Suthep pushes on

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POLITICS
Suthep pushes on
The Nation



Protesters demand that the prime minister must stand down

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's decision to dissolve the House of Representatives yesterday failed to satisfy leaders of the anti-government protest, who insisted on her also stepping down as head of government.

The protesters demanded the government be replaced by a non-elected "people's council" and an interim administration that consists of no politicians. This proposed interim administration and "people's council" should implement political reform for one year or one-and-a -half years before being dissolved to make way for a general election, some protest leaders said.

Key protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, speaking after leading a march to Government House, 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.

Only hours after the prime minister dissolved the lower house of Par-liament, the government proposed that new elections be held on February 2.

Government spokesman Teerat Ratanasevi said the date was proposed during a Cabinet meeting yesterday, the Associated Press reported. The proposed date requires approval from the Election Commission.

EC spokeswoman Jinthong Intarasri said electoral officials would meet with the government in the next few days to discuss it.

In her nationally broadcast address, the prime minister 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."

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

Wirat Kalayasiri, who resigned on Sunday as an 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 yesterday they did not think that dissolving the House was a way out for the current political crisis - although they also did not view the proposal by the People's Democratic Reform Commission 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

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

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.

Maybe a better solution than Sutheps.

[waza]

Sounds good in theory, a non political council administering Thailand and implementing reforms to cement the rule of law and judicial reforms in place. This will provide a framework that reduces corruption and nepotism and builds a stable foundation for a functional democratic system to flourish.

But given the nature of Thai society to be fragmented, factional and innately opposed to socialist ideals I cant see it happening without a very strong uniting force.

Edited December 9, 2013 by waza

[tominbkk]

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.

Maybe a better solution than Sutheps.

I wonder if Suthep would be happy with that? Seems he wants to control things a bit more than that!

[jackrich]

There is no such thing as neutral. Everyone has a political preference whether they make it public or not.

Stop dreaming and tell the kids to grow up.

Suthep is a clown.

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

There is no such thing as neutral. Everyone has a political preference whether they make it public or not.

Stop dreaming and tell the kids to grow up.

Suthep is a clown.

They are all clowns. It's a very sad situation when the wise people of the country are not wise.

[ricku]

There is no such thing as neutral. Everyone has a political preference whether they make it public or not.

Stop dreaming and tell the kids to grow up.

Suthep is a clown.

They are all clowns. It's a very sad situation when the wise people of the country are not wise.

There are wise people in this country, but unfortunately they are not politicians.

And even if they were politicians, they would never be allowed to rule.

In order to get any kind of political power in Thailand, you must be a corrupt money hungry pig.

Edited December 10, 2013 by ricku

[waza]

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.

Maybe a better solution than Sutheps.

I wonder if Suthep would be happy with that? Seems he wants to control things a bit more than that!

You may have missed this little gem in your rush to condemn the idea.....

"The protesters demanded the government be replaced by a non-elected "people's council" and an interim administration that consists of no politicians."

Suthep has already stated he will take no part in the council.

There is no such thing as neutral. Everyone has a political preference whether they make it public or not.

Stop dreaming and tell the kids to grow up.

Suthep is a clown.

He may be a clown but he is far more popular and powerfull than the puppet PM and her criminal clown master. I am guessing he is the latest in a long line of men to bring Yingluck to her knees, maybe now she has pause to stand up for herself.

I agree everyone has a subjective political opinion but I am not as jaded as you, some people have the preference of empathy and community service rather than apathy and self service, as clearly demonstrated during the protests.

Edited December 10, 2013 by waza

[Tarric]

It seems to me that at this point there is no way forward without compromise lest the country go further down the road towards further violent street clashes or a military coup.

Suthep can never get his undemocratic (if no one votes for them its not democracy) peoples council without the red shirts stepping in and there being violent street battles. I have no doubt that Suthep's little movement would be swiftly crushed by the red shirt horde, not before irreversible damage is done to Thailand's international image and hundreds lay dead or wounded.

