Thai opposition says all its MPs to resign

[Lite Beer]

Thai PM offers elections as opposition MPs quit en masse
by Thanaporn PROMYAMYAI

BANGKOK, December 8, 2013 (AFP) - Thailand's embattled premier said Sunday she was willing to call an election to end mass anti-government protests as the kingdom's political crisis deepened with the mass resignation of opposition MPs.

Bangkok is bracing for another major anti-government demonstration on Monday, with protest leaders vowing a final showdown in efforts to topple Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and curb the political influence of her brother Thaksin.

"We decided to quit as MPs to march with the people against the Thaksin regime," Democrat Party lawmaker Sirichok Sopha said.

The kingdom has been rocked by several episodes of political bloodshed since Thaksin, a billionaire tycoon-turned-premier, was ousted by royalist generals in a coup seven years ago.

Yingluck's government has been shaken by more than a month of rolling rallies by demonstrators, sometimes numbering in their tens of thousands, who want to suspend the country's democracy in favour of an unelected "People's Council".

Yingluck on Sunday renewed her offer of elections if the protesters -- a mix of royalists, middle class Thais and other Thaksin opponents -- agree to respect the democratic process.

"The government is ready to dissolve the house if the majority wants it," she said in a televised address, noting that under the kingdom's laws an election would have to be held within 60 days.

But "if protesters or a major political party do not accept that or do not accept the result of the election, it will just prolong the conflict," she said.

The protest leaders have said that they would not be satisfied with new elections, leaving the two sides locked in a stalemate that risks scaring off foreign investors and tourists.

"An unelected government would affect the country's reputation and stability," Yingluck warned. "If protesters want that, it should be asked whether it is the desire of the majority."

She also floated the idea of a referendum to solve the crisis but it was unclear what the nation would be asked to vote on.

Thailand's political conflict broadly pits a Bangkok-based middle class and royalist elite backed by the military against rural and working-class voters loyal to Thaksin.

The former premier went into exile in 2008 to avoid jail for a corruption conviction which he says was politically motivated.

Tensions remain high in the kingdom following several days of street clashes last week between police using tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets against rock-throwing demonstrators.

The unrest has left five people dead and more than 200 injured in Bangkok.

Demonstrators and police have observed a temporary truce since Wednesday for the 86th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is treated as a near-deity by many Thais.

With turnout dwindling, protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has called for a final push on Monday to bring down the government, describing it as "judgement day".

The former deputy premier, who now faces an arrest warrant for insurrection, has vowed to surrender to the authorities unless enough people join the march to the government headquarters.

But another leading figure in the anti-government movement, Satit Wongnongtauy, hinted on Sunday that the rallies could be prolonged.
"If we do not win tomorrow, we will not return home. We will bring victory home," he said.

New concrete barriers have been put in place around the seat of government ahead of the planned protest, but unlike previously security officials said barbed wire would not be used.

"The police will keep up negotiations and to try avoid any injury or death," said national police spokesman Piya Utayo, urging protesters to respect the law.

The government's own "Red Shirt" supporters plan their own rally on Tuesday in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya north of Bangkok.

The recent protests were triggered by an amnesty bill, since dropped by Yingluck's ruling party, which opponents feared would have cleared the way for her brother Thaksin's return.

They are the biggest and deadliest street demonstrations since 2010, when dozens of people were killed in a military crackdown on mass pro-Thaksin Red Shirt rallies in Bangkok.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-12-08

[webfact]

Breaking news

Thai opposition MPs pledge to resign
Thailand's opposition MPs to resign en masse, officials say, after weeks of protests aimed at forcing out government


-- BBC 2013-12-08

[noikrit]

Hmmm .... One hellava chess game ?????

[Crushdepth]

The People's Democratic Republic of Shinapore. Has a lovely ring to it.

[Thaddeus]

But what does this actually do?

[hands22]

The Democrate Party knows that their days are numbered and so resigned to avoid being dissolved....well, to save face really.

