Thai opposition says all its MPs to resign

[wilcopops]

So now they've thrown their rattle out the pram?

[DGIE]

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.

It is like trophy that can be taken home.

[wilcopops]

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.

"People's Council"? Doesn't that have a sort of North Korean feel to it?

K.Suthep certainly doesn't have any democratic credentials himself, so what as part of the ruling elite would he know about "the people"?

[Bluespunk]

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.

I could be wrong, but I don't think the dems are any keener on suthep's people's council than PT.

Edited December 8, 2013 by Bluespunk

[marcusd]

"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.

HEY BRUCE! Maybe they now want some DEMOCRATIC reforms? I wish pray and hope so. If not back to selling bananas for all THAILAND as INVESTORS will leave - and much to people thinking they will return... look elsewhere my friends, money DOES NOT come back via big industry.

[somchaismith]

Reminds of the guy who nailed his sack to the ground at Red Square to protest Putin's government,

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/11/artist-nails-testicles-red-square-pyotr-pavlensky

There's one in the eye for you Yingluk.

[phitsanulokjohn]

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

But failed to mention he is the king of political motivation.

[timoclark]

They're not backstabbing anyone, the people voting them in will be cheering this news loudly, the people voting them in are out their marching now, to keep this country free. It's about time they got on their feet and stood up for their country against these petty dictators.

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.

[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.

I could be wrong, but I don't think the dems are any keener on suthep's people's council than PT.

Quite possibly, or even probably, I suppose. And they should stand up and say so in their role as the legal opposition to this government, but nevertheless representing Thai people and the parliamentary system of government. Suthep is usurping their name supposed ideals for his bunch of rabble rousers and fairly crazy ideas for system change. Makes Democrats look bad per se, I think.

[Basil B]

So Yingluck can push through any legislation without a single word of opposition...

She can also make legislation that overturns her brothers criminal convictions and probably make him President for life.

[worgeordie]

The Government will be delighted that the opposition have all resigned,

time to sign a few dodgy contracts,without scrutiny, just like Samak on

his last day as Bangkok mayor, the fire engines and boats must be well

rusted after so many years standing on the docks !

regards Worgeordie

[klauskunkel]

"An unelected government would affect the country's reputation and stability," Yingluck warned

Affect the country's reputation...with whom? Foreigners? Since when do Thai people give a hoot about what foreigners think:

Corruption, slave labor, child pornography, fake name brand industry, exploitation of endangered species, Rohingyas, Ferrari Boy, Jet Skis, 500 baht fine for assaulting tourists, Jet Set Monk, Saudi Jewelry Scandal...

it's an unending list, spanning decades and many different governments, so what's a bit of unelected government going to do to Thailand's reputation? Huh?

[fab4]

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.

I could be wrong, but I don't think the dems are any keener on suthep's people's council than PT.

So why have they voted en masse to resign and march on government house in support of suthep - apart from being clinically deluded that is?

[DGIE]

If the opposition think that people are supporting them, why don't they accept the election offered by Yingluck?

This should be their opportunity. It would be an stupidity on the part of the government if they just surrender

and give the seat that easy to oppositions.

[timoclark]

The PTP and Red Shirts have already abandoned democracy for a Thaksin dictatorship.

"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.

[ggold]

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

It would be interesting to hear why they would be dissolved? What did they do to have that threat placed on the party? I very much doubt that PTP would dare to dissolve the party at this stage of the game!

[Crushdepth]

I think this dispels the illusion of Thai democracy rather nicely. So who's in charge now? Same guy as before.

[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.

No more massdebating.

The best post so far lol

[Bluespunk]

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.

I could be wrong, but I don't think the dems are any keener on suthep's people's council than PT.

So why have they voted en masse to resign and march on government house in support of suthep - apart from being clinically deluded that is?

I don't know why. Could be they think they can force an election? Maybe they think, rightly or wrongly, they can win an election. I don't know why they have resigned, but I haven't seen any evidence they are backing suthep's looney schemes.

[TVGerry]

I think with the Dems gone, there won't be enough MPs for a quorum so parliament won't be able to vote on any bills. So it'll have to be dissolved.

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?

[Bluespunk]

If the opposition think that people are supporting them, why don't they accept the election offered by Yingluck?

This should be their opportunity. It would be an stupidity on the part of the government if they just surrender

and give the seat that easy to oppositions.

I don't think they believe she is sincere in her offer.

[DiamondKing]

So let me understand this

This legally elected gvernement has offered to stand down and hold elections within 2 months but the opposition says that is not good enough

I think it clear who are the whack jobs are.

[fab4]

They're not backstabbing anyone, the people voting them in will be cheering this news loudly, the people voting them in are out their marching now, to keep this country free. It's about time they got on their feet and stood up for their country against these petty dictators.

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.

So even if we take your ridiculous analogy that 80,000 odd people on the street replicates the 11 million democrat voters PTP's voters number around 16 million, still a majority. Or are you saying that out of the entire electorate of Thailand all those that didn't vote for the PTP agree with deposing them, an equally ridiculous thought.

It doesn't matter how you dress it up, these street protests of Sutheps are not the way forward for a fledgling democracy like Thailand.

[pkspeaker]

The only thing Yingluck can do is dissolve, become caretaker PM and hold new elections, if it is necessary to dissolve, but dissolution is the most she can do for the protesters and they must accept it and end their protests so the next election could be held, if they continue to protest she has to stay on as PM, and the military has consistently said it's staying out., will the protesters accept new elections continues to be the question.

[jdinasia]

If the opposition think that people are supporting them, why don't they accept the election offered by Yingluck?

This should be their opportunity. It would be an stupidity on the part of the government if they just surrender

and give the seat that easy to oppositions.

I don't think they believe she is sincere in her offer.

Go back and read what YL actually said. It was always conditional. If this or IF that. She could simply resign and dissolve parliament and see if she can command the large minority she got after the 2010 riots she rode into power on the backs of.

Oh wait --- her party said "No"

[fullcave]

'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.

if they repeat it enough it becomes true….

while in reality 99.9 percent of all Thais are indeed royalist and love their king.

Edited December 8, 2013 by fullcave

[backtonormal]

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.

Once and for all it is now been officially revealed. The financial muscle behind the Dems is the same group sponsoring the rally. I have just watched that spineless thing that calls himself a leader declaring his intentions in the hope level headed Democrat supporters will head for the streets tomorrow and swell the dwindling numbers.

What amazed me most was the skill of Blue Sky TV to hide the strings of the puppet master controlling Mr Abhisit. If they have resigned they should never be allowed to enter politics again after failing the 11 million that voted for them. The Dems are effectively saying that they dont want to govern in favour of a selected 'Peoples Council". For the 11 million that voted for these worthless people I feel sorry , you deserve better. Dont make the same mistake again, they dont want democracy, the next free election is your chance to resign this political party (term used very loosely) to history and let Thailand move forward.

[timoclark]

Nobody sees himself as more "elite" than Thaksin. He is no man of the people, he is just a man who uses people.

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.

"People's Council"? Doesn't that have a sort of North Korean feel to it?

K.Suthep certainly doesn't have any democratic credentials himself, so what as part of the ruling elite would he know about "the people"?

[tigermonkey]

It becomes fairly obvious that Suthep and the Democrats are trying to create sufficient chaos that the military will be forced to act to restore stability. Next step, if Yingluck declares a new election, the Democrats will boycott the election creating further chaos.

Eventually the Army must act to restore some semblance of order, even if it is only to create the People's Council headed by Chairman Suthep. This could be the end of the democracy experiment in Thailand.

[techboy]

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.

Really? How so?