Yingluck and the PTP have given all the ground they are going to give, if Suthep doesn't claim this victory now things will continue to escalate towards further bloodshed.

In my opinion Suthep is covering his own ass, after the 2010 protests he is going to be on trial for murder shortly and really that is one of the reasons he is pushing so hard. If the PTP control parliarment and by extension the judiciary he may find himself playing golf in exile in Dubai with Thaksin before too long.

The democrats powerful backers smelt blood after the amnesty bill farce and they tried to push the PTP out of government, however they did not or could not realise that there was insuffecient political capital and public outcry to do so.

All I want is peace for this great country and for the people to no longer suffer at the behest of the elites on both sides of politics.

[CWMcMurray]

Not sure how you would find neutral people to run a government ....

Who decides if they are neutral ? Who selects this council or interim government?

Also mentioned that these neutral folks who would now be in charge of government would need to change laws to make for a fair election.

What laws need to be amended?

If these people are neutral would they even agree with him that the laws need to be changed?

[mca]

The bloke in the bandana to the left of Suthep looks a bit serious. Is he thinking " Shit...wrong rally"?

[bkkfaranguy]

I just read on the International news(MSN) that it was the King that envoked a decree for Feb 2 elections and that Yingluck would remain until that time. So lets see how much these people honor that request!

Edited December 10, 2013 by bkkfaranguy

[Bender]

There is no such thing as neutral. Everyone has a political preference whether they make it public or not.

Stop dreaming and tell the kids to grow up.

Suthep is a clown.

They are all clowns. It's a very sad situation when the wise people of the country are not wise.

There are wise people in this country, but unfortunately they are not politicians.

And even if they were politicians, they would never be allowed to rule.

In order to get any kind of political power in Thailand, you must be a corrupt money hungry pig.

Absolutely true, there is no shortage of clever people in Thailand.

i do have few friends (ex-)student at Thammasat. One of them, is actually doing a Phd in politics.

Each time, we meet i am always stunned by our conversation. He is very smart, bright, he has an excellent knowledge of the western world.

One day, i did ask him, why you dont engage in politics? His answer was, 'they will not listen to him, he have to keep it quiet, he is not allowed to talk'

His status doesnt allowed him to become a member parliament, or a mayor... he is not wealthy!

[jsimmons]

You cannot reason with an unreasonable pperson.

This guy has gone way over anything reasonable to be reason with. I'm really surprised to see people flocking around this clown. He is nothing but another megalomaniac like Taksin.

Taksin V 2.0 = Suthep

Edited December 10, 2013 by jsimmons

[Tatsujin]

Sounds good in theory, a non political council administering Thailand and implementing reforms to cement the rule of law and judicial reforms in place. This will provide a framework that reduces corruption and nepotism and builds a stable foundation for a functional democratic system to flourish.

But given the nature of Thai society to be fragmented, factional and innately opposed to socialist ideals I cant see it happening without a very strong uniting force.

I had a solution for this. Only students may sit on this new council. Must be under 25 and currently studying at University. My reasoning being that the students seem (on the whole) to have a wider view of life, are more accepting of compromise, and generally know right from wrong. I'd put my trust in them over ANY current MP or Parliamentarian or businessperson.

[ikke]

There is no such thing as neutral. Everyone has a political preference whether they make it public or not.

Stop dreaming and tell the kids to grow up.

Suthep is a clown.

Suthep is the clown who should be jailed.

[scotbeve]

There is no such thing as neutral. Everyone has a political preference whether they make it public or not.

Stop dreaming and tell the kids to grow up.

Suthep is a clown.

They are all clowns. It's a very sad situation when the wise people of the country are not wise.

There are wise people in this country, but unfortunately they are not politicians.

And even if they were politicians, they would never be allowed to rule.