[Gsxrnz]

Hmmm .... One hellava chess game ?????

You can't compare this <deleted> to chess - politicians from both sides are about as subtle as hand grenades and have the tactical thinking of a 7 year old with dyslexia.

It's all a game of "mine's bigger than yours" being carried out by playground bullies.

They should rename this place Kindergartenland.

[Siripon]

I wonder if Yingluck and Pheua Thai regret pandering to Thaksin and ramming the drastically altered amnesty bill through.

I would really love to see some MPs break away from the Shinawat grip and form their own party.

[Cuchulainn]

I wonder if Yingluck and Pheua Thai regret pandering to Thaksin and ramming the drastically altered amnesty bill through.

I would really love to see some MPs break away from the Shinawat grip and form their own party.

Nooooooooo!! The trough's too big & lucrative

[winstonc]

about time should have done this 2,weeks ago,it probably means there has to be an election,becauase the mps that resigned,theres no-one to represent the people of the constituences that they have left..everyone is entitled to representation..no matter what there political affiliation is..never a dull day here is there..

[webfact]

POLITICS
Democrat Party MPs to resign en masse : Abhisit



BANGKOK: -- Democrat Party's leader Abhisit Vejjajiva announced Sunday that a party meeting resolved that all of its lawmakers would resign en masse.

Abhisit said Pheu Thai and the government have never taken responsibility for passing the controversial Amnesty Bill.

Moreover the government declared that it will not accept the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the charter amendment.

Abhisit, a former prime minister, said the declaration is not acceptable. He also questioned Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s latest offers to dissolve the House and hold a public referendum.

He said Yingluck is not sincere in making the offers and distorted the information to make people think his party was the cause of the coup d’etat in 2006.

Therefore, after reviewing all circumstances and incidents, the party decided that all party MPs will resign en masse with immediate effects.

Abhisit added that tomorrow, we as Thai citizens, will use their basic rights to protect the constitution.


-- The Nation 2013-12-08

[RaymondLee]

Sounds like the waters receding before the tidal wave hits. . .

Sent from my GT-I9300T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Tatsujin]

No opposition, no functioning Govt.

Now they have to do something because ANYTHING they try to do now MUST be debated. No opposition, no debate, no Govt.

[david555]

Hmmm .... One hellava chess game ????? alt=coffee1.gif pagespeed_url_hash=2220208811 width=32 height=24>

They resign...the "Democrats"...., So be quick,....... remaining majority members vote some proposals in the parlement .....they will never do a resign again.... , tHey like playing chess... do not trow your pieces away then

Edited December 8, 2013 by david555

[winstonc]

I wonder if Yingluck and Pheua Thai regret pandering to Thaksin and ramming the drastically altered amnesty bill through.

I would really love to see some MPs break away from the Shinawat grip and form their own party.

would be great but your thought has a huge flaw in it......they havnt got a pair of <deleted> between them....remember siripon this isnt the los its the land of the jellyfish....(spineless)...need i add more..

[Nickymaster]

The Democrate Party knows that their days are numbered and so resigned to avoid being dissolved....well, to save face really.

I know that there are some guys that like these kind of posts but could you explain why the Dems were going to be dissolved (their days are numbered)?

Edited December 8, 2013 by Nickymaster

[jaidam]

An anguished wail rings through the shimmering desert heat. I hope dear leader in exile remembers that the Dubai building code is stringent and his petulant foot stamping will not break through the luxury villa floor, but might well damage his aging limbs.

[winstonc]

An anguished wail rings through the shimmering desert heat. I hope dear leader in exile remembers that the Dubai building code is stringent and his petulant foot stamping will not break through the luxury villa floor, but might well damage his aging limbs.

love it.remember everyday that hes not here,with people falling at his feet and fainting is almost a prison sentence in itself..albeit a luxurious one..

[sjaak327]

They are back to their 2006 tactic, if you can't win at the ballot box, you frustrate the system. The democratic party is democratic in name only.

