Thai politics: 'People's revolution' declared

[webfact]

POLITICS
'People's revolution' declared
The Nation


A bird

BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King endorses House dissolution decree, national election set for February 2; some academics agree with protesters, but urge both sides to talk and find a solution

Suthep Thaugsuban, leader of the anti-government protest, announced last night that the public would appoint a new prime minister and government, as well as a "people's council" to act as the legislature following what he termed a "people's revolution".

He made this announcement outside Government House before a large crowd of protesters who had marched for hours from nine locations across the capital. Suthep, himself, had taken part in the 20-kilometre march from the Government Complex in Nonthaburi.

In the morning, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had dissolved the House of Representatives and called for a new general election. His Majesty the King endorsed the decree on House dissolution in the evening. The election date was later set for February 2.

Suthep, who is secretary-general of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), said in a live broadcast that the people had "recalled the power" from the government, which he described as corrupt, dishonest and unfaithful.

He pointed to acts by the government and the Pheu Thai-dominated lower house that resulted in a loss of trust. This included the bill that would give blanket amnesty to politicians sentenced in corruption cases and offenders of serious crimes during the recent political unrest.

Suthep said the people had the right to take back the government's power, as the administration had abused its authority and violated the rule of law and good governance, hence the PDRC could invoke Article 3 of the Constitution. It states: "The sovereign power belongs to the Thai people. The King as head of state shall exercise such power through the National Assembly, the Council of Ministers and the Courts in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution."

Describing the protest movement as "pracha phiwat" or people's revolution, Suthep likened PDRC to the "sovereign power" obtained by coup-makers following a successful takeover.

"We will work on change, reform and the happiness of people in the entire country, regardless of their political preferences. There will be fairness to everyone," Suthep said.

He also summoned government officials to report to the PDRC and suggested that a "peacekeeping force of volunteers" be set up in every province, which he said would "serve as an important force" for protesters in their fight in the future.

Suthep also urged the demonstrators to continue with their push for political reform. "We have invested a lot together and we have to succeed, or we won't return home," he said.

Earlier in the day, in her nationally broadcast address, Yingluck said: "The government does not wish to see political conflict escalate into national division and violence. Returning power to the people by dissolving the House and calling a general election is a democratic and acceptable recourse. Let a majority of the people decide the direction and who they want to run the country."

Pheu Thai Party resolved late yesterday to contest the next general election with Yingluck as its first party-list candidate to become the next PM.

Wirat Kalayasiri, who resigned on Sunday as opposition Democrat MP along with 151 other party MPs, said yesterday that dissolving the House was "not enough". He called on the caretaker Cabinet to resign en masse, and the majority of the outgoing and incoming members of the five-person Election Commission to resign so that an election could not be held.

Wirat suggested that the Senate Speaker should nominate a neutral prime minister for royal endorsement. A new caretaker Cabinet should spend six months to one year amending necessary laws for reform and to make way for a new election.

He said the Democrat Party would convene later to come up with a joint proposal on this.

Pheu Thai secretary-general Phumtham Vechayachai yesterday said he saw no good reason why the Democrats should boycott the next general election. He said the prime minister had done her best in order to defuse a crisis - offering an apology and returning power to the people.

He challenged the protest leaders' demand for Yingluck to resign as caretaker premier, as the Constitution states the PM has to continue with the caretaker role until the new election is held.

"House dissolution is the best the prime minister can do. We may be called the losers if you like, but we just want peace to be restored in the country. We are not afraid of losing. Winning or losing, let's fight it out in the election," Phumtham said.

Academics agreed they did not think that dissolving the House was a way out - though they also did not view the proposal for a people's council and an unelected interim government as a solution either.

Jade Donavanik, of Siam University's Faculty of Law, said that with a House dissolution failing to satisfy protesters, having an election when the conflict was still simmering would only bring more problems to the country. He suggested the government resign as caretaker administration and pave the way for a neutral Cabinet to take over. He also called on the protesters not to insist on their demand for a people's council.

Kanit na Nakorn, chairman of the Committee for Legal Reform, said the prime minister's decision to dissolve the House came too late. He noted that the current situation was similar to one after the student-led uprising in October 1973 that brought down a dictatorial government and forced government leaders to flee the country.

Assadang Panikabutr, former dean of Ramkhamhaeng University's Faculty of Political Science, called on Yingluck and Suthep to have a dialogue in order to settle differences. He did not think House dissolution would solve the political stalemate but said the government had made its decision.

Prachak Kongkirati, a political scientist at Thammasat, said a House dissolution was the best option in the current situation to avoid bloodshed. He urged the Democrat Party to take part in the next election.

Academic Nidhi Eoseewong voiced opposition to the idea of having an unelected people's council. He said people's representatives must be elected. Nidhi said that after the House dissolution, political parties had to comply with the existing legal path by taking part in the next election.