In order to get any kind of political power in Thailand, you must be a corrupt money hungry pig.

But also follow "orders" blindly without question.......

[RickBradford]

The big problem here is that Suthep has nothing to lose by carrying on to the bitter end.

Under any sort of Thaksin regime, he's toast anyway, so why would he not go to any extreme to bring them down, even if it means trashing the country?

He should be offered a way out; two-year holiday in a salubrious spot like, say, Dubai, or Montenegro.

As Sun Tzu said: "When you surround the enemy, always allow them an escape route. They must see that there is an alternative to death."

[sfbandung]

You can't have "suspended" or "modified" democracy. Democracy is democracy = majority rule. Only a fool would believe that if this utterly ridiculous and non-representative unelected (read appointed by Suthep) "people's council" concept gets up that the red shirts (who still constitute a democratic majority) will stand for it. They will then take to the streets and this will never end.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you choose to dine at Suthep's table, every meal is toxic.

[whybother]

You cannot reason with an unreasonable pperson.

This guy has gone way over anything reasonable to be reason with. I'm really surprised to see people flocking around this clown. He is nothing but another megalomaniac like Taksin.

Taksin V 2.0 = Suthep

Actually, Suthep is not trying to be Prime Minister. So there is a big difference between the two.

[whybother]

You can't have "suspended" or "modified" democracy. Democracy is democracy = majority rule. Only a fool would believe that if this utterly ridiculous and non-representative unelected (read appointed by Suthep) "people's council" concept gets up that the red shirts (who still constitute a democratic majority) will stand for it. They will then take to the streets and this will never end.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you choose to dine at Suthep's table, every meal is toxic.

Democracy isn't ONLY majority rule. That is just part of it.

[Bluespunk]

"Key protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, speaking after leading a march to Government House, urged the demonstrators to continue with their push for political reform."

So not giving up and handing yourself in after D-Day then suthep? There's a surprise, another broken promise.

[newcomer71]

You cannot reason with an unreasonable pperson.

This guy has gone way over anything reasonable to be reason with. I'm really surprised to see people flocking around this clown. He is nothing but another megalomaniac like Taksin.

Taksin V 2.0 = Suthep

Actually, Suthep is not trying to be Prime Minister. So there is a big difference between the two.

Lol. I guess the guy if won't be PM will be in a key position in the so called People's Council (maybe Elite's Council would be better).

As Yingluck was Thaksin's puppet, is not hard to imagine another puppet being put there at the command to mighty Suthep.

[sfbandung]

You can't have "suspended" or "modified" democracy. Democracy is democracy = majority rule. Only a fool would believe that if this utterly ridiculous and non-representative unelected (read appointed by Suthep) "people's council" concept gets up that the red shirts (who still constitute a democratic majority) will stand for it. They will then take to the streets and this will never end.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you choose to dine at Suthep's table, every meal is toxic.

Democracy isn't ONLY majority rule. That is just part of it.

There are many facets to democracy of course and I am a firm believer in the "educated electorate" concept. Which we do not have here. But the dilemma is once you take away the majority bit you no longer have representative government. And what's left is dangerous as the majority will almost certainly revolt.

[englishoak]

You cannot reason with an unreasonable pperson.

This guy has gone way over anything reasonable to be reason with. I'm really surprised to see people flocking around this clown. He is nothing but another megalomaniac like Taksin.

Taksin V 2.0 = Suthep

Actually, Suthep is not trying to be Prime Minister. So there is a big difference between the two.

Suthep is suggesting there should'nt even BE an elected prime minister OR an elected parliament for both are part of the democratic voting system, which he clearly wants scrapped.