Not only do they backstab all the people that voted for them, they now openly support Suthep and his People's council.

I feel sorry for everyone that voted these clowns in to parliament.

[Bluespunk]

'The kingdom has been rocked by several episodes of political bloodshed since Thaksin, a billionaire tycoon-turned-premier, was ousted by royalist generals in a coup seven years ago.'

My, but AFP does love that phrase.

[heybruce]

"The protest leaders have said that they would not be satisfied with new elections, leaving the two sides locked in a stalemate that risks scaring off foreign investors and tourists."

The protest leaders want the country to be governed by appointed, not elected, councils because they keep losing elections. If they succeed it will tear this country apart, the Thai's will not abandon democracy without a fight.

[marinediscoking]

They voted "to resign" but I have a feeling they will back in congress on Tuesday as usual.

[MaiChai]

Guess you can't buy peoples hearts, and Thais have big hearts and love their country. A lesson for Taksin, although i am not convinced he learns from his mistakes or is prepared to listen to others.

Yingluck should resign and dissolve the house. No point trying to fool the nation any more with outrageous lies.

[Docno]

Hmmm .... One hellava chess game ?????

You can't compare this <deleted> to chess - politicians from both sides are about as subtle as hand grenades and have the tactical thinking of a 7 year old with dyslexia.

It's all a game of "mine's bigger than yours" being carried out by playground bullies.

They should rename this place Kindergartenland.

Nothing unique to Thailand. Have you forgotten how the opposition in the "world's most powerful nation" recently shut-down government operations because they didn't like legislation introduced by the democratically elected party in power?

[samtam]

But what does this actually do?

Yes, indeed. What does this actually do? The government can presumably still go on being the government without the opposition, or is there some constitutional requirement that it can only function if there's an opposition? Does the Dems resignation mean that there is an insufficient quorum?

Constitutional experts please?

Edited December 8, 2013 by samtam

[Thailand]

When they make the movie of this whole fiasco there will be plenty of unemployed politicians to fill the bit parts.

The countries top comedians will obviously play the main characters.

They will have to get local funding for the movie as foreign investors would find the storyline unbelievable.

[heybruce]

'The kingdom has been rocked by several episodes of political bloodshed since Thaksin, a billionaire tycoon-turned-premier, was ousted by royalist generals in a coup seven years ago.'

My, but AFP does love that phrase.

Why not? I find no errors or bias in the statement.

[Crushdepth]

No opposition, no functioning Govt.

Now they have to do something because ANYTHING they try to do now MUST be debated. No opposition, no debate, no Govt.

No more massdebating.

[Bluespunk]

'The kingdom has been rocked by several episodes of political bloodshed since Thaksin, a billionaire tycoon-turned-premier, was ousted by royalist generals in a coup seven years ago.'

My, but AFP does love that phrase.

Why not? I find no errors or bias in the statement.

Guess we'll have to disagree on that.

[Carrerakiss]

Not sure how this will work out. Nobody appears to want to govern this country under a democratic system.

I'm very worried for Thai folk over the "Peoples" Council thing. At least the current democratic system had SOME checks and balances. I mean the Democrats and protests did help stop the amnesty bill. But an unelected council of appointed people smacks of a Laos, DPRK style ring to it. Hope I'm wrong but it seems to me the PC is a big jump into the unknown that will bring its own style of grief. Finding impartial, incorruptible people to serve for the greater good, seems akin to mission impossible.It might have been better for Thais to work with what they've got, rather than trying on a new system.

I also haven't seen anything to suggest that there should be either an election (assuming PT would run on a platform of maintaining the current system and the Democrats on a platform of changing to a new system of Peoples Council), or a referendum on changing the system of government. In my opinion, a change in governmental system should be voted for by the people. It certainly isn't, in my opinion, right that a very small number of protestors should decide for the whole country.

But I am just a guest and I'll go about my daily life whoever and whatever system Thais end up with.