-- The Nation 2013-12-10

[LucidLucifer]

It won't be a true 'people's revolution' until power is taken from the ruling, privileged elite.

[zydeco]

What happens if both prime ministers, the one from Suthep's group and YL, submit their actions for endorsement?

[MaxLee]

A new Prime Minister,... no problem,... Get ready porky face Yaowapha, Pheu Thai wins, the 180 days of Amnesty Bill withdrawel has served it's purpose and will be active again in early June, and in addition to that another bunch of banned politicians will become active again. Red Power returns, let the mega scams start again with more corruption than ever

[Curt1591]

His Majesty the King endorses House dissolution decree, national election set for February 2

It appears that it is time for Suthep to cool his heels, before his true colors begin to show. Continuing with his demands will have him going against the King's wishes.

[noitom]

"People's Revolution." The magic words that strike fear in the hearts of capitalism and the elite privileged class.

[fatfather]

It was an elected government and the next election will give similar results as the previous one. Let the majority get it's will. I really think that the majority have to learn the hard way, but democratic rules have to be respected. It's a question of time until these rules will oust the current corrupted system. It may take generations and the economical ruin of Thailand, but at least there is a chance for people learning to use their electoral power to show politicians who is in power. Burned kids don't play with fire.

Fatfather

Sent from my phone

[Tatsujin]

It was an elected government and the next election will give similar results as the previous one. Let the majority get it's will. I really think that the majority have to learn the hard way, but democratic rules have to be respected. It's a question of time until these rules will oust the current corrupted system. It may take generations and the economical ruin of Thailand, but at least there is a chance for people learning to use their electoral power to show politicians who is in power. Burned kids don't play with fire.

Fatfather

Sent from my phone

"IF" elections are held, and "IF" the Democrats don't boycott them, I think you'll find that PTP will indeed be elected once more, BUT with a decrease in the number of seats in Parliament. Perhaps not even a majority any longer as I think a number of their coalition partners are ready to jump ship.

We'll have to wait and see. I personally don't see elections happening at all at the moment, it just doesn't fit in with the stated goals of the anti-Govt protestors and I think they are unlikely to compromise on what their goals are.

[scotbeve]

It won't be a true 'people's revolution' until power is taken from the ruling, privileged elite.

And Suthep only wants to perpetuate this idea by creating a "People's Council" - whata load of <deleted>!

[Bluespunk]

It won't be a true 'people's revolution' until power is taken from the ruling, privileged elite.

Neither suthep or the PT elite want that to happen.

[AaronBooth]

And here we go on the same old cycle. Some candidates will go around with a bag full of money and "Buy" peoples votes. No-one will disqualify the practitioners until after the whole thing then losing parties will decide it was not valid.

Would it not be a good idea to decide what a "Fair" and acceptable vote would be first?

[michaeljordan]

Why only two PMs?

I think we need 3 or 4?

If a committee of 5 can be appointed by a non-elected g coup, we should get together here and make our own PM.

He could declare Mondays 50 baht beer day for Farang.

Tuesdays would be free back rubs and so on.

After all, we do not need an election to get a PM so why not?

What?

You say the Army really runs this place which is funded and run by a few dozen rich families?

So the election does not mean beans?

So why are the yellows screaming so much about democratic rights when they do not care for any democratic government?

What? You say it is all for international consumption?

You don't say. They really are afraid of the possibility of being labled a Myanmar of the East and hit with massive trade sanctions?

Well to be serious.

None of us can really know for sure what is going on because all that really matters is taking place behind the public joke by powerful elite negotiating and threatening.

You cannot for a minute believe that A Captain took over Thailand years ago in a coup can you?

So what happens now?

Who are the main powers on the Yellow side who privately give the orders?

Who else is on the Red side we do not know about who gives backing to the Reds?

Powerful people on both sides who could cause a massive fight to occur but it is in their economic interest to avoid their desire for a fight.

Do you really think the Yellow leaders are the two clowns you see on TV?

Nonsense

Do you really thing that Lady PM stays where she is without some sup[port from some very strong people in Thailand?

Nonsense too.

Good luck all and do not get caught in the crossfire should anger get the better of both sides.

[Joe Mamma]

Power to the people!

[BeforeTigers]

Call me crazy, but isn't a democratic vote the actual mechanism through which people exercise the Constitutionally protected power?

I know, neocolonialist farang with their wacky ideas about democracy have no place here.

[Crushdepth]

Power to the puppets!

[Spare]

Now that the government have dissolved the house, Thaksin government is no more.

All civil servant should report to the new government: People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), chair by our great supreme leader, the Secretary General Suthep. He is not our boss. He is equal among us. We are all equal now, and share the fruit of our success.

The people has won. Without Thaksin there are living in a corruption free society. We all will pay less tax as we do not have to subsidize those poor Issan farmers anymore. May progress return to the well educated metropolis of Bangkok.

[h90]

Now that the government have dissolved the house, Thaksin government is no more.

