the best chance for Democracy (hard to say with a straight face about Thai politics any time in the past until now) to continue without another "time out" is to dissolve the house, the PM to resign, and call new elections now, before Monday. That will not happen. So we get to see if the gov't can hold on, or get knocked down either by Suthep, the courts, or a coup.

[crazykopite]

Has anyone had a look at SUTHEPS bank account bet he has more money than most of us falangs look at his corruption record in Phuket a peoples self elected government no wonder they call it AMAZING THAILAND.