In any other country you could call it what it is, a demand for a peoples republic or in Sutheps description, Demarchy, Unfortunately I fail to see in a constitutional Monarchistic country like Thailand how this could actually happen, unless it were to actually become................ work it out for yourself

[LomSak27]

Sounds good in theory, a non political council administering Thailand and implementing reforms to cement the rule of law and judicial reforms in place. This will provide a framework that reduces corruption and nepotism and builds a stable foundation for a functional democratic system to flourish

You've been drinking again haven't you - That is the last thing the Yellows want. They want the PTP Reds out and back to business as usual. But don't believe me, just watch if they actually take power, non elected of course.

And a Happy Constitution Day, to you too.

.

[whybother]

You cannot reason with an unreasonable pperson.

This guy has gone way over anything reasonable to be reason with. I'm really surprised to see people flocking around this clown. He is nothing but another megalomaniac like Taksin.

Taksin V 2.0 = Suthep

Actually, Suthep is not trying to be Prime Minister. So there is a big difference between the two.

Suthep is suggesting there should'nt even BE an elected prime minister OR an elected parliament for both are part of the democratic voting system, which he clearly wants scrapped.

In any other country you could call it what it is, a demand for a peoples republic or in Sutheps description, Demarchy, Unfortunately I fail to see in a constitutional Monarchistic country like Thailand how this could actually happen, unless it were to actually become................ work it out for yourself

Suthep is suggesting that there shouldn't be an elected Prime Minister AT THE MOMENT. He is suggesting appointed ministers while reforms are done. Then have elections.

I'm not saying I agree with it, but you should really read a bit more than the headlines.

Edited December 10, 2013 by whybother

[waza]

Sounds good in theory, a non political council administering Thailand and implementing reforms to cement the rule of law and judicial reforms in place. This will provide a framework that reduces corruption and nepotism and builds a stable foundation for a functional democratic system to flourish

You've been drinking again haven't you - That is the last thing the Yellows want. They want the PTP Reds out and back to business as usual. But don't believe me, just watch if they actually take power, non elected of course.

And a Happy Constitution Day, to you too.

.

No I am very sober, just because I don't agree with the "Sutheps a communist" fear squad doesn't make me a drunk. However, you try to spin your fear mongering you cant escape the fact that if an independent peoples council was put in place to implement reforms that cement checks and balances into the constitution, then those checks and balances would apply to whoever is in government.

It would however be highly unlikely to be the "yellows" as they are not a political party and the "PTP reds" consist of a very minor section of the Yingluck administration.

Perhaps you should try to moderate your alcohol consumption and you may sound a little more coherent and accurate.

Edited December 10, 2013 by waza

[Alwyn]

I was in my local food shack last night watching Suthep on the box - i didn't understand what he was saying but.. Is it me or was his speech delivered in the style of Hitler?

[newcomer71]

Sounds good in theory, a non political council administering Thailand and implementing reforms to cement the rule of law and judicial reforms in place. This will provide a framework that reduces corruption and nepotism and builds a stable foundation for a functional democratic system to flourish

You've been drinking again haven't you - That is the last thing the Yellows want. They want the PTP Reds out and back to business as usual. But don't believe me, just watch if they actually take power, non elected of course.

And a Happy Constitution Day, to you too.

.

No I am very sober, just because I don't agree with the "Sutheps a communist" fear squad doesn't make me a drunk. However, you try to spin your fear mongering you cant escape the fact that if an independent peoples council was put in place to implement reforms that cement checks and balances into the constitution, then those checks and balances would apply to whoever is in government.

It would however be highly unlikely to be the "yellows" as they are not a political party and the "PTP reds" consist of a very minor section of the Yingluck administration.

Perhaps you should try to moderate your alcohol consumption and you may sound a little more coherent and accurate.

First, you should avoid to insult other posters, as it's one of Thaivisa rules.

Second: You are talking about what? Independent People's Council? Wake up... It's Suthep's claque People's Council.

You still don't have clear what Suthep is doing right now, like millions of Thais still not understand.

Thaksin and all the Suthep alikes are the cancer of Thai democracy and society, but still have people praise them.

I really think the worst enemy of humans are... humans themselves.