All civil servant should report to the new government: People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), chair by our great supreme leader, the Secretary General Suthep. He is not our boss. He is equal among us. We are all equal now, and share the fruit of our success.

The people has won. Without Thaksin there are living in a corruption free society. We all will pay less tax as we do not have to subsidize those poor Issan farmers anymore. May progress return to the well educated metropolis of Bangkok.

Thaksin did not subsidize the poor Isaan. He subsidized himself and spoke about Isaan.

Even Thaksin supporters tell that they got more money (or more money ended finally in their hands) from Abhisit. Also there were actions to improve the school system for the long time progress.

This Thaksin helps the poor in Isaan and the Democrats are for the rich in Bangkok is just a propaganda spin.

[klauskunkel]

Suthep, who is secretary-general of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC)

Just want to know, who made him that and how?

[robblok]

It won't be a true 'people's revolution' until power is taken from the ruling, privileged elite.

Neither suthep or the PT elite want that to happen.

That is the big shame.. I think the shins did bring corruption to new heights and the corruption lists prove my point. So removing this overly corrupt government is a good thing.

However if they want peace then strong anti corruption laws and an independent organisation should go after all corrupt politicians and really punish them and get the money back. Once you get that done then there is no reasons for crooks to go into politics.

I am not so naive that there wont be corruption but it would be a lot less prevalent as now.

[Local Drunk]

Suthep, who is secretary-general of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC)

Just want to know, who made him that and how?

Just look at the pics of the demonstrations from yesterday... He said "I am" and the people with like ideas but without the initiative of power to create such a movement followed.

There is a reason for the elite... like it or not.

[englishoak]

There will be no reforms, just more of the same ... and in a way i hope it is exactly that until Thailand is really ready for democracy. Which it is far from being with what is on offer.

PDRC is one step away from PDRT just like neighbouring PDR Laos

Edited December 10, 2013 by englishoak

[BeforeTigers]

Call me crazy, but isn't a democratic vote the actual mechanism through which people exercise the Constitutionally protected power?

I know, neocolonialist farang with their wacky ideas about democracy.

[Spare]

Suthep, who is secretary-general of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC)

Just want to know, who made him that and how?

Suthep, our great supreme leader is the choice of the "People". He is not a choice of Thaksin (like puppet Yingluck).

I did not create this time. Please follow theis news link. Or just google, and a million results will show that Suthep is the real leader of the "People" and make regular "LIVE" broadcast to ALL channel simultaneously. TPSB, CH3,5,7,9 NBT, BlusSky, and sometime BBC & CNN.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/webmobile/politics/Peoples-revolution-declared-30221752.html

Suthep, who is secretary-general of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), said in a live broadcast that the people had "recalled the power" from the government, which he described as corrupt, dishonest and unfaithful.

[lifeincnx]

Suthep, who is secretary-general of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC)

Just want to know, who made him that and how?

Follow the money.

[pookiki]

There will be no reforms, just more of the same ... and in a way i hope it is exactly that until Thailand is really ready for democracy. Which it is far from being with what is on offer.

PDRC is one step away from PDRT just like neighbouring PDR Laos

I was thinking that the acronym SPDC [state Peace and Development Council] might be more appropriate!

[anon210]

Actually, there is an opinion article on the BKK Post today, which summarizes it all about Democrats. Among others, it describes them as being "not democratic", without mass membership and more importantly "not open to public opinion".

[NCFC]

Suthep, who is secretary-general of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC)

Just want to know, who made him that and how?

Suthep, our great supreme leader is the choice of the "People". He is not a choice of Thaksin (like puppet Yingluck).

I did not create this time. Please follow theis news link. Or just google, and a million results will show that Suthep is the real leader of the "People" and make regular "LIVE" broadcast to ALL channel simultaneously. TPSB, CH3,5,7,9 NBT, BlusSky, and sometime BBC & CNN.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/webmobile/politics/Peoples-revolution-declared-30221752.html

Suthep, who is secretary-general of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), said in a live broadcast that the people had "recalled the power" from the government, which he described as corrupt, dishonest and unfaithful.

The KIng has endorsed elections for Feb 2nd. For Suthep to continue would be lese majeste

[Bpuumike]

It was an elected government and the next election will give similar results as the previous one. Let the majority get it's will. I really think that the majority have to learn the hard way, but democratic rules have to be respected. It's a question of time until these rules will oust the current corrupted system. It may take generations and the economical ruin of Thailand, but at least there is a chance for people learning to use their electoral power to show politicians who is in power. Burned kids don't play with fire.

Fatfather

Sent from my phone

Democracy is one thing but being paid to vote for a particular party is something different.

[Bpuumike]

Suthep, who is secretary-general of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC)

Just want to know, who made him that and how?

Follow the money.

Some 2 trillion coming up for grabs!

[pookiki]

Are there any legal implications or consequences for ignoring a Royal Decree?